Updated on December 28, 2021

Are you going to be on the mountain for more than 10 days this year? If so, do yourself and your feet a favor — invest in a pair of the best snowboard socks you can buy. Happy feet mean more comfortable days on the mountain. Nothing is worse than watching your friends leave with their gear while you nurse yesterday’s blister.

However, finding the right pair of socks can be a challenge. Most snowboarders have their own personal preferences. You may need to shop around a bit to see what works best for you until you settle on the perfect pair. Once you find a match, you’ll never leave home without them. Socks may seem like such a simple thing, but they’re more complicated than you might think. This article simplifies all the technical terminology for you so that instead of classic trial and error, you’ll be able to find a pair in this article that you know will work for you. If you’re lucky, you may even snag a pair on sale!

Disclaimer: We dive deep into the technical aspects of socks! If you’re confused on a certain feature, see the bottom of the article. There, I will explain the terms used throughout this article.

For more of our top snowboarding gear recommendations, check out the Best Snowboard Jackets

 

Quick Answer - The Best Snowboarding Socks

  1. Icebreaker Ski+ Lite
  2. Wigwam Sirocco
  3. Darn Tough Thermolite
  4. Smartwool Performance Ski Zero Cushion OTC
  5. Dissent Ski GFX
  6. Hotronic XLP PFI 50 Heat
  7. Smartwool PhD Ski
  8. Burton Performance
  9. Darn Tough Function 5
  10. Burton Weekend

 

Comparison Table - Best Snowboarding Socks

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NameLengthCushioningGenderSizePriceRatingReview
Icebreaker Ski+ LiteOver-the-calfLightMen'sS,M,L$$5.0Read Review
Wigwam SiroccoKnee-HighMediumMen'sS,M,L,XL$4.8Read Review
Darn Tough ThermoliteOver-the-calfMediumMen'sS,M,XL$$4.6Read Review
Smartwool Performance Ski Zero Cushion OTCKnee-highNoneMen'sM,L,XL$$4.6Read Review
Dissent Ski GFXOver-the-calfUnavailableUnisexS,M,L,XL$$$4.4Read Review
Hotronic XLP PFI 50 HeatKnee-HighNoneUnisexS, M, L, XL$$$4.6Read Review
Smartwool PhD SkiKnee-HighMediumMen's, Women'sS, M, L, and XL (Men's), S, M, and L (Women's)$$4.5Read Review
Burton PerformanceCrewMediumMens, Women'sM and L (Men's), S/M and M/L (Women's)$$4.8Read Review
Darn Tough Function 5Knee-HighMediumMens, Women'sM, L, and XL (Men's), S, M, and L (Women's)$$4.6Read Review
Burton WeekendCalf-HighMediumMens, Women'sS/M, M/L$$4.3Read Review
NameLengthCushioningGenderSizePriceRatingReview
Want to learn more about a technical term? Check out our Features Explained section below.

Need buying advice? Take a look at these Things to Consider.

Reviews - The Best Socks for Snowboarding

Icebreaker Ski+ Lite

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Material: 55% merino/42% nylon/3% Lycra
  • Color: Multiple Options
  • Gender: Men's
  • Length: Over-the-calf
  • Size: S,M,L
  • Cushioning: Light
Features
  • Strategic ventilation keeps your feet fresh all day long
  • Over the calf height provides coverage for bulky ski boots
  • Seamless toe closure reduces bulk and prevents chafing
  • Ankle support prevents bunching to help boost comfort
Icebreaker Ski+ Lite

TOP OVERALL SNOWBOARD SOCK

If you’re looking for something quick to dry and comfortable enough for long days on the mountain, look no further.

