Finding ski socks that keep your feet warm but still breathable, odor resistant, and prevent blisters can be a challenging task. And let’s be real, worrying if your pair of socks are going to do the job is a real buzzkill to a potentially great day on the mountain. Therefore, we’ve gathered the best ski socks – all high-quality, so your feet can stay warm and toasty!
Best Overall – Smartwool Ski Full Cushion OTC (Women’s/Men’s)
Best Lightweight Ski Sock – Icebreaker Ski and Light OTC (Women’s/Men’s)
The Best for Medium Weight – Smartwool PhD Medium Socks (Women’s/Men’s)
Best Lightweight Ski Socks – Darn Tough Pennant RFL OTC Ultra-Light Socks (Women’s/Men’s)
Best Performance Ski Socks – Wigwam Snow Sirocco Knee-High Socks (Women’s/Men’s)
For Best Compression – Dissent Snow GFX Hybrid Wool Socks (Unisex)
Best for Budget-Friendly – Bamboo Sports Odor Resistant (Unisex)
Are ski socks worth it?
Socks designed specifically for skiing or snowboarding can seem like an overpriced purchase. However, investing in them are so worth it. Trust me, you don’t want to be wearing cotton socks for a long day in the backcountry. Your feet will get soaked, your toes may very well freeze, and you’ll just be miserable. Therefore, buy a pair of ski socks – you won’t regret it!
How do ski socks work?
Ski socks are specially designed to be worn in conjunction with ski boots. Typically, ski socks are longer, specifically over the calf for extra-warmth, and provide extra cushioning on the toe and shin, so the pressure of your boots do not rub against your skin. Most commonly, ski socks are made of moisture-wicking properties, so skiers don’t have to worry about cold feet throughout the day. Trust me, you want to keep your blood flow going so you don’t get frostbite! Not fun!
What are the benefits of wearing ski socks?
If you still aren’t sold yet, hopefully you will be after hearing the many benefits of ski socks. We just want your ski season to be as productive and enjoyable as possible!
Firstly, ski socks are made specifically to benefit the shape and contour of your foot. Therefore, your socks won’t bunch up and give you blisters or provide discomfort while on the slopes.
Secondly, these socks are made from materials that are specifically designed to wick moisture away. When looking for ski socks, you should be looking at socks made from synthetic materials like polyester, stretch nylon, lycra or a merino-wool blend.
Thirdly, ski socks boast padding in various places so your foot can be as comfortable as possible. We all know that sometimes, a ski boot is just not the most comfortable thing. However, when you have a sock designed with extra padding in the shins, reinforcements in the heel, and even more padding at the top of the foot, you’re going to feel more comfortable in your ski boots!
Lastly, these products for men and women are usually designed differently, which is great! For instance, women’s socks usually are slightly shorter and less volume in the calf. On the other hand, men’s socks are often a little longer, wider in the foot, and have more volume in the calf.
Do ski socks really make a difference?
As we discussed above, yes – they do! By having a synthetic sock, you will improve your boot fit, keep your feet warm, and enhance your ski performance! We know ski gear can be expensive, but if you’re going to splurge on anything, it really should be ski socks and a good base layer. If you’re looking for the Best Base Layers for Skiing for 2022, read our article here.
What is the best material for ski socks?
We recommend two types of materials for your ski socks – either a sock made from a synthetic blend or merino wool.
If you’re looking for the most warmth, merino wool is going to be your best bet. It retains its warmth extremely well and is also odor resistant. Because wool naturally absorbs moisture, your feet will take longer to feel wet.
If you have sensitive skin or are allergic to wool, then you should find a sock made from a synthetic blend. Synthetics such as nylon-polyester trap warmth and are also moisture-wicking. Most include some elastane or lycra spandex to fit better, be more breathable, and provide flexibility.
What are some things to consider when buying ski socks?
- Fit – Make sure the socks fit you properly. You want to make sure you have enough shin padding to prevent chafing but also don’t want too much of a snug fit.
- Materials – Make sure you’re buying a sock that has moisture-wicking properties and is odor resistant. NO COTTON!
- Weight – Are you going to be using these on the coldest of ski days or a bluebird day in warmer march? You want to think if you want a thicker sock, or something more midweight. It’s often beneficial to have different ski socks for different types of weather.
What are the best socks to ski in?
Let’s talk the best ski socks! For reference, OTC stands for over the calf.
Best Overall – Smartwool Ski Full Cushion OTC
These full cushion OTC’s are made of merino wool and reinforcement fibers, perfect for durability and high-performance. The virtually seamless toe construction provides optimal comfort by decreasing chafing, bunching, and rubbing.
Women’s
Men’s
Best Lightweight Ski Sock – Icebreaker Ski and Light OTC
These merino wool socks offer a breathable yet warm sock experience. They feature a light, zoned cushioning to promote optimal performance and warmth. Plus, they have an anatomic toe-box that offers a specific fit to both your left and right foot.
Women’s
Men’s
Best for Medium Weight – Smartwool PhD Ski Medium Socks
Smartwool socks are some of the best on the market. These socks have an overall height of 8.5 inches, so they’re crew socks, not OTC socks. Nonetheless, they feature medium cushioning to provide impact protection and ultimate comfort.
Women’s
Men’s
Best Lightweight Ski Socks – Darn Tough Pennant RFL OTC Ultra-Light Socks
Straight out of Vermont, these Darn Tough socks offer a performance fit like none other! These socks not only have a lifetime guarantee, but feature next-to-skin, no-slip boot connection, and fatigue-easing arch support. Plus, these are great for year-round weather conditions!
Women’s
Men’s
Best Performance Ski Socks – Wigwam Snow Sirocco Knee-High Socks
If you’re looking for an OTC, medium weight sock, this is your best option. The Sirocco features dense cushioning in multiple areas so you can be as comfortable as possible. 60% wool, 30% stretch nylon, 9% stretch polyester, and 1% spandex!
Women’s
Men’s
Best Compression Ski Socks – Dissent Snow GFX Hybrid Wool Socks
These lightweight, OTC socks offer an amazing level of comfort to your feet. They aren’t too bulky, but still offer extra compression and padding where you need it. Talk about a great cushion sock!
Unisex
Best for Budget-Friendly – Bamboo Sports Odor Resistant
If you’re wanting to keep your feet dry and odor-free while spending as little as possible, check out these socks! Plus, they’re super soft and comfortable (they have a cushioned sole) which allows for a great boot fit.
Unisex
In conclusion…
Keep your feet warm this season and invest in a pair of well-made ski socks. Trust us, you won’t regret it!
