Ski & Snowboard · Head-to-head
Darn Tough Function X Over-the-Calf Midweight Ski & Snowboard Socks vs Bridgedale Ski Lightweight Merino Performance Over Calf
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Ski Socks: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Darn Tough brings a merino-rich midweight knit, targeted terry cushioning and a lifetime guarantee. The Bridgedale is a thinner, cheaper performance sock for skiers who want a close boot feel.
Darn Tough Function X Over-the-Calf Midweight Ski & Snowboard Socks
Buy itA merino-rich midweight ski sock with targeted cushioning and an unconditional lifetime guarantee.
- 59% merino wool, 38% nylon and 3% elastane, the highest merino share in this group.
- Terry loops underfoot and a shin pad against boot pressure, with reinforced cushion over common pressure zones.
- Knit in Darn Tough's Vermont mills and unconditionally guaranteed for life.
- Midweight cushioning may feel crowded in a very tight race or performance boot.
- Costs more than the Bridgedale lightweight.
- Merino needs cold, gentle washing and low or no heat drying.
Bridgedale Ski Lightweight Merino Performance Over Calf
Buy itA thin, close-fitting ski sock with shin and underfoot pads and a lifetime guarantee for less.
- Tactel shin pad to reduce friction plus micro-terry pads underfoot.
- LYCRA throughout Bridgedale's Precision Fit System for a wrinkle-free fit.
- Made in the UK with a lifetime guarantee, at a budget tier.
- Merino is only 20% of the fiber, with nylon and polypropylene making up most of the rest.
- Bridgedale's published fiber list adds up to more than 100%, so treat the exact blend with caution.
- Thin cushioning is less forgiving in a loose or packed-out boot.
Side by side
The 8 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Darn Tough Function X Over-the-Calf Midweight Ski & Snowboard Socks Our pick | Bridgedale Ski Lightweight Merino Performance Over Calf | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Resort skiers and riders who want one warm, durable sock for most days. | Skiers with a snug, well-fitted boot who want a close feel and a low price. |
| Price tier | $$ · mid-range | $ · budget |
| Merino share | 59% | 20% |
| Cushion | Midweight, targeted terry | Lightweight, micro-terry pads |
| Shin protection | Terry shin cushion | Tactel shin pad |
| Height | Over the calf | Over the calf |
| Made in | Vermont, USA | UK |
| Guarantee | Unconditional, lifetime | Lifetime |
| Sizes | S to XL | UK 3 to 12+ |
| Best boot fit | Most boots | Snug boots |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Darn Tough Function X Over-the-Calf Midweight Ski & Snowboard Socks if
resort skiers and riders who want one warm, durable sock for most days.
Know before buying: midweight cushioning may feel crowded in a very tight race or performance boot.
Pick the Bridgedale Ski Lightweight Merino Performance Over Calf if
skiers with a snug, well-fitted boot who want a close feel and a low price.
Know before buying: merino is only 20% of the fiber, with nylon and polypropylene making up most of the rest.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Darn Tough Function X Over-the-Calf Midweight Ski & Snowboard Socks - A merino-rich midweight ski sock with targeted cushioning and an unconditional lifetime guarantee. Choose the Bridgedale Ski Lightweight Merino Performance Over Calf instead if skiers with a snug, well-fitted boot who want a close feel and a low price.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Ski Socks: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).