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Who should I pay for some new ski socks?

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TheDoughAbides
Posts: 1319 - Karma: 4,035
I don't think I've bought a new pair of ski socks in about 10 years or so and i feel like treating myself.

Which company could use my money the most and makes quality ski socks? Really just trying to support smaller businesses that might be struggling at the moment while giving my feet a present for putting up with spending a ton of time in ski boots.

+k for advice if thats still a thing lol
May 2 2020 10:48PM
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ASSholebomber22
Posts: 6594 - Karma: 69,705
TheDoughAbidesI don't think I've bought a new pair of ski socks in about 10 years or so and i feel like treating myself.

Which company could use my money the most and makes quality ski socks? Really just trying to support smaller businesses that might be struggling at the moment while giving my feet a present for putting up with spending a ton of time in ski boots.

+k for advice if thats still a thing lol



I need some new socks too ackshually but the only advice I can give is i avoid darntough, their fabric doesn't stretch or give so the sock can be super tight in areas and lose in others
May 2 2020 10:55PM
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PsychicMigration
Posts: 2089 - Karma: 10,852
Im a big fan of stance honestly they've held up well through hours of sweat and skating plus they're super comfy. Any kind of pair of big fuzzy wool socks after ripping all day can be great to.
May 2 2020 11:20PM
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,985
Smartwool does the job for me
May 2 2020 11:28PM
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50Kal
Posts: 2826 - Karma: 5,367
Duckworth. 100% American Grown, sheared, and made. Never tried there stuff but still small company.
https://www.duckworthco.com/collections/socks/products/lightweight-ski-sock?variant=24534183051364
May 3 2020 12:08AM
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eh+
Posts: 109 - Karma: 282
BiffbarfI need some new socks too ackshually but the only advice I can give is i avoid darntough, their fabric doesn't stretch or give so the sock can be super tight in areas and lose in others


Hear what you're saying and that sucks but I've always had pretty good thoughts and experiences with darn tough. Also they are a smaller company that could prob use some support and are def available at your local shop who could also use some support if they are open for pick up / delivery - hyped we thinking about the little guys :)
May 3 2020 12:14AM
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clorox
Posts: 1728 - Karma: 4,861
Hold up you mean you use normal socks, or you know of a ski sock that lasted 10 years?

I like my boots tight as fuck and use whatever the thinnest Smartwool socks my local ski shop has. I go through probably 3 pairs a season, though touring tends to fuck up ski socks more than resort skiing and I use the same pairs for both. I've had good luck with Spyder socks too, though neither of those are small brands.
May 3 2020 12:18AM
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GrandThings
Posts: 2939 - Karma: 28,846
Smartwool are the GOAT

but I also got a pair of Bombas Socks for Christmas this year and really like them. Cushiony in the right area's (for me) and the company dontates a pair to homeless shelters 1:1 for every pair bought. Pretty cool
May 3 2020 1:09PM
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little1337
Posts: 8159 - Karma: 45,773
I've heard good things about Bombas socks
May 3 2020 1:41PM
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ParkRx
Posts: 330 - Karma: 1,423
Wigwam makes some of my favorite wool ski socks
May 3 2020 1:48PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6792 - Karma: 23,529
smartwool
May 3 2020 2:03PM
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Shh-Rammer
Posts: 85 - Karma: 716
Darn Tough all the way, their lifetime replacement guarantee is dope, once you have a couple in rotation you'll never have to buy ski socks again cause when a pair rips you can just exchange them for a brand new pair.
May 3 2020 2:07PM
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ScaryDumpTruck
Posts: 584 - Karma: 3,392
Smartwool merino wool socks are the best socks I have ever owned. Soft and they wick moisture extremely well.
May 3 2020 2:20PM
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Kevski
Posts: 7056 - Karma: 2,785
Love my smartwools more than any other sock I own.

