Gear guide: the best ski socks for 2017/18
Whether your priority is warmth, a close fit, extra cushioning or fancy graphics, proper snow-sports socks will enhance your slope time.
Best for hardwearing warmth
Bridgedale Mountain Women’s, £23
A cunning combination of wool and tougher stuff makes these both snuggly and sturdy
Bridgedale’s MerinoFusion technology blends 34 per cent soft, warm, naturally odour-inhibiting merino wool with stronger and stretchier fibres // These keep the fit close avoiding uncomfortable rucking inside boots and boost moisture-wicking power, helping keep feet dry // Soft no-itch merino wool next to the skin // Women-specific fit
bridgedale.com
Best for charging hard all day
Burton [AK] Endurance, £31
Durably high-performance compression socks that’ll help keep snowboarders on the go from first lift to last hike
Spandex compression zones help blood flow to hard-working muscles so they can keep going for longer and recover faster // Fast-drying thanks to a hefty dose of moisture-shifting fibres and channels that keep sweat on the move // Reinforcement underfoot helps protect from big landings and holey soles // A little hit of merino wool bolsters warmth and softness
burton.com
Best for finding your feet
Dare 2b Cocoon, £20
Comfortably padded where it counts, in new never-lose-me in the sock drawer colours
Not only are the colours super-bright, these are, like many ski socks, padded, fitted and labelled for left or right feet // Made of a hardwearing, stretchy and sweat-wicking blend of synthetics with 15 per cent wool for warmth and comfort // Extra padding in high-pressure areas // Comfy seamless toes
dare2b.com
Best for tackling both ups and downs
Falke ST4, £27
Designed for ski tourers, these low-profile socks deliver uphill hiking as well as downhill skiing performance
Thin construction with light padding gives close contact with ski boots, for maximum feedback and exact power transmission while skiing // A high-proportion of merino wool (65 per cent) means they’re still warm for descents and hanging around // Extra cushioning over vulnerable insteps counteracts rubbing when touring uphill // Three-layer structure speeds up moisture wicking
falke.com
Best for Super-natural powers
Kymira Sport Compression, £35
As if by magic, these smart socks convert body heat into performance-enhancing infrared light
Minerals embedded in the fabric convert the heat generated as you ski into infrared, which in turn helps increase oxygen supply to hard-working muscles // This means muscles can work harder for longer and recover sooner // No witchcraft here - the effect is backed up by scientific trials and enhanced by graduated compression around the calves // Infrared also keeps cold feet warm by improving blood circulation // Material holds in heat when it’s cold and is quick drying when it’s warm
kymirasport.com
Best for sensitive shins
Monnet Gel Protech, £42
No more black and blue on the bruise-prone shins thanks to stash pockets for a pair of gel pads
The slender gel pads are included in the price, and reduce friction and pressure over the shins // Socks are built thin for superior feedback and power transmission when skiing // Extra padding protects shins and ankles // Friction-free material at heels and toes helps prevent blisters // PrimaLoft insulation delivers quick-drying warmth underfoot
monnet-sports.com
Best for rockin’ a retro vibe
O’Neill Reissue, £23
Just begging to be shown off by a rolled up trouser come après table-dance time
Part of a wider collection referencing O’Neill’s funky styles from decades past // Mainly made from good-value, hard-wearing acrylic with a bump of polyester for warmth and moisture wicking // Soft-feeling knit // Up to date sock tech includes gentle support for arches
oneill.com
Best for pulling tricks
Stance Candy, £22
With extra protection where it matters in the terrain park, these are the chosen socks of Norwegian big air and slopestyle snowboard sensation Silje Norendal. Take hearts girls!
Merino wool and synthetic blend delivers soft feel and warmth plus durability // Extra padding around ankles and feet to ease the rigours of the park // Moisture-wicking ventilation channels in the padding, plus breathable mesh over the insteps, mean cooler, drier feet // Knitted warmer around the toes // Flat seams minimise rubbing
stance.com
