Socks are, in general, a piece of clothing that we do not pay much attention to in winter. However, feet are one of the parts of our body where body where we lose heat faster and once they get cold, the thermal sensation diminish rapidly and we get cold throughout the body. That is why it is important to know how to choose the right ski socks when going on a ski trip to the mountains in winter.
Besides, ski socks are an essential garment and we must choose the right ones according to our needs. They should cover the entire leg and be warm. In this post we gave you some low cost ideas for this season. Moreover, we must be careful with mesh, sewing or thread to avoid getting our skin cut when we put on our boots in order to start skiing.
Types of ski thermal socks
On the one hand, when going skiing, thermal socks are way more suitable than cotton socks. In fact, we must avoid using latter in the snow because, if you did not know, feet are the sweatiest part of the body. So, if we put on a thermal sock when we are skiing, it will absorb moisture because they are made of synthetic fibres such as polyester, nylon, lycra, acrylic, or merino sheep wool… These are materials specifically designed to absorb moisture from our body. However, cotton socks will not.
On the other hand, we have to say that specific thermal socks for skiing include padding in specific areas such as shins or heels in order to provide comfort and and prevent injuries on the slopes.
Below, you will see a list of the two main types of thermal socks that you can find: tube and ergonomic.
Tube socks
Tube socks are the most basic thermal socks you can buy. They are, as the name implies, long and elastic tubes with a finger limit sewn to one end in order to close them. The upper part of the sock has an elastic band to prevent it from sliding down your leg.
The downside of this type of socks is that there is no difference between left and right foot. As we will see below our legs and feet have different needs than men’s.
Tube socks are ideal for very occasional skiers or snowboarders as they provide comfort and affordably.
Ergonomic socks
Ergonomic socks do distinguish between left and right foot. One of the main characteristics of this type of socks is that they fit perfectly to your feet.
They usually have an angled front part to accommodate different toe lengths and a specific shape around the arch, instep, and ankle to fit your foot.
Ergonomic socks are aimed at skiers who practice this kind of sport more assiduously, but without being professionals and who want both comfort and performance.
Tips to keep in mind when choosing ski socks
If you are going to buy ski socks this winter, you must keep in mind a list of concepts and, according to your needs, we will be able to choose one ski sock or another.
Fabric of the ski socks
First of all, we must take into account what we are going to use the sock for and based on that, which materials best suit our needs.
Wool thermal socks
Wool is the only natural fibre capable of absorbing moisture. The problem is that wool is more likely to stretch more easily because it has less elastic memory than synthetic fibres.
Merino sheep thermal socks
This type of wool comes from a specific kind of sheep and is said to be of better-quality wool because it maintains its shape better than normal wool does. It is an ideal material for thermal socks because it both absorbs moisture very well and does not accumulate bad smell as easily as synthetic materials do. These types of socks are soft, comfortable and breathable.
In fact, in this article we will tell you how there are several brands that use this fantastic fabric for their products. Check it out!
Thermal socks made of synthetic materials
There are different synthetic materials that thermal socks can be made of, such as elastomer or elastane (better known as lycra) that provides elasticity; acrylic, which is perfect for low temperatures; or thermalite, which is very breathable and keeps warm.
Recycled fiber socks
There are socks made from recycled materials. Winter sports version of La Chaussette de France’s LCF Recycled Line is one example. With a concept which incorporates more than 60% recycled materials, this sock offers a new brand design, shin protectors, toe kicks, reinforced heels and a combination of honeycomb and micro loop pile offering incredible comfort.
These are the main fabrics that thermal socks are made of. However, most of them are made from a mix of materials. This allows manufacturers to get the best possible performance from each fabric. For example, they can use polyester for its comfort, nylon for its strength, and acrylic as a substitute for wool. The sock labels will always indicate the manufacturing material. And remember, always avoid cotton snow socks!
Activity to develop with your ski socks
It is not the same to buy thermal socks for skiing, snowboarding or apres-skiing. Likewise, it is not the same if you are going to practice professional or amateur skiing.
