Finding the right ski socks for your kids is crucial for a fun and comfortable day on the slopes. Smartwool socks have become a beloved staple in many households, known for their comfort, warmth, and durability. This review dives into the features and performance of Smartwool kids ski socks, helping you make an informed decision for your young skiers.
Why Choose Smartwool Ski Socks?
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. 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.
- Comfort: Smartwool socks are known for their exceptional comfort, making them ideal for long days on the mountain.
- Warmth: The wool's natural ability to regulate temperature keeps feet cozy in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Durability: These socks hold up wash after wash, maintaining their shape and comfort.
Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion: A Top Pick
The Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion is our go-to ski sock. The Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion took home our top award for its overall performance and build. It does have a higher price tag but still provides good value because of its warmth, profile, and high-quality materials. This lightweight sock with targeted cushioning provides padding where you need it without influencing the overall fit of your boot. It offers some of the best breathability in our test.
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.
Pros:
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- Great breathability
- Cushioning in the right places
- Great fit
- Snug fit
- Wicks moisture
- Quick drying
Cons:
- Higher price
- Lacks cushioning
- Warmth outside of a boot is lacking
This sock's thickness is most appropriate for boots that have yet to or are just starting to pack out. The overall fit is snug in key areas like the toe box, arch-heel cup, and upper cuff.
Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion: For a Precise Fit
The Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion is our favorite zero cushion sock because of its materials and fit quality. Designed as ultralight, the Ski Zero foregoes cushioning, reducing the warmth that padding can help provide. Naturally, it is less durable than thicker socks, and comfort depends on whether you're using it in the intended settings. This sock uses 55% Merino wool to maximize the warmth the thin material can retain. Nylon and elastane create a compressive fit across the entire profile, and the thin nature and wicking materials promote breathability that's well-suited for multi-day trips and high performance.
This thin sock has a reinforced toe box to increase durability alongside a two-year warranty. We feel the Zero Cushion is among the best choices for touring as it regulates temperature well, especially during longer springtime missions. The Smartwool Zero Cushion sock is one of the first socks we grab for new boots or ski touring. The best sock is one that you can forget about so you can enjoy the moment.
Alternatives to Consider
While Smartwool is a top choice, other brands offer excellent ski socks. Here are a few alternatives:
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- Darn Tough: Known for their exceptional durability and lifetime warranty.
- Fox River: A well-rounded performer at an approachable price.
- Eurosock: A decent, affordable option for occasional skiers.
The Importance of Fit and Construction
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. The fit of a sock determines how it will perform throughout the day. A loose sock is bound to bunch up, while a snug sock will map your foot and minimize the formation of blisters. In addition, a comfortable sock shouldn't slip out of place or deform throughout the day.
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.
Warmth: An Essential Factor
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. Many boot fitters will tell you that you should try on your ski boots with the socks you plan on wearing because boots are supposed to fit tightly.
When comparing sock warmth, we look at the relative warmth while skiing and snowboarding at the resort and in the backcountry through all sorts of cold and wintry conditions. First, we evaluate the materials used. Then, we wear each pair throughout the winter, and often, we wear a different sock on each foot while riding to directly compare their performance.
Expert Testing and Evaluation
Our field testing involves finding the right team and then doing market research. We purchase our entire test fleet at full retail and analyze our chosen socks while sitting on lifts, hiking mountains, and charging through powder stashes. We've tested across America, including the iconic Telluride Ski Resort, the surrounding San Juan mountains, and the world-class Sierra Nevada range.
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In addition to field testing, we evaluate each sock comparatively, performing tests like wearing each on a different foot for true side-by-side analysis. We assess wicking ability and evaluate the different levels of cushioning and comfort. We also wear these socks while running and hiking to see how each breathes and insulates.
After testing each in the field, we assess them across five important metrics: comfort and construction, warmth, breathability, fit, and durability. Our goal is for our rating metrics and comparative evaluation to help you find the best ski sock for your needs.
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Customer Reviews
Here are some customer reviews of Smartwool kids ski socks:
- "My child loves these socks for skiing! They are comfortable, warm, soft, durable, and cute!"
- "Kids don't want to take these off. Warm, durable, fun - all around win."
- "Perfect for our granddaughter to wear during cold months at school. These wool socks are a great product! Highly recommended."
- "Bought a pair for each of my grandsons for a ski trip. They kept their feet warm and dry and they loved the yeti!"
- "These are the warmest socks."