By Dylan Murphy
Best Socks for Snowshoeing
While a great pair of boots provides essential insulation when you go snowshoeing, equally important accessories are excellent pairs of socks.
Snowshoeing socks not only help keep your feet warm in the cold, but they also help wick away moisture, provide cushioning, and make it more comfortable to wear your snow boots.
Comparison Table
| Snowshoeing Socks | Material | Length/ Height | Cushioning | Warmth | Breathability | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Smartwool PhD Ski Medium Socks | 62% merino wool, 36% nylon, 2% elastane | Over-the-calf (14 in) | Medium | Very High | Very High | Lightweight | $$ |
Burton Weekend Socks | 80% acrylic, 18% nylon, 2% spandex | Over-the-calf | Medium | Moderate | High | Midweight | $$ |
Icebreaker Ski+ Light OTC Socks | 53% merino wool, 45% nylon, 2% Lycra spandex | Knee-high | Light | High | Very High | Lightweight | $$ |
Smartwool PhD Pro Socks | 57% merino wool, 40% nylon, 3% elastane | Over-the-calf (14 in) | Medium | High | High | Ultra-lightweight | $$ |
Wigwam Sirocco Snow Socks | 42% wool, 24% nylon, 21% polypropylene, 7% polyester, 5% olefin, 1% spandex | Over-the-calf | Heavy | Moderate | Moderate | Midweight | $ |
Hotronic XLP One PFI 50 Heated Socks | 70% nylon, 20% spandex, 10% merino wool | Knee-high | None | Very High | Moderate | Midweight | $$$ |
Darn Tough Tactical OTC Light Cushion Socks | 53% nylon, 44% merino wool, 3% Lycra spandex | Over-the-calf | Light | Moderate | Very High | Lightweight | $$ |
Darn Tough Thermolite RFL Over-The-Calf Ultralight Socks | 55% nylon, 42% Thermolite polyester, 3% Lycra spandex | Over-the-calf | None | Moderate | Very High | Ultra-lightweight | $$ |
Pure Athlete Lightweight Ski Socks | 58% nylon, 23% merino wool, 16% polypropylene, 3% Lycra Spandex | Knee-high | Light | Moderate | Very High | Lightweight | $ |
Stance OG Snow Merino Wool Socks | 38% nylon, 31% wool, 28% polyester, 3% elastane | Knee-high | Heavy | Very High | High | Midweight | $$ |
Product Reviews
Smartwool PhD Ski Medium Socks
The Smartwool PhD Ski Medium Socks is one of the best socks for snowshoeing available on the market. These socks are made of excellent material, have a tall height, have great cushioning, and offer great warmth and high breathability – properties that great all-rounder snowshoeing socks have.
The Smartwool Ski Medium is mainly made out of merino wool, which is an excellent regulator of body temperature, easily transports sweat in vapor form, cancels out odors, and is very soft; the socks are also comprised of durable nylon that wicks away sweat and stretchy elastane.
This pair of snowshoeing socks has medium cushioning on the shin, ball, and heel portions, allowing for high impact absorption and provides extra warmth. Also, an Indestructawool technology is used to reinforce areas that need them, adding durability and comfort. A 4 Degree elite fit system is used for keeping the socks in place, which employs two elastics for more significant stretch and recovery.
Other features included in the Smartwool Ski Medium are body-mapped mesh zones that enhance breathability, Virtually Seamless toe construction that reduces friction, and a two-year warranty.
You only need to keep in mind that the socks are very thick, so you should make sure they can fit in your snowshoeing boots and that they don’t rub against the toe or heel portion to avoid blisters.
Burton Weekend Socks
If you have wool allergies but are still looking for suitable socks for snowshoeing, the Burton Weekend Socks are an excellent alternative. These socks are mostly made of acrylic, which is a synthetic material that is highly durable and wicks away moisture quickly; other components include stretchy and robust nylon and elastic spandex.
The Burton Weekend offers a low-profile, medium-density cushioning on the insteps, shin, and calf portions, providing comfort and decreasing pressure from the straps or laces of your snow boots. An elastic arch and ankle support also add stability, and reinforcements on the toe and heel areas add extra durability. These socks also have flat-stitched toe seams that eliminate chafe and bunching.
A downside to these socks is that they might wear out faster than other snowshoeing socks. A plus side, though, is that the Burton Weekend comes with not just one but two pairs of socks and also has a manufacturer warranty of one year.
