Picking the right ski socks is one of the most overlooked parts in getting the right ski gear.
The ski socks have a huge impact on how your ski boots will feel and the most important thing that will keep your feet warm.
However, choosing the best ski socks can be hard. This guide aims to help you with that and show you the best ski socks you can get today.
After many considerations we have selected 5 pairs of skis socks that will keep you warm and dry the whole ski day:
Best Socks for Skiing the 2020-2021 Ski Season
How Find the Perfect Ski Socks
This short buying guide will go over everything from why you should get ski socks to the features you should expect in a good pair of ski socks. If you follow these simple steps, you’ll find a warm, reliable ski sock that will fit you perfectly.
Why should you pay for ski socks?
Ski socks are more expensive than ordinary socks, so why should you bother paying more for ski socks when you already have regular socks? The reason you should get a pair of ski socks lies in the advantages they have compared to regular socks:
- Ski socks have better moisture wicking so they transfer moisture away from the feet so you don’t get cold
- A good pair of skiing socks will produce less odor than a regular sock
- Ski socks have reinforced padding to reduce impact and to prevent tearing
- They are designed to keep your feet dry and warm
Fit
A common mistake people do, is wearing too thick ski socks or even worse, wearing a double layer of socks. That’s a big no-no and has the reverse effect of what you would think. Ski socks main function is to keep your feet dry by wicking moisture away. With too thick socks they can’t transfer the moisture away well enough.
Aim for a ski sock with a thin, appropriate fit, so you have better blood flow and a fit closer to the boot.
Ski socks usually come in sizes small, medium, large and extra large. What these sizes mean in shoe sizes are usually available in the product description if you buy the socks online. If there’s no sizing guide, check out the universal sock size chart over at SocksAddict. It should help you find an appropriate size. If you are a woman with large feet, don’t hesitate to get a men’s model. The men’s models will often work just as well for women, especially if you have a large sock size.
You should aim to get a ski boot that fits the shape of your foot. It shouldn’t have any ribs that will irritate your skins and should have good elasticity so you have a good snug fit.
Material
Ski socks are almost always made either from a synthetic blend or a wool blend.
Wool socks are often made from merino wool. Merino wool is a very comfortable material with excellent warmth and produces almost no odor. The downside of merino wool is that it’s hard to wash and you can’t tumble dry it.
Socks made from a synthetic blend have the advantage of excellent moisture wicking, and they are easy to wash. The downside of ski socks made of synthetic materials is that they are more prone to odor and not always as warm as wool socks.
How thick socks should you get?
Ski socks come in different weight classes, from ultra lightweight to heavyweight ski socks. We already discussed why too thick socks aren’t a good idea, but just going for the thinnest option is not always the best choice.
If you get easily sweaty, you can consider a pair of ultralight ski socks, but for most skiers aim for something thicker. If you have really tight ski boots, going for a lightweight sock is often the best choice. But for most recreational skiers, they often have wider boots with more space and then going for a midweight ski sock can often cause a better fit. Another option is to start with a light ski sock, and once you have worn in the ski boot, you can change to a midweight sock for a more snug fit.
Features
Here are some features you’ll usually find in the best socks for skiing:
Extra padding
Ski socks often have extra padding on the heel, shin and toe areas. The extra padding protects a bit from impact and prevents chafing where your sock rubs against the boot. You want the sock to stay rather thin inside the ski boot, so make sure the padding is not too thick as it can cause discomfort and a worse fit.
Extra banding
Extra banding helps the ski socks to stay in place so it’s not sliding up and down. You usually find extra banding on the top of the socks, but you can also find it around the foot for a better fit.
Antimicrobial properties
Some socks for skiing (mostly merino wool socks) have natural antimicrobial properties. This means they naturally reduce bacteria and therefore produce almost no odor.
Gender Specific Socks
Most ski socks are unisex and work for both males and females. But some brands have women’s and men’s specific models. The women’s specific models are often smaller with a fit with wider calves made to fit women’s legs.
Compression
Compression ski socks provide added compression for better blood flow. With better blood circulation you feel less fatigue and it can help reduce injuries.
Best Ski Socks Reviewed
Pure Athlete High Performance Wool Socks
The PureAthlete High Performance Wool Socks is a really good winter sock, that will be a perfect fit for skiing and spending time outside in the winter. But with a different blend of materials, it differs a bit compared to many other merino wool based socks on the list.
