We assessed synthetic and merino wool ski socks that are most suitable for backcountry, nordic, resort, as well as ski touring. Our style editors have also discovered that ski socks function as insulated compression hosiery for several winter activities, making them a good alternative for running, hiking, and winter cycling, too. Thus, taking all these factors into consideration, here is our meticulously researched list of the 10 best women’s ski socks 2022 has to offer. For the love of your feet, read on!
10 Best Women’s Ski Socks To Say Goodbye To Frosty Feet
1. Best Overall:MUSAN Wool Ski Socks
Made with the best materials in the market (a staggering 55% of premium merino wool), these high-performance women’s ski socks from Musan are built to last over several ski seasons. Designed with a hollow fiber structuring that transforms ambient air into insulation, this ergonomic design decreases the impact force on calves and ankles, allowing your ski socks to fit snugly inside your ski boots. Knee-high in length and cushioned, they’ve also been engineered to stay put on your toes, heels, shin, and knees. Pros
The best women’s wool ski socks Advanced technology yarn Enhances your body’s thermal energy Made with premium merino wool Thickening curve design promotes blood circulation
Cons
Only available in the color black
2. Best Breathable:OutdoorMaster Merino Wool Ski Socks
Warm, comfortable, and deliciously breathable, the OutdoorMaster 2-pack ski socks are made with a surprisingly lightweight blend of merino wool. So, now you can keep your feet warm without adding any extra weight to your already bulky ski boots! Additionally, their over-the-calf design and high-quality elasticity make for the ultimate cozy fit; meanwhile, their non-slip calf cuff ensures your socks stay up 24×7. Itch-free, durable, and beautifully packaged, these pretty socks are available in the colors red, gray, purple, blue, and classic black. Pros
Machine washable and easy to launder Made with a moisture-wicking material Prevents the build-up of odor in the feet Each purchase comes with 2 pairs of ski socks
Cons
They don’t go over the knee.
3. Best Lightweight:AKASO Wool Ski Socks
Built with innovative thermal insulation material, the AKASO ski socks have adopted a novel and advanced hollow fiber design. With fibers engineered by Thermolite EcoMade technology, these women’s ski socks will trap heat and gloriously insulate your limbs from the cold. Meanwhile, their lightweight blend of 100% recycled merino wool is moisture-wicking, breathable, and pleasantly comfortable against the skin. The addition of lycra fibers adds an extra boost of elasticity and provides excellent retention of shape, so you can enjoy a snug fit every time. Pros
Available in multiple popular colors Can accommodate X-large sizes Seamless design prevents skin irritation Extra terry loop to prevent sliding of socks
Cons
Percentage of merino wool in fabric blend is relatively lower
4. Best Moisture Wicking:Unigear Ski Socks
The Unigear Ski Socks are suitable not only for skiing but also for snowboarding and other winter sports. Made with a sturdy blend of merino wool and acrylic, these high-elastane socks provide a deliciously snug fit around your calves while keeping your feet toasty warm and cozy all day. The merino wool also has moisture-wicking properties to soak up any high-intensity workout-produced perspiration whilst simultaneously preventing foot odor. Additionally, their triple mesh ventilation design provides an extra boost of breathability and moisture regulation inside your ski boots. Pros
In-built elastic cuff to prevent socks from sliding down Comfortable wool cushioning in forefoot, shins, and heels Ideal for hiking, skiing, snowboarding and other winter activities The best women’s padded ski socks
Cons
Might not accommodate X-large sizes
5. Best Comfortable:Hylaea Merino Wool Ski Socks
If you’re looking for affordable knee-high ski socks, look no further than Hylaea! Comfortable and soft, they possess thick terry loops in the toe, heel, and forefoot region, which absorb shock and minimize friction. The merino wool women’s thermal ski socks also contain targeted padding at the front shin – an area in which winter sports enthusiasts like skiers usually need some extra cushioning. Additionally, they’re designed to provide compressive support through their elastic arch band that prevents socks from sliding. Pros
Made with thermally insulating merino wool Moisture-wicking and odor-resistant Multifunctional design: can be used for multiple sports Accommodates sizes S to XL for men and women The best women’s knee-high ski socks
Cons
Some users report they’re on the tighter side.
