A winter day with bright sunshine and freshly groomed slopes - there is hardly anything more wonderful for us ski enthusiasts! Do you know how you should dress, and what you have on your feet? A good ski sock can be the difference between a great day on the ski slopes and a less good day with frozen and cold toes. We usually spend a lot of time buying all the equipment for skiing such as clothes, boots and skis, but don't forget that you should also invest in a good pair of ski socks.
A ski sock for alpine skiing should fit well on the foot and keep your feet dry and warm all day long. What is the best ski sock – and what should you consider when choosing the right sock? You will find the answers in our sock guide for skiing!
What is the best ski sock for alpine skiing?
When choosing socks for alpine skiing, there are a few things you should consider. The ski sock should fit comfortably on the foot and keep your feet warm and dry. This way you reduce the risk of chafing and discomfort in the ski boot. Keep this in mind when choosing the best ski sock for skiing:
- Thin and flexible. A thin ski sock with merino wool often keeps your feet warmer than multiple socks, or one thicker sock. If you wear too thick a layer, you trap moisture, which increases the risk of your feet getting sweaty and cold.
- Warming. Socks for skiing should warm your feet and toes, so that you feel warm and comfortable in your ski boots. With merino wool in the sock, you keep most of the cold out, even in tight ski boots.
- Wool and functional materials. The sock should be a blend of wool and functional material. With both merino wool and functional material, you get a ski sock that is quick-drying and stays in place, while also providing warmth.
- High. A pair of high ski socks that reach over the shaft of the ski boot is preferable to avoid an uncomfortable chafing edge.
- Compression. A pair of compression socks is great for long days on the slopes. Compression keeps your legs moving and helps you recover faster afterwards.
What is the difference between ski socks made of merino wool and other materials?
Ski socks made from a blend of wool and functional materials are the best thing you can wear on your feet in your ski boots. Don't wool socks itch against your skin when they're trapped in hard slalom ski boots, you might wonder? No – not if you have a pair of ski socks made from merino wool ! Merino is a soft and comfortable wool from the merino sheep, and is the most comfortable type of wool you can wear next to your body.
Another advantage of ski socks made of merino wool is that wool is naturally dirt-repellent. The wool repels moisture and odors, which keeps your feet dry and fresh! The best thing is to have ski socks in a mixture of merino and functional materials. Then you get a pair of socks that fit perfectly around the foot and calf, while also being warm and breathable.
A pair of alpine socks made entirely of synthetic material, however, will get wet and sweaty because synthetics do not breathe. Therefore, a pair of socks made entirely of synthetic material is not preferable in warm ski boots. Ski socks made of 100% wool are also not good, as socks made entirely of wool do not have the same fit and quick-drying effects as a mixture of merino wool and functional material.
Why ski socks with compression?
There are ski socks both with and without compression. A pair of classic slalom socks without compression is suitable for those who want a softer feeling against the calf. However, if you want to get that little bit extra out of your skiing, you should have a pair of ski socks with compression – for example Compression Skiing . A pair of graduated compression socks for alpine downhill skiing allows you to maximize your skiing in the best way! The advantages of compression in ski socks are:
- Increases blood circulation. Since hard ski boots cause poor blood circulation, compression socks for skiing help increase blood circulation.
- Combats stiff calves. As an effect of increased blood circulation, stiff and tired calves are counteracted.
- Prevents cramps. When skiing in alpine conditions, you wear tight boots, and it's easy to get calf cramps. A pair of compression ski socks will help prevent cramps.
- Warms your feet. When blood circulation in your legs increases, the risk of frozen feet and toes decreases.
- The body recovers faster. The compression in ski socks helps the body recover faster after a long day on the slopes.
Hope to see you on the ski slopes!
Would you like to see our entire range of ski socks for women and men?
Check out Gococo's webshop !
