Best Triathlon Socks | Run, Ride, Swim Better

Deep in the Italian Dolomites, Molveno is the heart of XTERRA. A place where beauty meets toughness. For one weekend each year, the world’s best off-road triathletes line up to take on the ultimate test: the XTERRA World Championships.

XTERRA is an off-road triathlon. A full-distance race that includes open-water swimming, mountain biking, and trail running. These activities take place on rough, natural terrain. It’s unpredictable, raw, and demands everything from an athlete: endurance, technical skill, and resilience.

This year’s race was the grand finale of the XTERRA World Cup. This is a global series of the biggest off-road triathlons. It rewards both consistency and skill. From the beaches of Greece to the green fields of Weston Park and the technical trails of Czech, every race built towards this final showdown in Italy.

After racing IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth just two weeks earlier, Molveno wasn’t originally on my plan. But when I realised I had the chance to secure a top-10 finish in the World Cup standings, I couldn’t walk away. I packed my bags and loaded the bike — ready to empty the tank one last time.

When I arrived, the forecast was grim: rain, wind, and single-digit temperatures. The mist shrouded the mountains — beautiful, but brutally cold.

During my last practice rides, I used different Bridgedale mountain bike socks based on the weather. I wore the MTB Summer Weight T2 Coolmax® Sport Boot for warm days. When it got chilly, I switched to the MTB Mid-Season Merino Sport Boot. Keeping my feet warm and comfortable before the race helped me focus fully on performance — not the cold.

On race day the weather turned savage. Freezing water, mud-churned trails, and
rain so cold it cut through every layer. As I exited the swim, my hands were numb, but I made a split-second decision that changed everything: I pulled on my Bridgedale Ultra Light T2 Coolmax® Trail Socks for the bike and run.

They slid on quickly, even with wet hands, and kept my feet warm from the first muddy climb to the final descent. The warmth and comfort helped me feel confident in freezing conditions. They also protected me from blisters when I got tired during the run.

It might seem like a small thing, but those choices matter. When you’re deep in the red zone, every distraction costs time. Having kit you can trust means you can focus purely on the race.

They slid on quickly, even with wet hands, and kept my feet warm from the first muddy climb to the final descent. The warmth and comfort helped me feel confident in freezing conditions. They also protected me from blisters when I got tired during the run.

It might seem like a small thing, but those choices matter. When you’re deep in the red zone, every distraction costs time. Having kit you can trust means you can focus purely on the race.

Finishing 12th at the XTERRA World Championships and 9th in the World Cup felt like a reward for my hard work this season. I made steady progress throughout the year.

Two years ago I was outside the top 20. Last year I didn’t finish after a crash. This time, I fought it out with the best in the world.

Molveno was a reminder that performance is built on details — fitness, mindset, and the reliability of your gear. The Bridgedale socks were a small but important part of that equation. They kept me warm, protected, and ready for the race when conditions became extreme.

I leave this season proud of what I’ve achieved, but hungry for more. The gaps are clear, the motivation’s strong, and the work starts again soon. XTERRA has given me the adventure of a lifetime — and I’m ready to chase the next level in 2026.