Smartwool Women’s Ski Full Cushion Mountain Snowflake Pattern Over-the-Calf Socks

Kate Agathon

Whatever type of skiing you’re doing, the Smartwool Women’s Ski Full Cushion Mountain Snowflake Pattern Over-the-Calf Socks keep your feet comfy and warm.

The older I have gotten, the more I appreciate extra cushioning in my ski socks. My heels ache. My toes get cold. I need all the help I can get so I can focus on skiing and not my sore/cold feet. Therefore, I was excited to try Smartwool’s uber cushiony ski sock for both alpine and nordic skiing.

First, I wore these socks for a full day of alpine skiing and my feet didn’t get cold or feel sore. The strategically placed padding at the toes, heels and along the top kept me comfortable.

They fit well over my thinner base layers and also underneath some heavier base layers. That’s always a concern- having ski socks that are incompatible with base layers and you end up inadvertently cutting off your circulation (which has happened before).

Unlike other “size small” women’s ski socks, they actually fit my feet- no access material at the toes or weirdly placed heels (these socks feature a narrow heel). I was pleased with the overall slimmer fit: they didn’t cut into my skin and also wrapped snugly around my small feet and made them feel cozy. No bunching, no slippage, no opportunity for blisters.

I am not a fan of bright colors or complicated patterns. Therefore, I was pleased that the socks were available in black and gray with a single snowflake for its pattern.

Next, I wore them nordic skiing.

This is really the first time I’ve worn over-the-calf socks for nordic skiing- I have wanted to avoid chafing. Usually, I go for calf-length socks (especially since I don’t have any ¾ length or short length nordic ski pants). My partner, on the hand, swears by over-the-calf length socks for nordic skiing. So, I thought I’d try them out.

Despite some extreme cardio going on (especially herring boning up a lot of hills), they stayed in place and didn’t chafe. I didn’t have to worry too much about warmth since I was doing nordic skiing, but I did appreciate the extra cushioning for all the gliding motion. The body-mapped mesh zones added extra breathability- a nice feature for nordic skiing.

When it comes to cushioned comfort, warmth, breathability, and performance, the over-the-calf sock is fantastic. However, I prefer a shorter length when I nordic ski. Just as an ankle length sock would feel weird while wearing a tall boot, it seems odd to wear socks that are so much higher than the top of my nordic ski boots. But again, it is preference. Some people (including my boyfriend) are over-the-calf sock aficionados.

The socks are packed with technology to ensure a better ski experience. Technology includes Indestructawool™ technology for enhanced durability, 4 Degree™ elite fit system for a dialed-in, performance-oriented fit, and Virtually Seamless™ toe for enhanced comfort.

I live in ski country, so I spend the majority of the week doing some kind of skiing. The Smartwool Women’s Ski Full Cushion Mountain Snowflake Over-the-Calf socks are solid performers that won’t disappoint.

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Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, fat biking, snowshoeing, camping, peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers, road cycling, and nordic skiing. After suffering two major knee injuries within four years, Kate hopes to return to alpine skiing next season.

 

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.