Bridgedale

About

Bridgedale is our lead hiking sock brand — British-made, used by professional guides and serious trampers across NZ for decades. The quality of your sock is one of the most overlooked variables in trail comfort and blister prevention. Bridgedale constructions use merino wool, Coolmax, and nylon blends engineered specifically for the demands of hiking, tramping, and mountaineering. Pair with Wrightsocks — our other core sock brand — for a complete range covering all conditions and preferences. Choosing the Right Bridgedale Sock Weight/thickness: Lightweight for warm conditions and trail running; midweight for most NZ tramping; heavyweight for cold conditions, winter tramping, and mountaineering boots. Sock thickness also affects boot fit — always try on boots with the socks you plan to use. Merino vs synthetic blend: Merino blends are warmer, softer, and more odour-resistant — better for multi-day trips. Coolmax-heavy blends dry faster and suit high-output activities where moisture transfer speed matters most. Ankle height: No-show and ankle socks for trail running; crew height for hiking; knee-high for mountaineering boots that require additional leg coverage. Want to know more about Bridgedale? Read our Bridgedale Socks NZ — Brand Guide for the full story on the range, what to buy, and who it suits. Frequently Asked Questions Why do hiking socks matter for NZ tramping? Blisters are the most common cause of cut-short tramping trips in NZ — and most are preventable with the right socks. A quality hiking sock manages moisture away from the skin, cushions high-impact areas (heel and ball of foot), and reduces friction against the boot. Cotton socks hold moisture and cause blisters faster than almost anything else you could wear. Bridgedale and Wrightsocks are built specifically to address this — the investment is genuinely worth it. What's the difference between Bridgedale and Wrightsocks? Bridgedale uses a single-layer construction with engineered zones of cushioning,