It’s made of 54% Nylon, 25% merino wool, 16% Polypropylene and 5% Spandex. If you compare it to something like the Darn Tough socks that have a much higher percentage of merino wool, you’ll clearly notice the difference. It tends to get smelly easier, but it’s also easier to wash the PureAthlete socks compared to the wool-based alternatives. You can wash these in the machine washer without having to worry that they’ll shrink and the material is really soft and not itchy at all.
The number one key advantage of this ski sock is that it keeps the warmth really well. The material is quite thin, but it has excellent heat retention properties that will keep your foots natural temperature while wicking moisture away.
An elastic band prevents the socks from moving or sliding down. But if you have wide or muscular legs, the snug fit may feel a bit snug for you.
There’s extra cushioning in the shin and ankle, that will give you that extra comfort when wearing your ski boots. The elastic arch support provides comfort and helps reduce fatigue in the feet.
These socks are unisex so no matter what gender you are, you can go and grab a pair or two of the Pure Athlete High Performance Wool Socks.
| Pros |
|---|
 Maintains the foots natural temperature |
| Keeps the foot wam even in sub zero conditions |
| Provides comfort and reduces fatigue |
| Cons |
|---|
 Bit snug fit if you have large or muscular calves |
| Not the most stretchy socks |
Eurosocks Ski Zone OTC Socks
The Eurosocks Ski Zone OTC socks are made in Italy and are known for their high quality and excellent comfort.
These socks are made of a blend of synthetics and are bit thicker than most of the competition on this guide. They are warm, comfortable and adapt perfectly to the ski boot. Even if it’s a bit thicker material, skiers all over the world love the nice, soft feel against the rigidity of the ski boot.
On the top of the socks, there’s an elastic arch band that provides additional support and keeps the socks in place.
A lot of people have reported that they run large in size. So, it’s a good idea to get a slightly smaller size if you want to have a really snug fit.
If you expect really thick padding that will protect you from any impact you’ll be disappointed. The padding is more of a thicker weave in some common stress points that will absorb some of the impact energy. It will also help to reduce blisters and prevent injuries and pulled muscles.
| Pros |
|---|
| Good ventilation |
| Warm and comfortable |
| Extras cushioning in common pressure points |
| Cons |
|---|
| Thick |
| Runs large in size according to some reviewers |
Darn Tough Men’s Merino Wool Socks
Darn Tough is a brand based in Vermont that solely focuses on producing the best socks for the outdoor market. Their socks are definitely one of the best ski socks you could buy out there.
The secret to their success is the material they use for their socks. They focus on Merino Wool. The sock consists of 61% merino wool, 36% nylon and 3% lycra spandex. If you have read the buying guide, you’ll know that merino wool doesn’t shrink, naturally wicks moisture away, and is naturally antimicrobial and very durable.
The durability of these socks is so good that Darn Tough has a lifetime guarantee. If you wear them so much that you get a hole in them, they’ll send you a new pair for free.
The big competitor to the Darn Tough socks are the Smartwool socks. If you compare these two brands, you’ll notice that the Darn Tough socks have more stitching per inch and therefore even better quality.
Be aware that it’s small in size. So if you’re unsure what size to pick, go for the smaller one. Another thing to be aware of is that these socks have shrunk for some of the reviewers on Amazon. So before you machine wash them at high temperatures, read on how to wash merino wool.
| Pros |
|---|
| Lifetime guarantee |
| Naturally anti-bacterial so doesn’t smell bad |
| Does an exceptional job at wicking away moisture |
| Cons |
|---|
| Expensive |
| Can shrink after machine washing |
Pure Compression Thermal Compression Ski Socks
If you’re looking for a merino wool based ski sock with compression technology, then the Pure Compression Thermal Compression Ski Socks is the way to go.
Compression technology help improve the blood circulation and therefore energize the legs. With a compression ski sock, you’ll feel less muscle fatigue and have less chance of pain in the legs such as shin splints.
The compression works in what’s called graduated compression. This means the compression has the highest grade of compression in the ankle area and the least compression in the ankle area. After a day of skiing in these socks, you’ll feel less tired and ready to ski the next day without much fatigue.
With a blend of merino wool (32%) and synthetic materials, you’ll get a sock with good moisture wicking properties and the anti-odor properties of the merino wool. It’s not the warmest ski sock, so if you are planning to ski in really cold conditions, for example in the Nordic countries or Alaska, they’ll probably be too thin.
Another minor issue with these socks is that a few reviewers felt the material was a bit itchy. However, many people have also commented that they love the softness and second-skin fit of these socks.
