Nobody likes cold, clammy, or tingly feet. Seemingly simple, the best ski socks are a surprisingly technical layer that’s critical for keeping your feet warm, protected, and comfortable. Finding the right pair for your foot circulation, activity, and boots, in addition to conditions like temperature, lets you enjoy the slopes or ski tour even longer.
For the past five years, we’ve tested dozens of ski socks to bring you the very best. Led by GearJunkie Senior Editor Morgan Tilton, who specializes in Snow Sports, our team took a variety of ski socks on adventures in the backcountry, the resort, and everything in between to find the top choices. Ski socks are also suitable for a range of other snowy adventures or outdoor work, from sledding and snowmobiling to shoveling or snowshoeing, so we did it all.
Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, this around-the-toes layer performs a key role in the health of your feet and overall. Some designs are made of synthetic material like the Dissent GFX Compression Hybrid socks, which are also a compression-style design, so they’re very foot-hugging to resistant movement in your boot. This is a great sock for athletic, aggressive downhilling and tours. Other socks like the Smartwool Targeted Cushion Over The Calf Sock feature merino wool, which provides warmth, a softer hand feel, and a less restrictive hold on your feet. This is a solid choice for everyday resort laps, especially if it’s colder out. No matter how you plan to use them, we have a sock that will work for your needs.
Editor’s Note: We updated our Ski Socks buyer’s guide on February 14, 2025, adding our favorite midweight ski socks, the Darn Tough Function X Over-The-Calf Midweight Ski and Snowboard Socks.
The Best Ski Socks of 2025
Best No-Budget Backcountry Wool Ski Socks
Le Bent Cody Townsend & Elyse Saugstad Pro Series Zero Cushion
Best Midweight Ski Socks
Darn Tough Function X Over-The-Calf Midweight Ski and Snowboard Socks
- Fabric: 57% Merino Wool, 10% Nylon, 30% Recycled Nylon, 3% Elastane
- Thickness: Medium
- Length: Over the calf
Pros
- Soft
- Warm and breathable
- Targeted cushion makes for an ideal fit
Cons
- Some pilling after use
- Fabric: 60% wool, 30% stretch nylon, 9% stretch polyester, 1% spandex
- Thickness: Medium
- Length: Mid-calf
Pros
- A few less bucks compared to sister socks
- Cushioned shin panel feels great in ski boots
Cons
- A fully cushioned midweighter might be heavy if you want a thin, athletic fit
- Fabric: 49% Nylon, 28% Bamboo Rayon, 20% Merino Wool, 3% Elastane
- Thickness: Light-medium
- Length: Knee-height
Pros
- Silicone strips help sock stay up and prevent heel movement
- Extremely soft
- Articulated, athletic fit
Cons
- Upper price tier
- Longer length might not be everyone’s top choice
- No cushion might be a no-go for some
- Fabric: 70% polyamide, 18% merino wool, 12% spandex
- Thickness: Light
- Length: Calf
Pros
- Just-right compression
- Quick to dry
Cons
- Not the best choice for the coldest days
- Expensive
- Fabric: 8% Nanoglide, 28% Lycra, 64% Polyamide
- Thickness: Light
- Length: Calf
Pros
- Breathable
- Form-fitting anatomical design
Cons
- Expensive
- Fabric: 46% rayon from bamboo, 32% nylon, 20% Merino wool, 2% elastane
- Thickness: Light
- Length: Over the calf
Pros
- Smooth seamless texture
- Odor-resistant
- Rubber heel and calf lock
Cons
- Expensive
- Fabric wears down faster
- Fabric: 63% merino wool, 10% nylon, 25% recycled nylon, 2% elastane
- Thickness: Light/medium
- Length: Over the calf
Pros
- Seamless fit
- Holds up to many washes
- Cushioning allows for a comfortable fit with reduced movement
Cons
- Recycled material percentages vary depending on pattern choice
- Texture of fabric is a bit rigid
- Fabric: 59% Merino wool, 38% Nylon, 3% Lycra spandex(men's); 57% Merino wool, 40% Nylon 3%, Lycra spandex (women's)
- Thickness: Medium
- Length: Over the calf
Pros
- Extra padding where you need it most
- Odor-resistant
- Durable
- Moisture-wicking
- Stay put even with vigorous movement
Cons
- May be too high for some
Other Ski Socks We Loved
- Materials: 57% Merino Wool, 10% Nylon, 30% Recycled Nylon, 3% Elastane
- Thickness: Medium
- Length: Over the calf
Pros
- Dialed in fit
- Warm
- Moisture wicking
- Easy boot entry with nano-glide
Cons
- Bulky for ski touring or aerobic activities
- Fabric: 66% Merino Wool, 26% Nylon, 6% Polyester, Lycra-Spandex 2%
- Thickness: Light-to-Medium
- Length: Over the Calf
Pros
- Full contact fit
- Heel lock feature prevents blisters
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons
- Unisex design may not work for everyone
- Fabric: 53% Merino Wool, 45% Nylon, 2% LYCRA®
- Thickness: Medium
- Length: Over the Calf
Pros
- Good warmth to thickness ratio
- Stretchy and comfortable
- Moderate padding in key areas
Cons
- Too stretchy for ski touring
- Fabric: 49% Super-fine Merino Wool, 37% Nylon, 10% Polyester, 4% Lycra
- Thickness: Ultralight
- Length: Over the calf
Pros
- Ultralight materials allow for max heel to boot contact
- Breathable fabrics
Cons
- Lack of cushioning
- Requires a tight fitting boot liner making these not ideal for rental ski boots
- Fabric: 53% Merino Wool, 44% Nylon, 3% Lycra
- Thickness: Light
- Length: Over the Calf
Pros
- Light and breathable materials
- Comfortable amount of compression on the calves
- Welt is secure
- Gender-specific options
Cons
- Fabric is not the softest
- Fit is a bit loose on the feet
- Fabrics: Merino wool, nylon, and elastane blend
- Thickness: Medium
- Length: Calf
Pros
- Good quality materials
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive

