The Thick (and Thin) of Buying Ski Socks 

It’s no secret that Merino Wool socks are preferred by skiers… not to mention literally anyone else doing anything that involves comfy feet. And when it comes to choosing the right ski sock, we hear questions like:

• Should ski socks be thin or thick?
• Are thin or thick socks warmer?

In answering these questions, you’ll want to consider sock weight and cushion, what type of skiing you’re doing (yes, there’s more than one) and your tolerance to the cold. 

At Darn Tough, we knit ski socks in three different weights – Ultra-Lightweight, Lightweight, and Midweight – and with different cushion offerings. These combine to create everything from ultra thin ski socks to plush, thick ski socks, giving you a few options to help keep those toes toasty no matter what the day calls for.

You may opt for something thinner (like the RFL) or perhaps something thicker (like the Edge), and since they're knit with Merino Wool, they'll both provide insulation from the cold... but how do you decide which option is right for you? 

In this post, we’ll help you decide which of our warm ski socks are best for your preferred method of shredding, and why. And don’t worry, there’s no wrong answer – just don’t go sockless and always say no to cotton.

Should I Wear Thick or Thin Ski Socks?

There’s an old saying that us sock nerds love to toss around the water cooler here at our Vermont office. It goes something like… “’Tis not the thickness of the sock, but the toughness of its wearer.”  

Ok… we made that up. But it sounds cool, right? The point is there’s no ‘one-sock-fits-all’ for skiers. Sure, everyone needs socks. But how you wear them is entirely up to you.

Simply put, if your feet run hot, you’ll want a thinner (think Ultra-Lightweight and Lightweight) sock that breathes well. If your feet run cold, you’ll want a thicker sock (think Lightweight with Cushion and Midweight) for retaining warmth on frigid days.

Depending on how you ski (and how well your feet manage the cold), it might be helpful for you to first understand which of our socks we recommend using for each of the three main types of skiing – specifically Alpine/Downhill, Backcountry, and Cross-Country/Nordic.  

Not All Socks Are Created Equal  

Darn Tough Merino Wool socks are the best for skiing, naturally. They wick moisture and keep feet dry even after they get wet. And there’s no need to wear them over regular socks either – one pair does just fine. But if you’re asking yourself if you should wear thick or thin socks while skiing, consider first what type of skiing you’re doing. 

Alpine / Downhill Skiing

One of the most traditional methods of shred stickin’, Alpine skiing involves taking the chairlift up the mountain and then skiing down. This ‘downhill’ dominated method is the most common but arguably the coldest, as you’ll be spending considerable time sitting stagnant on a chairlift.  

That being said… Alpine/Downhill skiers will likely want to opt for a thicker ski sock – one that offers superior warmth with terry loop cushioning underfoot and throughout the leg that will help insulate your lower extremities while riding the chair.

Midweight socks like our Men’s Snowpack and Women’s Echo are two that we recommend.

But if you're an Alpine skier looking for the snuggest possible fit in your ski boots (we see you ski racers), our Men's RFL and Women's RFL styles are  both ultralight ski socks with no cushion, for a super thin sock.

Backcountry  Skiing

Backcountry skiers – who typically forgo the lift and access the mountain via hiking – might consider a thinner sock, as they’ll be working harder and sweating more.

These skiers might also prefer a ski sock with less cushion – like our Ultra-Lightweight Men’s Pennant RFL and Lightweight Women’s Alpine – to allow for increased foot breathability without sacrificing comfort or durability. 

Cross-Country / Nordic Skiing

Cross-Country and Nordic skiers – the most physically demanding and self-propelled of the three – will likely want a thin ski sock like our Lightweight Lilliehammer (available in men's and women's sizing).

Short, strong, and knit with less material, this thin cross country ski sock helps reduce bunching and allows for sufficient airflow to ensure your legs stay light and airy.  

So… Should Ski Socks Be Thick or Thin?

Still wondering whether thin or thick socks are better for skiing? Maybe you’re an Alpine skier with chronically sweat feet, thinking Midweight sounds too thick. Or a Nordic skier who values some cushion underfoot. Let’s delve a bit further into the main differences between to help you better understand what you’ll want to rock this winter.   