Icebreaker Ski+ Light OTC Socks
Another option for socks made of excellent material is the Icebreaker Ski+ Light OTC Socks. These snowshoeing socks are made of mostly merino wool, which has excellent temperature regulation properties and keeps you warm, wicks sweat away while it is still in vapor form, is super lightweight, and is very soft. The merino wool comprises 53% of the material, nylon 45%, and Lycra spandex 2%.
The Icebreaker Ski+ has a knee-height length and provides a light sculptured cushion that maximizes fit and comfort. These snowshoeing socks also offer very high breathability through ventilation in forefoot zones. There are also support zones in the Achilles and ankle areas that add stability and enhance fit.
Other features that the Icebreaker Ski+ has are its anatomic toe boxes that are made to precisely fit your right and left foot, and seamless toe closures also help prevent blisters. A lifetime guarantee is also included. A downside to these socks is that there is a low chance that they might come with holes.
Smartwool PhD Pro Socks
Similar to the Smartwool PhD Ski Medium Socks, the Smartwool PhD Pro Socks share many of the same properties. The main difference is that the Smartwool PhD Pro is much lighter and one of the most ultra-lightweight socks available.
The Smartwool PhD Pro comprises 57% merino wool, 40% nylon, and 3% elastane, providing excellent warmth, durability, elasticity, and breathability. The socks also have an over-the-calf of 14 inches.
The Smartwool PhD Pro uses Indestructawool technology that places merino wool and reinforcement fibers in areas with a higher rate of wear, adding more durability and comfort. A 4 Degree™ elite fit system is also used to provide increased stretch and recovery and keep the socks in place.
Other features included are a contoured shin cushion for enhanced comfort and Shred Shield technology that helps reduce wear at the toe area. A downside to these snowshoeing socks is that there is no padding at the foot area, which can be a bit uncomfortable.
Wigwam Sirocco Snow Socks
If you are on a budget but still looking for a quality and affordable pair of socks for snowshoeing, look no further than the Wigwam Sirocco Snow Socks. These snow socks are the lowest-priced on our list and still offer excellent features.
The Wigwam Sirocco is made of 42% wool, 24% nylon, 21% polypropylene, 7% polyester, 5% olefin, and 1% spandex – many types of material that contribute to the essential properties these socks offer, which include warmth, durability, elasticity, moisture control, and breathability. These snow socks also have an over-the-calf height.
The Wigwam offers heavy cushioning throughout the leg and foot areas, providing protection and comfort; a shin panel reinforced with durable synthetic fibers and extra cushion also gives added shielding. Other features included with these socks are a seamless toe and a lifetime product guarantee.
A downside to the Wigwam Sirocco is that you might feel less warmth around the toe area when you go snowshoeing in freezing weather, so you might want to stick to less cold conditions.
Hotronic XLP One PFI 50 Heated Socks
The best sock for snowshoeing when it comes to providing warmth in even freezing conditions is the Hotronic XLP One PFI 50 Heated Socks. These snow socks make use of an XLP One battery pack, a powerful integrated heating element that delivers constant heating throughout the sock length.
The Hotronic XLP One PFI 50 comprises 70% nylon, 20% spandex, and 10% merino wool that provides moisture and temperature regulation. And although the sock material helps provide warmth, it is the XLP One battery pack that provides most of the heat; there are different temperature settings so you can adjust the heat according to your needs. The battery pack can last for hours with your feet being kept warm all the while.
The battery pack is also placed on the outer layer for convenience. The heating element is positioned along the lower leg, wrapping around the Achilles and under the arches, delivering heat to your balls and toes. These knee-high snowshoeing socks also feature a Performance-fit BootDoc Power Fit for a soft and gradual pressure distribution that enhances warmth and comfort.
A downside with the Hotronic XLP One PFI 50 is that it is costly compared to other snowshoeing socks. But if it is guaranteed warmth you want, then these socks are something to consider.
Darn Tough Tactical OTC Light Cushion Socks
The Darn Tough Tactical OTC Light Cushion Socks is one of the most durable and comfortable socks on our list. These snowshoeing socks are made mostly of nylon, with a 53% nylon, 44% merino wool, and 3% Lycra spandex composition. The higher ratio of nylon provides an increase in durability while still having plenty of soft, fast-drying, and breathable merino wool for comfort.
The Darn Tough Tactical Light provides light cushioning on the bottom of the foot, around the calf part, and the top of the foot for comfort. An elastic arch offers support, while reinforced toe and heel areas give added durability. These snow socks also have an over-the-calf height for increased protection.
