The Best Ski Socks of 2024-2025 | GearJunkie Tested

Nobody likes cold, clammy, or tingly feet. Seemingly simple, ski socks are a surprisingly technical layer that’s critical for keeping your feet warm, protected, and comfortable. Finding the right pair for your foot circulation, activity, and boots in addition to the conditions like temperature, lets you enjoy the slopes or ski tour even longer.

Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, this around-the-toes layer performs a key role in the health of your feet and overall. Some designs are made of synthetic material like the Dissent GFX Compression Hybrid, which are also a compression-style design, so they’re very foot-hugging to resistant movement in your boot. This is a great sock for athletic, aggressive downhilling and tours. Other socks like the Smartwool Targeted Cushion Over The Calf Sock feature merino wool, which provides warmth, a softer hand feel and a less restrictive hold on your feet. This is a solid choice for everyday resort laps, especially if it’s colder out.

Ski socks are also suitable for a range of other snowy adventures or outdoor work from sledding and snowmobiling to shoveling or snowshoeing. To learn more about how ski and snowboard socks differ from one to the next, read the Buyer’s Guide or jump to the Price & Value summary. Still weighing your options? Consult our Comparison Chart to see how ski socks stack up. Otherwise, take a look at our awarded goods for the 2024-2025 season.

Editor’s Note: We updated our Ski Socks buyer’s guide on October 31, 2024, with the Fox River Bootfitter Elite and Icebreaker Medium Over the Calf Socks, as well as sections on warranty, odor resistance, how to care, women’s-specific and snowboard-specific designs.

Whether you’re skiing the deepest pow of the Pacific Northwest or snowboarding the steep mountains of Colorado, the Smartwool Men’s Over The Calf Sock and Smartwool Women’s Over The Calf Sock ($30) with targeted cushion is our pick for the best ski and snowboard socks. Designed with both comfort and performance in mind, this ski sock really does it all. The brand even makes iterations that are tailored to snowboard boots for guys and gals: the Snowboard Retro Line Over The Calf Socks and the women’s Snowboard Piste Machine Over The Calf Socks. While not every skier and snowboarder prescribes to sport-specific socks and not every athlete selects gender-specific socks, Smartwool specifically tailors the cushion in each sock to foot and boot type.

We rocked these socks skiing in a variety of conditions — sunshine, snow, and even sleet — and they kept our feet warm and dry. What did we love the most? The seamless toe design prevents users from blistering or having that strange “something’s in my boot,” feeling. With a wider fit welt (the ribbed band located at the top of the sock that helps keep it securely in place on the calf) we never felt like our circulation or protection was compromised. These socks also get bonus points for being available in a variety of colors and patterns.

When skiing and snowboarding, it is crucial that your feet and toes stay dry which is why the body-mapped mesh zones of this targeted cushion hosiery stood out from the rest. The islands of cushion are strategically concentrated in the heel cup, toe box, and against the shin. If you’d like even more cushion, check out Smartwool’s full cushion iteration — the Smartwool Women’s Ski Full Cushion Over The Calf Socks and Smartwool Men’s Ski Full Cushion Over The Calf Socks — which has varying densities of cushion that wrap from the top of the calf down to the toe, underside of the foot, over the heel and up the Achilles.

These socks are not only soft but breathable enough to last you all day on the mountain without getting swampy. Ultimately, the Over The Calf Sock is a great choice for someone looking for all-around comfort, compression, and durability in a pair of ski socks.

Budget friendly, thoughtfully designed, and comfortable, the Wigwam Sirocco ($17) is a superb choice for those looking for a performance-friendly sock that isn’t expensive. At under $20, you get all the benefits of a higher-end sock such as breathability, compression, and warmth.

Not only is Wigwarm the official sock sponsor for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard teams, they also create products for every type of skier and snowboarder, and we loved the versatility of their Sirocco model.

The Sirocco has a slightly compressed, wide cuff that helps this medium-weight sock stay put. The design is fully cushioned to offer as much warmth as possible.

This sock also has a reinforced shin panel with extra cushion. If you’re looking for a design that will deliver warmth and is a few bucks less than its competition, the Sirocco is it.

Cody Townsend and Elyse Saugstad recently released heavily updated versions of their namesake ski socks, specific for men and women: the Le Bent Elyse Saugstad Pro Series Zero Cushion and Le Bent Cody Townsend Pro Series Zero Cushion Snow Sock ($40). The overhaul was so stellar it received an ISPO award. Likewise a solid contender for backcountry tours, the CEP Ski Touring Compression Socks have moderate graduated compression and less merino wool, while this Le Bent series is softer, incorporates more merino plus bamboo (which is really soft), and doesn’t have graduated compression.

This unique textile blends merino wool with bamboo rayon, is wildly soft (a signature detail of Le Bent), and provides excellent odor resistance. After testing the new sock, we found this to be true, on repeat. There are several unique components of this pair: Silicone strips are strategically placed on the fabric’s exterior Achilles and the interior cuff to help prevent rubbing and slippage. It works.

Ventilation panels are placed at the top of the foot to let off steam on a climb. The fabric around the Achilles is also tactfully knit to hold the inside of the boot, minimizing heel lift. While this model is a zero cushion sock, it doesn’t feel as thin as other Le Bent socks have in the past — it feels like a durable, lower-mid-weight sock. The elasticated instep helps prevent bunching while skinning uphill or ripping bell-to-bell pow laps, which we appreciate.