The Icebreaker Ski+ Lite socks are made from primality merino wool with some nylon and lycra integrated into the construction. They’re lightly cushioned in all of the right places, including the calf and shin. Its the density of merino wool that makes these such an effective thermoregulator

Wigwam Sirocco

Specs
  • Material: 60% Wool/30% Stretch Nylon/9% Stretch Polyester/1% Spandex
  • Color: Multiple Options
  • Gender: Men's
  • Length: Knee-High
  • Size: S,M,L,XL
  • Cushioning: Medium
Features
  • Handcrafted
  • Stay-up leg cuff
  • Seamless toe closure
  • Lifetime Warranty
Wigwam Sirocco

BEST FOR THOSE ON A BUDGET

For under $15, you’d be hard pressed to find a higher quality snow sock. The Wigwam Siroccos are a midweight, knee-high wool and synthetic blend with a performance fit. These stand out as the most durable wool-synthetic snow sock you can buy for less than $15. The fit is basic and the socks fall into the heavyweight category, making them most practical for wearing in extremely cold temperatures.

Darn Tough Thermolite

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Material: 57% Thermolite Polyester/35%Nylon/5% Lycra Spandex/3% Other Fiber
  • Color: Black
  • Gender: Men's
  • Length: Over-the-calf
  • Size: S,M,XL
  • Cushioning: Medium
Features
  • Guaranteed for Life
  • Fine gauge knit
  • Undetectable seam fusion
  • Fast action wicking pulls moisture away from skin

BEST SYNTHETIC SNOWBOARD SOCK

When you need a polyester option that performs like wool, give the Thermolite a try. Darn Tough is a reputable brand — and the Thermolites are sure to keep your feet warm, even on the coldest winter days. The polyester fibers provide for superior wicking power and boast a thick construction that provides for a high degree of ventilation. Though these won’t match the performance of thinner alternatives, they’re an ideal contender in the midweight category.

Smartwool Performance Ski Zero Cushion OTC

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Material: 55% merino wool/41% nylon/4% elastane
  • Color: Black
  • Gender: Men's
  • Length: Knee-high
  • Size: M,L,XL
  • Cushioning: None
Features
  • Strategically placed merino wool and reinforcement fibers
  • 2 elastics for greater stretch and recovery to keep the socks in place
  • Shred Shield™ technology helps reduce the wear caused by your toes
  • Body-mapped mesh zones enhance breathability in areas where heat is prone to build up
Smartwool Performance Ski Zero Cushion OTC

BEST FOR ULTRALIGHT ENTHUSIASTS

Seeking the warmth of merino wool in a lightweight package? You’d be hard pressed to find much better than the Ski Zero Cushion OTCs.
These socks feature Smart Wool’s Indestructawool technology, which integrates reinforcement fibers into the merino wool where most needed for durability. The 4 Degree fit system features two elastics that do a great job at keeping these in place — even when you’re riding hard.

Dissent Ski GFX

Specs
  • Material: DLX-Wool Enhanced Merino
  • Color: Black
  • Gender: Unisex
  • Length: Over-the-calf
  • Size: S,M,L,XL
  • Cushioning: Unavailable
Features
  • Toes, mid-sole, heel, ankle, and shin padding
  • Memory and shape retention for ultimate fit wash after wash
  • Exceptional moisture management
  • Seamless toe
Dissent Ski GFX

BEST COMPRESSION-STYLE SOCK

Compression style socks have a lot of benefits for snow enthusiasts — including helping you stay warm and keeping your muscles loose for optimum performance on the mountain.

Dissent Labs designed the Ski GFX socks from an enhanced merino wool blend that provides for warmth, breathability, and shape retention. These socks fall into the lightweight category and feature an over-the-calf fit.

