Socks are often the last piece of gear we think about. But ifyou’re heading off to the mountains, just any old sock won’t do—unless youliterally want to get cold feet.

Here’s what you need to know to find the right ski socks foryou.

Materials

Cotton

If you’re going to sweat it out on the slopes, cotton is abig NO. Out in the cold, clothes should pull moisture away from your body. But whetherit’s from sweat or snow, cotton will absorb and hold onto all of that moisture.And when that happens, it’ll do the opposite of keeping your warm.

Wool

Many consider wool—specifically Merino Wool—to be the bestmaterial for ski socks. It’s breathable and pulls moisture away to help keepyou warm. The fabric itself feels soft on the skin so it’s very comfy on andoff the slopes.

Best of all, the material naturally resists odor-causingbacteria. The downside is that they’re a bit more expensive and less durablecompared to the next option.

SyntheticFibers

Socks made from synthetic fibers (such as nylon, polyester,and acrylic) share many of the same benefits as their wool counterparts. Theyboth do a good job of keeping your feet warm and wicking moisture away. Infact, wool socks are usually made with a blend of synthetic fibers to give itextra durability and elasticity.

However, synthetics don’t have the same natural odorresistance as wool. But since they’re cheaper, synthetic socks are stilldefinitely worth considering.

Length

Most ski socks go up to about knee length. Longer socks areavailable but they can affect your mobility since it’ll cover the knee joint.If you’re cross-country skiing, you can use shorter socks since the boots don’tgo as high on the leg. As a rule, socks should go past the cuff of your bootsto prevent chaffing.

Thickness andPadding

Just because it’s cold, doesn’t mean you need thicker socks.If they’re too thick, the socks can reduce the circulation to your feet, makingthem feel even colder. Thick socks can also bunch up, causing discomfort andeven blisters.

Should you go for thin socks, then? Not necessarily. Whilethinner socks are preferred by more experienced skiers, this has more to dowith having fitted boots. If your boots are a bit loose, medium-thickness sockswould be better.

Many ski socks have extra padding on the shin, heel, toe orballs of the feet. This makes them more comfortable but can also help preventinjuries caused by too much pressure on those areas.

Fit

One of the most important considerations for ski socks is howit fits. Too tight and it will impede circulation and will make wiggling yourtoes and flexing your foot difficult. Too loose and the socks will bunch up andyour feet will move around too much in the boot.

You’re also better off going with ergonomic socks instead ofbasic tube socks. Ergonomic socks like thispairfrom Bombas have adesignated left and right sock that are shaped to the natural contours of each foot.This helps gives them a snug fit without being too tight.

Socks forYou and Those in Need

When it comes to socks, we’reproud to recommend Bombas not just for their impeccable quality but also fortheir commitment to givingbackto the community.

Did you know that socks are themost requested clothing item at homeless shelters? Bombas works with variousorganizations, including shelters and nonprofits, to deliver brand new clothesto those that need them the most. For every pair of socks sold, the companydonates another pair through their more than 2500 giving partners across theUS.

As your one-stop-shop for gear, KitLender also provides ski socks for purchase. You can include a pair of Bombassocks (for men and women) on topof your rental gear and it’ll be sent with the rest of the kit to yourdestination. Get kitted out today and help someone along the way!