Why are good ski or snowboard socks so important?

When you think of skiing or snowboarding equipment, you often think of warm clothes, waterproof gloves, good goggles, comfortable boots and of course your skis or snowboard. The importance of good socks that you use during winter sports is often forgotten. Just like good hiking socks during a brisk walk, good ski socks during your snow trip are equally important. Why? We explain.

• The length

Ski socks are longer than normal socks. This is necessary because it protects your shins and calves. Touching a ski boot with your bare leg will result in annoying chafing and blisters. Good ski socks cover your shin and calf up to about 10 centimeters below the hollow of your knee.

• Material

Ski socks consist of technical materials that regulate the temperature and moisture inside your ski boot. Good ski socks contain elastic material, which allows them to fit tightly around your feet and stay in place. In addition, the material of good ski socks is usually breathable, allowing or minimizing moisture. Wet socks result in cold feet and that's just not what you want when you're on the slopes!

NOMAD® ski socks consist of acrylic, polyamide and elastane. The acrylic fabric makes the socks soft, light and nice and warm. The polyamide provides reinforcement at the heels and toes, so they will not wear out quickly in those areas. The elastane ensures that the sock fits snugly around your foot and maintains a perfect fit.

• Thickness

Ski socks are available in different thicknesses. The thickness of a sock partly determines the warmth and comfort in the ski boot, but the material is also important. A thicker sock does not necessarily mean warmer feet. It does help, but if a thicker sock then pinches your feet off in your ski boots, your feet will not get enough blood flow and will therefore get cold. Plus point of thinner socks: they often give you more control over your movements because you are in more direct contact with your ski boot.

What is really nice is that most ski socks have a comfortable thickening on the main pressure points like the ankles, toes, heel and shins.

• Fit

Besides the fact that ski socks should be long enough and preferably made of technical materials, the fit is also important. We told you earlier about how elastane in technical ski socks ensures that your sock fits nicely around your foot and maintains the fit. Smart knitting techniques - such as vertically knitted lines at the cuff or instep - also help.

When it comes to ski socks, it's important to look closely at the size. You can assume that when buying ski socks you can go for a size smaller than you normally do. We do not recommend going for one size bigger. If your socks are too big, there is a chance that a crease will form at the toes, trapping your foot and causing your toes to get cold.

Moral of the story: never wear normal, cotton socks in your ski boots. Normal socks do not offer enough support, are unsuitable in terms of material and are often not long enough.

Have fun in the snow!