Aside from the name difference, the Elyse Saugstad version boasts all the same high-caliber traits but the fit is slightly shorter in the forefoot length and leg height. One note: The ladies’ socks are quite long and reach all the way to the back of our knee, so we’d like to see a slightly shorter version. Otherwise, this lightweight, lightly cushioned, bamboo-merino blend is one of the first pairs we grab when heading to the resort or on a tour. We absolutely recommend snagging a pair of the Elyse Saugstad Zero Cushion and Cody Townsend Zero Cushion Snow Socks.

With a lean silhouette, CEP’s expansion of the Ski Collection and the CEP Men’s Ski Touring Compression Socks and CEP Women’s Ski Touring Compression Socks ($55) have been a blessing to our hardworking feet. And new for 2024-2025, CEP is adding more wool and adjusting the fit slightly for better control in the boot, comfort, warmth, and moisture management.

Constructed with a honey pot of graduated compression that’s not too tight (a moderate 20-30 mmHg), these backcountry-centric socks stay put no matter how many vertical feet we’re climbing and descending each day in ski or snowboard boots. We’ve experienced no blisters, fabric clumping, odors, or shifting underfoot, even on sunny, calm days that reach 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

This sock is a good choice for backcountry travelers who prefer nice padding on the shin and around the ankle bones but an otherwise light, quick-drying sock that hugs like a hero. Sock sizes are also tailored to the calf circumference and made for guys and gals with these CEP Compression Socks for ski workouts.

If you’re looking for a performance sock with ultimate breathability and an as-close-as-it-gets fit inside your boots, look no further. The Dissent GFX Compression Hybrid ($58) is thin with low-profile padding — the second-most amount of padding offered among the GFX Compression ski sock lineup — and the Polygiene material treatment does a good job masking odors. While this sock has a very snug compression-style fit, the CEP Ski Touring Compression Socks have actual graduated compression: a moderate 20-30 mmHg.

The addition of NanoGlide fibers helps to prevent friction, despite being thin, while also enhancing hydrophobic (quick-drying) ability: We’ve never experienced blisters or hot spots with these socks. We like the slight cushion over the shin and around the ankle and the tight-fitting seamless toe. After testing for several seasons, there’s only a bit of pilling but no holes, either.

In terms of sustainability, Dissent is certainly crushing the realm. This season, the brand’s products will be made without any toxic effluent materials, meaning the manufacturing of their yarn will not be harmful to people or the environment. This, combined with their aim to use 100% renewable energy, is why they are a top choice for us in terms of sustainability.

We love the anatomical design of the GFX Compression Hybrid, the excellent breathability (especially for sweaty, hot feet), and the lack of slippage.

We’ve never had a ski sock be so buttery smooth against our feet. This Le Bent Core Light Snow Sock ($32) is an athletic luxury. The fibers cover odors well and the fit doesn’t slide around but isn’t restrictive.

What we love about this ski and snowboard sock is the intentional ventilation system throughout. This allows for maximum breathability without losing any of the needed arch and achilles support one would want from a sock.

The technology of this sock has some pretty impressive engineering and applications. Le Bent implemented rubber strips on the heel and calf closure that lock in your leg once it’s in a ski boot. This prevents the sock from sliding around which lessens any risks of blisters or hot spots.

The caveat for ultimate comfort — we’ve noticed that Le Bent socks tend to wear down a tad faster, especially in the heel, compared to other blends. But being below the pricier ski socks on our list, we still think it’s worth having the Core Light Snow Sock in our drawer. For a slightly denser sock, check out the Smartwool Ski Full Cushion Over The Calf Socks.

If you are looking for a ski sock that provides warmth, stability and a generous amount of medium cushioning, consider the Smartwool Women’s Ski Full Cushion Over The Calf Socks and Smartwool Men’s Ski Full Cushion Over The Calf Socks ($31). The cushion is applied to the shin, achilles, toebox, heel, and underfoot. Smartwool even makes designs tailored for snowboard boots and riders: the Women’s Snowboard Moon Energy Over The Calf Socks and the Snowboard Iguchi Pattern Over The Calf Socks. Ideal for all-day, all-mountain use, these ski socks performed well across varying conditions and temperatures, which we discovered while lapping high-altitude resorts in Colorado.

We found that even on the most slippery, icy runs, these socks kept our feet snug and stable with no fit issues or potential for shin bang. Despite our toes staying toasty warm in the frigid temps, these socks remained breathable and moisture-wicking due to the fabric’s 63% merino wool and body-mapped mesh zones incorporated throughout the design. Reaching over the calf and a few centimeters below the knee, these ski socks provide enough length to keep your shins protected above your boots, but not so much fabric that they bunch up while you are riding. The added elastic welt, the opening at the top of the ski sock, is just tight enough to keep our legs warm, but compressive enough without restricting any blood flow. It also makes for easy take on and off when transitioning in and out of your ski boots.

Smartwool’s cutting-edge 4-Degree elite fit system, which is the strategically woven x-shaped skeleton found on the foot of these socks, is one of the many innovations we loved about the Ski Full Cushion Over The Calf Socks. Essentially, this added engineering utilizes four cross-stitched bands to encase your foot and heel in the base of the sock to prevent any slippage or blisters. This fit system, combined with the ultimately seamless toebox, will help you confidently conquer any run on the mountain without compromising any comfort or stability in your ski boots.

