what about socks?

[cyn]

As I've been going over my equipment for the upcoming season, I've been taking inventory of my ski socks. I have a few different types which vary in thickness, but all are specifically for skiing and they are all knee highs.
Overall, I'm quite pleased with their performance, but sometimes, I find the seam that goes across the ends of my toes ends up OVER my toes, where it chafes until I can take off the boot and re-adjust the sock.
Do any of you have ski socks that you absolutely love? Or does anyone think this might be the result of a boot problem, not the socks themselves? (The boots have been professionally fitted and I have custom footbeds.)

 

[Greeley]

I bought a couple pair of Bridgedale Merino Wool socks last year and now prefer them over my old Smartwool Ski Lights. I bought the ones that have the extra thickness in the heel to help keep th heel in place while skiing.

 

[Gloria]

It sounds like your socks may be too thick and "riding" up over your toes when you put the boot on. I do know this feeling though, I have feet that blister easier than cake any little thing hurts. When my boots were new prior to being packed out, I used knee-high nylons with the "reinforced toe" not the "sandal toe". They don't have a seam. I have progressed all the way up to thick wool socks in these boots so they do pack out eventually. Which is a good reason to use the thinnest socks you can, or they will pack out even quicker. But no, my feet didn't get cold in the simple nylons that I can remember.
In fact I think the thinner sock in a boot that fits well can keep you warmer because you will have better circulation.

 

[altagirl]

I always buy the thinnest ski socks I can find. Several brands seem to work well.

 

[ski diva]

I use the thin SmartWool socks myself. When I first began using them, I was skeptical that a thin sock would keep my feet warm. But they really seem to work. I guess it's because they're better for your circulation? Whatever the reason, they do it for me.

 

[Jilly]

I love my Lorpen's They are mixture of silk and wool. The next pair are the standard Hot Chillies. My feet sweat so much, I need all the help I can get to keep the moisture out and the heat in!!

 

[altagirl]

I use the thin SmartWool socks myself. When I first began using them, I was skeptical that a thin sock would keep my feet warm. But they really seem to work. I guess it's because they're better for your circulation? Whatever the reason, they do it for me.

Yeah, that's the reason. Thick socks might seem warmer, but it would be impossible to fit them in your boots without any bunching up. Then you get tight spots that cut off your circulation and your feet end up cold. I get cold feet so I always have to wear thin socks. Thick socks make my feet go numb and then they really freeze.

 

[ski now work later]

I have happily used Bridgedales for the past 3 seasons, but my bootfitter who sold me new boots this summer highly recommended Smartwool super thin socks, so I'm gonna give them a try this season.

Nice new avatar by the way Jilly!

 

[IntheClouds]

cyn,
If it's better after you adjust it, then it's probably the seam. Look for a pair that does not have that. I knit my wool socks & use a toe-up short row pattern so there are absolutely no seams whatsoever. This style is also a commercial style of manufacturing socks. Look for a pair of wool socks that do not have a seam at or over the toes. Also,if your sock is moving like that, it may well be too large. I have 1 pair of commercial ski socks I bought when having my boots fit -Smartwool medium thickness- it has a heavy seam over the top of the toes. Good luck.

 

[Ski Spirit]

Also, consider Smart Wool Ultralight ski socks....often on sale at SierraTradingPost.com.

 

[SnowHot]

I too, have smartwool sox. Love them!!!
my feet are toasty warm. I have only used toe warmers a couple times, and that was on some bitter cold days.

 

[Pequenita]

I'm a smartwool person, too. I haven't done this for skiing socks, but I actually wear my running socks inside out to avoid chafing seams.

 

[cyn]

Thanks, divas, for all the great advice! While my ski socks are not thick, they are not "super thin" either, so maybe I'd better get some of those. I'll also insist on socks without that seam at the toes. I guess I'll be doing a lot of close sock inspecting in the next few weeks..... Not nearly as much fun as ski shopping, but just as important!

 

[Gloria]

I'm a smartwool person, too. I haven't done this for skiing socks, but I actually wear my running socks inside out to avoid chafing seams.

I might have to try this, obviouslyl you get blisters also,does this help only with the "seams" on the socks like the toes or does it help you know like little bunches? ( I know exactly what I am trying to say but can't find the right words )

 

[Quiver Queen]

The last six years or so I've worn only Smartwool Ultralight Ski socks. They have no padding whatsoever, flat seams, and keep me warmer than thick socks. I'll buy several pair at once so there's always a fresh pair available, but primarily so I'm not messing with my boots trying to adjust them to a new sock each day. (I hate that!!) After a couple of ski years I relegate the whole bunch to casual wear and buy a new set for skiing. Other brands have comparable socks, but the Smartwools are easy to find and I know exactly what to expect.

 

[Pequenita]

I might have to try this, obviouslyl you get blisters also,does this help only with the "seams" on the socks like the toes or does it help you know like little bunches? ( I know exactly what I am trying to say but can't find the right words )

I haven't had problems with bunching, inside out or right-side out, but I definitely feel a difference with respect to the seam. Is that answering the right question?

 

[dloveski]

Smartwool ultra lights work for me!! the wool wicks and keeps the warmth. It's scary how much the feet sweat, at all temps.

having enough pairs to have fresh ones, especially when skiing consecutive days, has been my challenge. And, don't forget the boot drier-----nothing is worse than damp liners the next morning out.

 

[Gloria]

I haven't had problems with bunching, inside out or right-side out, but I definitely feel a difference with respect to the seam. Is that answering the right question?

I think so, I will try it. I have been running in nylons for the past several days. These new shoes just won't break in quick enough.

 

[Telluride Ski Babe]

This thread is reminding me I need to get some more socks...not just for skiing, but for hiking too. And a previous post in this thread prompted me to go look at one of my 'go to' sites. Ladies, SierraTradingPost is having a footwear sale.

 

[cyn]

I just wanted to thank all the Divas who responded to my question about socks.

I took your advice and bought the two pairs most of you seemed to like best - the ultra thin Thorlos and the ultra thin smart wools.

I tried the Thorlos yesterday, and they made a HUGE difference - no more seam riding up over my toes and rubbing them all day, no bunching, just comfort! It just goes to show what a major difference the right socks can make.

Thanks again!!!!!