What's The Difference Between Ski & Snowboard Socks?

Whether you are a long time skier or snowboarder or perhaps you are thinking of taking this adventure sport up as a beginner; one thing to always keep in mind are the essentials which are needed to ensure you are well prepared for the slopes.

As a beginner it may be easy to overlook the importance of a pair of ski or snowboarding socks but this article will outline not only the importance thereof but the functions and differences between ski and snowboard socks. From understanding the differences, the materials and various designs; you will find yourself quickly adding your pair of socks to the essentials packing list for your trip. So let’s get into everything you need to know about ski and snowboarding socks.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Another major and essential item for your skiing and snowboarding packing list or gear is a comfortable boot but what many often overlook is that finding the right boot is quite dependant on ensuring you have the right socks to fit too. So it is recommended and a good idea to buy your skiing socks first, make sure they feel good (merino wool toe socks feel great) - that they accommodate your needs and fit and once you have that in the bag; you can use the socks when trying on and fitting for your pair of boots. This will not only ensure you have the right gear but will give you the most out of your skiing or snowboarding rides without having to feel uncomfortable or being put off your game. So socks first, boots after.

Depending on whether you are a skier or a snowboarder, the type of socks you opt for will ultimately differ from one another, just as the type of boots and ride differ. There are variations of socks which cater for the specific features of skiing or snowboarding such as the fact that skiing socks would usually have a lot of padding around the shin areas as well as provide cushioning between the shins and the ski boots. However, with your boarding socks, you will find that features such as thickness, compression and cushioning matter especially due to the fact that sufficient blood flow is required to remain warm in icy or colder weather conditions.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SOCKS

Choosing the right socks for skiing or snowboarding will ultimately rely on certain factors such as:

1. Thickness
2. Personal Fit, Length and Size (see our size chart)
   
3. Material Preferences

So let’s get into each of these factors to understand the importance thereof as well as to gain clarity on why skiing or snowboarding socks are important and how to decide on the right pair for your adventures.

1. THICKNESS

Often you will find that when researching or shopping for skiing or snowboarding socks, the factor of compression and thickness is commonly the first thing to look at. At first thought, one would assume going for the thickest socks would be most ideal due to the nature of the sport as well as the weather conditions experienced; however this is not always the case. As you ride, you want to ensure your feet and calves have sufficient blood flow and circulation and with incredibly thick or tight socks, you kill off that blood flow which ultimately affects the warmth you want to experience when out in the cold or snow.

Another reason to ensure your socks aren’t too thick is due to the snug and comfortable fit of your boots. If you opt for socks which are too thick, you not only limit the comfort and fit of your boots but once again you cut off valuable circulation and blood flow, which can result in a rather uncomfortable experience. However, there are different thickness levels to choose from depending on what type of skier or snowboarder you are and your personal preferences.

• For the more professional and experienced skiers and snowboarders, having socks with almost no cushioning is preferred. This allows for the type of boots to have a better fit as well as having the need to experience the terrain and slopes, whilst in the boot, underneath their feet. It all forms part of the skier and snowboarders riding personality.
• If you do prefer a little bit of thickness or cushioning, try purchasing a pair of socks with cushioning on the shin areas, to aid in any impact or rubbing of the boot against the shin. This can become rather unpleasant so if you are sensitive around the shin areas, make sure you have sufficient thickness but again, trying to ensure not too thick at the same time.
• For snowboarders specifically, a more medium thickness and cushioning is often preferred due to the type of boots used when snowboarding. The skiing boots do differ in a way that they are a bit snugger fitting than snowboarding boots; so the slightly more thicker socks work better for snowboarders to add that cushioning for the looser fitting boots.
• Lastly, when it comes to compression socks – these are typically worn after a competition out on the slopes or race. High performance skiers and snowboarders require some post-ride recovery and in doing so, the compression socks assist with swelling, blood flow and facilitate any fatigue experienced in the calves, shins and muscles.

2. PERSONAL FIT, LENGTH AND SIZE

The absolute last thing any skier wants out on the slopes is a pair of bunched socks inside the boot. There is nothing more uncomfortable and frustrating than as you get out there, you need to readjust your boot and socks.

 

Choosing a pair of mens or women's ski socks is crucial in understanding that the fit plays a vital role in your performance and experience. Always try to ensure your socks fit comfortably enough that your toes can have some wiggle room and you are able to flex your foot, however remember that too loose will bunch up and potentially cause blisters and too tight will cut off your circulation.

