Which? has carried out its first in-depth testing of hiking socks, evaluating top brands including Darn Tough, Bridgedale, Smartwool, and Injinji. The tests involved objective measurements of fabric strength, breathability, and drying speed, alongside practical trials in locations such as the Scottish Highlands, Peak District, and South Downs.
Two prominent brands, Darn Tough from the USA and Bridgedale from Northern Ireland, both offer lifetime guarantees and produce their socks in their original factories. Researchers compared the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Socks with the Bridgedale Hike Midweight Merino Performance Boot.
The testing highlighted that a contoured fit is crucial for hiking socks, with both brands providing excellent contouring to prevent issues like friction and rubbing. While the Bridgedale sock offered varying tension for easier donning, the Darn Tough provided a more compressed fit. Both were found to fit well once in place.
The study also indicated that while Merino wool is breathable and moisture-wicking, the overall fabric blend is more significant than the Merino percentage alone. Some socks rich in Merino performed poorly in tests. Furthermore, localised support with dense stitching on the sole and ankle was identified as important for stabilising the foot, particularly during descents when injury risk is higher. General 'bulk' in socks was not found to offer added support and could lead to overheating.