One of the most important ways you’ll stay warm and comfortable, whether skiing or snowboarding, is with a quality pair of ski socks. The best ski socks offer thermal warmth and cushioning and keep your feet well-positioned inside the ski boot when you spend the day on the trail or slopes.
When you begin trying on new socks, it begins with how well they feel. The moment your feet are cozy and warm, you’ve likely found the right pair for your next skiing trip.
When you try on socks, it’s also key to wear your ski boots at the same time, so you’ll have a good idea of what to expect in terms of fit, breathability, moisture control, and warmth. While some boots have a sufficient thermal lining to protect your feet, allowing you to choose thinner, less insulating socks, you’ll also find a great variety of Merino wool socks and other materials that support your feet during the coldest temperatures.
How We Tested and Compared Different Snowboard Boots
To get an idea of what to expect on the slopes, we tried a variety of thermal socks, compression socks, and other types of ski socks to gauge the level of moisture control, comfort, and warmth we experienced when riding the slopes and backcountry skiing for an hour or more.
We also considered the length of time, temperature, and weather conditions and how well the socks remained in place throughout our adventure. We were careful to note any changes based on the type of boot worn and kept the ski boots consistent to get a better feel for the socks and their performance level.
Related Reading: Find the best winter boots for women.
Best Lightweight Ski Socks: Bridgedale Ski Lightweight Socks
Overview:
- Size options: Medium, large, and extra large
- Color options: Black, blue, graphite
- Materials: Merino wool, nylon, polyester, lycra
- Moisture management: Yes
- Features: ThermalFit, flat toe seam
What We Like About It
Bridgedale ski socks are fantastic, lightweight Merino wool socks woven with synthetic fabric for a sturdy but warm and cushioning fit from your toe to your shin. These well-crafted socks include the Precision fit system, which adds lycra for a more supportive fit so you won’t experience any wrinkles.
We found the socks remained steady, and our soles were well supported with the micro-terry underfoot pads and Tactel shin pad. It’s the ideal option for all types of skiing and for any outdoor activities throughout the winter.
What We Don’t Like
These socks are great, and while there’s nothing we didn’t like, they tend to be larger in size, which is not ideal if you’re looking for a smaller fit.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Bridgedale Ski Lightweight socks are long-lasting and versatile for all types of skiing. Many people enjoy wearing them for a few winter hikes and snowboarding because they never slip or cause friction or discomfort. The price is reasonable, and the socks are cozy and easy to maintain for many outdoor adventures.
Best Unisex Ski Socks: Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion Over-the-Calf Sock
Overview:
- Size options: Medium, large, and extra large
- Color options: Black, dark blue
- Materials: Merino wool, nylon, recycled nylon, elastane
- Moisture management: No
- Features: Over-the-calf height, breathable
What We Like About It
These Smartwool socks provide more than warmth and comfort; they offer exceptional contoured coverage from the toe, heel, and ball of the foot to the shins. They fit like skinny socks, tight but comfortable, with built-in durability with Indestructawool technology, so you can enjoy breathable, snug socks without the bulk. We liked how these thin socks didn’t require extra padding for a cozy fit.
What We Don’t Like
There aren’t any moisture control features, which may be a drawback if that’s what you prefer.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Smartwool socks are fantastic and offer exceptional quality and comfort. They are easy to wear and fit well with many types of ski boots. Their coverage up to calf height also extends the warmth, which is essential in plummeting temperatures.
Best Backcountry Ski Socks: x Backcountry PhD Superior Sock
Overview:
- Size options: Medium
- Color options: Olive with grey
- Materials: Merino wool, synthetic fabric mesh (nylon and elastane)
- Moisture management: Yes
- Features: Seamless toe design, breathable, 4 Degree system for fitting
What We Like About It
These lightweight, over-the-calf Smartwool ski socks are excellent and durable. We especially enjoyed the snug fit, seamless toe, and cushion-free design, making performing well in our boots easy.
It’s a fantastic sock to wear if you spend a full day on the mountain or trekking through the backcountry. The wool ski sock is temperature-regulating while breathable, so you’ll feel comfortable as the temperature changes. It’s a great sock for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
What We Don’t Like
We found the sizing to be limited, with only a medium size available.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
It’s a popular choice, and Smartwool ski socks are a top option when it comes to spending hours or a day on the slopes. They provide all the necessary elements in a ski sock: warmth, comfort, and consistent form, so you won’t feel any lumps or wrinkles as you ski or ride.
Best Women’s Ski Socks: Darn Tough Socks: Yeti OTC Ultra-Light Sock
Overview:
- Size options: Large
- Color options: Pattern/graphic with blue, yellow, and white
- Materials: Merino wool
- Moisture management: No
- Features: Ultra lightweight sock
What We Like About It
If you’re looking for socks made completely of Merino wool for an exceptionally soft, cozy feel, the Darn Tough socks are an ideal choice. They offer excellent warmth, whether you’re waiting for the ski lift or riding the slopes.
While we didn’t see any moisture control system, the nature of this fabric naturally prevents odor build-up and wicks moisture, which keeps you dry and warm. The comfort is consistent throughout the sock, extending from your feet to your ankles and calves.
