Socks are socks, are socks, right? Afraid not. If you’re skiing or doing any outdoor activity this winter you need suitable footwear.
Wool-wicking socks
The Wool Fusion Summit socks are heavyweight, shaped socks designed for high mountain and winter expeditions. They’re good for skiing as they’re made from 47% wool, which has natural wicking properties. The socks have dense cushioning for warmth and comfort, but may get too hot for the very active skier.
These Wool Fusion socks have great wicking quality keeping your feet dry and warm
They’re also shin height, which will chafe if your ski boots sit in the same place. However, the pleated ribbing around the ankle is nice and the socks won’t slip down.
Costs R130 a pair.
Cape Union Mart (tel 021-464-5800, www.capeunionmart.co.za)
Hold on, what’s wicking?
When choosing gear for skiing and other winter outdoor activities where you work up a sweat, you want comfortable, breathable fabric to regulate body heat in the cold outdoors through a process called wicking, which is the transfer of perspiration away from the skin through non-absorbent fabric to evaporate quicker – keeping you dry and warm.
- Bamboo and wool are natural wicking fibres, but sometimes retain odour.
- The wicking ability of synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene and polyester depends on the mesh of the fabric (wider mesh permits better breathability than tightly woven material).
- Cotton does little to keep you warm and has bad ventilation; instead it will absorb sweat and create a damp, cold layer on your skin.
Professional ski socks
Falke’s specialist ski socks are super comfortable and have extra padding over the toes and around the arch of the foot. The extra length ensures boots won’t chafe, and they’re highly elasticated to prevent any bunching.
These socks are your best bet for pro skiing
They’re made from 37% wool (there’s no itchiness) combined with other synthetic materials specifically designed for breathability and moisture transfer. I’d say these are a winner.
Costs R110.
Trappers, tel 011-462-2919, www.trappers.co.za.
Compromise on ski costs
If you’re a first timer and looking to save on the cost of ski gear, there is a solution. Although some professionals won’t recommend it, you can use hiking socks with a thin hiking liner to keep feet dry.
Use regular hiking socks, but be sure to buy liners too
The Falke Seamless Comfort liners stretch nicely and the open weave on the inside of the foot will manage the moisture. Then pull over thicker hiking socks for warmth and shin protection from the ski boots. The Drynamix® composition of Falke’s hiking socks do a great job at wicking, but are too short for some ski boots and can cause chafing.
Save some moola and use hiking socks
Liner costs R29 and sock costs R59 a pair.
Trappers, tel 011-462-2919, www.trappers.co.za.
