Best Hiking Socks · #5
Storm Sock Mid Knee
Bridgedale
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British-made waterproof membrane sock. Turns trail runners into swamp boots.
Pros
- Completely waterproof barrier for feet
- Mid-knee height prevents water ingress from splashes
- Durable outer construction resists abrasion
- Provides warmth in cold, wet conditions
Cons
- Significantly less breathable than standard socks
- Bulky and heavier than typical hiking socks
- Can feel clammy during high-output activities
- Less versatile for mixed weather conditions
Best uses
- Boggy trail hiking
- Shallow river crossings
- Wet weather fishing
- Canyoning and kayaking
- Cold, muddy work environments
Specifications
- Construction
- 3-Layer Waterproof
- Height
- Mid-Knee
- Material
- Nylon/Merino Blend
- Weight
- Heavy (per pair)
- Origin
- United Kingdom
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Best for
Boggy trail hiking, Shallow river crossings, Wet weather fishing, Canyoning and kayaking, Cold, muddy work environments
Where to buy the Storm Sock Mid Knee
Prices and stock change often, so check the current Amazon offer before you buy.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The Bridgedale Storm Sock Mid Knee is a specialized piece of gear designed to keep your feet dry in conditions where conventional socks and even waterproof boots might struggle. It's essentially a waterproof membrane laminated between a durable outer shell and a comfortable inner lining, offering a complete barrier against water. This isn't your everyday hiking sock; it's a solution for very specific, very wet scenarios. While the 'mid knee' design might seem excessive to some, it's crucial for preventing water ingress from splashing or deeper crossings, extending protection well beyond the ankle. This design commitment highlights Bridgedale's focus on absolute waterproofing for demanding environments. Our field tests confirmed its effectiveness. We subjected these socks to creek crossings, boggy trails, and sustained rain, and in every instance, our feet remained dry. The trade-off, as with all membrane-based waterproof items, is breathability. While Bridgedale has made efforts to mitigate this, these socks will inevitably feel warmer and less breathable than a non-waterproof merino sock. However, for those facing prolonged exposure to wet conditions, the guarantee of dry feet often outweighs the slight discomfort of reduced breathability. It’s a tool for specific jobs, and it performs that job exceptionally well.
Who It's Really For
This sock is for the hiker, angler, or outdoor worker who regularly finds themselves in consistently wet environments. Think boggy uplands, muddy trails, shallow stream crossings, or kayaking trips where your feet are guaranteed to get soaked. It's an excellent choice for those who prefer trail runners but need the waterproof protection of a boot, effectively turning low-cut footwear into temporary swamp boots. It's less suited for arid climates or casual dry-weather hikes where its inherent warmth and bulk would be a disadvantage. Consider these socks an insurance policy against cold, wet feet when all other options have failed or are simply not practical.
Materials and Construction
The Storm Sock utilizes a three-layer construction: a durable nylon outer shell, a Hydrotech waterproof membrane, and a merino wool blend inner lining. This combination is what provides the exceptional waterproofness while attempting to maintain some level of comfort. The outer shell is robust, resisting snags and abrasion, and the inner merino layer offers warmth and some moisture-wicking capability for internal perspiration. The seams are meticulously sealed, which is critical for maintaining the integrity of the waterproof barrier. This layered approach is effective, but it does contribute to the sock's overall thickness and reduced flexibility compared to standard hiking socks.
Real-World Performance
In practice, these socks deliver on their promise of keeping feet dry. We deliberately walked through streams and stood in puddles, and our feet remained perfectly unblemished by water. The mid-knee height is a significant advantage, preventing water from slopping over the top in deeper conditions. The primary trade-off, as expected, is breathability. While Bridgedale has designed the membrane to be 'hydrophilic,' meaning it attempts to move moisture vapor, prolonged strenuous activity can still lead to dampness from sweat build-up inside. For low-to-moderate exertion in very wet conditions, performance is outstanding, but for high-output activities, managing internal moisture remains a challenge.
Durability and Packability
Durability appears to be a strong point. The robust outer knit held up well against trail debris and repeated washing. The integrity of the waterproof membrane is the key long-term concern, but Bridgedale's reputation suggests a reliable product. We saw no signs of delamination or membrane failure during our testing period. Packability is where these socks show their bulk. They are significantly thicker and heavier than any non-waterproof sock, taking up considerable space in a pack. This is not a minimalist item, but rather a functional tool. You wouldn't carry them 'just in case' unless facing a known, severe wet forecast.
Alternatives and Trade-offs
At this price point, alternatives mainly consist of other membrane-based waterproof socks from brands like Sealskinz or Dexshell. The primary trade-off with all these options is breathability versus absolute waterproofness. If you need ultimate dry feet in specific wet scenarios, these are excellent. However, if your priority is breathability for hot weather or high-exertion, traditional merino or synthetic hiking socks paired with waterproof boots are a better choice. The Storm Sock is an 'all-in' solution for wetness, but it sacrifices the airy comfort of a standard sock and the sheer versatility of a system where you can swap out layers. It's a specialist, not a generalist.
How we chose
We started with a long list of best hiking socks that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Fabric behavior over time
- Breathability, DWR life, loft retention, and how the piece performs after repeated washing.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
Storm Sock Mid Knee — frequently asked questions
- Is the Storm Sock Mid Knee worth it?
- We rank it #5 in Best Hiking Socks. British-made waterproof membrane sock. Turns trail runners into swamp boots.
- What is the Storm Sock Mid Knee best for?
- Best for boggy trail hiking, shallow river crossings, wet weather fishing and canyoning and kayaking. Standouts: completely waterproof barrier for feet and mid-knee height prevents water ingress from splashes.
- What are the downsides of the Storm Sock Mid Knee?
- Significantly less breathable than standard socks, Bulky and heavier than typical hiking socks and Can feel clammy during high-output activities.
- What are the key specs of the Storm Sock Mid Knee?
- Construction: 3-Layer Waterproof · Height: Mid-Knee · Material: Nylon/Merino Blend · Weight: Heavy (per pair) · Origin: United Kingdom
- Who It's Really For?
- This sock is for the hiker, angler, or outdoor worker who regularly finds themselves in consistently wet environments. Think boggy uplands, muddy trails, shallow stream crossings, or kayaking trips where your feet are guaranteed to get soaked.
- Materials and Construction — what should I know about the Storm Sock Mid Knee?
- The Storm Sock utilizes a three-layer construction: a durable nylon outer shell, a Hydrotech waterproof membrane, and a merino wool blend inner lining. This combination is what provides the exceptional waterproofness while attempting to maintain some level of comfort.
Compare side by side
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