But also Cody Townsend mentioned some pro model sock that sounded kinda neat, looks like they’re by Lé Bent? I know nothing about them but sounds like he fine-tuned the socks for backcountry shred. Could be worth looking into.
May 3 2020 3:43PM
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SupremeChairlift
Posts: 288 - Karma: 3,657
I have a pair of smartwool phd mediums. Super warm and breathable and I can wear them for multiple ski days without them getting smelly or grimy, at least more so than other ski socks I have had.
May 3 2020 6:31PM
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ASSholebomber22
Posts: 6594 - Karma: 69,705
eh+Hear what you're saying and that sucks but I've always had pretty good thoughts and experiences with darn tough. Also they are a smaller company that could prob use some support and are def available at your local shop who could also use some support if they are open for pick up / delivery - hyped we thinking about the little guys :)


I think I'm between sizes, the xl is kinda loose and flabby and the L is too short and it's impossible to fit because they don't stretch. If they work for you tho, that's rad and I'm jealous.
May 3 2020 7:04PM
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K-Dot.
Posts: 3703 - Karma: 7,375
darn tough
May 3 2020 8:10PM
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kbrando
Posts: 1206 - Karma: 889
Fits, I do also love darn tough, but the fits just hug my foot better and keep my toes warmer
May 3 2020 8:32PM
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HypeBeast
Posts: 9774 - Karma: 72,202
BiffbarfI need some new socks too ackshually but the only advice I can give is i avoid darntough, their fabric doesn't stretch or give so the sock can be super tight in areas and lose in others


Weird. Perhaps you got a bad batch cuz their socks are a wool blend that also has nylon and spandex in it. They don't stretch as much as other socks I have but in terms of durability and warmth, they rock. They fit my feet well and don't ever have loose areas because I only wear my socks once before washing unlike some of the nasty people on this site.

I have two pairs of Bombas socks and they stretch and fit super well. They also feel better than darn tough and have a higher wool percentage. Check those out. The prices are similar per pair to darn tough.

For hiking though, darn tough socks are the bomb.
May 3 2020 9:30PM
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Chunderface
Posts: 2439 - Karma: 9,566
Smartwool PhD Ultralight
May 3 2020 10:16PM
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animator
Posts: 4546 - Karma: 26,203
Smartwool PHD light or ultralight or the Stance ski socks are both fire, I use them interchangeably and notice no difference. Plus the stance socks look dope
May 3 2020 10:47PM
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profa_212
Posts: 8638 - Karma: 32,580
eh+Hear what you're saying and that sucks but I've always had pretty good thoughts and experiences with darn tough. Also they are a smaller company that could prob use some support and are def available at your local shop who could also use some support if they are open for pick up / delivery - hyped we thinking about the little guys :)


Another vote for darn tough. Loved mine and they were my favorite pair of socks until i lost them.
May 3 2020 11:01PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7604 - Karma: 20,092
Darn Tough are great and have a lifetime warranty. I like my icebreaker socks too.
May 4 2020 12:09AM
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kalle.
Posts: 727 - Karma: 4,525
mons royale and stance are my go to sock brands
May 4 2020 5:36AM
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860media*
Posts: 1569 - Karma: 10,462
Darn tough, no questions. This is gross but I forgot most my socks when I moved once and wore a pair for 2 weeks straight skiing/working and they never got stiff on me. I don't know how but i'm a believer
May 4 2020 9:45AM
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Pipe_Munky
Posts: 10887 - Karma: 2,165
Icebreaker hands down!

Lifetime guarantee, the best merino coming out of New Zealand and the fit can't be beat
May 4 2020 11:09AM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1624 - Karma: 8,663
The good news is that most of the socks mentioned above are all pretty good. After using socks from about a dozen brands, I find the differences to be very subtle unless you move to the compression category or get something that costs less than ~$15, which is where I find that the quality and fit tends to drop.

Personally, my all-time favorites are from Dissent since they're just so tight and never move inside a boot, but they're expensive as hell and stink like crazy since they're mostly synthetic. The upside to the synthetic fiber content is that they've held up really well so far.

FITS are still my favorite wool socks and they're made in the US, though I'm nearly equally happy with Smartwool PhD's and Le Bent.
May 4 2020 11:20AM
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Kretzschmar
Posts: 6691 - Karma: 97,873
patagonialukePersonally, my all-time favorites are from Dissent since they're just so tight and never move inside a boot, but they're expensive as hell and stink like crazy since they're mostly synthetic. The upside to the synthetic fiber content is that they've held up really well so far.

