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Apparel

Gear Review: Bridgedale X-Hale Light Hiker with NanoGLIDE Socks

Socks with friction protection in all the right places.

Friction-free

Blister-prone testers loved the Bridgedale X-Hale Light Hiker with NanoGLIDE, which uses a slick, synthetic fiber to reduce friction over the instep and toes. “It feels silky,” one wearer reports. “And the mesh panels keep my feet drier than other socks.” At key impact zones around the heel and under the ball of the foot, dense, double-looped fibers of wool and polypropylene provide extra padding. $18; 2 oz. (w’s S); bridgedale.com

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