When it comes to the optimal equipment for winter sports, the choice of socks is not negligible. There are subtle differences between socks for skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. The construction of the socks incorporates insights from orthopaedics as well as experiences of active winter sports enthusiasts.
Whether on the slopes or on the cross-country ski run: the right sock ensures a good foot climate and offers support for the challenges of the respective sport.
Importance of the right socks in winter sports
Winter sports such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing or snowboarding are special burdens for the feet. In addition to the mechanical effects of the respective sport, this also includes weather influences such as cold and wetness. Without suitable socks, problems such as skin irritation can occur.
Suitable socks also help to avoid orthopaedic discomfort. Ski socks are made of suitable materialsthat counteract overload. They are breathable and also counteract fatigue due to the improved foot climate.
Overview:
Snowboard socks with dry and warm feet over the slopes
Suitable socks also play an important role in snowboarding. In addition to suitable snowboard pants and jackets, they are a prerequisite for a good wearing feeling. In snowboard boots they contribute to warm and dry feet.
Even with snowboard socks, not every thick winter sock is suitable. Similar to cross-country skiing and ski socks, snowboard socks have a special construction. This is tailored to the needs of snowboarders in soft boots.
Merino wool and functional fiber the perfect materials
Similar to ski socks, both synthetic fibres and merino wool are popular as materials. Typically, snowboard stockings are made of various synthetic fibers that offer durability and elasticity. Material mixtures of merino wool and functional fiber can combine the advantages of both materials.
There are special hollow fibreswhich have a warming and cooling function as required. The fibers effectively keep cool outside temperatures away from the body. At the same time, they carry sweat and heat for a cooling effect on the skin. This regulation has a positive effect on well-being and thus on performance.
The proportion of merino wool also ensures warm feet due to excellent thermal properties. The material transports moisture further. This prevents the body from cooling down. A proportion of merino wool also has the advantage of hardly accepting any odour.
Characteristics and special features of snowboard stockings
The boots of the snowboarder require a special fit. The socks are therefore optimized for the technical and anatomical features. The snowboard socks must not slip at all. The formation of wrinkles as well as pressure points must be avoided.
Due to their fit, snowboard socks are tight. It is recommended to make sure that the socks reach over the shaft of the bootswhen choosing. The sufficient length helps to avoid pressure points (especially in the area of the shin and calves).
Snowboard socks continue to be characterized by special dampings or reinforcements. In particular, the heel and toe area should include damping. Damping in the area of the Achilles tendon is also popular. Snowboarders should make sure that the reinforcements sit correctlyat all critical areas.
Ski socks warm feet perfect hold
Skiing is a sport characterized by constant changes between high and lower physical activity. Especially in the descent, active and passive phases alternate. The heat and sweat produced in the active phases can lead to cold feet in the passive phases. This requires certain socks made of special materials.
Ski socks and their materials
The material of the ski socks is so relevant because it contributes to optimal thermal insulation. It is important to quickly re-drying. Typical materials for ski socks are merino wool and synthetic fibres. Merino wool is characterized by a particularly high insulation effect. In addition, this material contributes to odour neutralization.
Synthetic fibres, on the other hand, are characterized by a good removal of moisture. In addition, synthetic fiber is a flexible and elastic material. A mix of the two materials is recommended for the ski socks. Merino wool synthetic fiber mix provides a good combination of thermal insulation, elasticity and breathability.
Characteristics and benefits of ski socks
Ski shoes are often hard and less breathable. Due to strong template when skiing, unpleasant pressure points can quickly occur. In particular, ankles, toes and shins are affected.
This requires special upholstery. Ski socks therefore have a special fit as well as correctly placed cushions, which helps to avoid the pressure points. They also ensure an easier entry into the ski boot.
What must the ski stocking be able to do
In addition, there is a wider selection of ski socks with different functions. These are as diverse as the different requirements that skiers place on them. The specific selection is therefore based on personal preferences.
This includes the area of application, for example alpine skiing or ski racing. If you have special performance ambitions and race, a good shoe contact is importantfor you. This is about direct transfer of power. Thinner ski socks are preferable in this case.
Those who tend to cold feet need better thermal insulation. In this case, a high proportion of merino wool is advantageous. Compression ski socks also have their advantages in this case.
The matching cross-country socks increase endurance
In the cross-country ski run, special cross-country socks are an advantage. Cross-country skiing places different demands on the athlete and his equipment than, for example, downhill skiing. These aredrauly, relatively even movements. The constant movement provides a permanent load for the feet.
This can quickly create pressure points if the choice of socks is incorrect. Apart from that, the focus of the selection is that fit, damping and insulation are the focus of the selection.
What materials for cross-country socks
Cross-country socks benefit from materials designed for wet-cold weather. Here, too, various functional fibres are just as popular as natural materials such as wool.
Among the synthetic fibres used is the particularly flexible and stretchy elastane. Polyamide and polyacrylic are also used. They are supplemented by a proportion of merino wool.
The material or the material mixtures provide durability as well as thermal insulation. At the same time, they ensure good moisture transport. Due to the long load during cross-country skiing, heat and humidity can accumulate in the cross-country boots. Therefore, an efficient removal of moisture is particularly important.
The choice of materials leaves some room for personal preferences. Those who attach particular importance to durability and durability are well served with synthetic fibre. These are designed for the highest loads and are always stable in shape. Merino wool has particularly good thermal properties. Due to the soft nature, this plays out its advantage especially on long, multi-day tours.
Long-distance ventilation
Cross-country socks often have integrated inserts for ventilation. These are called valve action channels. These are inconspicuous air ducts. Its operating principle is similar to a kind of fireplace. The resulting sweat is dissipated outwards. The inside of the sock or shoe remains dry,even with longer wearing time.
Functionality and characteristics of cross-country skiers
Cross-country socks have special dampings and reinforcements in the places that are exposed to special continuous loads during cross-country skiing. These are especially the shin, as well as the heel and the toes. In these games, the cross-country socks are equipped with upholstery. This prevents the formation of pressure points or bubbles.
The padded parts also help to ensure that the socks form a stable unit during cross-country skiing with the shoe. This also prevents slipping or pressing in the cross-country boots. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the correct position of the upholstery on the foot, similar to ski and snowboard boots.
It is ideally recommended for cross-country skiers to try socks and shoes at the same time. In this way, it is possible to determine on site whether shoes and socks are in good harmony with each other.
Related links:
Pictures:
Photo by Visit Almaty of Pexels