The men’s and women’s versions of these socks have differing anatomical design elements (like the women’s narrower heel and generally slimmer fit), but be sure to try on either depending on your preferences and leg shape. If you’re into purchasing sustainably made products, it is important to note that Smartwool is moving towards making these socks from 100% recycled Nylon each season. Right now the Women’s Ski Full Cushion Over The Calf Socks sit at 25% recycled nylon, while the patterned versions are at 30%.

Overall, we highly recommend the Ski Full Cushion Over The Calf Socks for a skier or snowboarder looking for a little more added cushion in their socks without sacrificing performance or warmth. If this amount of cushion seems overkill, look into the Over The Calf Sock, which have islands of cushion that are strategically concentrated in the heel cup, toe box, and against the shin.

Fox River took an innovative route to better boot-fitting with the Fox River Bootfitter Elite Ultra-Lightweight Over-The-Calf Sock ($28). The brand used its already solid sock platform and used bright yarns to highlight the architecture of the wearer’s foot. The gastrocnemius muscle, medial malleolus, and calcaneal tendon — it’s all highlighted on the sock.

There are two reasons for the intricate anatomical design. First, it’s next to impossible to put this sock on wrong. Markings help line up the shin, heel pockets, and ankle bones, and the left/right socks are clearly marked. That will improve sock fit and overall ski boot fit immensely for most users right away. Second, it’s a great educational tool for skiers who require heavy boot work to get their hardgoods dialed in. The sock, combined with the handy anatomical guide on the website, gives skiers and bootfitters a common lexicon for addressing foot issues.

The Bootfitter Elite has specific material for each characteristic that we look for in a sock with its blend of 46% merino wool, 44% nylon, and 5% Nanoglide nylon. The merino wool kept these socks stink-free for weeks, and the nylon provided solid durability. We appreciated the proprietary Nanoglide in the heel, which helped us slip into tight-fitting ski boots more easily.

This name is a bit of a misnomer. We would consider the Bootfitter a light-to-medium weight rather than ultralight. It wasn’t our favorite sock for ski touring, but it was versatile across many outdoor activities that require a good fit and a bit of warmth including skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, ice climbing, winter hiking, and snowshoeing. Among our favorite ski touring socks are the Le Bent Elyse Saugstad Pro Series Zero Cushion and Le Bent Cody Townsend Pro Series Zero Cushion Snow Sock, which are light but provide warmth with the merino, and they have silicone along the inside of the uppermost hem and on the exterior Achilles to help keep the socks up and in position.

Read Review: Better Fit for Better Skiing: Fox River Bootfitter Elite Ski Sock Review

With a lighter density, the over-the-calf tall FITS Light Ski Sierra ($28) is a supreme choice for those looking for both performance and breathability in a sock. This ski and snowboard sock is made with a combination of merino wool and nylon, making it stretchy enough without losing that ideal amount of embrace while shredding the mountain.

An innovative touch, FITS’ dynamic toe design conforms to your toes, reducing any risks of blisters or unwanted pressure points. This feature, adjacent to the performance-oriented yarn, makes for a ski sock that is consistently comfortable, elastic, and moisture-wicking.

We rocked these at the resort without any issues. Buttery soft and generous in length, the Light Ski Sierra comfortably nestled itself into our ski boot with little to no movement.

A targeted cushion is located in the shin, toe box, and heel for protection where you tend to feel the most impact in your boots. This Light Ski Sierra is perfect for the do-it-all skier who wants to ski or ride all day without compromising comfort or performance on the mountain.

These Icebreaker merino Ski+ Medium Over the Calf Socks ($31) impressed us with their all-around performance during open-to-close ski days in any weather. There’s a women’s version, too. The Ski+ socks, like many others on this list, utilize a mix of merino wool and nylon. The merino is what gives them good warmth, moisture movement, and stink resistance, while the nylon adds stretchiness and durability. We were pleased with the ratio, which is relatively standard because it’s tried-and-true.

We liked the medium weight, which we felt was a good, versatile balance. They were warm enough on freezing cold days, but our boots didn’t turn into swamp buckets during the warmest spring corn sessions. Our tight-fitting boots were happy to have a warm, cushioned sock that was still low profile so as not to create painful pressure points.

The Ski+ socks sport minimalist cushion in anatomically appropriate areas — what they call variable cushion density. The padding was medium where we wanted it, like down the shin and behind the ankle, but lighter behind the calf and under the foot. They fit a variety of feet well without any slack, too.

Being so stretchy and moderately cushy, they weren’t our favorite socks for ski touring. Instead, they’re a great option for downhill skiing and snowboarding, winter hiking, snowshoeing, and any other cold weather activity that requires all day comfort and a little bit of warmth.

Darn Tough’s over-the-calf, midweight cushioned Yeti is a great sock for skiers and snowboarders across the board. The Darn Tough Yeti Over-the-Calf Midweight Ski & Snowboard Sock for Women ($29) and Darn Tough Men’s Captain America Cushion Sock ($28) has a performance fit with natural microbial properties thanks to the sock’s large percentage of merino wool.

Built with a performance silhouette, the socks are meant to stay put: no bunching, no slippage. They are also highly durable and will last you for multiple seasons of use.