6. Best Outdoor Sports:CelerSport 2-Pack Women’s Ski Socks
You can expect to keep your feet toasty warm on the slopes with these fabulous women’s ski socks from CelerSport. Made with a lovely blend of cotton, nylon, polyester, and spandex, these seamless socks are lightweight, breathable, and just the right amount of stretchy yet snug! They possess extra cushioning on the heels and knees – regions that suffer the brunt of friction and shock during winter sports. Meanwhile, the high moisture-wicking nature of their fabric blend ensures your feet don’t get wet from the snow or heavy with any perspiration. Pros
Very stylish design and available in several colors Lightweight thickness that combines comfort with function Elastic cuff at top to prevent socks from sliding down Anti-blister and seamless design to prevent skin irritation
Cons
No merino wool in fabric blend
7. Best Snowboard Skiing:Sierry 2-Pair Ski Socks
Another great option for merino wool anti-fans, these 2-pair ski socks from Sierry are ideal for snow sports, outdoor recreation, or simply a cozy warm night of sleep in the winter! Made with a lightweight blend of cotton, nylon, and spandex, these high-performance ski socks are wonderfully breathable, durable, and snug. The ergonomic design with flat seams in the toe region ensures pinch-free comfort during skiing. Meanwhile, the non-itch, moisture-wicking, and ultra-soft cotton is supremely gentle against sensitive skin, allowing hours’ worth of comfortable wear. Pros
Machine washable and easy to launder Unisex stylish winter socks for men and women Can be worn for long hours sans pinching or odor buildup Each purchase comes with 2 pairs of ski socks
Cons
Does not accommodate XL sizes
8. Best For Cold Weather:Eternal 2-Pack Ski Socks
Skiing just got oh-so-much prettier! Available in pastel pink and baby blue, these unisex ski socks from Eternal are uber stylish and toasty warm. Made with a thick blend of chinlon and spandex, they hit just the right note of elastic stretch and snug comfort. With terry thickness reinforcement in the toes, heel, shins, and ankles, these moisture-wicking socks provide good wear resistance to extend the life of your purchase. The max cushioning in regions of high impact also reduces foot pain and prevents blisters or chafing. Pros
Fights frozen feet with great thermal insulation Non-slip elastic cuff to keep socks from sliding down Odor-resistant and anti-blister design for max comfort Over the calf length is a perfect fit for winter boots Best thin ski socks
Cons
Doesn’t contain merino wool or cotton
9. Best For Dry Feet:Samsox 2-Pair Merino Wool Ski Socks
Made with a wonderful blend of premium merino wool, nylon, and lycra spandex, these woolen ski socks from Samsox are the ultimate foot warmers! The merino wool provides high-quality insulation while simultaneously being ultra-soft and lightweight. Meanwhile, the durable lycra & spandex mix ensures your ski socks fit snug to the lines of your calves. These fabrics also possess natural moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties, so you can enjoy warm & dry feet throughout the day. With high-density cushioning at the underfoot, calves, heels, and toes, expect an extra boot of warm comfort on a long day at the slopes. Pros
Each purchase comes with 2-pairs of unisex socks Seamless toe box design prevents skin irritation Stylish design and accommodates XL sizes Machine washable and easy to launder
Cons
Relatively more expensive
10. Best Discomfort:Pure Athlete Warm Wool Ski Socks
Celebrate winter with these strikingly beautiful woolen ski socks from Pure Athlete. Their gorgeous deer motif knit embodies holiday cheer and will seamlessly match with all your Christmas sweaters. Made with a thick blend of nylon, merino wool, acrylic fibers, and spandex, this special yarn guarantees toasty warm toes. Additionally, its medium thickness ensures the perfect fit for tight ski boots. Available in several alluring color combinations like navy, pink, teal, purple, white, and green, the chic design of these high-performance ski socks makes winter a tad merrier indeed! Pros
Lightweight women’s ski socks Extremely stylish and ideal for holiday wear Over the calf length is a perfect fit for ski boots Moisture-wicking & anti-odor fabric for warm, dry feet Available in multiple sizes and colors
Cons
Can be relatively expensive
There you have it, folks: the 10 best women’s ski socks of 2022 that are guaranteed to keep your feet warm and happy on the slopes. But before you head right over to a virtual checkout, take a quick peek at our handy buying guide below. You can expect useful tips on how to choose and wear the ideal ski socks for you. Read on!