What We Don’t Like
We didn’t dislike anything about these socks, as they supported our feet well, though you won’t find any additional features that typically come with synthetic fabric. You’ll also find these socks only come in one size: large.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
The ultra-lightness of these socks and natural odor control makes them a great choice for many skiers. Many buyers enjoyed the excellent cushioning warmth throughout the season and how well these socks accommodate many types of ski boots. They also make a great snowboarding sock.
Best Cushioning Ski Socks: Smartwool Snowboard Full Cushion VANS Classic Checker Snow Socks
Overview:
- Size options: Medium, large, and extra large
- Color options: Charcoal
- Materials: Merino wool, synthetic fabric mesh (nylon and elastane)
- Moisture management: No
- Features: Seamless toe design, breathable, 4 Degree system for fitting
What We Like About It
This Smartwool ski sock is promoted as a great option for snowboarding, and we’ll confirm that it’s also fantastic for skiing too! These Vans ski socks offer the comfort of Merino wool with mesh fabric that keeps your feet secure and breathable as you ride or ski. You’ll find these socks keep you warm for the long term, so you can ski for hours and never worry about cold feet or wetness.
We especially liked the secure fit, which is made possible with a wider welt. The 4 Degree fit system and the virtually seamless toe are also great features, improving our experience.
What We Don’t Like
Overall, these are great socks, and while our feet and ankles stayed dry, we didn’t see any moisture control options.
What Past Buyers Had to Say
Ideally, these socks are great for all types of skiing and snowboarding, and they’re great for general comfort during the winter season. It’s also a great-looking sock and fits many ski gear designs and styles well.
How to Choose the Best Ski Socks: Buying Guide
Choosing the right type of ski socks depends on several factors, including the amount of support you need, the length of time you ride or ski, and what fits best with your ski boot and gear. While a cozy pair of cotton socks or compression socks may seem ideal for the slopes, specific fabric blends, moisture-prevention controls, and other features built into a ski sock give you greater enjoyment, consistent warmth, and comfort outdoors.
Fabric Options
In most ski sock varieties, you’ll notice either pure Merino wool, synthetic materials, or a blend of Merino wool and synthetic fabric. The level of function and flexibility depends on the blend, with even a small amount of Lycra or elastane providing excellent durability, so you can ski for hours without any discomfort.
Wool is naturally moisture-wicking, so while socks made solely from Merino wool may not have the same features as synthetic blends, they keep your feet dry and warm on the slopes. While synthetic blends are more popular and ideal if you are sensitive to wool blends, they may not have the same moisture-prevention capabilities.
In most cases, you’ll find the best sock combines the best of both Merino wool, nylon, elastane, and other fabrics to improve your overall experience.
If you’re considering cotton socks, it’s best to avoid them completely, as they do not support your feet in cold weather, even with the most secure and padded ski boots. Also, cotton absorbs wetness more readily, so you’ll have zero moisture prevention and be left with damp, cold feet quickly. Instead, choose Merino wool or a blend of wool and synthetic fabrics for the ideal support.
Sizing and Length
If you’re considering length, ideally, you’ll want ski socks that cover your calves, at the very least. Skiing and snowboarding socks that cover your knees are ideal, as this warmth extends the warmth so you can manage hours on backcountry trails or enjoy numerous rides. Longer, more supportive socks are ideal for extreme cold, though you can choose a shorter sock for warmer winter days.
Sizing is also important, as it determines how well the sock fits your feet and ankles. Choose a sock that’s close to your shoe size, and make sure it fits snugly, especially when you wear your boot. If you’re concerned about whether it’s important to wear men’s or women’s ski socks, the fit is the only major component that will impact your experience, so if you prefer a medium men’s sock to a women’s large size, then that is what matters most!
Levels of Cushioning
If you’re an advanced skier, you’ll want to minimize cushioning for a tighter, more secure fit. Light to medium cushioning is ideal if you need to increase warmth or you’re likely to get a blister or irritation in the heel or toe areas.
When your outdoor excursion involves more than skiing and planning hiking, ice fishing, and other activities, you may opt for heavy cushioning to protect your feet from extreme cold. Compression socks are best for athletes who want to continue skiing while adding extra support due to a previous injury.
Final Thoughts
The best ski socks should perform well, whether you’re planning a winter backpacking adventure with backcountry trails or just a few hours of skiing on the slopes. Our top choices reflect quality, durability, warmth, and comfort that not only perform when you’re on the slopes but keep you warm throughout the winter so that you can enjoy a wide range of winter activities without cold, wet feet.
So, when you try on new ski socks, always bring your ski boots along, and make sure they are compatible, so you can determine which level of support you’ll need.
FAQs
Should I buy more than one pair of ski socks?
If you’re just getting used to how different ski socks feel and haven’t yet decided which one is best for you, buying more than one type can give you a better idea, and extra support, if needed.
Can I wear more than one pair of socks at once?
This is not recommended, as ski socks are designed to provide all the warmth and support you need. An extra pair of socks may be bulky and cause friction or unwanted tightness in your boot.
Can I wear ski socks for snowboarding?
Yes, in most cases, ski socks provide the warmth you need for snowboarding activities.