There are many different things you need to be thinking about when you are buying your skiing outfit. But one of the things you will probably end up leaving until last – if you think about it at all – is ski socks.
This is understandable; after all they aren’t going to be your first layer of defence against the elements. Furthermore they aren’t exactly a safety item. In theory you could get away without wearing them altogether.
But they are still an essential item, and as such you should spend some time getting to know what to think about and what to look out for. There are also a number of things that are assumed about ski socks that aren’t necessarily true, so keep reading to find out what they are.
A Selection of the Best Selling Ski Socks
What is the purpose of ski socks?
Your ski socks have a very important role to play in keeping your feet comfortable. Let’s face it – ski boots aren’t the most comfortable things to wear, so the better your socks are the better you will feel. You will also be much less likely to get blisters.
But they will also make sure your feet don’t sweat too much as well as providing some padding. This is when it helps to be aware of what your feet are like normally!
For example, if your feet are always hot then you might choose thinner socks than you would if you always suffer from cold feet.
Can you get away with wearing ordinary socks?
You can, but you should think carefully about how much you will be skiing before you opt not to get special ones.
If skiing is going to be your new holiday destination and/or hobby for the foreseeable future, then it is certainly worth getting the right equipment for the job.
But whatever you decide to do, make sure you don’t fall for the assumption that you can wear more than one pair of socks to keep your feet even warmer. This can be a big no no, since it doesn’t really allow your feet to sweat at all. One pair is sufficient, and it will lead to a lot less problems as a result.
Are there different types of ski socks available?
Yes there are, and it’s worth delving into the pros and cons of each one before you make your buying decision.
There are two main types available, and the first of these are the tubular style socks. These have no heel knitted into them, and so they are guaranteed to fit you whatever size you might be. Not everyone likes this style though, since they are not fitted like a normal sock would be. This means they can have the tendency to slide down inside your boot – and that isn’t the best feeling when it’s not easy to pull them back up again.
The second style is a more fitted, more traditional looking sock. They go up to just under the knee, giving you the best protection and warmth while you are wearing them. This also means that they cover the area where your boots meet your trousers. Ankle socks wouldn’t do this; they would leave a gap and that area of your legs would get wet and cold on a regular basis.
They can be made of different materials, and a lot will depend on how much you are paying for the ski socks. Naturally the cheaper ones won’t be of as good quality. The best ones can be made from more than one type of fibre, and merino wool is common among the best of them.
You will also notice that the most expensive pairs are made for the right and left feet, which gives an even better fit. They will also tend to last longer, so you really do get what you pay for.
Should you be wearing thick or thin?
Most people who don’t go skiing would assume that the thicker your socks are, the better they will be. But this isn’t true.
Modern ski boots enable most of the heat from your feet to be retained, so you will notice that thick socks just aren’t needed. However, don’t just go for any old pair of thin socks – make sure they are good quality ones and they allow your feet to breathe properly.
As is the case with any other part of your body, your feet will sweat as you walk about and start skiing. If you don’t let that moisture escape, your feet could become very uncomfortable and more prone to getting blisters. Thin socks are also much easier to wear when it comes to getting those boots on in the first place!
Make sure you wear your socks when you buy your boots
Whether you decide to go for proper ski socks or not, you should always get your socks sorted out first. If you are going to buy yourself a pair of ski boots, then the same rule applies to that purchase as it does to all other shoes you have ever bought. Make sure you wear the right socks with them!
The same applies if you are going to rent your ski boots when you get there. Sort out your socks before you go, and make sure you are wearing them when you go to get your boots.
Shop around for the best deal
This really applies to all ski items, but ski socks can be rather expensive. They are available at ski and sports shops, and also online, so make sure you compare prices before you buy.
You might also get lucky and end up being able to get a ‘three for two’ deal or something similar, so keep an eye out for those.
So there you have it – an introductory guide to the world of ski socks. The moral here is not to underestimate how much better a good pair of socks can make you feel when you are about to take to the slopes.