To help dump heat, there are multiple zones with mesh panels that are integrated throughout. For long-term durability, the Achilles and footbed are reinforced, which we need for athletic pursuits. The Yeti Over-the-Calf Midweight Ski & Snowboard Sock for Women and Captain America Cushion Sock is one of our favorite choices for ski days.

If you are on the hunt for an ultra-thin ski sock then look no further than the FITS Ski FILM ($30). This lightweight ski and snowboard sock features a blend of super-fine merino Wool and nylon, making this foot-sweater silky soft and breathable. The FITS heel lock feature on the Ski Film Socks prevents these foundational layers from shifting when paired with a properly fitting boot.

When purchasing a thin sock such as the Ski FILM, it is important to consider the fit of the ski boot you are pairing alongside the socks. With the lack of cushioning, this pair requires a tight-fitting boot to prevent any blisters.

Overall, the Ski FILM is a great OTC (over-the-calf) option for those skiers seeking a slim-fitting sock for a max foot-to-liner contact. Whether you’re ripping the slalom course, or touring up the skin track, these socks will keep your feet dry and protected.

Another lightweight and breathable option for skiers or snowboarders looking for all-day use in their socks are the Icebreaker merino Ski Light Over the Calf Socks ($29). Anatomically designed in both men’s and women’s styles, these socks hold up well during those warmer spring skiing days and frosty mornings.

Icebreaker went light on the cushioning of these socks, which is what we think is one of the stronger design features. We easily glided into our ski boots with these on, and never felt like the material was too bulky or cumbersome while conquering the slopes.

We did notice that the merino Ski Light are not as soft as some of the other options in this guide as the fabric does have more of a textured feel. However, preferred softness in ski or snowboard socks is really a skier-to-skier preference.

With the various options in fit for gals and guys, the merino Ski Light Over the Calf Socks is a durable and well-constructed ski socks for anyone looking to get extended use out of their ski or snowboard socks.

We like the comfort and look of the midweight Norrøna Lofoten Mid Weight Merino Sock Long ($49). We like the consistent fit and the combination of both style and quality.

These socks hold their shape and are functional, even on colder days. Norrøna also uses uber-soft, traceable, mulesing-free wool in this sock. The construction is quality for season after season, and a perfect mix of warmth and fit. However, they can be too hot for ski touring and better for skiing in front- or side-country terrain.

They’re a bit of an investment, but the Lofoten Mid Weight merino Sock Long are some of the best ski socks on the market.

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Fabric, Thickness, Length.

It’s safe to say that our team of GearJunkie testers always puts on ski socks before each ski and ride outing, so we’ve tested a huge variety of technical snow hosiery over the decades.

Leading the team, GearJunkie Senior Editor specializing in SnowSports Morgan Tilton has been skiing and snowboarding for more than 30 years. Tilton backcountry tours and uphills, drives an off-trail snowmobile, hits the Nordic corduroy, and competes in skimo races. She’s faced a foot cold injury (level II, i.e., superficial frostbite) and searched for all types of socks for her snowboard boots, ski boots, and snow boots.

Bergen Tjossem is another ski fanatic testing socks with GearJunkie. Born, raised, and based in Vail, Colorado, Tjossem is known for finding the limits of his gear. He could fill a comic book with stories about his “eccentric” feet after 30 years of stuffing them into slightly-too-small ski boots and a decade of toe bashing while skimo racing, ice climbing, and ski touring. In the 2023-2024 season, he clocked nearly 150K of human-powered vertical feet while backcountry skiing, 25 days at the resort, and 10 days of ice climbing while testing ski socks.

GearJunkie contributor Meghan LaHatte also evaluates ski socks for this guide. Having suffered a chronic injury from the aftermath of vicious frostnip on her toes, she puts foot health first, especially in the winter: You can trust that she has honest opinions about ski socks.

Contributors Mary Murphy and Austin Beck-Doss have also researched and tested ski socks for this guide, which was first published in 2020, and has received seven updates.

While she works with gear testers, Tilton field tests in Gunnison Valley between the desk shuffle. In 2023, she tested ski socks for 114 hours across 35 days. To date in 2024, she has tested ski socks for 216 hours throughout 62 days of recreation from the ski area to the backcountry and from blizzards to bluebird days.

Also based in Gunnison Valley, LaHatte has been skiing consistently for nearly a decade and enjoys powder days at the resort, long tours on the skin track, and sunshine-filled slush days.

While testing ski socks, we focus on the textile blend, warmth, breathability, targeted cushion, height, stretch, elasticity, durability, compression fit, graduated medical-grade compression, softness, fit, heel cup, Achilles, hem, toe box, targeted mesh zones, seams, odor resistance, cleanness of threads, colors and pattern, density, and sustainability.

We consider sport-specific and gender-specific models, too. And we narrow down the most popular, novel, and legacy designs. We test socks at the resort and in the backcountry and during on-snow workouts, as well as across genders, to qualify the product claims.

Wondering if you should invest in wool or synthetic? When it comes to ski socks, a blend of both is best. But there are still dozens of types of fabrics out there. Our favorite socks in testing all had a blend of merino wool, nylon (or polyamide nylon), and elastane or Lycra spandex for stretch.

To learn more about how wool and synthetic materials differ, read below.

When shopping for ski and snowboard socks, you will often see “merino wool” on the packaging. merino wool is derived from merino sheep, mostly found in Australia and New Zealand. Because of its softness and natural ability to wick moisture and retain heat, it is used in most ski and snowboard socks, as well as winter base layers.