Keep in mind that if you do struggle with cold feet quite easily, don’t try to wear two pairs of socks. This will only provide the opposite of the desired affects you are after on the slopes or on your board. Wearing two pairs of socks limits your range of motion and comfort inside the boot as well as potentially cause blisters. Our recommendation would be to rather spend a little more money on one pair of perfectly suited, sized and designed socks to accommodate not only your comfort in performance but to provide your feet the warmth they need. When it comes to the length, you will find that most skiing and snowboarding socks usually go up until the knees. This allows the socks to not only protect and comfort your feet but your shins and calves too. Once again, it will depend on what type of skier or snowboarder you are and what type of performance boots you wear.

3. Ski Sock Material Preferences
   

Wondering still what kind of ski socks? Both skiing and snowboarding socks can be manufactured and designed with various materials. The materials most commonly used are: Synthetics, Wool, Merino Wool as well as Blended Materials.

• Synthetics: These are usually polyester, nylon, acrylic, lycra or spandex. Each of these synthetics offer their own set of features and advantages within durability, comfort, odour-control, weight and maintain the fit after moisture has been absorbed.

• Wool: This of course is used for warmth as well as being able to maintain dryness throughout your ride. However, as wool does not possess the same properties as synthetics, you may find that your wool socks will lose their shape after a few runs; so be sure to keep this in mind if you plan on investing in a long-lasting fit.

• Merina Wool: Similar to wool socks in the fact that they are able to provide a soft, comfortable and dry experience; they function better than ordinary wool socks when it comes to retaining the shape and fit for longer. Merina wool is of a higher quality and a good investment if you are looking for snug and comfy.

• Blended Materials: This is more than likely the most common materials combination when it comes to the ideal pair of skiing or snowboarding socks. The combination of durable and comfortable materials such as nylon and polyester as well as wool additions; you might just find your perfect fit with a sock range made from blended materials.

With so many features already discussion, it is hard to believe that the process of buying skiing or snowboarding socks could get even more detailed, but it can. It simply outlines the importance of getting the right socks for your sporting activities. Some features to keep in mind when buying socks for skiing or snowboarding is:

• Ventilation and Breathability: Although much of what has been mentioned above takes these elements into consideration, isolating them within their own importance can greatly benefit you and your experience. When selecting the right materials and the design, it is important to keep your own preferences in mind. Are you someone who gets cold easily? Do you perhaps sweat a lot and find your feet resembling something of a heater? If this is the case, choosing the right material to suit your needs is vital. Make sure your feet feel comfortable enough, that there is sufficient padding (if needed) between your shins and the boot but in this case; ensure you have adequate ventilation and breathing room while you are out on the slopes.

• Odour Control or Anti-Microbial: This is specifically targeted at those who might experience odours while sweating. If you find yourself more prone to sweat and therefore odours in your shoes, then it could be in your favour to find a pair of socks which have anti-microbial properties. This will assist in controlling any unwanted odours coming from inside your boots – especially when they day is done and you are ready to kick those boots off. Sometimes this odour can set inside the boot so it is best to ensure not only that you have anti-microbial socks but also that you take care of your socks and your boots properly.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SOCKS

When investing and spending good money on a quality pair of socks for skiing or snowboarding, you might want to consult the proper care guide to ensure your socks remain intact, are long-lasting within their design and shape and provide optimal comfort for every ride.

Here are some care guide tips which may useful:

• On a normal setting with your washer, make sure your socks are inside out before adding them to the load. Read the instructions on your pair of socks to make sure you use the right temperature setting when washing. The temperature setting from cool or warm water will depend on the materials used for your socks.

• Of course, it is important to retain the shape and fit of your socks and in order to do that; it is recommended to let your socks either dry out naturally laid flat on surface or if you prefer using a tumble dryer; take them out before they are completely dry. By leaving them flat on a surface while damp and avoiding any rolling up or folding – you can maintain and retain the shape and integrity of your socks design.

• Again, consult the washing and care guide instructions which your socks should come with. Take a look at the tag or the packaging for the right ways in caring and washing your socks and be sure not to lend your socks to anyone especially if they are not the exact same fit as you. This will prevent your socks from taking shape of another foot or perhaps stretching your socks out if the other person’s foot is bigger than yours.

So Are Ski or Snowboard Socks Really Different?

Skiing and snowboarding socks differ in their own ways but are commonly found to be quite similar in other ways. At the end of the day, it is all about comfort and fit and then of course personal preferences which come into play. Deciding on what socks to buy should hopefully be a little easier and more fun now that we have given you the full breakdown of features and key aspects to keep in mind while you shop.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Olivia Poglianich          

Content Strategist

Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the ski and snowboard space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.