A Stylish Skier’s Guide To Buying The Best Women’s Ski Socks
Uncomfortable feet can be a major deal-breaker during a long day at the slopes, which is why selecting the right ski socks to match your needs is an essential pre-skiing ritual. Ski sock engineering and technology have, thankfully, come a long way in the past few years. They’ve been upgraded to possess better fit, moisture management, and breathability. When one compares the recent models of ski socks, the principal difference one will notice is the level of cushioning and the fabric. Read on below to get the scoop on everything you need to know when selecting the ideal ski socks:
1. The Fabric Type
Most snowboard and ski socks are composed of merino wool, a synthetic fabric blend, or alternatively, a mixture of both. They usually also contain a small proportion of Lycra spandex or elastane in order to provide flexibility and an enhanced fit. Synthetic fabric and wool are quite similar when you compare durability and function. Hence, it’s solely up to you to decide what fabric feels the best on your feet:
Wool
Merino wool is glorious when it comes to retaining its warmth when wet with snow. Additionally, it’s odor resistant! It’s known for its fabulous breathability and propensity for wicking moisture away from one’s skin – arguably, the key to warm, dry, and oh-so-happy feet. Since wool fibers naturally absorb any moisture, it takes your feet a long while to feel wet. Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, cause moisture to run across their fibers, so you feel the dampness a lot quicker.
Synthetic
Synthetic fabric blends such as nylon-polyester have recently become quite popular, especially in terms of an alternative option for those people who suffer from an allergy to wool or possess sensitive skin. Synthetic yarns usually feature fibers that wick moisture and trap warmth, offering its wearer several of the naturally found characteristics that wool boasts of. Most synthetic blends also contain an antimicrobial coating that helps in odor control. And although merino wool may be relatively less itchy than the chafing woolen socks from the yesteryears, several skiers still prefer the smooth feel of synthetic ski socks.
2. Cushioning & Thickness
This may seem rather counterintuitive; however, a thicker sock doesn’t essentially equate to a warmer sock. The feet require an adequate blood supply to keep warm, which is why socks that are on the thicker spectrum can restrict one’s blood flow (especially once paired with a snug pair of ski boots). But advancements in fabric engineering have significantly improved the balance between thickness and warmth, allowing snowboarders and skiers to get away with skinnier socks than those women back in the day. Below are some additional considerations to note regarding sock cushioning:
No cushioning
The top snowboarders and skiers often opt for socks without any cushioning, or alternatively, very light cushioning if present. This is because aggressive, competition-level ski boots typically have a tighter fit. Skinnier socks are also a good option for snowboarders and skiers who prefer to feel the terrain below their feet.
Light cushioning
Usually, lightly cushioned ski socks will contain padding over the skins in order to protect the anterior aspect of the leg from any injurious knocks and rubbing of the ski boots. These types of socks have minimal or zero cushioning on the soles; however, reinforced fabric upon the heels and toes is common. If you’re prone to irritation or blisters at the toe area, look for ski socks that have an integrated or flat seam.
Medium cushioning
Such ski socks typically possess additional padding to absorb impact and increase warmth. Sometimes, snowboarders will opt for thicker socks as some snowboarding boots tend to fit more loosely than the snugger ski boots. Hence, a boost in cushioning may be preferable if you intend to snowboard. The comfort of your feet can either make or break your ski vacation, yet ski socks are typically the last thing new skiers wonder about when gearing up for their day at the slopes. But since you’ve arrived at the end of this article, you know better! And thanks to our meticulously researched list of the 10 best women’s ski socks of 2022 (and nifty buying guide), you can finally say goodbye to frosty feet this winter! Are thin ski socks better for skiing? Many skiers opt for thicker ski socks because they believe them to be warmer. However, due to recent advancements in fabric technology, thin ski socks can also offer fabulous thermal insulation. Such socks may suit skiers with tight ski boots better, as thicker ski socks can cause excessive compression in a snug boot. Is merino wool the best wool ski socks for skiing? Merino wool ski socks are traditionally considered the best for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and other winter sports. This is because it provides impressive thermal insulation and possesses significant breathability, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant properties. What is the ideal thickness for ski socks? The ideal thickness of your ski socks depends entirely on your needs as a skier. Competitive skiers usually prefer thin ski socks as they offer a better fit for their snug ski boots. But recreational skiers prefer a thickness that strikes a balance between comfort and function. That being said, beware of very thick socks as they can result in a tightly fit ski boot, which in turn can cause foot pain or even constrict the blood circulation to the feet. Can I wear two pairs of ski socks when skiing? Experts do not recommend that skiers wear two pairs of ski socks at once as this will reduce the breathability of both pairs, producing sweaty (and, hence, very cold) feet. Additionally, double layering of ski socks causes the layers to typically bunch up inside your boot, which can be irritating, distracting, or even painful. Are ski socks worth it? Yes. Ski socks are a must if you enjoy skiing. They provide warmth and cover your legs from toe to foot while protecting your skin from the boots. They also keep you away from cold and sore feet. Why do ski socks have left and right? Ski socks are knitted in a left/right pattern to provide a perfect fit. Each sock is designed to fit either the left or right foot.