How does merino wool differ from normal wool? For starters, it is much thinner than normal wool, allowing it to be more moisture wicking and odor resistant than the latter. This thinness makes it useful for those garments closest to your skin — like ski and snowboard socks.

If you are weary of purchasing wool socks due to ethical or sustainability issues, be sure to check out the ski socks’ brand’s resourcing initiatives. For example, Smartwool has partnered with ZQ merino, an organization that focuses on certifying manufactures and creating standards that end abuse in the merino supply chain.

For those looking for a ski sock mostly composed of merino wool, the Norrøna Lofoten Mid Weight Merino Sock Long is a great choice for those wanting all the benefits of natural fibers.

Most ski socks are engineered with a mixture of natural and synthetic materials. While wool socks tend to be the choice material for skiing and snowboarding socks, synthetic fabrics can perform just as well on the slopes in insulating, moisture wicking and comfort abilities.

Synthetic materials are often a combination of polyester, nylon, and spandex fabrics. They perform well in breathability and moisture prevention, but it is important to note that they tend to take longer to dry than wool after becoming wet.

We believe that synthetic and wool materials function at their best when combined, which is why you will see that a majority of the products listed in this guide use both materials in complementary pairs. With 66% of its fabrics being merino Wool and 34% being synthetic, the FITS Light Ski Sierra is a prime example of how successful the relationship of these materials can be.

Regardless of what fabric you choose for your ski and snowboard socks, always turn away from cotton. It lacks the heat-retention and moisture-wicking abilities that wool and synthetic materials provide.

The other important element to look for in ski socks is not just the fabric itself, but how it’s woven. Are there flatlock seams, seamless toes, heel lock features, reinforced zones, or extra padding or cushioning in the shins? All of these elements can heavily impact how well you enjoy your day on the mountain. We think the best ski socks are those you don’t notice too much in your boots, i.e, they keep your feet at a comfortable temperature without any feeling of itchiness, lumps and hot spots.

Many ski and snowboard socks are anatomically constructed, meaning they are designed to fit the contours and shapes of the user’s lower legs. Anatomically designed ski socks tend to be labeled “Left” and “Right” to allow the most accurate fit. An example of this purposeful design element and application can be found in the Icebreaker Merino Ski+ Light Over the Calf Socks.

With ski socks it’s really all in the details. Ski socks like the Le Bent Core Light Snow Sock with heel and calf lock features stood out to us due to their purposeful engineering and useful applications.

When deciding on a ski or snowboard sock it is important to consider all of these design elements and your own personal preference. Do you prefer a more bare feel to your socks, or do you want your feet to feel like they are fully cushioned? To learn more about these construction elements, keep reading below.

When thinking about your skiing and snowboarding socks, an important construction aspect to consider is length. Most ski socks are designed in longer styles that reach above the calf right below the knee. The longer the sock, the more insulated your feet and legs can stay inside your boots.

Your ski and snowboard socks are ultimately your second skin when you are shredding, so it is important to note that the longer the sock, the more protected you are. If you get a ski sock that is an incorrect length for you, you may fall victim to shin bang — a painful injury caused by your ski boots and socks creating pressure points on your shins while skiing.

On the longer end of the scale, we preferred the Smartwool Targeted Cushion Over The Calf Sock. Those that prefer a more exact fit at or below the calf should consider the Dissent GFX Compression Hybrid sock.

Ultimately, sock fit in terms of length is dependent on your leg height, so it is recommended you try on socks with your boots before you buy.

If you are mainly touring, you’ll probably want a lighter ski or snowboard sock that won’t rub or slide around, and that wicks sweat super well. If you ski in very cold climates, you may want a midweight for warmth. In general, performance-oriented skiers often reach for a leaner sock that allows a more precise feel.

You’ll also want to consider how a sock fits within your boot — and make sure that the sock-boot combo is not too tight — this can play a role in circulation and heat management, too. If you run cold, you’ll also want to consider a midweight (or even heavily cushioned) sock. A boot-sock combination that is too loose can lead to foot cramping, hot spots and blistering, making for a less than ideal day on the mountain.

In our reviews above, we listed each sock’s type of thickness or weight: this refers to ultralight, lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight fabrics. We’ve also called out whether the socks have added cushioning.

In terms of weight, our editors (a mix of intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders) all leaned toward preferring lighter to medium weight socks, such as the Smartwool Ski Full Cushion socks.

As mentioned above, we carefully considered the cushioning of all the ski and snowboard socks we have listed in this guide. Cushioning refers to the parts of the sock that have been given added thickness to increase padding and comfort. Most often, you will find cushioning in the toes, heels, shins and sometimes soles of the socks.

Cushioning is a key element to consider in your ski or snowboard socks if you are seeking to protect your toes from blistering, the cold, or hot spots. There are three levels of cushioning, light, medium and heavy. You’ll want lighter cushioning if you crave a more responsive feel in your ski boots, or you may want medium to heavy style if you like the extra padding. If your ski boots are rentals or packed out from extended use, heavier cushioning in your ski socks might just be your best friends on the mountain.

Out of the socks we have listed in this guide our choice for lighter cushioning is the Icebreaker Merino Ski Light Over the Calf Socks. Our choice for medium cushion is the Darn Tough OTC Yeti. If you are looking for a ski or snowboard sock with no additional cushioning whatsoever, we recommend the paper thin FITS Ski FILM.

