The Importance of Ski Socks

In the days before high-tech fabric, ski stockings and socks served one primary function - to keep the feet warm. With advancements in technology and increasing demand for multi-functionality in winter gear, ski stockings must now address the issues of keeping out moisture from perspiration, wind chill, and melted snow off the feet.

But that's not all either. Many ski stockings and socks are also designed to make the wearer well balanced in his ski boots and bindings - no lumps and bumps in unlikely places so that there seems to be no barrier between the boots and the feet.

Take a look around an online site specialising in the sale of winter gear from hats to socks and you are bound to find ski stockings and socks that address all of the above mentioned functions. Choosing one should be easy when you keep in mind the following tips:

1. Be sure to choose the right size. Remember that ski stockings must fit like a glove, so to speak, from the tips of the toes to the top just below the knees. Otherwise, you will end up with lumps and bumps, not to mention that you will be forced to adjust your ski socks every so often.

2. Be aware of the materials used for the socks and then choose which one suits your purposes the best. The best ski stockings are made from a combination of polyester for performance and comfort on the first layer; merino wool for its excellent moisture management properties as the second layer; and nylon for its abrasion-resistant properties on the third layer. Don't think that you will end up with thick ski socks because these layers are designed to be as thin as possible and yet still deliver the results expected of them.

3. Be sure that the socks are of the right length. You want the top end of the DVT socks to be snug against your leg instead of being too tight as to restrict circulation or too loose as to be constantly rolling down the leg.

Once you find the socks with the right size and length, we suggest sticking to these dimensions while varying the design, colour and style depending on your mood. Speaking of style, ski socks are excellent examples of how manufacturers ably combine great technology with great style. You can choose from a wide variety of colours in both solids and zany prints. You may think that the colours do not matter as the flight socks are hidden inside ski boots anyway but it's good to know that you are stylish on the inside and out.

Also, we suggest sticking to either men's or women's ski socks for the obvious reason that the physiological design of their feet are different. For example, women's socks tend to have wider instep arch bands to account for the gender's unique foot design. Don't underestimate the importance of ski stockings and socks. Remember that underwear is as important as outerwear in any weather.

Skiing holidays are the hardest to pack for. When packing for a skiing holiday you need to be efficient and ruthless in what you bring, because skiing gear takes up a lot of space - and to keep warm you will need to bring a lot of thick insulating pieces of clothing.

When you go skiing it's going to be cold, and you're going to spend all day outside - at the same time you're going to be very active and physically working hard. Because of these we need to make sure you're well insulated, to keep heat in - but also dressed to allow your skin to breath and cool off.

Ski clothing rundown.

Ski Jacket - You'll need one for the whole ski trip. Try and buy a ski jacket which fits well and allows you to move. A removable lining is a good idea as you can vary the thickness dependent on the weather conditions. A hood is useful for days when it's snowing heavily, as is a powder skirt. An elasticised waist and sleeves help you seal yourself and your warmth inside. It's worth investing in a material which breathes.

Salopettes - You will need one pair. Buy a pair which has shoulder straps as these will avoid them falling down. The ankles should have an inner and outer layer to help you seal around your ski boots and keep snow out. Again breathable material is a good idea.