What kind of socks do you wear?

[SnowGlider]

I've always worn only a sock liner because my feet get hot. Today for the first time I wore a regular ski sock, medium weight.

First thing I noticed was that the sock did take up the extra space in my boots and gave me a snugger fit. Second, I seemed to have less foot and leg pain than previously. And third, it seemed like I didn't lose any control or sensitivity versus a thin sock.

I usually hear that thin is better. What do you think?

 

[Pequenita]

For me, cushioning and keeping my feet warm are key. I generally wear a medium to light weight smartwool ski sock that has padded shins. I want snug feet, but not so tight that there is no air circulating in there to keep my feet warm.

 

[SnowDancer]

thin socks for me

I like my boots to fit snugly, but also need to avoid cramps in my arches or at the base of my toes. [One season I actually skied barefoot, but the boots were getting a little too funky. Picked up a tip on EpicSki - spray deodorant works VERY well.] Fortunately, my feet don't get cold, so I wear either a liner or something like an Ultralight Smartwool (they really don't itch!). When/If my boots pack out, then I switch to a light or medium cushion.

 

[Gina23]

I wear a medium cushion smartwool snowboarding sock. They were a little pricey, but I think well worth it. I can throw them in the wash on any cycle and they are still like brand new. I will wear them next season also.

 

[ski now work later]

I wear a Bridgedale thin sock or a Bridgedale thicker sock on cold days. I don't know what I'm going to do when I spring ski for the first time this season....

 

[Lori_K]

I've tried a few different ski socks, but I always come back to my pair of Euro Socks for first choice.
https://www.eurosock.com/ESNA_products/Euros/Ski/ski.htm#s

Padding where you want it, and thin where you don't. Fits nicely and doesn't bunch up in my boot. The price is reasonable, too.
Been through dozens of washings, and have held up well.

 

[persee]

I'll throw in another vote for smartwool ski socks - either light or medium weight. The heavy weight are too thick and would be miserable in my shoes getting to/from the ski area.

 

[altagirl]

I can't wear anything other than ultralight liner socks. Even the lightest cushion causes hot spots in my boots and makes me lose circulation, so my feet stay much warmer with just a liner.

 

[volklgirl]

I can't wear anything other than ultralight liner socks. Even the lightest cushion causes hot spots in my boots and makes me lose circulation, so my feet stay much warmer with just a liner.

Ditto. Anything thicker than the thinest polypro liner makes my feet sweat, then they get cold and I end up with blisters. I can't even fit the 'light weight' ski socks in my boots.

 

[Thatsagirl]

It depends on what you were wearing when you had your boots fitted. I had mine fitted with a thin Smartwool sock. If I use a sock that's any thicker, I got hot spots, my feet get cold and I get numbness from my calf to my toes.

However, once your boot packs out, you probably can get away with a thicker sock. My initial reaction to your post, Snowglider, is that perhaps you can get away with a thicker sock now because you've worn your boots for awhile and they are packed out. Or they were never quite properly fitted to begin with. How old are your boots and how much have you skied in them?

 

[Greeley]

I like the light weight Smartwools. I did buy a pair of wool Bridgedales with extra padding in the heels. They are great near the end of an 8 day trip when the boots are getting packed out. I don't wear anything but wool, the synthetics always seem to be abrasive on my shins.

 

[ISki]

I had been accusing my ski boots of leaking. In fact I even duct taped them. On my last ski trip I learned that it wasn't the boots (probably), it was the fancy schmancy socks! My last ski trip was a long one, and I had to dig deep into my ancient clothing. The ancient socks kept my feet dry. The new socks made my feet wet.

 

[SkiMonster]

my boots DO leak; my feet get cold when it's warm; and are warm when its so cold the snow isn't melting and leaking into my toes.

I have a pair of the euro socks Lori K mentioned that I love; and a pair of thicker burton snowboard socks i've been suing lately, as my boots are getting more broken in; i have an elastic thingy around my ankle for extra support that needs replacing, and the sock is taking up some room in the meantime.

I will say it again, I love this site. The euro socks were given to me as a gift, and i didnt' remember the brand name; and haven't seen them in any stores near where I live - and i really want another pair. I'm really sensitive about wool; and the smart wool still seem itchy to me, and are about all i seem to see around. (Hence buying the snowboard socks instead when i needed a 2nd pair).

I don't notice a difference w/ padding on my shins; my boots don't get me there; and the warmth between the thicker vs. thin socks i haevn't noticed either. I have freak feet though :p long & super thin & bony; so I really don't expect to keep them too warm in the first place. I dream of the day I can get a bootfitter to spend hours on me, hah! But what I've got for now is great, considering, and I feel lucky to have found them & the guy that modified them to be tight enough for me in the legs.

I have a feeling that as my boots get more worn in, i'll end up having to increase sock thickness to take up space; despite the warnings about thick socks being bad. Either that or find a way to gain weight in the feet only! i think thin is probably only better if your boots already fit you just right; some of us have shortcomings to make the best of, and the socks can help, even if it is a 'no no.'

 

[altagirl]

my boots DO leak; my feet get cold when it's warm; and are warm when its so cold the snow isn't melting and leaking into my toes.

Duct tape, girl, duct tape. Put a piece across the toe just below the buckle so it keeps the water out if they're leaking. It even comes in colors if you don't want a silver piece of tape across your boots.

And whenever you can afford it, cough up the money and see a fantastic bootfitter. I have weird feet too, and spent a crazy amount of money on boots this fall - and I haven't regretted that purchase for a minute!

 

[Quiver Queen]

I buy several identical pair of socks so I don't have to mess with the boot buckles from day to day and have unexpected pressures spots. (To fit a boot I'll only wear a liner sock because I figure I'll be able to feel pressure points easier.) What I wear for skiing, no matter what the conditions, is the Smartwood Ultralight--no padding anywhere. I had thought my feet would be getting cold with such a thin sock, but happens far less than with others.

 

[NannyMin]

I like both the Euro socks and Patagonia liners. Now that my boots are starting to pack out a bit more I typically wear the Euros.

 

[SkiMonster]

what CAN'T duct tape do? ;)

I will def. be getting some work done as soon as i can, but in the meantime - *duh!* why did that not occur to me!
:D

 

[Pequenita]

what CAN'T duct tape do? ;)

The urban myth is that it actually doesn't stick to ducts because the ducts get too hot and the glue melts off the tape and no longer sticks. :o

 

[dburdenbates]

In Breckenridge last fall, hubby and I got turned on to the Wigwam INgenius SnowSports socks. They are so awesome. Very thin, warm merino wool with an integrated Olefin liner. Comfy, warm and dry!