Ski Socks Comparison Chart
Ski Sock | Price | Fabric | Thickness | Length |
Smartwool Targeted Cushion Over The Calf Sock | $28 | 57% merino Wool, 10% Nylon, 30% Recycled Nylon, 3% Elastane | Medium | Over the calf |
Wigwam Sirocco | $17 | 60% wool, 30% stretch nylon, 9% stretch polyester, 1% spandex | Medium | Mid-calf |
Le Bent Cody Townsend & Elyse Saugstad Pro Series Zero Cushion | $40 | 49% Nylon, 28% Bamboo Rayon, 20% merino Wool, 3% Elastane | Light-medium | Knee-height |
CEP Ski Touring Compression Socks | $55 | 76% polyamide, 13% merino wool, 11% spandex | Light | Calf |
Dissent GFX Compression Hybrid | $58 | 8% Nanoglide, 28% Lycra, 64% polyamide | Light | Calf |
Le Bent Core Light Snow Sock | $32 | 46% rayon from bamboo, 32% nylon, 20% merino wool, 2% elastane | Light | Over the calf |
Smartwool Ski Full Cushion | $31 | 63% merino wool, 25% recycled nylon, 10% nylon, 2% elastane | Light/medium | Over the calf |
Darn Tough Function X Over-The-Calf Midweight Ski and Snowboard Socks | $33 | 59% Merino wool, 38% Nylon, 3% Lycra spandex(men’s); 57% Merino wool, 40% Nylon 3%, Lycra spandex (women’s) | Medium | Over the calf |
Fox River Bootfitter Elite Ultra-Lightweight Over-The-Calf Ski Sock | $28 | 57% merino Wool, 10% Nylon, 30% Recycled Nylon, 3% Elastane | Medium | Over the calf |
FITS Light Ski Sierra | $28 | 66% merino Wool, 26% Nylon, 6% Polyester, Lycra-Spandex 2% | Medium | Over the Calf |
Icebreaker Medium Over the Calf Socks | $31 | 53% merino Wool, 45% Nylon, 2% LYCRA® | Medium | Over the Calf |
Darn Tough OTC Women’s Yeti & Men’s Captain Cushioned Socks | $29 | 64-68% merino wool, 32% nylon, 4% Lycra spandex | Medium | Over the calf |
FITS Ski FILM | $30 | 49% Super-fine merino Wool, 37% Nylon, 10% Polyester, 4% Lycra | Ultralight | Over the calf |
Icebreaker Merino Ski Light Over the Calf Socks | $29 | 53% merino Wool, 44% Nylon, 3% Lycra | Light | Over the Calf |
Norrøna Lofoten Mid Weight Merino Sock Long | $49 | merino wool, nylon, and elastane blend | Medium | Calf |