If you feel that these socks don’t live up to your expectation, you can get a full refund any time. So, if you are on the lookout for a good compression ski sock, definitely consider the Pure Compression socks.
| Pros |
|---|
| Compression technology improves blood flow and decreases fatigue |
| Made of merino wool |
| 100% satisfaction guarantee |
| Cons |
|---|
| Not the warmest ski sock |
| Some may find the material a bit itchy |
Icebreaker Merino Ski Over the Calf Socks
The Icebreaker Merino Ski over calf socks are made in America and are genuine merino wool socks. Some brands claim that they are genuine merino socks while they only have a small percentage it. This ski sock is made of 64% merino wool, so you can be sure you’ll get all the benefits that merino wool will give you.
The great thing about these socks is that they keep your feet so much warmer compared to regular ski socks. These socks will keep you warm and dry all day. Thanks to the blend of merino wool and synthetic materials you’ll get a sock that wicks away moisture with ease and won’t smell as easily as other socks.
These socks are anatomically sculptured, so there are a right and a left foot. They are shaped nicely with a breathable area at the top of the socks. The heel and toe areas are reinforced for added durability and better comfort. The men’s model of these socks is a bit snug if you have wide or muscular legs. The toe closure is seamless to reduce bulk and prevent blisters.
The demand for these socks are often really high, so make sure to snag them while they are still available.
| Pros |
|---|
| Keeps the foot warm and dry all day |
| High quality construction |
| Ergonomical fit |
| Cons |
|---|
| Tight fit on the calves on the men’s model |
| Not warm enough for rally cold days |
OutdoorMaster Merino Wool Ski Socks
We know how frustrating it can be to have your socks constantly sliding down when you’re skiing. That’s why these OutdoorMaster Merino Wool Ski Socks are so great. They have a non-slip cuff that keeps the socks in place high up on the calves, so you don’t have to worry about readjusting them while you ski.
They are made from a lightweight and breathable Merino wool that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. The breathable fabric also wicks moisture away and prevents foul smells from appearing. Having warm, dry feet at the end of a long ski session is possible with these cozy socks.
Wool is known for being a fabric that tends to cause some itchiness, but this Merino wool is so soft that itching is not a problem. In fact, they are so soft and comfortable that you’ll want to wear them for more than just skiing. You’ll find yourself putting them on to wear around the house too because they are just that comfortable.
While not all wool is machine washable, these Merino wool socks are. They wash up beautifully and won’t pill or fray. Even after several wears and washes, they will look brand new because of the high-quality material.
| Pros |
|---|
| Lightweight, breathable Merino wool fabric is machine washable |
| Non-slip cuff keeps socks high up on the calf |
| Fabric wicks moisture away and keeps feet warm and dry |
| Cons |
|---|
| Sizing tends to run small, so size up if you have wide calves |
| Freezing temperatures might require a thicker pair of socks |
| The non-slip cuffs may lose elasticity over time |
Burton Weekend Midweight Ski Socks
Snowboarders and skiers need a sock that can move with them, and these Burton Weekend Midweight Ski Socks fit the bill. They are extra stretchy, so the fabric accommodates your feet, ankles, and calves whichever way you turn. You won’t feel constricted or uncomfortable as you glide over the snow.
The cuff at the top keeps the socks in place on your calves, but it’s not so tight that it feels like it’s cutting your circulation off. They won’t fall down and bunch up inside of your boots like some other socks do, which can really ruin a day on the slopes. The midweight thickness also fits well inside of your boots.
That midweight thickness is ideal for milder days, but you may need a thicker pair if you are out in really frigid temperatures. This all depends on how long you will be outside for and how insulated your boots are. On milder days, these will keep you plenty warm and dry.
There is extra cushioning and support at all the key areas- arch, heel, and leg. While they aren’t compression socks, they do provide nice, firm support for a comfortable wearing experience. They are hand wash only, which may be a downfall for some.
| Pros |
|---|
| Midweight thickness makes them comfortable to wear with boots |
| Won’t fall down and bunch up inside of your boots thanks to the top cuff |
| Extra support in the arch, heel, and leg areas |
| Cons |
|---|
| Not thick enough for very cold days |
| Hand wash only to maintain fabric integrity |
| The fabric isn’t as breathable as some other fabrics and may make your feet sweat |
SmartWool PhD Ski Socks
Adventure comfortably with these SmartWool PhD Ski Socks. They’re made from Merino wool, which is much softer and more breathable than regular wool. The Merino wool isn’t itchy like regular wool, so it’s suitable for just about everyone- even those with very sensitive skin.