Other features include a True Seamless construction, which employs high-density knitting for an undetectable seam and provides more comfort, durability, and fit. A lifetime guarantee also comes with these socks.
A downside with the Darn Tough Tactical Light is that the padding under the foot might hold moisture because the socks are relatively thick.
Darn Tough Thermolite RFL Over-The-Calf Ultralight Socks
Another excellent alternative to wool socks is the Darn Tough Thermolite RFL Over-The-Calf Ultralight Socks. And as the name suggests, these snowshoeing socks are also ultra-lightweight, making it a bit easier for you to move around in the snow.
The Darn Tough Thermolite RFL comprises 55% nylon, 42% Thermolite polyester, and 3% Lycra spandex – all synthetic materials with excellent moisture-wicking and quick-drying abilities. Thermolite insulation is specially made to increase warmth and comfort, while an over-the-calf height offers better protection from the elements.
Some other features included in the Darn Tough Thermolite RFL is True Seamless construction that gives comfort, fit, and durability, a Performance fit that helps avoid slipping, bunching, and blistering, and a lifetime guarantee.
A downside to the Darn Tough Thermolite RFL is that it does not provide the same amount of warmth as wool socks do.
Pure Athlete Lightweight Ski Socks
The Pure Athlete Lightweight Ski Socks are another affordable option for snowshoeing socks if you’re on a budget. These low-cost snow socks are made of multiple material types, consisting of 58% nylon, 23% merino wool, 16% polypropylene, and 3% Lycra Spandex.
This pair of snowshoeing socks provides very high breathability, as its mostly nylon material has a high moisture-wicking ability, dries quickly, and provides excellent thermal regulation to your feet. The socks also have light cushioning in the shin area for added protection.
Other features of the Pure Athlete include an ultra-comfortable sole and hydrophobic technology to repel moisture and keep your feet dry from sweat.
A downside to the Pure Athlete is that they might not provide enough warmth for much colder conditions because they are relatively thin, so you might want to add on extra layers for good measure.
Stance OG Snow Merino Wool Socks
The Stance OG Snow Merino Wool Socks is one of the warmest snowshoeing socks on our list. These snow socks come with multiple features that act to provide you warmth.
The Stance OG Merino comprises 38% nylon, 31% wool, 28% polyester, and 3% elastane and has a knee-high length for better protection from the elements. A performance mesh also helps to maximize airflow and breathability and keeps you comfortable.
This pair of snowshoeing socks are thick and provide heavy cushioning to the bottom of your feet while enhancing fit and impact protection and providing comfort and support; cushioned shins also offer extra protection.
A Wool FEEL360 technology is also incorporated, which gives you all the benefits of wool, including temperature regulation, softness, and warmth, and adds durability and quick-drying ability. A Toe Box Oven also helps to keep your toes warm. Other features include engineered ankle protection to help avoid friction and arch supports to help you feel less tired and strained.
A downside to the Stance OG Merino is that when you order multiple pairs, you may get fewer pairs than what you ordered.
Buying Guide
Before buying a pair of snowshoeing socks, there are several factors that you should first look into to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your purchase. The following are the most common factors people consider when buying snowshoeing socks:
Material
The material your snow socks are made of is an essential component to check before buying a pair. Snowshoeing socks can be made up of different types of materials, but most of their composition is either merino wool or synthetic.
Merino wool is generally the better material when it comes to offering warmth. Other excellent properties of merino wool include temperature regulation, transporting away sweat as a vapor, canceling odors, and softness. A downside to merino is that it is generally more expensive than synthetic. Also, merino can be a problem for people who are allergic to wool.
Synthetic is generally cheaper than merino wool and is more durable. Synthetic is also stretchy, dries quickly, wicks moisture well enough, and retains its shape better than wool. A downside to synthetic is that it can get smelly and clammy.
Length
Snowshoeing socks have heights that go above the ankle past the calf. Most snow socks have over-the-calf sizing, but this labeling might not apply to everyone. Different people have different leg lengths, so it could either be a right fit, be too long, or be too short, depending on the sock length. Therefore, we recommend that you also check the exact measurement of the socks you plan to buy.
Warmth
Of course, snowshoeing means that you’ll be exposed to cold conditions, so you’ll want your socks to provide a suitable amount of warmth. Some common factors that contribute to the warmth of a sock are its material composition and the amount of cushioning it has.
Socks also have other features that provide such warmth, which you could look into; some of these include toe boxes, individual insulation technologies, and integrated heating elements.
