For over 25 years, we’ve been pushing the boundaries of Merino to create smarter, more capable socks. Our athlete team includes some of the best skiers and snowboarders, and they put our products to the ultimate test. From setting records in the slalom to riding powder down some of the world’s most extreme terrain, the right ski or snowboard socks help to boost each athlete’s performance by offering ultimate foot protection and comfort.
But just because you don’t ski or snowboard professionally doesn’t mean you should skimp on socks. The best ski socks not only make a difference in your comfort, but can improve your overall experience in the mountains.
The choices between weight, cushion and style are seemingly overwhelming, but they don’t have to be! We’ve simplified selecting the best Ski sock or Snowboard sock, so that you can stay out on the hill from first chair to last call.
Merino Matters
At the heart and soul of every Smartwool® PhD® Ski and Slopestyle sock is an amazing fiber: Merino wool. It is the best fiber available to pair with your ski or snowboard boots. Merino Ski socks manage moisture better than cotton, are smarter than synthetics and are more comfortable in any and all weather conditions. Plus, Merino wool ski socks don’t itch like traditional wool.
Know the Source of your Socks
We believe sheep deserve to be treated well, and we’re proud to source Merino wool for our ski and snowboard socks through fair, sustainable and mutually rewarding practices. Our partner, New Zealand Merino Company, has developed ZQ, the world’s first Merino wool accreditation program. This program ensures environmental, social and economic sustainability and safe guards animal welfare.
Learn more about our sheep and the ZQ accreditation program.
Proper Fit & Sizing
There is no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to the best ski and snowboard socks. Wearing socks that are too big causes bunching around the heels and toes, which could result in blisters. Wearing socks that are too tight cut off important circulation to your feet, causing them to get really cold, really fast! With our 4-Degree™ Elite Fit system, Smartwool® socks hug your feet snugly, leaving no room for excess material but just enough room that you can wiggle your toes freely.
Breathability is essential for all day comfort. Think about it: your foot is trapped inside a boot for hours on end, so in order to keep your feet dry from perspiration, we designed our ski and snowboard socks with activity-specific mesh zones located on the top of the foot to increase breathability.
Durability Counts
Whether you’re a professional athlete, weekend warrior or hitting the slopes for the first time, we know your socks will go through some serious force. That’s why our PhD® Ski and Snowboard socks feature IndestructawoolTM technology. This patent-pending construction in the heel and toe of the socks enhances durability without sacrificing comfort.
Plus, all of our Ultra Light cushion ski & snowboard socks also feature our Shred Shield™ anti-wear technology. It significantly increases the durability in the toe area of our Ultra Light socks.
Gender Specific Fit
There are distinct anatomical differences between men's and women’s feet, which means their socks should be created differently. We’ve designed our Women’s PhD® Ski and Snowboard socks with a slimmer heel pocket and overall narrower profile, plus women’s specific mesh ventilation zones. No shrink it and pink it here!
Customize Your Cushion
Thicker isn’t always better – that’s why we offer a wide variety of cushion levels from Ultra Light to Medium cushion for different needs on the slopes. Each level of cushion offers its own unique advantage. Once you know all the options, you can choose one that best suits your own needs.
Ski Ultra Light & Snowboard Ultra Light: Non-cushioned for a close fit in new or tight fitting performance boots.
Ski Light Elite: Light cushion made to protect the shin and provide a dialed fit in performance boots.
Ski Light: Light cushion shin and sole for impact absorption and warmth.
Ski Medium: Fully cushioned shin and foot for ultimate warmth and impact protection.
Snowboard Light Elite: Light cushion made to provide a dialed fit.
Snowboard Medium: Medium cushioned foot and leg for high impact absorption and ultimate warmth.
The importance of good ski and snowboarding socks is often overlooked, despite the fact that nothing will end a great day on the slopes faster than cold feet. Help keep your feet warm, dry and ready for run after run, all day long with Smartwool® PhD® Ski and Snowboard socks.