Temperature
It is not the same skiing at the beginning or at the end of the season since the temperature can vary enormously. For this reason, depending on the outside temperature, we must choose one type of material or another.
If we are facing a warm climate, we would be interested in buying a sock that contains Coolmax, a material capable of removing sweat from the foot. If we are facing a cold climate, it is better to opt for a mixture of wool with a Thermolite type material, capable of sheltering even when wet.
Fitting
The more the sock adapts to our feet, the more comfortable it will be when skiing. That is why it is important that we get the right size and that we buy socks that distinguish between the right foot and the left foot, not like tube socks, which we have already seen above.
Size
Speaking of choosing the right size, if we doubt, it is better to take a size less, because socks are usually elastic and can stretch. However, if we choose a bigger size, we can nail the folds that form and we will get the dreaded, painful and uncomfortable blisters.
Height
Depending on the type of boots you are going to wear, you will have to buy a higher or lower sock to avoid possible chafing. The best thing, as we have said above, is that they go, at least, up to the knee.
Seam
Whenever possible, try to avoid seams. The less seams, the less likely they will be nailed to us. Now, although the seams have been removed from ski socks, most socks still have some. In this case, it is better to opt for those called “flat seams”, which minimize the risk of blisters.
The fabric weights
Light
Light socks offer the highest level of performance. Therefore, they are the favourite type of professional skiers and snowboarders, due to the greater control and touch they provide.
This type of socks are best suited for people who tend to have warm feet or who go skiing at the beginning or end of the season, when the weather is still not so cold.
Intermediate
It is said that Virtue is the happy medium between two extremes, and in this case, this is true. Thermal intermediate socks are the most popular on the ski slopes. They provide a perfect balance between comfort, warmth and performance.
Heavy
Heavy thermal socks are the fattest ones. They are perfect for those people who tend to have cold feet. They are usually used by beginner skiers and snowboarders.
Ski socks – Our favorite: La Chaussette de France
La Chaussette de France is a brand that was born in Troyes in 1961 and currently employs around fifty people. La Chaussette de France creates socks for men, women, children… and develops exclusive manufacturing processes.
With a daily production of 10,000 pairs of socks, and an output of 3 million pairs of socks per year, the production workshop operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As its name suggests, 100% of La Chaussette de France’s production is made in its French workshop. The strong point of the brand is undoubtedly the quality of its products. 100% of the yarns used by La Chaussette de France come from the European Union, whether from alpaca, merino wool, cashmere, silk, lycra lurex, bamboo, drytex, bioceramics, deocell, frictionless fiber, Meryl SkinLife or silver.
Each of them is used for its advantages such as warmth, softness, resistance to overheating, absorption capacity, comfort, resistance, etc.
Whistler model, specially designed for snowboarders
La Chaussette de France is the only brand that offers a product truly designed for snowboarding. After two research and development, the result has definitely arrived.
Thanks to the use of Elbrouz exclusive 18 gauge back loop technology, this sock adapts to the various limitations of snowboarding: lateral forces, friction from the straps and the spoiler of the bindings, sweating …
Technically, the protective saddle covers the instep at the height of the straps. The protection blocks at the front are attached in some places to those at the rear so that they are not twisted by lateral movement.
As the feet get hotter in a snowboard boot than in a ski boot, the designers have placed specific ventilation holes above the ankle protection to stop sweating. Finally, the Whistler model is made of 91% merino wool, guaranteeing maximum thermoregulation and absolute climatic comfort, without the need for a thick sock.
Bioceramic model for skiing and snowboarding
La Chaussette de France claims this model as a concentrate of exclusive technologies. The bioceramic sock with an asymmetric design is composed of:
- bioceramics, a thermoregulatory fiber with almost magical virtues as it promotes blood circulation and oxygenation of the foot muscles. Without forgetting that it offers better postural stability and improves well-being;
- a honeycomb fabric, a unique manufacturing process that conserves heat while ensuring optimal ventilation of the foot and offering shape memory for greater ergonomics.
This highly breathable and precise bio-ceramic model is particularly appreciated for intensive skiing or snowboarding.
