The best ski socks are specifically designed for the job, so don’t be tempted to improvise with other styles of sock, they simply won’t cut the mustard. Ski socks usually incorporate extra padding around the shin, as well as toe and heel areas, to soak up some of the bumps and distribute the pressure as much as possible.
Another obvious major benefit of ski socks is that they are easy to pack and relatively wallet-friendly, so even if you’re a complete beginner it’s worth investing - a good pair of ski socks will help take the edge off hire boots too. Similarly, you’ll want to choose a pair of the best ski gloves to keep your fingers happy on those long days.
Aside from design and size, the key elements of the ski sock are the material and the weight of that material. If you’re planning a high-energy expedition that isn’t at serious altitude then a lower-weight blend might be the key to comfy toes. At the other end of the scale, standing around on high pistes will require a much heavier sock to keep you cosy.
Most ski socks are OTC, of Over The Calf meaning they stop just below the knees and give you complete coverage against your ski boots and snowboard boots. Many incorporate Merino wool, which offers warmth, breathability and some degree of pong protection, although the latter can be/will be hotly debated in the chalet apres-ski.
Below we have picked out the best ski socks at a range of price points - bear in mind you may want more than one pair for a multi-day trip or holiday, so choose accordingly. Most of these ski socks are available in both men's and women's versions, with the main difference being in sizing and colours.
Best Ski Socks
- Smartwool Full Cushion Ski Socks
- Therm-ic Powersocks Set - Heat Fusion+ S-pack 1400 BT
- Decathlon Wedze Adult Merino Wool Ski Socks 500
- Decathlon Wedze Children’s Ski and Snowboard Socks 100
- Burton [ak] Endurance Snowboard/Ski Socks
- Stance Chin Valley Ski Socks
- X-Bionic Unisex X-socks Ski Rider Socks
- Falke SK2 Intermediate Men Skiing Knee-high Socks
- Bridgedale Men's Lightweight Merino Endurance Over Calf Socks
Smartwool Full Cushion Ski Socks
Available in men’s and women's versions
Materials: Merino wool/nylon/recycled nylon/elastane
Smartwool socks have a strong heritage of quality, and these Premium Merino wool ski socks combine recycled nylon and elastane with ski-specific cushioning that’ll keep you comfy all day long. Smartwool calls the material blend ‘Indestructawool’, and the sock is mapped to include mesh zones for breathability. A decent over-the calf height and broad range of styles wrap up a sock that’s head and shoulders above the competition.
Buy Smartwool Full Cushion Ski Socks: £30 at ellis-brigham.com
Therm-ic Powersocks Set - Heat Fusion+ S-pack 1400 BT
Available in men’s and women's versions
Materials: Materials: Acrylic 30%, Polyamide 23%, Merino wool 18%, Polypropylene 10%, Soie 9%, Polyester 4%, Cashmere 3%, Elastane 3%
Needless to say, this is one for those that run on the colder side, but for those folk, potentially the best ski sock ever - a set of battery-powered, heated socks to banish the cold on a semi-permanent basis. A set of integrated elements heat the toe and forefoot area to your desired temperature, radiating heat back up inside your boots through the micro-vents built in to help the socks breathe.
The batteries clip neatly to the top of the socks and last up to 16 hours, controlled by your smartphone via Bluetooth.
Buy Therm-ic Powersocks Set - Heat Fusion+ S-pack 1400 BT: £280 at ellis-brigham.com
Decathlon Wedze Adult Merino Wool Ski Socks 500
Available in men’s and women's versions
Materials: Socks: 4.0% Elastane, 58.0% Polyamide, 14.0% Wool, 24.0% Polyester
We always say that Decathlon gear has some standout winners, especially if being wallet-friendly is a factor, but these socks might just take the cake. Merino ski socks for just over a tenner? Colour us interested. It’s also worth pointing out that Decathlon’s in-house wintersports brand Wedze is based in the Alps, and takes gear design seriously, so there’s plenty of thought and design on offer too - like the robust Cordura thread in the sole to boost durability.
The Wedze 500 Ski Socks are medium thickness, have terry fabric at heel, toe and shin to keep the major boot contact points as happy as possible, and are guaranteed for 2 years.
