The last thing you want to worry about when you’re in a ski lift, heading up to the top of a mountain to run your favorite slope, is your socks. Having your socks be out of sorts is a massive hassle, as taking off ski boots (with all their latches and buckles) isn’t as simple as taking off a pair of normal shoes. Cotton, while comfortable, might just not get the job done here.
Which is why investing in a pair of ski socks is just as important as all the other ski gear you’d typically spend money on. Just like other outdoor socks, ski socks are typically made from merino wool and merino wool blends that provide a variety of good uses: they’re moisture-wicking in order to keep your feet sweat-free and warm, they’re durable and they’re often reinforced to provide extra levels of comfort. Additionally, most ski socks are cut longer to provide full lower body warmth. Altogether, they’re an essential tool that’s just as important to a good ski trip as the skis themselves. Below, we’ve rounded up eight of the best pairs to keep you on the slopes all day long, without worry.