Seasoned skiers know all too well the importance of having cushioned ski socks for a comfortable, pain-free mountain getaway.
Despite the evolution of technical skiwear, ski boots remain as rigid as ever with their hard plastic design. This means having an extra layer of protection around the foot is necessary for luxuriously long days of alpine activity.
Another threat facing mountaineers of all abilities is the ever-pressing issue of cold feet. Once the chill starts biting at your hands and feet, the game is up - and you don't want to be stuck at the top of an icy black when your feet start turning numb.
Ski socks provide ample insulation to keep toes toasty warm. They are typically crafted from thick wool of synthetic materials to help do so and adopt a knee-high silhouette to protect the shins as well. They are typically designed with non-stick cuffs to prevent falling down because nobody wants to stop on a busy slope to hoist up their hosiery.
High-performance socks will also wick sweat from the base of your feet. You may be feeling warm as you carve up a run, but once sweat turns cold you’ll be left with an all-over coating of chilly damp. No, thank you.
On a slightly more alluring note, they come in a range of dazzling colourways and prints. Whether opting for a sleek, all-black Bond Girl ensemble or a retro Eighties one-piece à la Princess Diana, a pair of vibrant socks adds an extra touch of flair to any skiwear aesthetic.
Snow style has taken on a whole new sartorial cachet in recent years, with activewear labels becoming sources of hype pieces for gorpcore enthusiasts to covet. Mountainwear brands such as Snow + Rock and Mountain Warehouse stock a diverse range of socks for skiers of any level to browse, yet they have also evolved into must-have pieces for fashion enthusiasts hitting the slopes.
High-profile dressers such as Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowksi have fallen prey to the allure of Salomon pieces, while Arc’teryx’s clientele has grown to include Drake and even Prince Harry. While saving up for the full shebang of a luxury ski jacket from one of these brands, why not treat yourself to a pair of branded ski socks in the meantime?
Add both a sprinkling of sporty chic and practicality to your skiwear wardrobe and browse the best ski socks below. A snug ski sojourn awaits.
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Falke SK2 Intermediate Women Skiing Knee-high Socks
Stand out on the slopes with Falke’s vibrant ski socks that will blanket your feet in warmth. Available in sizes 2.5 to 9.5 in an array of tempting tones, the knee-high designs offer medium cushioning for comfort and ski-specific protective shin and ankle padding.
Keep your feet dry thanks to the moisture-wicking three-layer construction which is crafted from a merino wool-mux that has odour-resistant qualities.
Buy now £34.00, Falke
Le Bent Womens Pixel Light Cushion Ski Socks
Enjoy a toasty warm trip up the mountain with Le Bent’s lightly cushioned ski socks. Available in a rich purple hue, the socks feature soft cushioning strategically placed underfoot and over the shin, in addition to a secure fit for small and medium-sized feet. When packing these toe warmer, you can expect an odour-free, dry wear thanks to a technical merino-bamboo blend.
Buy now £30.00, Snow + Rock
Decathlon Adult Ski Socks
Skiing is as expensive as it is, so we understand that you may not want to break the bank on ski socks. These affordable adult ski socks come in a neutral colourway for all, and feature a cushioned sole made from 74 per cent wool, a synthetic yarn to absorb sweat and a breathable, medium thickness for both skiers and snowboarders to enjoy.
Buy now £12.99, Decathlon
Spyder Womens Pro Liner
Veteran skiers are rarely seen without Spyder somewhere on their person. The brand’s pro liner socks are both functional and fashionable, showcasing a zesty lime ice colourway and a knee-high silhouette. A medium compression fit is complemented by moisture management, meaning you can stay high and dry on the mountain all day.
Buy now £25.00, Spyder
Smartwool Womens Ski Full Cushion Snowpocalypse OTC Ski Socks
Pepper your pegs with snowflakes courtesy of Smartwool. The brand’s aptly named Snowpocalypse ski socks aren’t just a visual delight. The practical pieces have targeted cushioning on the shin, toes and heel - all areas impacted by a hard ski boot.
A high-performance ski is guaranteed with a helping hand from the sock’s merino wool blend and body-mapped mesh zones which promise fluidity and a great fit.
Buy now £28.00, Snow + Rock
TOG24 Linz 2 Pack Mens Ski Socks
Treat your feet to a spa day while you put in the effort on the slopes. TOG24’s Linz ski socks ensure all areas of the feet are protected. A reinforced toe and heel provide stability, while padding prevents blisters from popping up. Note the non-slip grip cuff and ankle support that secure the foot as you slink down the mountain in style.
Buy now £35.00, TOG24
Stance Mens Merino Wool Everest Snow Ski Socks
Believe it or not, the serene design of these socks isn’t the only selling point. Suitable for skiing and snowboarding, the multifaceted pieces have been meticulously engineered for all-day temperature control and odour eradication. Add to your online shopping bag knowing they’ll likely be a lifelong ski staple, thanks to Stance’s lifetime guarantee.
Buy now £27.00, Snow + Rock
Mountain Warehouse Extreme Womens Merino Thermal Ski Socks
Snap up some socks in the sale. Mountain Warehouse’s Extreme Womens Merino Thermal Ski Socks are ideal for snowsports lovers on a budget. The naturally antibacterial socks offer arch support for those with flat feet, plus moisture-wicking detailing that promises desert-like dryness. Slip into your boots and away you go.
Buy now £16.99, Mountain Warehouse
Helly Hansen Technical Alpine Socks
A highly technical sock for advanced skiers, Helly Hansen’s Alpine Socks come in a merino wool blend for optimal performance. Added support is provided via the integrated ribbed panels around the ankle, and the mesh panels at the top of the foot offer ventilation. Whether you’re alpine racing, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, resort skiing or heading off-piste, Helly Hansen’s designs will do the trick for your tootsies.
Buy now £30.00, Helly Hansen
My Sunday Ski Merino Blend Performance Ski Sock
For the women wanting to ace their sartorial ski wear, look to My Sunday Ski. The It-girl label is beloved by influencers with an aptitude for alpine dressing. The Merino blend ski socks come in three delightful colourways, from lilac to ice blue and midnight black. Pick your pair and reap the rewards of the engineered cushioning, heat-trapping abilities and moisture-wicking features.
Buy now £30.00, My Sunday Ski