Perhaps the most important element of a ski sock is how it fits. Like we mentioned earlier, when you are skiing or snowboarding at the resort or in the deep backcountry, your socks should feel like a second skin. A well-fitting ski sock should adhere itself to your foot and leg without any unnecessary bunching, sliding or circulation prevention.

Most ski and snowboard socks are anatomically designed, meaning they are customized to fit the contours of the leg, while also providing a certain level of arch support to prevent any sort of foot fatigue while you’re crushing the slopes. Furthermore, many ski socks have a heel lock feature, such as the FITS Light Ski Sierra, to hinder any blisters and improve stability within the ski boot.

When thinking about fit in a ski or snowboard sock, it is imperative to consider the type of ski boot you will be pairing with it. Do you have a tight racing style boot that requires a high performance fit in a ski sock? Or do you have a pair of spacious snowboard boots that could use the extra arch support from a heel lock feature?

Some brands, like Darn Tough, make no distinction between skiing and snowboarding in its sock design. The designers posit that various sock thicknesses, padding, and height can work for either skiing or snowboarding boots, depending on personal preference and how your boots fit. Skiers or riders with tighter boots are often best suited to thinner socks. Those with a more generous boot fit have more room for thicker, more insulating, and more padded or protective socks.

Other brands, like Smartwool, strategically place padding in different zones for ski and snowboard socks. The brand’s ski socks come in zero cushion for vacuum-tight ski boots. The targeted cushion offers more comfort and protection without adding bulk. And the full cushion versions are best for higher-volume or more packed out ski boots. Smartwool’s snowboard socks, on the other hand, come in targeted cushion and full cushion, which are slightly thicker than the corresponding ski version and sport more connected sections of padding. Fox River likewise adds more cushion in the snowboard socks while the designs lean more ultralight for ski socks.

We’ve extended the life of our packed-out ski boots for an entire season by switching from a typical zero-cushion ski sock to a fully cushioned snowboard sock to help fill in the additional volume. In general, it’s great to try a few different pairs of snow socks with various padding to dial in your boot fit and warmth requirements for different days.

Bottom line: A snow sock that matches your boot volume and fit, padding preference, and insulation needs will be more beneficial than focusing on whether it’s labeled as a ski or snowboard sock. That said, following labels is an excellent start point for finding your first technical pair of snowsports socks.

Many of the socks in this guide, like the Fox River Bootfitter Elite, come in both Men’s and Women’s versions. Le Bent’s Cody Townsend & Elyse Saugstad Pro Series Zero Cushion Socks also split a great sock into men’s and women’s iterations. At first glance, it’s tough to tell them apart, aside from the colors and size runs. But men and women tend to have different enough foot shapes to justify separate sock shapes. We asked designers at Smartwool and Fox River for more details.

According to Smartwool, women tend to have narrower feet that taper more toward the heel than men’s feet, so women’s-specific socks have an overall narrower profile and smaller heel volume. Fox River uses an entirely different machine for women’s socks that allows them to weave a smaller, more precise-fitting sock. That doesn’t mean women’s socks are just for women, though. Anybody with a relatively narrow foot and heel could benefit from a women’s sock to improve sock fit.

In addition, Smartwool found through thermal body mapping that men’s and women’s feet sweat differently. So some of the brand’s socks have breathable zones placed in strategic locations, which differ between the men’s and women’s socks. This won’t make-or-break your ski day, but it’s worth noting if you tend to use your ski socks for other aerobic winter activities like trail running.

Some ski socks come in unisex sizing. That will work great for some folks and for some activities, but it won’t work for everyone — especially those whose foot shapes fall outside the norm. We’re partial to the best fitting socks we can get our hands on. That’s why we tend to pick men’s and women’s specific socks for skiing rather than more generic-fitting non-gendered socks, because, as Fox River says, “Skiing starts with your feet.”

Depending on their materials and design, many ski and snowboard socks have a certain level of stretch, or lack thereof. In conjunction with fit, elasticity can affect how well your ski socks support your leg inside of a ski boot.

Elasticity is achieved through the use of specialized materials such as spandex or Lycra, a synthetic material that has exceptional stretch to it. When thinking about elasticity in ski socks, you’ll want the “Goldilocks,” i.e., not too stretchy and not too taut.

It is also important to consider the ability of your socks to “recover” after they have been used for extended periods of time. Do they return back to their normal shape, or do they remain stretched out? A sock designed with a proper amount of elasticity should recover without affecting long term use, but should also not be too loose that extra fabric bunches up in your boots.

With just the right amount of stretch without risking quality, the Le Bent Core Light Snow Sock and Wigwam Sirocco are our go-to picks in this category.

Despite skiing or snowboarding in subzero temperatures, your feet can still get too hot and thus uncomfortably sweaty. Picking out ski socks designed with breathable fabrics is crucial to keeping your feet warm and dry, and preventing any blisters or smelly odor build up from sweat.

When you are spending several hours skiing, your body is generating an exuberant amount of energy, thus creating heat. Because your legs are doing a bulk of the work, your boots tend to be on the receiving end of this reaction. This heat will inevitably lead to sweat creation if you’re not wearing a technical pair of socks designed to prevent this from happening.

