A quality ski sock gets the basics right: a close but not restricting fit, soft-touch materials that don’t itch, and enough cushioning to keep you on the slopes all day. Every sock that made our “best of” list for the season accomplishes this and more.
In terms of construction, the current top dog is merino wool. It’s not scratchy like wool socks of old-in fact, it’s soft, warm, and comfortable-and repels odor well. Our top pick, the Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion OTC, is a case in point.
For more background, see our ski sock comparison table and buying advice, as well as details on our testing practices.
It is important to decide what you're willing to pay. Some lower-priced options perform nearly as well as their higher-priced counterparts.
Top 5 Best Ski Socks for Maximum Comfort & Warmth ❄️⛷️
Ski equipment isn't known for being cheap, but it may be a surprise that high-performing ski socks can cost a pretty penny, too.
Read also: Keeping Little Feet Warm on the Slopes
Socks can be tempting to try and save a buck on. We recommend you buy pairs from reputable brands that provide the correct fit for your boot and warmth for your climate.
Very low-priced ski socks are often simple tubes of fabric that don't have a precise fit or wick moisture well. They are typically thicker in construction and offer nice warmth when dry, but as soon as you start moving, they don't breathe well.
They also tend to leave something to be desired regarding fit, tending to bunch or create pressure points in your ski boots. These are not high-value products, so be sure to avoid them if you know you're going to be moving as well as standing still, as one does on the ski hill. Ski socks are a worthy investment to help you get the most from your day in these magical places.
The construction of a ski sock is what dictates its overall comfort. A comfortable model features compression paneling and strategic cushioning to increase comfort and support.
In addition, a comfortable sock shouldn't slip out of place or deform throughout the day. In this metric, we examine sock construction and its relative comfort on the slopes.
Socks that scored the best are thoughtfully constructed with ventilation paneling in “sweaty” areas like around the arch and at the ball of the foot. The most comfortable socks also have additional padding zones in potential pressure point areas like the shin, ankle bones, and toes.
Darn Tough and Icebreaker use a similar construction process. The Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion is a comfortable sock because of its additional cushioning and construction that intersperses strategic paneling for breathability.
The Icebreaker also has an additional padding panel directly behind the ankle in the Achilles area for added support and comfort. Conversely, the Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion and Darn Tough Solstice OTC Lightweight lack padding except for a small section in the toe box.
A zero-cushion sock may be ideal for some users seeking the most precise fit in a tight boot, but it won't be for everyone.
Many beginner and recreational skiers expect that thicker socks are more comfortable because they feel better when worn in the store. However, on the slopes, thicker socks can compromise the fit of a tight boot, making a day at the resort rough on the feet.
Warm feet are an essential part of a good day on the mountain. You don't want to return from a day on the ski hill with numb feet or early signs of frostbite. Socks are the foundation of warmth. But the majority of the warmth will come from your boot.
The overall style can be likened to the overall brand identity - functional, cozy, and ‘homely’.
Modern, minimalist, classic, non-offensive, and basic. Meant to pair well with jeans, shorts, a suit, or running shoes.
While some of their socks have some patterns and visuals on them, I’d say that they’re generally very ‘professional’ and lifestyle focused.
They’re a night and day difference compared to regular socks and I’ll never go back!
Here are some top picks for men's and women's ski socks:
Men's Ski Socks
- Best Overall: Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion OTC
- A Close Second (With Standout Durability): Darn Tough Solstice OTC Lightweight
- Best Budget: Wigwam Sirocco Midweight OTC
- Best Ultralight: Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion OTC
- Best Compression: Thermic Dissent GFX Compression Hybrid
Women's Ski Socks
- Best Overall: Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion OTC
- A Close Second (With Standout Durability): Darn Tough Alpine OTC Lightweight
- Best Budget: Wigwam Sirocco Midweight OTC
- Best Ultralight: Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion OTC
- Best Compression: Thermic Dissent GFX Compression Hybrid
Detailed Reviews
1. Men's Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion & Women's Ski Targeted Cushion ($30)
- Materials: 57% merino wool, 40% nylon, 3% elastane
- Thickness: Light/medium
- What we like: Great fit and performance with strategic cushioning and mesh for added breathability.
- What we don’t: Can’t match Darn Tough’s warranty.
Merino wool specialist Smartwool dominates the ski sock market, and our favorite model for the season is their Ski Targeted Cushion OTC. Like many Smartwool products, this sock is soft and comfortable, fits and performs extremely well, isn’t prone to loosening (you can wear it multiple times between washes), and looks good, too (it’s offered in several fun patterns and designs).
As the name suggests, the sock also boasts the brand’s targeted cushioning, which concentrates padding in high-wear areas like under the heel and toes with mesh zones for added breathability. The net result: a supportive and intentionally built design that’s great for bombing laps downhill, ski touring, and everything in between.
It’s worth noting that Smartwool falls short of Darn Tough in both durability and warranty (two years vs. Darn Tough’s lifetime guarantee). However, their Indestructawool construction-a dense wool blend added to high-wear areas like under the heel and toes-has given them a nice boost in longevity.
Of note: The model listed here is good for those who run cold, but modern ski boots are designed to fit snugly and have quality liners that do much of the insulating work for you. If your boots are already tight or you prefer less cushioning, check out Smartwool’s own Ski Zero Cushion OTC.
2. Men's Darn Tough Solstice Lightweight & Women's Alpine Lightweight ($30)
- Materials: 52% nylon, 45% merino wool, 3% Lycra
- Thickness: Light
- What we like: Quality and durability are hard to match.
- What we don’t: Not the softest (but not far off).
