Ski socks are underrated. No one forgets their snowpants, but many will chuck a pair of gym socks into their duffel without a second thought. Guys, don’t sell yourself short. Not only will quality ski socks increase your comfort on piste, but they may even improve your performance while carving glorious s-turns down a hillside of freshly-carved corduroy. Don’t believe me? Try out any of the below socks and report back. I’ll be here.
Smartwool PhD Ski Medium
These longtime favorites won’t steer your wrong. Plenty of cushion underfoot adds surplus comfort and calf/arch compression panels provide ventilation and breathability. No sweaty feet! Thanks to the Merino wool (combined with nylon and elastane), the PhD socks dry quickly and wick sweat away from your skin, too. Plus, the snug fit avoids bunching underneath ski boots, so you never have to worry about blisters.
Darn Tough Over-the-Calf Padded Light
Shin bang is the worst, but these Merino-nylon-lycra-Darn Tough socks keep the bruises at bay thanks to ample padding on the front side. The fine gauge knitting ensures a seamless fit that doesn’t slip or bunch, and the over-the-calf height ensures weather stays out. Bonus: Darn Tough boasts a lifetime unconditional guarantee so if you hate ‘em, send them back and try a new pair.
Wigwam Snow Sirocco
Let’s address the elephant in the room: ski socks are pricey. If shelling out for the Smartwools and Darn Toughs of the world isn’t in your budget, take a look at the Wigwam Snow Siroccos. With 42% wool, these are warm enough for a moderate day on the slopes, and the light padding makes them comfortable against your boots. Downside: the fit isn’t perfect, and occasional slipping may cause friction.
Icebreaker Ski+ Lite Over The Calf Slopes
An anatomical toe box creates a unique left-and-right fit that sits comfortable underneath ski boots without any folding or crunching. Plus, a seamless toe closures reduces bulk in the toe box, further minimizing any chances of friction. Thanks to a wide welt in the calf, comfort is top shelf, too—even for those with larger calves.
Injinji Snow Midweight OTC
Socks with toes: weird, right? Oddly enough, these tiny little toe sleeves make for one great ski sock. Engineered with NuWool (Injinji’s proprietary term for wool), the Snow Midweight socks allow for full-toe splay that helps with balance on every ski turn. Padding and graduated compression creates a snug fit that sits well underneath boots with nary a hot spot to report.