How do you choose ski and snowboard socks?

You're going skiing, all your equipment is ready: skis, ski boots, ski clothing... So, why are you getting ready to put on your everyday socks? Everyday socks are not designed to protect your feet in the same way as those designed for skiing or snowboarding.

• Without thermal protection, they will not keep your feet warm, which can cause real discomfort during your day of skiing or snowboarding.
• They do not wick away perspiration, which can leave your feet damp and increase the risk of blisters and irritation.
• They do not have specific padding areas for certain skiing movements, which can cause pressure points and pain.

Thickness is the primary factor in protecting against the cold, and this is achieved through the terry weave of the ski sock. The weave and composition guarantee real, constant thermal protection. To ensure warmth, we blend natural components such as wool, known for its ability to maintain the right temperature, with synthetic materials such as polyester for their ability to wick away perspiration.

Good to know:

the more intense your activity, the more important it is to choose thin socks that wick away perspiration. Conversely, the less intense your activity, the thicker your sock should be. Our 500 sock is the warmest, but it is not very breathable. That means it should not be worn by those who perspire a lot, but it is ideal for skiers whose activity is less intense, who perspire less or who often feel cold in their extremities during their days on the slopes.

You know yourself, and you know that during your day of skiing, even though it's a sport, your feet will get cold. Anticipate this problem by stocking up on heat packs before you leave.

How do warmers work?

Stuck to your socks, warmers deliver gentle, consistent warmth for four to five hours. They are self-adhesive and can be placed on your toes, over your ski sock. Warmers self-activate on contact with air, and they need to be inserted into the sock while warm.

To protect your feet and maximise comfort, it is essential that your ski socks extend slightly above your ski boots, ideally to the middle of your shins. This has several advantages:

• Prevent irritation: the sock covers sensitive areas where the boot may rub.
• Provide better insulation: they help maintain the right temperature around the calves.
• Prevent snow from getting in: In the case of a fall, it reduces the likelihood of snow getting into the ski boot.

This is fairly obvious advice, but nevertheless very important: it is important to find the right size, neither too wide nor too narrow, so that the sock fits the foot perfectly. A sock that is too big can quickly lead to blisters. If there is too much material around the foot, there will be a greater chance of creases or areas of friction between the sock and the skin. Try on your socks before you leave for your winter sports holiday to check that they support your feet without being too tight.

Although thickness has a role in providing warmth, it also has an impact on the shifting your weight in your ski boot.The thinner the ski sock, the more precision it will give you in your movements. Some socks have reinforced areas to improve your comfort. They are most often located:

• Above the toes to localise the heat.
• On the shin, at the heel or the malleolus.
  
• For snowboarders, they can also be located behind the calf to protect it from frequent rear support.

The fit of the sock on your foot is essential for your comfort throughout your days of activity. In addition to choosing the right size, opt for a model that contains more or less elastane! This elastic material provides good support and moulds to the shape of the foot, preventing the formation of creases that can be particularly uncomfortable. It also retains excellent resistance to tension and bending, and has a soft, silky feel.