Hotronic XLP PFI 50 Heat

Specs
  • Material: 74% nylon/20% elastane/6% merino wool
  • Color: Black
  • Gender: Unisex
  • Length: Knee-High
  • Size: S, M, L, XL
  • Cushioning: None
Features
  • Combine With Battery-powered Feet Heating System
  • Compression Fit Helps with Muscle Recovery
  • No Cushioning Necessary With Heating Element

BEST SOCK FOR THE CONSTANTLY COLD

Have you tried everything, but your feet still won’t stay warm on the mountain? These socks might just be the solution for you. Sold separately is a special battery that plugs into the sock, which has an attached heating element. The element wraps around your entire foot, keeping your feet warm the entire day. That’s why these socks don’t require any cushioning! Some may find wires underneath their feet unbearable, but if you only care about keeping your numb toes warm, these socks are an innovative solution.

Smartwool PhD Ski

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Material: 62% merino wool/36% nylon/2% elastane
  • Color: Multiple Options
  • Gender: Men's, Women's
  • Length: Knee-High
  • Size: S, M, L, and XL (Men's), S, M, and L (Women's)
  • Cushioning: Medium
Features
  • Elite Fit System Flexes at Multiple Points
  • Elastic for Non-Slip, Blister Preventing Fit
  • Seamless Toe Prevents Chafing, Blisters, and Sock Adjustments
  • Precision Placed Vents for Breathability

BEST SOCK FOR MULTI-SPORT ATHLETES

The Phd Medium is a solid performer for athletes who want to use their socks in the summer as well as during the cold months on the mountain. Smartwool’s socks are very breathable. So your feet won’t be sweating like crazy if you use these socks in the summer as well. They are also very comfortable in snowboard and ski boots. Elastic in the sock really locks it in place on your foot, keeping your feet safe from blisters and also extending the lifetime of your socks. If you’ve had success with Smartwool products in the past, these will be a great sock to add to your arsenal.

Burton Performance

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Material: 38% nylon/30% acrylic/30% merino wool/2% elastane
  • Color: Multiple Options
  • Gender: Mens, Women's
  • Length: Crew
  • Size: M and L (Men's), S/M and M/L (Women's)
  • Cushioning: Medium
Features
  • Dryride Toe Panels for Ventilation
  • Moisture-Wicking Fabric for Quick Drying
  • Sock Lock Keeps The Socks In Place On Your Foot For Blister Prevention and Ultimate Control

BEST SOCK FOR THE BLISTER PRONE

Do your socks develop holes easily? It may not be the material, but instead, your socks are shifting while you are riding, causing them to wear down faster than usual. Burton has solved this problem with their Sock Lock technology. Once you put your socks on, they will stay put. This sock also has incredible moisture defense, in case your feet sweat a bunch or you get snow in your boot.

Darn Tough Function 5

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Material: 66% merino wool/31% nylon/3% Lycra spandex
  • Color: Multiple Options
  • Gender: Mens, Women's
  • Length: Knee-High
  • Size: M, L, and XL (Men's), S, M, and L (Women's)
  • Cushioning: Medium
Features
  • High-Density Padding Placed Along Shin and Underfoot For Maximum Comfort
  • Antimicrobial Properties Prevent Odor and Moisture Trapping So You Won’t Get Blisters
  • Covered by a Darn Tough Lifetime Warranty
  • Five Precision Located Comfort Pads Keep Your Feet Cozy And Comfortable All Day Long

BEST SOCK FOR COMFORT

Darn Tough has made a recent, powerful arrival in the sock industry. Each product they make is made for the function it’s meant to serve. These socks? Well, they were designed with you in mind. With the Function 5 model, their goal was to create a sock that is the “perfect fusion between boot and sock.” They did just that. These socks are very comfortable. Darn Tough struck a balance between medium cushion and light cushion on sensitive areas. Your feet will be locked into your boots, and given a bit of wiggle room, your toes will stay warm all day long. Plus your pair will come covered by their lifetime warranty. Socks develop a hole? Send them back and receive another pair in the mail a few weeks later.