There are also areas in the socks made from mesh, which is super breathable and helps to keep the feet dry while you’re out on the slopes. The mesh acts by allowing air to flow in and around the foot, drying up any sweat or moisture that accumulates quickly before it makes your feet cold, damp, and uncomfortable.
The over-the-calf design stays up well so you don’t have to constantly adjust your socks. They won’t fall down into your boots like some other socks tend to do, even with frequent movement. The wide band at the top also helps to hold the socks securely up over the calf where they should be.
These socks were made with comfort in mind. They are extra flexible at the ankles so you don’t feel constricted when you’re moving, and the toe is seamless so you don’t have to worry about any bunching up or discomfort in the toes. The bottoms are lightly cushioned for enhanced comfort so you can spend a whole day out on the slopes in these and not end up with sore, tired feet.
| Pros |
|---|
| Suitable for sensitive skin |
| Breathable mesh areas to keep feet dry |
| Lightly cushioned bottom for maximum comfort |
| Cons |
|---|
| Best if washed by hand |
| May shrink slightly in the dryer |
| Pilling can occur with wool over time |
FoxRiver Over-The-Calf Merino Wool Socks
A flexible and breathable medium-weight sock is what you’ll find with these FoxRiver Over-The-Calf Merino Wool Socks. They’re made from a combination of soft Merino wool and durable acrylic for the ultimate mix of comfort and dependability. The addition of a spandex ankle panel keeps the sock from wiggling around as you move.
The Merino wool and acrylic fabric blend combine perfectly to provide just the right of compression to keep your feet protected when you’re on the slopes. While they are medium weight and not meant for freezing days, they are perfect for milder winter days and will keep your toes nice and toasty. Since they go all the way up to the calf, they will also keep your ankles and calves insulated and warm.
There are mesh panels located throughout the socks to allow air flow and to make these socks very breathable. When your feet can breathe, they won’t get sweaty and uncomfortable. Your feet will remain dry even after several hours out on the slopes.
These socks are machine washable and retain their shape even after frequent washing because of the unique memory-knit construction. The way the fibers are woven together helps them remain nice and form-fitting, even after multiple washes.
Nylon at the toe and heel adds durability to the socks, so they last much longer than most traditional wool socks. The flat toe seam is also stitched together to not fray or unravel, even with frequent wear and tough movements.
| Pros |
|---|
| Light compression for blood flow |
| Toe and heel reinforced with nylon |
| Vented mesh panels |
| Cons |
|---|
| Medium-weight not meant for frigid temps |
| May only come up to mid-calf |
| No elastic band at top |
Columbia Unisex Omni Heat Ski Socks
These Columbia Unisex Omni Heat Ski Socks will keep your feet warm and toasty all day while you’re on the slopes. They use Thermal Reflective technology to keep the heat that your body produces inside, so your feet stay warmer the harder you work. This technology is located where you need it the most- on the bottom of the feet and ankles- so you don’t end up with cold, damp feet at the end of the day.
Aside from keeping your feet warm, they are also incredibly soft thanks to the combination of Merino wool, polyester, and nylon. The addition of some spandex at the top of the sock keeps it in place so it doesn’t bunch up inside of your boots. The socks extend all the way up to the knee for most people.
They have a cool outdoorsy theme on them so they don’t just feel great- they look great, too! The fun tree design on the top of the sock is unisex, as are the color combinations offered. Three color combinations are available, including Black Cherry/Camel, Black/Nuclear, and Chalk/Aquarium.
These socks are machine washable for added convenience and retain their shape even after frequent washes. They don’t have any breathable mesh panels like some other socks do, so they may make your feet sweat when worn for long periods of time. That’s why they’re best when worn only in frigid temperatures.
| Pros |
|---|
| Thermal Reflective technology keeps feet warm |
| Socks go up to the knees |
| Outdoorsy theme adds style |
| Cons |
|---|
| May make feet sweat |
| Thermal Reflective technology is only on the bottom |
| Not meant for milder days |
Conclusion
Finding a warm, durable and reliable ski sock will ensure you have many good days on the slopes without you ever having to worry about cold feet. Getting a dedicated ski sock will give you much better moisture wicking and a better fit inside the ski boot.
We have selected 5 pairs of socks that will all provide excellent warmth and wick away moisture so you can stay warm and dry. All the socks we have recommended have their own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to read our mini-reviews and what previous customers have said. This way you’ll get a pair of ski socks that you can trust.