Do Ski Socks Really Make a Difference?

The snow flew here on the top of Mt. Mansfield a few weeks ago. Alas, the first signs of winter, and a frosty reminder to start tuning up those skis. As you rummage the gear room, ticking the mental checklist of necessary equipment, the most often overlooked item hides in the moguls of your sock drawer.

Yes, that’s correct. Socks. Specifically ski and snowboards socks. While there are minimal differences between ski socks and snowboard socks, there are drastic differences between ‘normal socks’ and Merino Wool socks designed for skiing and snowboarding, and those differences keep you warm, comfortable, and dry on the mountain.

Have you tried skiing in no show socks...? I hope not because you probably started a dumpster fire in the resort parking lot and threw your skis, boots, and socks in after that experience. In this blog post you will learn what is special about ski socks, starting with why we knit our ski socks with Merino Wool.

What is the Difference Between Ski Socks and Normal Socks? Enter Merino Wool

When it comes to snow, getting cold, wet feet can be the end of a ski day before you make it up the mountain lift. This is where Merino Wool socks rise above normal socks. Darn Tough ski socks are made from Merino Wool, which offers some key benefits to skiers and riders.

First, Merino Wool is a naturally moisture wicking and thermoregulating fiber. Essentially, our socks keep your feet warm even when they are wet. If you get snow in your ski boots (Darn It.) or start to sweat from a full send down the mountain, wool socks ensure your feet retain your body heat, keeping you warm, dry, and comfortable.

Secondly, Merino Wool is breathable — Our socks actively trap moisture away from your feet and release it to evaporate, all while you wear them. It feels like magic at first wear, but that’s the power of Merino Wool and over 40 years of experience in designing socks as a company.

When it comes to spending a full day on the mountain, you can expect variable weather and snow conditions (especially in the east). A pair of ski socks makes a difference because your feet are going to be warm and dry, not cold and wet. This means less trips to the lodge, longer days in the backcountry... Overall, a much more pleasant experience. And again, not gear burning in the parking lot.

Do Good Ski Socks Make a Difference? Say Yes to Tech

While wearing a no show sock skiing is, shall we say, a fiery misjudgment, you could choose to wear any Merino Wool sock as a ski sock. Ultimately, it’s about what works for you, but the downfall in using non-ski-specific socks as ski socks is you're missing out the activity specific tech features that make our ski socks the best performers in-boot and on-mountain.

We’ve tested our socks time and time again with professional ski and snowboard athletes Jake Blauvelt and Michelle Parker to improve our socks performance and comfort. What better way to design ski socks than to talk to the people who are in them the most?

These athlete collaborations have helped us dial in the tech features — so ski socks and boots work like one system. From shin padding to mesh ventilation to cushioned toe boxes, there are a wide variety of Darn Tough ski socks to fit your needs. The sheer utilitarian features of Darn Tough socks make them these athletes' preferred socks on the mountain.

Here are my recommendations for ski and snowboard socks if you experience the following pain points. For more information, check out our blog post on how to choose ski socks.

• Get cold feet? Check out the men’s Snowpack or the women’s Snowburst
• Shins hurt? You need the extra shin padding on the men’s Edge or the women’s Function X
• Hot spots on your feet when you ski? You'll want our men’s Solstice or the women’s Yeti
• You a ski racer? We have an ultralight ski sock for the ultimate foot-sock-boot-ski connection
• Got kids with cold toes? We have them covered too.

Philosockical: A Ski Sock Can Be a Normal Sock, But a Normal Sock Cannot Be a Ski Sock

We design socks by activity for a reason, and the tech features of our Snow socks provide that unbeatable in-boot experience. We knit ski and snowboard socks in multiple weights and designs to ensure everyone can find a sock that fits their winter pursuits. That’s everyone from the just-in-it-for-the-après goers to the backcountry touring fanatics... and everyone in between.

I’ll straight line to the answer: Yes, wearing ski socks make an enormous difference in your ski day experience. Our Merino Wool ski socks make that “two more runs” and ski boots in the tavern that much more enjoyable. And heck, you’ll look good doing it too.

And if you wear our ski socks as normal socks around the house, the more pow-er to you.

I leave you with this...

The Sock Report

If you’re like me, reading the local mountain snow report is one of the best ways to start a winter’s morning. So naturally, I had the creative urge to write a snow report for our ski and snowboard socks.

We’ve got two fresh feet up here on the snow socked capital of the world, with all machines spinning out plush Merino cushion for all-day comfort. With over-the-calf conditions, we are guaranteeing endless refills and replacements. Expect those two feet to stay dry, even as the mountain warms up through the afternoon and things get a bit wet. Some are even saying, “It’s a darn tough day to be powder.” When evening hits, we drop ropes on Terry Loops and High Fives. As things freeze up this evening, the extra Terry Loop coverage will be the ideal route to stay warm. Grab your ski socks, and we’ll see you out there.

Please, no more fires in the parking lot.

About the Author

Dana Ambrose is no stranger to the Darn Tough mentality. He’s an avid skier, gravel rider, and canoeist. Born and raised in Vermont, he has an affinity with the outdoors.