As mentioned above, merino wool and synthetic materials like nylon or polyester are experts at wicking away unwanted moisture and insulating heat. Breathable fabrics help regulate the temperature of your foot inside the boot, while also hindering any cold air or moisture from penetrating your feet.

When it comes to breathability, the Smartwool Ski Full Cushion and Targeted Cushion Over The Calf Sock performed the best. Remember, avoid cotton at all costs. Once cotton is wet from sweat, you’re in for a bad time.

Let’s face it: socks eventually get stinky, and at some point, you’re going to need to wash them. But good ski socks will go a surprisingly long time before the odor crosses the line. Because socks are tasked with stinky work, companies typically go one of two routes that help to mitigate odors: if the blend includes wool, it has supplemental odor resistance. Or, the brand adds an odor-resistant treatment to the fabric.

Wool is tough if not impossible to beat when it comes to fending off stench. Between its ability to stay dry, natural wax on the wool fibers, and microscopically scaly structure, wool is naturally hostile to bacteria that feed off our glandular secretions and emit stench as a bi-product. The more wool in the sock, the better they resist stink.

Some products, especially those that don’t contain much or any wool, will use a treatment like Polygiene to fend off the growth of bacteria. While treatments vary, many of them — including Polygiene — utilize silver chloride, a naturally occurring salt that is hostile to microbes. Such treatments keep the fabric stink-free until the socks are really grungy.

When you purchase a pair of ski or snowboard socks, remember that you are investing in your health, comfort and overall enjoyability on the mountain. This is why it is important to remember that the best socks will last the longest without a loss in quality or performance.

In thinking about durability, consider the setting and application your ski and snowboard socks will be used the most. Are you vacationing for a week to Colorado and need something that will work with rental boots? Or are you a daily skier, never missing a day on the resort?

If you are an aggressive skier or riding 80-100 days per season, it’d be counterintuitive to pick an ultralight sock due to its shorter lifespan. If you are looking to tour a few days here and there with a mix of resort skiing, consider a midweight sock that would apply itself well to either situation.

Ensure that if you plan on putting your socks through the wringer, you opt for ones with stronger (synthetic fibers), reinforced seams, or ones that hold up to lots of washes.

For durability, the Darn Tough over-the-calf socks won the most votes in a staff poll.

You’ll notice that a few of our picks on this list are labeled as “compression” socks. Commonly used by those in the medical and athletics industries, compression socks help improve circulation and reduce fatigue in the legs. They work by applying pressure to the feet and legs, thus preventing blood from pooling in the veins and improving overall blood flow. For these reasons and more, compression socks can be a great option for those looking for a similar effect in their ski and snowboard socks.

Compression can vary in ski and snowboard socks, from lighter to firmer pressure. They also tend to have a smaller pressure rating than medical grade compression socks. Users with circulation or muscle issues may benefit from a firmer compression sock, especially if they are skiing all day or hitting the skin track for a long tour. However, firm compression socks can be a bit of a challenge to get on, so definitely try before you buy.

Our top picks for ski and snowboard compression socks? The CEP Ski Touring Compression Socks and the Dissent GFX Compression Hybrid took the cake.

Socks are high-wear gear — made out of fabric — and they won’t last forever. But high-quality socks often come with a solid warranty. Did your toes bust out prematurely? Before you toss them, it’s worth checking out, because a warranty could get you a replacement.

The ski socks in this guide come with a spectrum of warranties. Most brands, like Fox River, offer a baseline coverage: Your socks can be replaced if there is a manufacturer defect within a few years after purchase. Other brands extend the coverage for the life of the socks. “Manufacturer defects”’ usually doesn’t include general wear and tear. And some of our favorites, like the pricey Icebreaker’s Merino Ski+ Socks, only cover manufacturer defects for 12 months.

The next level up are warranties that completely cover the product for a limited time. Smartwool, for example, boasts what it calls the “Go Far. Feel Good. Guarantee,” which promises to replace your socks for any reason for two years from the point of purchase. This is often the sweet spot for a warranty — it shows that the company is confident that their socks will perform and survive a thrashing.

Many companies offer a more vague “100% satisfaction guarantee,” which should also cover sock blowouts, tears, defects, and a variety of other gripes. The actual replacement or refund criteria varies from company to company, though.

Darn Tough reigns supreme in the warranty department with their “Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life” term. It states, “If these aren’t the longest lasting socks you’ve ever owned, you can return them to us for another pair. No receipt needed, just the pair in question.” That’s why many of our gear testers have relied on Darn Toughs for years.

Taking care of your socks isn’t rocket science. But a little bit of extra care and attention can greatly extend the lifespan and performance of your favorite socks. Haven’t checked the website’s care guide? There’s a good chance you’re washing your socks wrong. Some of us certainly have.

Most companies urge a simple routine: Wash your socks in cold or cool water (less than 90 degrees F) with your typical detergent. Skip the dryer and hang them to dry instead. That way, they won’t shrink or get stretched out from heat or mechanical tumbling. It may seem obvious, but never iron your socks, and skip the bleach. The disclaimer here is that you should check your specific product’s care instructions, because different material blends require slightly different care.

When it comes to storing, especially for garments with wool, it’s best to fold them rather than hang them or stuff them inside one another. This helps extend the socks’ elasticity. Stretched out socks are a bummer.

