Advnture Verdict
Overall, BAM Bamboo Hiking Socks in a Barbican print are an impressive piece of kit – comfortable, easy to care for, durable and conscientiously made.
Pros
- +
Super comfortable
- +
Wash well
- +
Don’t smell
- +
Company-wide “Green Story” tracing supply chain
Cons
- -
Very slight shrinkage after washing
- -
More expensive than normal socks
You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.
BAM Bamboo Barbican hiking socks: first impressions
BAM Bamboo Barbican walking socks (Barbican being the name of the print) are a thing of beauty – super soft, they lull you into thinking they’re just an ordinary pair of socks, thanks to their bright, stripy design, but there’s a lot more going on here than you’d expect.
As a material, the moisture management properties of bamboo helps wick moisture away and its natural antibacterial nature helps prevent them from becoming smelly. A patterned design, reinforced heel, reinforced toe and 1cm top rib all help ensure the fit is snug without being restrictive, meaning feet remain blister free and comfortable.
So how did they fare under test conditions for our best hiking socks buying guide? Read on…
• RRP (pack of four): $23 (US) / £18.50 (UK)
• Unisex? Yes
• Sizes: 4–7, 8–11, 12–14
• Materials: 76% bamboo viscose, 23% polyamide, 1% elastane
• Length: Crew
• Colors: Multiple
BAM Bamboo Barbican hiking socks: on the trails
Size and fit
BAM’s bamboo classic socks are a regular fit, meaning they can be worn as a liner sock. At 20–22cm, the standard BAM sock length means the sock comes up just below the calf, making them perfect to be worn underneath another hiking sock, and you’ll still be able to fit into your best hiking boots. A 1cm rib at the top makes the socks easy to put on, and means they stay up.
Durability
While the natural anti-bacterial properties of bamboo fabric means feet stay fresh, the polyamide and elastane content helps the sock keep its shape. Plus, a reinforced toe and heel with a terry knit means the socks are resistant to wear in high impact areas. After six months of use, these socks still feel super soft.
Material
BAM’s socks are made from bamboo viscose, which is an incredibly soft, breathable, and comfortable fabric made from plants. After starting life as a plant, mature culms or stems are harvested from the bamboo (which is actually a variety of grass), leaving the roots and the carbon in the ground so that the plant can continue to grow rather than being destroyed. (See also: the best eco-friendly outdoor brands.)