Cushioning
Different snowshoeing socks have different levels of cushioning, with some even having none. Cushioning can either be light, medium or heavy.
Light cushioning means that there is minimal padding and that fewer areas are covered, maybe only on the shin area or foot area, for example. Light cushioning also usually means that the socks weigh lighter.
Medium cushioning means that there is moderate padding and that several sock areas have added protection and durability.
Heavy cushioning means padding throughout, so these types of socks are usually the warmest and largest. Heavy cushioning also contributes to the sock weighing more.
Breathability
It is also essential to check the breathability of the sock you plan to use for snowshoeing. You will want your snow socks to efficiently wick away sweat and have the ability to dry quickly.
Merino wool is an excellent material that transports moisture away while it is in vapor form, so you won’t have to worry about clamminess. Mesh and ventilation zones are also features that increase the breathability of snowshoeing socks and are also something to look into.
FAQs
What type of socks keeps feet warmest?
While the sock material is usually the basis for determining whether a pair of socks provides suitable warmth, heated socks are the best choice for keeping your feet warm.
Heated socks offer much more warmth than any other type of socks, as they come with an integrated heating system that quickly heats the sock and can keep your feet constantly warm for hours on end. The only drawback to these types of socks is that they are relatively pricey compared to regular snowshoeing socks. Still, if you want guaranteed warmth, then heated socks are your best bet.
What is the best sock material for cold weather?
Socks made of mostly merino wool are the best at keeping your feet warm in cold weather. Merino wool has natural folds and bends in its fibers that trap air and are effectively good insulating material. Also, merino wool is relatively thin, allowing you to add extra layers to keep your feet even warmer.
What is the difference between merino wool and regular wool?
The most significant difference between merino and regular wool when it comes to snowshoeing is their ability to keep you warm. While regular wool is satisfactory enough in providing you warmth, merino wool is an even better insulating material. The natural crimps and bends in the merino wool fibers work to trap body heat, and because its fibers are finer than regular wool’s, more fibers are trapping more heat and keeping you warmer.
Merino wool is also better at regulating body temperature, is softer, more comfortable, and dries much more quickly than regular wool. Merino wool is the way to go when choosing the material for your snowshoeing socks.
Are Smartwool socks good for snowshoeing?
Smartwool socks are an excellent option for snowshoeing, as they offer exceptional warmth and breathability, a suitable length, and cushioning for added protection and durability. The Smartwool PhD Ski Medium Socks, for example, are one of the best snowshoeing socks available out there when it comes to keeping your feet warm and comfortable.
Can you snowshoe in regular socks?
It is possible to go snowshoeing in regular socks if you pair them with the right accessories. Well-insulated snow boots can help to keep your feet warm, and snowshoeing pants can help with keeping your legs warm. Wearing two pairs of socks can also help provide extra insulation.
However, a downside to regular socks is that they might not provide the level of breathability needed for snowshoeing socks. Regular socks might not be able to wick away sweat efficiently, leaving you feeling clammy when sweat accumulates and could result in you having colder feet instead.
Conclusion
The overall best socks for snowshoeing on our list are the Smartwool PhD Ski Medium Socks. The Smartwool Ski Medium is made of merino wool, which provides excellent warmth, and offers medium cushioning on the shin, heel, and ball parts. These snow socks use Indestructawool technology to give reinforcement and added durability and have a 4 Degree elite fit system that provides excellent stretch and recovery. Thes Smartwool Ski Medium also comes with body-mapped mesh zones that provide high breathability and include a two-year warranty.
The best socks for snowshoeing for providing warmth are the Hotronic XLP One PFI 50 Heated Socks. The Hotronic XLP One PFI 50 includes a powerful integrated heating element that delivers constant heating throughout the whole sock, from the cuffs to the toe area; the heating element uses a battery that lasts for hours so you can hike for more extended periods. The sock’s material also helps to regulate moisture and temperature, while its Performance-fit BootDoc Power Fit enhances warmth and comfort.
For those on a budget, the best affordable snowshoeing socks are the Pure Athlete Lightweight Ski Socks. The Pure Athlete is composed of material that provides very high breathability and has light cushioning in the shin area for extra protection. Other features included with these snow socks are an ultra-comfortable sole for added comfort and hydrophobic technology that helps keep your feet dry.
Hopefully, this guide was able to help you pick your own snowshoeing socks. Make sure to keep in mind what factors you value in a pair before choosing one so that you make the most out of your purchase. Have a great time snowshoeing!