Having comfortable feet can truly make or break a day on the mountain. No one wants to stop riding on a bluebird powder day because their toes are hurting or because there’s just that one pressure point from a seam. Seriously, no thank you. Luckily, there are some top-notch ski and snowboard socks that keep your feet warm (hello, battery-powered socks), use soft yet durable materials, have flat seams for no blisters and have enough stretch to fit comfortably over your calves and into your boots.

Socks differ for whatever activity you’re doing on the mountain; ski socks are often thinner, while snowboarding socks are thicker. Almost all are tall with a length that hits over the calf, and you can definitely find socks that are specific to men or women, which does help with overall fit, comfort and warmth.

What to look for

Cushioning

With both ski and snowboard socks, you’ll find options for no cushion, light cushion or mid to heavyweight cushion. “I like targeted cushion socks because it provides support in the right areas without the added bulk,” Amanda Cruz — a snowboard instructor at Eldora Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado and an alumnus of Women of Winter, an organization that aims to empower women and girls to get outside — says. “That targeted cushion is ideal for comfort when fitting into snowboard boots.”

Similarly, Jason Antin, an American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) Level 1 Snowboard Instructor and an instructor for both the American Avalanche Institute and the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AAIRE), advises people to really consider what type of cushion they need for whatever activity they’re doing. “A proper-fitting sock allows for better comfort and warmth,” he says. For super-tight ski boots, or for when you’re splitboarding in the backcountry, a zero cushion or lightweight cushion sock will work best to reduce any rubbing; for roomier snowboard boots, look for a targeted cushion or a mid to heavyweight cushion.

Material

Justin Reiter, a professional snowboarder, Olympian and Olympic gold medal coach, recommends one main material when it comes to ski or snowboard socks: wool. “I spend countless days traveling, and the use of wool makes my laundry life infinitely easier while abroad,” he says. “The naturally antimicrobial elements within wool help by keeping my socks smelling fresh for days on end. After a day on the mountain, I place them in the sun to dry, and the next day they are ready to go — no sweat-crusted, stinky socks, and no stinky ski or snowboard boots.” Most ski and snowboard socks are made of a wool blend, but there are a few that are made from synthetic materials if you’re looking for a vegan option.

Durability

With a wool or synthetic blend from the brands below, you’ll find that these socks last you far more than just one season. That’s because not only is the material durable by itself, but most socks are designed with added reinforcement in high-friction areas like the toes and heels.

The best ski socks

Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion Over-the-Calf Socks

Smartwool

You really can’t go wrong with Smartwool socks, especially considering you can choose exactly the type of cushion you want: zero, mid or heavy. As a guide who's always on the snow, Antin opts for his Smartwool Ski Zero Cushion Over-the-Calf Socks for resort skiing and riding, especially when he needs a tight-fitting but still comfortable sock for his downhill boots. “The Smartwool socks have pretty minimal cushion but don’t bunch up or shift around during the day,” he says. 

Smartwool Ski Full Cushion Socks

Smartwool

For a ski-specific sock that does have some cushion, check out the Ski Full Cushion Over-the-Calf Sock. Like the brand's other socks, these come in a wide variety of colors (hello, tie-dye) and have all the features that Smartwool is known for — a long-lasting sock with reinforced toes so they don’t wear out too quickly and body-mapped mesh zones for breathability. These socks are made from a mix of merino wool, nylon and polyester for a flexible fit that won’t stretch out over time. The cushion is mapped for ski boots with added support underfoot, behind the heel, on top of the foot and on the front part of the shin. 

Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion Socks

Smartwool

The last recommended Smartwool sock for skiers (don’t worry, we’ve got recs for boarders coming up) is the Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion Socks. This is a perfect mix between no cushion and full cushion. You’ll get a light cushion in just the right places — such as the toes, heel and front of the shin — not to mention dozens of color options. 

Darn Tough Lightweight Over-the-Calf Ski and Snowboard Sock

Darn Tough

“As a guide,” Antin says, “we are wearing our socks many, many days throughout the winter. The Darn Tough socks have stood up very well for day in and day out use.” This pair is lightweight and made from thermoregulating merino wool but has just the slightest cushion underfoot and by the shin. Antin prefers this thin cushion for backcountry outings and says that the Darn Tough Lightweight Over-the-Calf Ski Sock keeps the same overall fit and comfort even during tons of transitions from uphill to downhill throughout a day of guiding. Plus, one of Darn Tough's main selling points? An Unconditionally Guaranteed for Life promise. If your socks don’t last, return them for another pair. 

Darn Tough Thermolite Over-the-Calf Midweight Ski & Snowboard Sock

Darn Tough

Another top pick from Darn Tough is its synthetic Thermolite over-the-calf midweight socks. Maria Tucholke, Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) ski instructor and mountain guide, counts these among her favorites. “I only use Darn Tough socks, as they are by far the best quality, the warmest and have the best warranty,” she says. These socks are made from a vegan, synthetic material (a mix of polyester, nylon and spandex) and have a bit of cushion underfoot for added warmth and comfort. Speaking of comfort, Tucholke swears by Darn Tough socks, as they never give her blisters, they stay true to size without stretching and they don’t wear out either. 

