Ski & snowboard socks
You won’t be skiing very far in the socks that you wear with regular shoes. And it’s also best to leave your favourite woollen socks at home. Ski socks are specially made according to the anatomy of your foot and the pressure ski boots put on certain points. The socks feature a different, thicker material where there is more friction. And you’ll find thinner and more breathable material right where you need more ventilation.
To increase comfort in your ski boots, you need a good pair of ski socks. An important first point to note: ski socks are not snowboard socks. Snowboarders stress their feet very differently, so the pressure and protection points of the socks are in different places.
Other things you need to look out for:
- The material: much more important than just the thickness of your sock! Most ski socks consist of a mix of fabrics. Wool excels at insulation, synthetics at wicking away moisture, and elastane/lycra improves the fit.
- The fit: not only the size is important; the shaft length and fit of your socks also deserve extra attention. Try on socks ideally when wearing your own boots. Make sure the heel area fits nicely over your heel, that the shaft length is higher than your boots, and that they fit snugly everywhere. Better a size down than a size up!
Ski socks should be comfortable, just like any other pair of socks. When you have them on, you should not feel any ridges or pinching anywhere. A good pair of socks should also be long enough, preferably slightly longer than the shaft of your ski boot. Your shoe scrapes across your lower leg and the last thing you want are scraped shins.
When making your choice, also make sure the socks are not too thick. Thick on your shin, your heel and the top of your foot is good because you need protection there from the chafing and pressure of your shoe. But in other places, it is just as important for your socks to be thin so that they ventilate sufficiently.
Last but not least: the size. Always choose the right size socks! Socks that are too tight don’t sit well; socks that are too big bunch up and will cause chafing and blisters.
If you go snowboarding, you don’t need ski socks but actual snowboard socks. Snowboarders stress their feet very differently from skiers. So the pressure and protection points with thicker fabric on ski socks are in different places. Choose the right sock for the right winter sport!