Bridgedale · Waterproof Hiking Socks
Bridgedale StormSock Midweight Knee
Lower concern choice, but Bridgedale's water-repellent coating treatment remains undisclosed. Contact brand for specifics.
Bridgedale StormSock Midweight Knee socks use wool-blend construction, which is inherently lower-risk for PFAS than synthetic-heavy designs. The brand doesn't publicly disclose what water-repellent coating finish is applied.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Wool blend with water-repellent coating finish
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Bridgedale StormSock Midweight Knee is made of, ingredients and materials
Bridgedale StormSock Midweight Knee is a wool blend with a water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finish applied to the fabric surface. The wool component resists moisture absorption naturally and provides thermal regulation; the water-repellent coating enhances water shedding without the bulk of synthetic waterproof membranes. The exact water-repellent coating chemistry is not publicly disclosed by Bridgedale, which is the main transparency gap for this product.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
water-repellent coating degradation and leachables
Water-repellent coating finishes degrade with washing and wear, potentially releasing residual coating particles or absorbed chemicals. Without disclosure of the specific water-repellent coating agent, the chemical leaching profile after degradation cannot be assessed; this is a knowledge gap, not a confirmed hazard.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Wool blends sometimes carry formaldehyde-based binders in dyeing or finishing steps. No recalls or reports on record for Bridgedale StormSock; formaldehyde risk is standard across the wool-sock category but typically minimal after laundering.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Bridgedale does not publicly report azo-dye testing or heavy metal limits in colorants. The product has no documented safety alerts; risk is consistent with mainstream European textile manufacturing standards, though independent verification is absent.
Source, FDA ↗Antimony in polyester (if present in blend)
If the wool blend includes synthetic fibers, antimony catalysts may be present in very small amounts. No evidence of antimony contamination in Bridgedale products; standard polyester in socks poses negligible exposure risk to skin.
Skin irritation from untreated or dyed fibers
Wool can irritate sensitive skin if lanolin is removed too aggressively or dyes are poorly rinsed. Bridgedale socks have no reports of dermatitis or allergic reactions; natural wool typically improves comfort after initial laundering.
How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Bridgedale is a UK-based heritage sock manufacturer with no widely documented safety controversies or product recalls in the consumer safety literature. The brand does not publicly disclose water-repellent coating treatment chemistry or commit to PFAS-free standards on its website, representing a middle-ground approach typical of mid-market outdoor apparel brands. No certifications for chemical safety (e.g., OEKO-TEX, bluesign) are advertised for this model.
How it compares in its category
Most waterproof socks in this price and performance tier use either fluorocarbon-based water-repellent coating (PFAS-containing) or wax-based finishes. Bridgedale's silence on treatment type leaves uncertainty, but the brand's longevity and lack of recall history suggest manufacturing quality. Premium alternatives from brands like Smartwool or Icebreaker may offer OEKO-TEX certification; budget alternatives often use heavier synthetic blends.
If you buy it
Wash in cool water with mild detergent; avoid fabric softeners and bleach, which degrade water-repellent coating performance and may alter finish chemistry. Do not machine dry at high heat; air dry to preserve the wool and coating. Replace when elastic fails or moisture no longer sheds; water-repellent coating degrades with wear and repeated laundering, typically 1-2 seasons of regular use. Contact Bridgedale directly if PFAS content in the water-repellent coating treatment is a deciding factor for your purchase.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 62% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Bridgedale has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Bridgedale StormSock Midweight Knee?
- Merino wool blend, no water-repellent treatment applied
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Antimony in synthetic fibers (nylon reinforcement)
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Merino/premium wool blend, no water-resistant coating mentioned
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Azo dyes (synthetic reinforcement and color)
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on Amazon
- Merino wool blend (primary fiber); no reported water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) or stain…
- We found no PFAS statement from the brand
- Formaldehyde / VOCs
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore waterproof hiking socks grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.