Skiers and snowboarders may squabble over run access and whose sport is "real," but they all agree on one thing: warm toes. Cold feet aren't just uncomfortable, they can be dangerous. Improper insulation of the extremities puts winter athletes at risk for frostbite. Choose the right ski socks for an enjoyable day on the slopes and the assurance you'll be able to enjoy your sport for many years to come.
Materials
To find the best ski sock, start with the materials. Ski socks are made of cotton, wool, and a wide array of synthetic fabrics. Bill Pennington, a sports writer for The New York Times, recommends "wicking" materials: thin, lightweight fabrics which pull moisture away from your skin. That's important, reports Pennington, because moisture creates chill. Wicking materials include SmartWool, Thinsulate, and some neoprene blends. Look for the world "wicking" on the label.
Thickness and Length
One common mistake of those new to winter sports, reports Pennington, is confusing "thick" with "warm." Thick socks don't allow proper air space between your feet and your boots, which make your boots too tight and lead to cold feet, according to KidsHealth.org. In order to prevent chafing and bruising from your boot bindings, ski socks should be long; you want them to reach to just below your knee, reports KidsHealth.org.
Sock Liners
If you experience chafing, you might want to consider a ski sock liner, or "inner sock"; Backpacker magazine equipment expert Kristin Hostetter recommends these for athletes with callouses, bunions, odd foot shapes, or those who tend to experience friction between their feet and ski boots. You don't have to spring for liner socks if you don't want to; Hosetter considers them optional since modern ski socks are far softer and smoother than the scratchy wool ones of yesteryear.
Pricing and Options
Ski socks don't have to be expensive to be effective. Bill Pennington's favorite socks cost between $18 and $20 a pair, while his favorite liner socks are a mere $8, nothing compared with the cost of a lift ticket. However, if normal socks aren't keeping your feet warm enough, you might consider battery-heated socks. These, reports Pennington, run about $30 a pair, and their internal heating elements are enough to keep your feet warm even in the coldest conditions.
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