Buy Decathlon Wedze Adult Merino Wool Ski Socks 500: £12 at decathlon.co.uk
Decathlon Wedze Children’s Ski and Snowboard Socks 100
Available in boy’s and girl’s versions
Materials: Socks: 52.0% Acrylic, 3.0% Elastane, 27.0% Polyamide, 18.0% Wool
If you’re looking for children’s medium fit ski or snowboard socks these are very probably your best bet. Available in three different colourways, they’re not only easy on the eye, but at under seven pounds, gentle on the budget too. While the material is an acrylic and wool mix, the clever folk at Decathlon have boosted the wool content in the lower foot section to 41% to improve insulation and durability, without compromising fit elsewhere. There’s extra padding on key areas such as the malleolus and metatarsus, as well as tibia reinforcement - a no brainer for this season.
Buy Decathlon Wedze Children’s Ski and Snowboard Socks 100: £7 at decathlon.co.uk
Burton [ak] Endurance Snowboard/Ski Socks
Available in men’s versions
Materials: Merino Wool Blend
A premium sock designed with long days on the hill in mind, the Burton [ak] Endurance sock is constructed from a merino wool blend that aims to deliver the ultimate in comfort with the maximum breathability. The latter is taken care of by the quick-drying Polypropylene footbed, and compression engineering combined with an ergonomic fit supplies support as well as performance. The technical combination of lightweight padding in key areas and sock lock reinforcements will see you right, whether you’re carving corduroy or adventuring further afield.
Buy Burton Endurance Snowboard/Ski Socks: £42 at absolute-snow.co.uk
Stance Chin Valley Ski Socks
Available in men's and women's versions
Materials: 47% Nylon, 27% Polyester, 24% Merino Wool, 2% Elastane
These technical ski socks don't take themselves too seriously coming in a massive range of styles, from Wu-Tang Clan to Duff Beer, and more subtle graphics inspired by Jimmy Chin. They feature a light sprinkling of merino wool but are mainly comprised of polyester and nylon so they breathe easy and have sections for increased airflow. Strategically placed cushioning protects you from chafing and impacts to keep you pushing all day long, and moderate cushioning provides you with a secure fit in your boot and a decent hit of warmth.
Buy Stance Chin Valley ski socks: £33 at amazon.co.uk
X-Bionic Unisex X-socks Ski Rider Socks
When you want unashamed technology in your socks, X-Bionic has the solution, specifically in the shape of the Ski Rider socks. With a background in ultrarunning and other extreme endurance sports, Swiss engineered X-Bionic don’t idly tick boxes - the Lamberts-Nicholson Achilles Tendon Protector being a case in point. This ingenious design protects the Achilles tendon from pressure and friction by creating a channel through the sock cushion, reducing the likelihood of injury.
Elsewhere in the sock, pressure webs support the muscles without impeding blood flow, and breathable channels are designed in to ensure ventilation is optimised at all times. The snug fit - thanks to that pressure web - means there’s minimal chance of hotspots.
Buy X-Bionic Unisex X-socks Ski Rider Socks: From £20.42 at Amazon <SALE DEAL>
Falke SK2 Intermediate Men Skiing Knee-high Socks
Falke know a thing or two about snowsports, and these medium-weight socks showcase that nicely. Aimed at the more recreational end of the market, you still get the performance of a much more high-end sock thanks to the Merino wool-mix and the foot-specific fit that minimises bunching. The medium weight gives a good level of protection and decent warmth without being overly hot or restrictive, allowing balanced boot contact throughout the day. They’re also designed specifically to dry quickly, ensuring you get the luxury of a dry pair of socks in the morning - something well worth considering.
Buy Falke SK2 Intermediate Men Skiing Knee-high Socks: £22 at amazon.co.uk
Bridgedale Men's Lightweight Merino Endurance Over Calf Socks
Far from the spendiest on this list, the Bridgedale has a lot to say for itself. A contoured knit gives a precise fit, and the lightweight material is ideal for warmer days - or more energetic ones. Indeed, the extra breathability will serve well on touring expeditions and the like - the low weight will be a blessing too. A Tactel shin pad is baked in for reduced friction plus there are small micro-terry underfoot pads to soak up vibration, and (of course) a flat toes seam to prevent hotspots.
Material-wise, there’s a merino mix (20% Merino Wool, 51% Nylon/Polyamide, 20% Polypropylene, 7% Tactel/Nylon, 2% Lycra/elastane) that incorporates Lycra for extra stretch and although the merino is a lower percentage than some, there’s enough toe enjoy the insulation benefits without hitting the higher price points.
Buy Bridgedale Men's Lightweight Merino Endurance Over Calf Socks: £28 at amazon.co.uk