Lay It on Thick 

It’s simple, really… the thicker your socks, the more Merino Wool insulation, the warmer they’ll keep your feet. The thickest socks we knit for skiing – like our Men’s Heady Yeti and Women’s Due North – are both Midweight socks layered with terry loop cushioning like a cozy, thickly-frosted cake made of yarn.  

Knit with our warmest and most durable Merino yarn, the socks in our Midweight with Cushion lineup are ideal for Alpine and Downhill skiers. Thick enough to protect your piggies but not thick enough to make them squeal, socks like the Captain Stripe and Function X (among others) are going to be your warmest ski socks. 

These Over-the-Calf (OTC) styles are well supported with thick layers of terry loop cushioning that wrap your foot in a cocoon of comfort for long days on the hill (and even longer chair lift rides).

Fun fact: At 11,012 feet long, the Slide Brook Express at Sugarbush Resort here in Vermont is the longest chairlift in the world. 

Thin for the Win  

If you’re someone who thinks thin ski socks won’t do you any good on a cold winter day… think again. Perhaps you’re just unfamiliar with how we knit socks. Which, if that’s that case, let us enlighten you. 

Just because a sock is thin doesn’t mean it won’t keep your toes toasty and warm. Merino Wool is a master thermoregulator. What it really comes down to is your preferred method of skiing. And as we alluded to earlier, your sock choice will largely depend on what type of skiing you engage in.  

Our thinnest ski socks – like the Ultra-Lightweight RFL – allow for maximum breathability without sacrificing comfort. Thin knits like these feature ventilated mesh panels to help keep your feet cool even if they’re running (or in this case, skiing) hot. They offer a next-to-skin feel that’s virtually undetectable, and the colors and designs are pretty rad, too. 

Best used during rigorous, fast-moving activity, we recommend wearing a thinner sock if you’re Backcountry touring or Cross-Country/Nordic skiing. The latter is more akin to running, so donning a thinner Ultra-Lightweight sock will likely help you avoid overheating, which combined with the performance fit (a signature staple of all Darn Tough Merino Wool ski socks) reduces material bunching and blistering.

Cushion We Be Pushin’ 

When deciding between a thick and thin ski sock, there’s more to consider than just weight. Sure, weight is a good indicator of how thick a sock is, but it’s also important to consider cushion.

Cushion – even on a thinner sock – helps fill in the gaps with targeted terry loops (aka padded cushioning) in sensitive areas like the toe box and where your shin contacts the boot. Not all ski socks have cushion, but with the ones that do you’re likely to feel the difference. 

Making Sure Your Boots Fit 

There’s nothing more uncomfortable than trying to wedge your foot into a stiff ski boot. And if you’re wearing the wrong socks, it’ll only be worse. So, if you’re buying new boots, we recommend bringing your socks with you to ensure a seamless fit.

If you already have boots and they run tight, you probably want a thin sock (even if you're prone to cold feet — more on that in a moment). Conversely, if your boots have some wiggle room, consider filling the void with a thicker sock. 

To keep your feet warm and comfortable, you need good circulation. So in tight-fitting boots, a thinner sock can allow for better blood flow, ultimately keeping your feet warmer than they would be in a thick sock took up too much space and constricted your blood flow. 

And ski boot warmth has progressed a lot over the years. If your boots are already super warm, a thin sock that wick sweat away might be all you need. 

Worth Its Weight in Gold  

Whether you’re out chasing powder or simply trying to power through a cold morning on the chairlift, Darn Tough Merino Wool socks have got you covered. Thick or thin, Midweight or Lightweight, we knit a longer lasting sock that’s fit to brave the elements and protect your feet in every condition – guaranteed.  

Step into a fresh pair this season and hit the mountain with confidence knowing that what’s buried beneath your ski boots is working with you, not against you. If you’re still unsure whether to choose thin or thick socks, consider trying one of each (Ultra-Lightweight, Lightweight, and Midweight) to help you find the best ski sock that’s right for you.