The Best Ski Socks

Skiing movements originate in your feet, which makes your boots your most important piece of equipment. Wearing the wrong type of sock impairs boot fit and destroys your technique. Ski boots come with thick, comfortable liners, which keep your feet warm. The boot liner, not the ski sock, is your insulating layer. Ski socks serve the same moisture-wicking function as your thermal underwear. They should be composed of a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, and should be as thin as possible.

Euro Ski Elite

Compression long underwear is a new, ski industry trend. These products are designed to increase blood flow, and support the muscle groups involved in alpine skiing. Eurosock, an Italian sock manufacturer, has applied this cutting-edge technology to ski socks. These socks are designed to increase blood flow to your feet, while supporting the muscles of your ankles and calves. The lightweight Nylon and Spandex wick moisture form your feet.

Eurosocks International
4574 South Coach Drive
Tuscon, AZ 45714
(520) 580-8001
eurosock.com

Smartwool PhD Light

The Smartwool PhD light uses the company proprietary four-point compression system, which stabilizes the fit around your heel, arch and ankle. The sock is lightweight, but it has an additional layer of material around the heel and forefoot to protect these areas from abrasion. Its moisture-wicking fabric allows perspiration to escape through its fibers, thereby preventing the dreaded smelly-ski sock syndrome.

SmartWool
4346 Belgium Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64150
888-879-WOOL
smartwool.com

Wigwam Snow Whisper Pro

The Snow Whisper Pro was once known as the Ultimax Ultra-Lite ski sock. The name has changed, but the technology remains the same. This is one of the lightest and thinnest ski socks available. The Wigwam website describes the Snow Whisper Pro as a sock for people who want to "feel their boot." As such, they are best for advanced carvers who like an ultra-tight boot fit. The sock is composed of an Acrylic, Lycra Spandex blend. Its "stay put" top prevents it from sliding down your calf.

Wigwam Mills, Inc.
3402 Crocker Avenue
PO Box 818
Sheboygan, WI 52082
(920) 783-1000
wigwam.com

Resources

Article Written By Lisa Mercer

In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.

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