some companies demonstrate stupidity

As you will learn when you read the following article is, that Bridgedale socks are sold in over 40 countries. That tells me the obvious they are quite large. The question that I have is how could they get so large and also demonstrate unmitigated stupidity. It is obvious that those who run the company do not know that a waterproof, breathable material does not exist nor can it. But they are not concerned because they are jumping on the goretex train the leading liar of such material and they at Bridgedale want a piece of the action by offering for sale to consumers a product that does not nor can it function as is described in this article.

Bridgedale Introduces Waterproof, Breathable StormSocks

New HydroTech™ PU membrane allows perspiration to pass to the outer layer of the sock while preventing outside water from getting in.

Hydro tech pu probably means it is a polyurethane film, I could not find it on their web site. IT DOES NOT LET THE PERSPIATION PASS THROUGH IT!!! The first lie!!! Yes outside water does not get in.

Bridgedale Outdoor Ltd, a global market leader in the manufacture of performance socks, introduces its first 100% waterproof and windproof breathable sock called StormSock. Developed to provide wet weather protection and day long comfort, it combines Bridgedale’s latest knitting technology, FusionTech™ with a HydroTech™ waterproof, breathable and windproof membrane. The StormSocks will be available online and through specialty retailers in North America in fall 2018.

There they go again with the term water proof breathable for the second time; again lying. Imagine the socks being “windproof”, so ground level wind will not affect your ankles, amazing. And for the third time they say waterproof breathable, twice in the same sentence. Are they trying to convince themselves of this attribute that doesn’t exist.

“Bridgedale’s new StormSock collection has been designed and tested to perform to the highest standards in the wettest conditions when hiking, biking or running and will keep feet protected from wind, cold and wetness,” said Jim Evans, Product Manager for Bridgedale. “The 100% waterproof StormSock guarantees foot protection and comfort for outdoor adventurers tackling the wettest trails.”

I do not believe for one minute that Jim Evans ever wore these socks in the conditions described and if he did how could he not have wet feet!!! One more lie!!!

The Bridgedale StormSock is constructed with three layers of protection. The inner Layer that touches the skin is made with 60% Merino Wool that’s known for its anti-odor properties, combined with wicking synthetic fibers to move perspiration away from the foot.

I am sure that the merino wool will not eliminate odor, however I am I do not know of any synthetic fiber that will wick moisture. They obviously have now knowledge of this fact. Also once moisture comes out of the foot that is clothed in a sock and placed in a shoe it is trapped there until the foot is removed from the shoe first and then the sock is removed.

A terry loop underfoot cushion that extends around both the toes and over the heel ensures comfortable feet in wet conditions. The HydroTech™ PU membrane allows perspiration to pass to the outer layer of the sock while preventing outside water from getting in.

The hydro tech pu membrane does NOT do as the article states, allow perspiration out, but it will keep water from getting in.

This Hydrophilic nonporous PU membrane transports perspiration to the outside via solid state diffusion meaning water molecules are carried through the physical membrane as it seeks to maintain heat and humidity equilibrium.

Many years ago I observed a bag made from a pu membrane exhibited at an original OR show by a glove company that was filled with water, about one half quart and after three days the amount of water that “diffused” through the pu membrane was about half. Water movement through the membrane is NOT speedy. Maintaining heat and humidity is a figment of their wonderful imagination.

This membrane is not affected by foreign object contamination (such as mud, dirt and salts from sweat) unlike the more common microporous membranes commonly found in waterproof clothing. When laminated to the inner and outer layers this midlayer creates a 100% waterproof, stretchable and well-fitted sock. The Nylon and Lycra outer layer protects the waterproof sock against abrasion from footwear and provides excellent stretch to ensure the sock is easy to pull on and off and guaranteeing a snug fit.

This paragraph eliminates the use of the word breathable, but they do say waterproof which is correct; your foot sweat WILL NOT get out of the socks. The pu membrane is very tender just like goretex so it has to be sandwiched between to materials so it doesn’t self-destruct.

Machine washable and available in ankle, boot and knee length, the StormSock has three different weight options:

● Lightweight: Perfect for warmer weather, high cardio activities such as mountain biking and trail running. MSRP: $44.99 (ankle), $49.99 (Boot)

● Midweight: With a terry cushioned footbed and ankle, this sock is ideal for outdoor activities where a good balance of warmth and breathability is required, from biking and running to hiking and mountaineering. MSRP: $49.99 (ankle), $54.99 (boot),

$57.99 (knee)

● Heavyweight: This sock has full terry cushioning throughout and is perfect for cold weather activities such as winter hiking, backpacking and biking. MSRP: $59.99 (boot), $62.99 (knee)

About Bridgedale:

Bridgedale, is the global market leader in the manufacture of technical socks for walking, hiking, mountaineering, running, and skiing. Using the latest hosiery machinery, the most progressive designs and the most advanced yarn technology, Bridgedale combines natural fibres with technical fibres ensuring their socks are comfortable, durable and perform in a variety of climates and conditions. Bridgedale socks are currently sold in more than 40 countries worldwide.

So many companies want to be on the waterproof breathable gravy train is amazing. Why after 40 plus years that gore has been spewing the lies about their non-existent materials capability does this sock company decide to spew the same lies. Their products are pretty pricy to waste money on as are the garments that are made with goretex or the copies. Unfortunately there are so, so many people who will believe these lies not knowing they are being lied too. As an honest businessman I find it appalling to see what companies are doing in order to make sales. This company will show these socks to rei, ll bean, dicks, cabelas, bass pro and who knows how many other retailers who market to people who enjoy going into the outdoors to hunt or just commune with nature that will be lied to by the store keepers that these socks are the best thing since sliced bread. Of course Bridgedale probably saw that Rocky boots sells a goretex version sock.

Folks the lying is becoming so pervasive in the outdoor market place I find it sickening. Every now and then someone will ask if a company is coming after me and I say no because they have no defense against truth, and everything that I write is based upon FACTUAL information.

To be a good consuming buyer these days you have to ask questions such as where is the proof that this garment will do what you say, and if it doesn’t what is your policy for returning it!!!

Also remember when you wear these socks your feet will be wet all of the time which means to are subject to blisters, fungus and infections.

Yes in my opinion the managers of this company are just plain old stupid!!!

One last bit of information; I believe the pu membrane is actually monolithic film. Moisture does diffuse through it but slower than you can imagine but never when it is laminated as it is in this application.