Lenz 5.1 Heat Socks

Lenz

For skiers and riders with chronically cold feet, heated socks are hands down a game changer. Yes, they are a bit pricier (the Lenz 5.1 Heat Socks start at $290), but they will take your day on the slopes from painful to fully warm toes and feet. Reiter often recommends Lenz socks for athletes and friends who struggle with chronically cold feet. 

The Lenz socks are made from merino wool and silk, and use the brand’s “Toe Cap” technology that integrates a heating element without any bulk whatsoever in the seams or elsewhere. The warmth can last up to 14 hours with a rechargeable lithium battery pack that attaches to the band of the sock with snaps; this pack fits pretty seamlessly above the boot and isn’t noticeable. Thankfully, though, the temp can be controlled not just from the battery pack but also from your phone via an app. Everything else about the sock is akin to any other high-quality sock — a performance fit, toe and heel reinforcements and added padding in the shin. When ordering these, be sure to check what’s included, as some sites sell the socks and battery separately.

The best snowboard socks

Point6 Reflection Ultra Light OTC

Point6

This pick comes from pro snowboarder Reiter, who notes the specific construction in Point6 socks like the ankle brace stitching. “My background is in racing,” Reiter says, “so I naturally gravitate towards a tight-fitting boot and thus prefer a thin wool sock with ankle articulation built into the sock.” A lot of sock companies create their designs from a neutral ankle position, he says, which can create extra fabric near the ankle joint — which, of course, can cause pain and be downright problematic on long tours and days at the resort. But with these socks, you're getting an engineered sock that anticipates that forward shin angle. The socks are ultra light with no cushioning, which makes them ideal for racing boots, and they're made from a merino-and-nylon blend with reinforcement in high-abrasion areas for added durability. 

Smartwool Women's Snowboard Targeted Cushion Extra-Stretch Over-the-Calf Socks

Smartwool

“In addition to using wool for ideal warmth, these socks also have integrated mesh zones dispersed throughout the sock for breathability,” Cruz says. The targeted cushioning is light but comfortable around the toes, bottom of the foot and front of the shin. The targeted part — as opposed to full cushion (see below) — is because there is less cushion in certain areas and instead, that breathable mesh that Cruz appreciates. The Smartwool Women’s Snowboard Targeted Cushion have a slimmer fit, but this option specifically has an extra-stretchy calf area so that those with fuller, strong calves aren’t feeling too tight. 

Smartwool Snowboard Full Cushion Over-the-Calf Socks

Smartwool

For a Smartwool full cushion option specifically made for snowboarding, opt for the Smartwool Snowboard Full Cushion Over-the-Calf Socks. Rhema Wiarda, avid backcountry splitboarder and founder of Women Who Splitboard, swears by Smartwool for her long days in the backcountry. “I mainly look for merino wool and a trusted company,” she says. “I love merino for warmth, dryness and natural cooling, and reduced odor after miles and miles of touring! They aren't itchy either.” Wiarda also likes how Smartwool socks offer a fairly snug fit so she doesn’t have to deal with socks bunching up, but she does recommend looking for pairs specific to men or women. She’s found that women-specific socks seem to account for her smaller feet and larger calves, and she doesn't end up having extra material in the toes or heels. Also, the colors and designs are endless. 

Smartwool Snowboard Targeted Cushion Over-the-Calf Socks

Smartwool

This sock has targeted cushion made for snowboarders. That extra cushion is around the toes, heel and bottom of the foot as well as a bit in the shin area and calf area. This does differ from the targeted cushion ski sock, which doesn’t have that extra cushion in the arch area or back of the calf. 

Stance Performance Wool Snow Sock OTC, 2-Pack

Stance

“As far as snowboarding sock brands, my main go-to are Stance,” Cruz says. “They are a classic staple, and I personally love them for their cost efficiency, as they are relatively inexpensive.” The Performance Wool Snow Socks use a merino-wool blend with moisture-wicking, odor-eliminating properties. Integrated into the sock performance arch support and a seamless toe closure. Most of Stance’s socks are unisex, but they're still highly rated by women riders and available in ultra-light cushion or medium cushion. Stance is also known for its left- and right-specific socks, which — according to Jake Zopes, an examiner for the American Association of Snowboard Instructors who certifies and trains other snowboard instructors at Steamboat Ski Resort in Colorado — help the socks conform to feet really well. He prefers the medium cushion socks, as they are great for when it’s a little colder outside and he needs that extra warmth.  

Stance Poly Snow

Stance

If you prefer a non-wool option from Stance, try out the Stance Poly Snow socks. These are made from a polyester synthetic blend that doesn’t skimp on warmth, breathability or durability. ThePoly Snow socks come with medium cushion, a performance arch support and designated mesh areas for ventilation. 

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