Love my Dissents. I have the wool blend and those don't smell at all and I sweat A LOT lol the compression was a gamechanger for me coming from Smartwools, which I still like for everyday socks, same with FITs.
May 4 2020 2:34PM
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Mactonight
Posts: 25 - Karma: 182
This reminded me that I had been wanting a new pair of socks and I just found some eBay link selling my favorite socks for like 3 bucks
https://www.ebay.com/c/1061303425

any way this isn't a scam?
May 4 2020 4:33PM
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jca
Posts: 4162 - Karma: 6,261
Dissent, Darn Tough, and Ice Breaker are my favourites.
May 4 2020 5:56PM
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Johnnyskiguy3
Posts: 50 - Karma: 241
I need new ones too, lets just swap?
May 5 2020 8:16PM
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VT_scratch
Posts: 8710 - Karma: 5,615
I've always just had bridgedale. I had a pair of darn toughs and they got holes in them :(
May 5 2020 9:44PM
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tcurle
Posts: 1247 - Karma: 5,182
Dissent Labs. I'm putting them to the test and have not washed them yet this season and they are still going strong.
May 6 2020 12:30AM
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WisconsinDogfart
Posts: 675 - Karma: 5,522
I got a pretty nice pair of 686 socks for free with my jacket.
May 6 2020 9:41AM
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gvski13
Posts: 193 - Karma: 871
Stance for sure. They make ski socks, skate socks, and regular socks. Also probably give you street cred.
TheDoughAbidesI don't think I've bought a new pair of ski socks in about 10 years or so and i feel like treating myself.

Which company could use my money the most and makes quality ski socks? Really just trying to support smaller businesses that might be struggling at the moment while giving my feet a present for putting up with spending a ton of time in ski boots.

+k for advice if thats still a thing lol
May 6 2020 1:21PM
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tsingtaofanatic
Posts: 3344 - Karma: 4,579
Stance are my go to, but I was using Armada socks for awhile.
May 6 2020 6:00PM
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plugs
Posts: 107 - Karma: 419
I honestly like icebreaker socks a lot more than smart wool. I go through smart wool socks crazy fast but I’ve had the same icebreaker socks for 5 plus years. Not that icebreaker is a small brand but they hook it up if you’re in the industry.
May 8 2020 12:06PM
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c0ntentcreat0r
Posts: 347 - Karma: 890
Dissent compression socks have got to be the best damn socks I’ve ever worn. I have naturally super sweaty feet to the point that my feet get sweaty even if I’m just chillin at home playing videogames, and Dissents wick all that moisture amazingly. Not to mention the compression socks have such a nice fit and feel that makes you feel one with your boots and skis. Be careful with em tho, because of how tight they are. If you don’t put em on/take em off with care you could rip em, which I’ve done once or twice. If compression isn’t your vibe though, any merino wool sock from any brand will be good, just gotta get something with a padding profile that fits your foot. I’m personally a huge fan of icebreaker for merino.
May 9 2020 2:17PM
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Denseclouds
Posts: 495 - Karma: 2,843
I always use Smartwool Ultralight PHD. Seems like the general consensus is a tighter fitting sock with less material is better for power transmission to the ski. I was once too a Jerry skiing in oversized wool socks and a boot too big. Surprised no one has mentioned Le Bent socks. I'm interested to try them out, especially with the little heel lock piece in back
May 9 2020 10:16PM
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skierman
Posts: 8064 - Karma: 4,801
Darn Tough, you fucking gaper
May 10 2020 12:41AM
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Auschie
Posts: 297 - Karma: 392
I used to be all about the Smartwool, but in the past two years have switched to Darn Tough for both ski socks and regular wear. They have been more durable and I think the quality/feel is better than the Smartwool.
May 10 2020 8:39AM
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TheDoughAbides
Posts: 1319 - Karma: 4,035
skiermanDarn Tough, you fucking gaper


Suck my shit gaper.


I went with wigwam. Gonna get some le bents next time I’m feeling some retail therapy
May 10 2020 2:08PM
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OregonDead
Posts: 6792 - Karma: 23,529
TheDoughAbidesSuck my shit gaper.


I went with wigwam. Gonna get some le bents next time I’m feeling some retail therapy


hear good things about the thin wigwams. let us know how they are
May 10 2020 11:21PM
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irfaan156
Posts: 11 - Karma: -11
Burton has some nice socks. otherwise darn tough is also pretty good
May 11 2020 1:30PM
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cpohl
Posts: 180 - Karma: 828
I like stance especially the jossi pro models those are sick
May 12 2020 11:38AM
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CalumSKI
Posts: 4121 - Karma: 23,046
I just use regular stance socks and they work great
May 12 2020 12:46PM
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