Burton Weekend

View Women's Version
Specs
  • Material: 73% acrylic/24% nylon/2% Lycra spandex/1% elastane
  • Color: Multiple Options
  • Gender: Mens, Women's
  • Length: Calf-High
  • Size: S/M, M/L
  • Cushioning: Medium
Features
  • Rider Specific Leg Support
  • Chafe-free Toe Seams
  • Calf-high, Allowing Matching with Long Underwear

BEST NON-WOOL SOCK

If wool socks have never worked for you, give the Burton Weekend socks a chance. Their new Ride Specific Leg Support system is very comfortable. The socks are made with hardly any cuff, elastic arches, and cushioning throughout the entire sock. The medium cushioning is designed to keep your foot warm, but keep in mind that your boots may fit a bit tighter when wearing this pair. These socks come in a variety of stylish designs. Heck, you could wear them at the gym and still look great! Many other socks on this list will make your legs look robotic. Not the Burton Weekend socks. If style and comfort are your top priorities, then this is the pair for you!

 

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING SNOWBOARD SOCKS

LENGTH

Especially if you’re new to the sport, it’s important to note that most snowboard socks are knee-high. They’re intended to keep the bottom half of your leg warm and not just your foot. That being said, these socks are hard to wear anywhere else other than the slopes. An important thing to think about when choosing which pair of snowboard socks is what sort of long underwear seams you have. The less of a seam, the better they will pair with knee-high socks.

 

CUSHIONING

LIGHT: This means little warmth! Lighter cushion means lighter weight and more control over your sock fit.

MEDIUM: These socks will be a bit warmer and have more cushion in the shin and calf. Park riders will like socks with medium cushion.

HEAVY: The largest socks and often the warmest socks. However, these can be tough to fit.

 

MATERIAL

ELASTANE: Elastane is a synthetic fiber known for its elasticity. It’s what keeps a sock on your foot during activity.

MERINO WOOL: Merino wool is very breathable, warm, and moisture-wicking. It comes from Merino sheep and is found in high quality products.

NYLON: Nylon is a non-absorbent fabric, but it doesn’t provide much in terms of warmth.

POLYESTER: Polyester dries quickly and lasts a very, very long time.

 

SIZING

It’s very important to get socks that fit your feet! This will prevent blisters and allow for much more comfort. Most socks made nowadays provide sizing charts, making this easy to do. If your size is sold out, get a different pair of socks!

 

STYLE

Some socks look really dorky, and some look really stylish. If you want to wear your snowboard socks to work or the gym, avoid the knee-high styles.

 

 

FEATURES EXPLAINED

ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES

If you tend to get stinky feet, a sock with antimicrobial properties will help fight bad odor build-up. This isn’t super necessary on the slopes if your feet typically do not sweat much. However, if you plan on wearing your snowboard socks in the summertime too, then finding a pair with an antimicrobial treatment is well worth it.

COMPRESSION FIT

A compression fit will help keep your socks. It can also help with muscle recovery, allowing you to stay on the slopes for longer.

ELASTIC BLISTER PREVENTING FIT

Sock elastic will stay in place, meaning fewer blisters for you.

LIFETIME WARRANTY

If your socks develop a hole or a seam rips, you can send them back to the company no problem!

MOISTURE WICKING

Moisture Wicking technology allows for evaporation to occur much quicker in your socks. This increases breathability so your toes will dry quicker on sunny, spring days.

MULTIPLE DEGREE FIT TECHNOLOGY

Socks with this technology have excellent rotation. What does this mean? A much more snug fit for all-day comfort.

REINFORCED HEELS AND TOES

Socks typically wear out at the heels and toes, which is why socks reinforced in these areas tend to last longer.

SEAMLESS TECHNOLOGY

Seams on the sock can be annoying, especially when paired with additional layers. If you wear long underwear down to your ankle, consider getting a pair without seams.

SHIN AND CALF SUPPORT

Padding here is for the terrain park. If you plan on taking hard landings, shin and calf support will ease the constant stress and pressure.

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

Aren’t satisfied with your socks? Send them back.

 

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