Ski Socks: Thin vs Thick - What Actually Works Best?

At just about any ski shop, it’s easy to find yourself faced with an actual wall of sock options. This may feel overwhelming or seem like an unnecessary amount of options… but there is a reason. We can help you narrow your focus on the best options for you so the biggest sock decision you need to make is whether to buy solid black ones or a funky print.

Socks have four main important features:

• Material
• Cushioning
• Tightness
•  Size

What material should my socks be?

What your socks are made of is a seriously important thing to consider. While cotton or fluffy socks are great for hanging around at home, ski and snowboard socks are truly performance accessories. Feet get sweaty. You need to make sure your socks wick away moisture so you are not just hanging out in damp socks inside your boots, as this can lead to cold feet or blisters.

Merino Wool 
Merino is a natural fiber that has incredible performance properties. It wicks moisture away from the skin, it’s naturally anti-microbial (no stink), and dries quickly. Merino is a much thinner gauge than regular wool; you shouldn't feel itchy or sensitive to a merino wool sock.

Silk
Silk is often used in socks as it has a natural thermoregulating quality. It can help maintain body temperature, is extremely lightweight, and can be used in very thin or fine construction. It is an incredibly soft fiber and can add a level of cozy comfort and durability. Silk is most often blended with other synthetic moisture-wicking fibers or merino wool.

While we are a bit partial to merino wool, if you have a sensitivity to wool, silk blend or other synthetic moisture-wicking socks can be a great option. Check out the Falke SK5

TLDR: Merino is more breathable and dries faster, Silk and Synthetic are more durable. 

What sock cushioning is best?

Socks come in many different cushion levels. This is where you will generally have the most options. They all serve different purposes. 

Zero Cushion
Like its name implies, these socks will have no cushioning. They are generally the thinnest options and favored by bootfitters. If you have just purchased new ski boots, or are about to, zero cushion is a great option. Less material will help you achieve a snug bootfit, allowing the closest and most comfortable fit when you heat mold your liners. We love the Smartwool Performance Zero Cushion

Over time, ski and snowboard boots will “pack out,” meaning the cushioning in the boots and liners will compress and the boot will feel more spacious. That is when you can opt for heavier cushioned socks.

Targeted Cushion
Targeted cushion socks have zoned cushioning. This allows for some added comfort without too much extra bulk. These zones are usually extra padding in the shin and around the toes or sometimes toes and heels. This is where you can move between sock brands and pick out which targeted cushion sock feels the best to you. If your shins need a little extra protection, pick shin cushioning with only light cushioning in the foot, like these Le Bent Core Light Cushion. 
Targeted cushion socks are best for people who have been in their ski boots for a season or two or for people who simply prefer a little cushioning for comfort.

Full Cushion
Full cushion socks have extra padding throughout the majority, if not all, of the sock. These will feel thick and often can trick people into thinking they will be the warmest option. While they are cozy, if you have brand-new boots or race boots, these socks are going to be too much for inside your boot. This can affect your circulation and, in turn, actually make your feet colder. Full cushion socks are best for skiers whose boots are packed out or for many snowboarders. Plus they often come in great patterns like the Smartwool Full Cushion Sock.

Is it ok to wear two or three pairs of socks?

If you are trying to find solutions for cold toes, two pairs of socks are never the answer. Two pairs are often too much for your boot and can affect your circulation. Two socks can also rub together and create hot spots and blisters. You’re better off choosing the right cushioning level or, if temps are really a problem, treating yourself to the ultimate solution.

Shop: Heated socks or heated insoles.

Heated socks have battery powered heating elements built into your socks. The battery sits above the ski boot and delivers heat on three different settings. 
Heated Insoles are heat elements that can be installed on your existing footbeds and are powered by a similar battery at the top of your boot. You can control the both heat options right from your phone. Read more about these incredible and life-changing (we’re not kidding) options on our Heated Sock vs Insole Review.

How tight should my socks be?

Some more forward-thinking sock companies have been hearing the complaints from many of us who have larger or more athletic calves. If a ski sock has left crazy imprints or caused pain or discomfort around the top of your calf, it may be time to ask your bootfitter about “extra stretch.” Extra stretch socks have a more generous fit at the top of the sock, giving your muscles some much-needed relief. We have some big fans of the new Smartwool Extra Stretch Ski Socks.

Alternatively, ski socks also come in compression options. Compression has been seen in athletic recovery routines for years. Compression can help improve your blood flow, reduce swelling, support your muscles from fatigue, and improve recovery. While they can be a huge pain to put on, they do have a ton of added benefits. When your circulation is flowing, your body is better at regulating temperature, which can help you stay warmer.

What size sock should I choose?

Last but not least, size matters. Making sure you are choosing the right size for your foot is important to ensure you are not wearing a sock a size too big, where the heel pocket rides too high on your heel and creates a blister. Ski socks are often sized in European sizing and US sizing. Double-check the size charts to make sure you are in the right range. If you fall right on the line between two sizes, when in doubt, size down.

Ski and snowboard socks are longer than regular crew socks. They are designed to come up above your shin, just under the knee. The socks should be taller than your boots. If your sock is too short, it will hit inside your boot, which can cause irritation and unnecessary skin boot pain on the shins and leg. This is the big problem with using hiking socks in ski boots.

Shop our Ski and Snowboard Sock Collection and use all your new sock information to pick the right sock for you.