11 of the best ski socks

Don’t underestimate the power of socks. They can transform a pair of boots you’ve been too cold or cramped in.

They can cushion vibrations or give your nerve endings all the feedback they need to make those skis do what you ask.Too thick and you risk numb toes and lack of control, too thin and they’ll either fall apart in a week or you’ll end up with bruised shins.

So give your feet the socks they deserve and ponder our pick of the top 11 on the market before making your choice this season.

Bridgedale Vertige Light Gunmetal Multi1. BRIDGEDALE
VERTIGE LIGHT
£20 

For technical piste or freeride skiing, the Vertige Light is the ideal sock choice. A lightweight construction featuring low-friction yarns, plus targeted padding in key areas, ensures comfort all day without compromising the performance fit of your boot. The Vertige is also available in a Mid version for the same design but with more weight and warmth. 

FALKE_ST4 Wool2. FALKE
ST4 WOOL £40

These new light ski touring socks from Falke feature patented right and left anatomic toes, padding at the ankle, heel and shin for protection on hard landings, as well as extra padding at the instep for ski tourers to reduce the pressure when going uphill. Use of merino wool ensures optimal foot temperature during the changing load of ski touring. We want a pair. 

3. ICEBREAKER 
SKI+LITE OVER THE CALF SOCK
£23

This lightweight sock is made with an anatomic toe box and seam for blister-free skiing. Strategically placed light cushioning at the Achilles gives you that extra bit of support where you need it, and ensures these will see a few seasons too. Available in men’s and women’s versions. 

4. MONS ROYALE
MERINO SOCKS
£25 

Great-looking merino socks that fit well too. Elastane panels support the foot, eliminating slippage, while mesh panels let your feet breathe and prevent bunching. The linked toe box, shin and heel are padded for added comfort and the ‘keep your socks up’ folded rib band ensure they stay put. Hurrah!

SCOTT Light socks5. SCOTT
SNOW-TAC LIGHT SOCKS
£22.50

Lightweight socks that feature a muscle support design, heel cushion, reinforced stress zone and asymmetric shinbone protection. 

 

SIDAS PROGELProtective gel side16. SIDAS
PROGEL SOCKS
£45

A godsend for skiers who suffer shin pain, these new ProGel socks feature a built-in Silitene gel pad that is designed to absorb shocks and eliminate shin bang on even the mightiest of kickers. They are also anatomically designed with integrated air-conditioning channels to regulate foot temperature and anatomic weaves on the arch and ankle help stabilise the foot within your ski boots. 

SmartwoolSW029-762-1-p

7. SMARTWOOL 
PHD SKI MEDIUM
£21 

The clever use of mesh venting keeps the wearer of this sock cool and dry-footed however hard they hit that killer mogul field. It uses two elastics to avoid annoying slippage (praise the Lord) and ReliaWool technology prevents wear and tear in high-impact areas.

8. TEKO 
M3RINO.XC WOMEN’S SKI MEDIUM
£21

Naturally moisture-wicking and insulating, Teko’s M3rino.XC socks are made with organic Argentinian merino wool that does not itch, shrink or stink and is chlorine free. It has medium cushioning at the shin, heel and ankle for added comfort as well as a seamless toe, arch support band and stay-put ankle band. Boxes = ticked. 

therm-ic_Powersock_Uni_Heat_HW14159. THERM-IC
POWERSOCKS
£159

No, the price is not a typo. These are no ordinary socks. They have removable battery packs to provide your feet with up to 14 hours of warmth, with three adjustable heat levels. The anatomic design features xitanit, a metallic heat transfer material that allows warmth from the battery packs to spread to the whole foot via imperceptible integrated heating elements. Clever. 

Wigwam image 1010. WIGWAM
SNOW HELLION PRO
£22

Made with odour resistant merino wool for itch-free softness which keeps your feet warm (not sweaty). The Dri-release technology keeps feet dry thanks to it’s fast and everlasting wicking abilities and well-placed cushioning in the sole and shin add protection just where you need it. 

11. X-SOCKS
SKI ADRENALINE
£29

Developed by sock scientists (yes, they do exist) for use in extreme conditions, the Ski Adrenaline sock features cushions and support in sensitive areas like your Achilles tendon, in-step and ankles,as well as a material mix of merino wool and compound yarns to keep your feet warm and dry. The Sinofit system in the footbed prevents any nasty smells, too.