Ski socks can be expensive, we know — 20, 30, sometimes up to 60 bucks for one pair. But if you buy based on the tips and picks we’ve laid out here, know that you will get a great sock when it comes to keeping your feet comfortable, warm, and secure in your boots. You’ll also get one tailored to what you need.

Our most budget-friendly and inexpensive pick for ski and snowboard socks was the Wigwam Sirocco ($17). Generally, a bottom-barrel price point for your foot’s well-being is anywhere from $15 to $25.

Our second price tier features socks that are more built out. You’ll see a greater presence of material by way of overall thickness or targeted cushions or sweeping cushions, as well as more complex construction. Overall, the thicker and more strategically woven a sock is, the longer it will last.

However, this price category can also include lighter-weight socks that are made with high-quality, softer textiles, which don’t necessarily last the longest. Generally, the more synthetic fibers that are present in a sock, the more durable, elastic, and rebounding the apparel is.

This zone includes the Smartwool Targeted Cushion Over The Calf Sock ($28), Le Bent Core Light Snow Sock ($32), Smartwool Ski Full Cushion ($31), Icebreaker Merino Ski Light Over the Calf Socks ($29), and Darn Tough’s OTC Yeti ($29). Also reasonably priced for the quality are the FITS Ski FILM ($30) and FITS Light Ski Sierra ($28). All for 30 bucks or under, these ski and snowboard socks are reasonably priced without skimping on any of the details. Including expert design elements and great warranty policies, you can’t go wrong with our middle-tier collection.

In our upper-price stadium for ski socks are options that range from 45 bucks up to almost $60. While these socks are pricier, rest assured they are well-made and worth the investment, especially if you will be riding on them all winter long. This level includes the Norrøna Lofoten Mid Weight Merino Sock Long ($49), CEP Ski Touring Compression Socks ($55), and Dissent GFX Compression Hybrid ($58). Premium sport hosiery like these options are highly specialized and mostly compression-focused with a tight fit or medical-grade compression for active recovery during and right after a ski or ride day.

Overall, we recommend investing in at least two pairs of high-quality ski and snowboard socks in this aforementioned price range, so that you can wear clean pairs back-to-back on weekends and powder days and not need to do laundry. Your feet, and your boots, will thank you.

There are hundreds of ski socks on the market, curated into dozens of types and styles. We’ve found the best ones for beginners have a balance of support and cushion, a warm yet breathable blend, and come at a lower price.

Some of our expert skiers’ favorites include the Smartwool Women’s Ski Full Cushion Over The Calf Socks and Le Bent Core Light Snow Sock — socks with lighter or ultralight cushioning, merino wool fibers, and tailored zones that help balance breathability and warmth.

The warmest ski socks will depend largely on the blend of fabrics and thickness of the sock. Some of the warmest ski socks we tested and best for temps below zero were the Darn Tough Over-the-Calf Socks.

Sock thickness is usually very dependent on what type of skier you are, as well as personal preference. And depending on how your ski or snowboard boot fits, as well as the shape of your feet, you may want a thinner or thicker sock for comfort.

We’ve found most of our expert skiers on staff prefer a lighter-weight sock, while snowboarders on staff are split between light and midweight varieties.

merino wool is a natural fiber with a lot of great properties: breathability, odor-wicking, warmth, and moisture-wicking, to name a few. And each of those factors really come into play when your foot is stuffed inside an insulated, rigid boot all day. But, merino alone is not the most durable over time, which is why it’s often blended with other synthetic fibers.

So, if you prefer a merino blend over pure synthetic options, we’d recommend looking for a sock that has at least 50-60% merino wool — like the Smartwool Full Cushion Sock.

Typically, no. If you have invested into a pair of ski or snowboard socks that support your feet, while also keeping them toasty warm, there is no need to double up. Two pairs of socks worn simultaneously can lead to extra friction and bunching in your boot, causing blisters and uncomfortable crowding.

If your feet feel cold while skiing, make sure you are wearing a sock with enough elasticity and padding to stay put and keep your toes warm, as well a fabric blend that includes a healthy portion of merino wool. The thicker the sock, the more warmth, so try a midweight or even a heavyweight sock.

Also, how old are you ski boots, liners, or footbeds? The other component to keeping your feet warm is a well-constructed and lively boot liner, footbed, and shell, some of which are constructed with various technology to help keep your feet warm.

If you’ve exhausted the basic investment of new socks followed by boots, you can add electronic heat byway of battery-operated insoles or liners, too. But start with a solid sock choice before upping the bill with all those extra tools.

Cold and uncomfortable feet while on the mountain is never fun.

To ensure the longevity of your ski socks, it is important to take care of them through a frequent wash with a gentle detergent and cool water. (Hot water shrinks.) Avoid using any fabric softeners or bleach, as this can damage the fibers of the sock, thus leading to fraying and loss of insulation abilities. To ensure the wool stays in its best shape, hang or lay your socks flat to dry after you’ve washed them.

After a day of skiing or snowboarding, we recommend taking your socks off as soon as you get back to the car or lodge. While most socks have superb moisture-wicking abilities, to keep your socks in the best shape possible we suggest not overusing them. This will ensure your ski socks last you several seasons, rather than just one.

We tested all-mountain and freestyle snowboard boots for the resort and backcountry to find the best options from Burton, Vans, K2 and more.

We tested the best face coverings for skiing and snowboarding from Turtle Fur, Buff, REI, Smartwool, and more to help you find the best option for your needs and budget.