How We Tested the Best Ski Socks
Our Expert Testers

Our Testing Grounds
Our Testing Process

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Ski Socks
Materials
Wool

Synthetic

Ski Sock Construction

Ski Sock Length

Thickness & Warmth

Cushion

Ski Sock Fit

Ski Socks vs. Snowboard Socks

Men’s Ski Socks vs. Women’s Ski Socks

Elasticity

Breathability

Odor Resistance

Durability

Compression

Warranty
Manufacturer Defects

Complete Coverage, Limited Time
Total Coverage, Lifetime

How to Care for Ski Socks

Price & Value
Budget
Mid-Tier

Premium

Frequently Asked Questions
There are hundreds of ski socks on the market, curated into dozens of types and styles. We’ve found the best ones for beginners have a balance of support and cushion, a warm yet breathable blend, and come at a lower price.
Some of our expert skiers’ favorites include the Smartwool Ski Full Cushion Over The Calf Socks and Le Bent Core Light Snow Sock — socks with lighter or ultralight cushioning, merino wool fibers, and tailored zones that help balance breathability and warmth.
The warmest ski socks will depend largely on the blend of fabrics and thickness of the sock. Some of the warmest ski socks we tested and best for temps below zero were the Darn Tough Over-the-Calf Socks.

Sock thickness is usually very dependent on what type of skier you are, as well as personal preference. And depending on how your ski or snowboard boot fits, as well as the shape of your feet, you may want a thinner or thicker sock for comfort.
We’ve found most of our expert skiers on staff prefer a lighter-weight sock, while snowboarders on staff are split between light and midweight varieties.
merino wool is a natural fiber with a lot of great properties: breathability, odor-wicking, warmth, and moisture-wicking, to name a few. And each of those factors really come into play when your foot is stuffed inside an insulated, rigid boot all day. But, merino alone is not the most durable over time, which is why it’s often blended with other synthetic fibers.
So, if you prefer a merino blend over pure synthetic options, we’d recommend looking for a sock that has at least 50-60% merino wool — like the Smartwool Full Cushion Sock.

Typically, no. If you have invested into a pair of ski or snowboard socks that support your feet, while also keeping them toasty warm, there is no need to double up. Two pairs of socks worn simultaneously can lead to extra friction and bunching in your boot, causing blisters and uncomfortable crowding.
If your feet feel cold while skiing, make sure you are wearing a sock with enough elasticity and padding to stay put and keep your toes warm, as well a fabric blend that includes a healthy portion of merino wool. The thicker the sock, the more warmth, so try a midweight or even a heavyweight sock.
Also, how old are you ski boots, liners, or footbeds? The other component to keeping your feet warm is a well-constructed and lively boot liner, footbed, and shell, some of which are constructed with various technology to help keep your feet warm.
If you’ve exhausted the basic investment of new socks followed by boots, you can add electronic heat byway of battery-operated insoles or liners, too. But start with a solid sock choice before upping the bill with all those extra tools.
Cold and uncomfortable feet while on the mountain is never fun.
To ensure the longevity of your ski socks, it is important to take care of them through a frequent wash with a gentle detergent and cool water. (Hot water shrinks.) Avoid using any fabric softeners or bleach, as this can damage the fibers of the sock, thus leading to fraying and loss of insulation abilities. To ensure the wool stays in its best shape, hang or lay your socks flat to dry after you’ve washed them.
After a day of skiing or snowboarding, we recommend taking your socks off as soon as you get back to the car or lodge. While most socks have superb moisture-wicking abilities, to keep your socks in the best shape possible we suggest not overusing them. This will ensure your ski socks last you several seasons, rather than just one.

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