Darn Tough is another brand churning out some of the best socks: They’re constructed mostly of merino wool, made in Vermont, and come with a lifetime warranty to back them up. But what truly sets Darn Tough apart is its durability: We still have ski and hiking models going strong after 5+ years of consistent wear.
Their lineup is undeniably extensive-and admittedly hard to decipher with all the various names-but we especially like the OTC Lightweight models (including the Solstice and women’s Alpine), which hit a nice middle ground in cushioning and warmth for season-long resort use. There are many variations that differ slightly in price and materials, but all share the same excellent build quality and long-lasting construction.
The merino/nylon combination of Darn Tough’s OTC Lightweight models is reasonably soft to the touch yet tough, and the seamless design helps to avoid irritation against your foot from a long day on the mountain. Further, the socks have just enough cushioning to offer moderate warmth and protection when leaning hard into your boots.
We ranked the Smartwool higher because we prefer its slightly snugger fit and more merino-heavy build, and the Darn Tough socks are more prone to loosening if you don’t wash/dry them after every outing.
3. Wigwam Sirocco Midweight OTC ($17)
- Materials: 60% wool, 30% stretch nylon, 9% stretch polyester, 1% spandex
- Thickness: Medium
- What we like: Great cushioning and price.
- What we don’t: Bulky and loses its shape over time.
If you’re struggling with the idea of spending $30 or more on a pair of ski socks, the good news is that there are deals out there to be had. Our favorite value option is the Wigwam Sirocco, which costs nearly half the price of the Darn Tough and Smartwool options yet still offers plenty of warmth and comfort for a typical day on the slopes.
Keep in mind that the Sirocco is prone to losing its shape over time, but the mix of wool and nylon is cozy and soft, and the medium-thickness cushioning can help fill out a pair of loose-fitting rental boots (although there's no replacement for getting sized right).
It’s important to note that the Wigwam Sirocco is not ideal for performance-oriented skiers, as the sock is too thick and doesn’t hug your foot as well as the pricier models. But on the plus side, it offers similar levels of warmth from the healthy dose of wool in its construction, and we’ve found it as cheap as $10 even in the heart of the winter buying season. That’s a downright bargain for weekenders who want a reliable pair of ski socks on a budget.
4. Men's Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion & Women's Ski Zero Cushion ($29)
- Materials: 55% merino wool, 41% nylon, 4% elastane
- Thickness: Ultralight
- What we like: Close, performance-oriented fit and great breathability for active pursuits like touring.
- What we don’t: Durability falls short of the light- and midweight competition.
Ultralight ski socks can be a great option for those with snug-fitting, performance-oriented ski boots-again, your liner does most of the insulating work-and the Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion OTC is our favorite in this category. The close, minimally padded fit keeps you close to your boots for added precision and feel on the slopes, and you get the same level of comfort and odor-fighting power that Smartwool is known for.
We’ve worn several generations of this sock over the years, and they continue to boast an excellent fit and breathability-a great combination for high-output uses like ski touring and exploring the sidecountry.
In choosing an ultralight sock like this one, you do sacrifice some durability. The thicker Smartwool and Darn Tough models will last much longer, and we don’t recommend wearing the Ski Zero Cushion for anything other than skiing. Keeping them on around the house or in town will add unnecessary wear to the thin build.
But for backcountry skiers and those who demand a lot from their setup, it’s a well-executed and comfortable performance option at a reasonable price.
5. Thermic Dissent GFX Compression Hybrid ($63)
- Materials: 64% polyamide, 28% Lycra, 8% Nanoglide
- Thickness: Light
- What we like: Excellent compression design for ski touring.
- What we don’t: Expensive.
Dissent Labs may not be on everyone's radar, but they’ve developed a loyal following among the ski touring crowd. What stands out about their GFX Compression Hybrid model is its comprehensive feature set: You get compression for a snug, reliable fit, padding in strategic areas for comfort on both uphill and downhill, and a synthetic build that breathes well and dries quickly.
And the benefits of a compression sock extend beyond fit. By improving circulation, compression socks can help keep feet warm and reduce muscle fatigue and soreness. The fully synthetic build also reduces friction inside the boot, which might help those who struggle with blisters. All told, it’s a great option for discerning backcountry skiers who have had a tough time finding a well-fitting sock.
The biggest impediment to the GFX Compression Hybrid, by far, is its price. It’s the priciest option on our list, but that’s par for the course for compression socks. In truth, most resort and backcountry skiers will be just fine with a sock like the Smartwool or Darn Tough options that come in at around half the Dissent's price. The sheer expense is what hurts it in our rankings, but you can’t fault the GFX’s quality and performance.
| Sock Model | Materials | Thickness | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion | 57% Merino Wool, 40% Nylon, 3% Elastane | Light/Medium | Great fit, strategic cushioning, breathable | Warranty not as good as Darn Tough |
| Darn Tough Solstice/Alpine Lightweight | 52% Nylon, 45% Merino Wool, 3% Lycra | Light | Excellent durability, lifetime warranty | Not the softest |
| Wigwam Sirocco Midweight OTC | 60% Wool, 30% Nylon, 9% Polyester, 1% Spandex | Medium | Affordable, good cushioning | Bulky, loses shape over time |
| Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion | 55% Merino Wool, 41% Nylon, 4% Elastane | Ultralight | Performance fit, excellent breathability | Lower durability |
| Thermic Dissent GFX Compression Hybrid | 64% Polyamide, 28% Lycra, 8% Nanoglide | Light | Excellent compression, strategic padding | Expensive |
tags: #icebreaker #ski #socks