Owning a great pair of men’s snowboard socks can be an awesome addition to your snowboarding attire. Some people wear generic cotton socks and that’s serviceable, but nothing beats the insulation and the dryness you get from a great pair of performance socks for snowboarding.
In this article I’ll cover everything you would want to know about men’s snowboard socks before you buy. We’ll discuss materials, fit, sizing, prices as well as how to maintain your socks. Let’s get into it!
The Ultimate Men’s Snowboard Socks Guide
Fabric and Materials
Fit and Sizing
Maintaining Your Socks
Where to Buy Men’s Snowboard Socks
Fabric and Materials
Most men’s snowboard socks are made from either merino wool, a synthetic blend (polyester, acrylic, nylon etc.) or a hybrid of synthetics and wool.
They can even include a small percentage of elastane or Lycra spandex in some cases. This makes the material more stretchy to enhance the fit and provide flexibility.
A snowboarding sock made from merino wool, or a blend of wool and synthetics, will be more expensive than a 100% synthetic materials sock.
Merino wool is considered a higher-end fabric compared to any of the synthetics. Wool has better insulating and breathability capabilities compared to polyester, acrylic, nylon etc. The moisture wicking ability of wool to pull sweat vapours away from the skin is what allows the material to keep your feet dry. Merino wool is also less itchy than regular wool when you’re active for hours. Wool is a natural product and its production is more sustainable than synthetics.
Synthetics are manufactured through a chemical process and they’ve been engineered to have warmth and moisture wicking abilities to rival wool. You can still get a very good pair of synthetic men’s snowboard socks that will suit you and be budget-friendly.
How are men’s snowboard socks different from regular socks
Regular socks are made from cotton. Cotton is a less breathable fabric. Therefore, when your feet sweat from snowboarding the moisture will cause your sock to get wet, which will make your feet cold. Snowboarding socks are performance equipment. It’s always recommended to wear a snowboard sock compared to a regular sock.
Fit & Sizing
Just like most of your other snowboarding gear, you’re looking for a snug fit. If material in the sock is bunching up anywhere that’s not good. Your lower calf and entire foot should feel completely wrapped in the sock.
There is going to be some variation in the thickness options available.
In terms of fit and comfort, a thicker socks is not always better. Actually, you want a well insulated but thinner sock.
The reason for this is because thick socks can alter the fit with your boot making it too tight. This can restrict blood flow causing your feet to get colder faster.
Blood flow is crucial when it comes to keeping your feet warm throughout the day.
There’s also compression socks for snowboarding, which come in ultralight weight and have elastane to sculpt the perfect fit. This diagram identifies some of the features of these types of socks.
Snowboarding Sock Weights
Most snowboard socks will be thinner than traditional winter socks. But they still come in different weights usually categorized as: ultralight, lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight.
The heavier the weight, the thicker and more padded the sock will be. Lighter weight socks offer a more precise fit in your snowboard boots while heavier weight socks give you more cushion.
Snowboarding Sock Size Chart
This chart is meant to describe a general set of men’s snowboard socks sizing. Each brand may have it’s own sizing that differs slightly from this chart.
| Size | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA Shoe Size | 5.5–7.5 | 7.5–10.5 | 10.5–13.5 |
| EURO Shoe Size | 37–40.5 | 40.5–43.5 | 43.5–46.5 |
Can You Wear Two Pairs of Socks Snowboarding?
Many people would think that wearing two pairs of socks is going to offer up twice the amount of warmth, but that isn’t the case at all.
The key to keeping your feet warm while snowboarding is going to be blood circulation, and using two pairs of socks is bound to constrict your blood flow in one way or another. Not only that, but there is also a chance that the two pairs of socks can rub together and create blister-inducing friction, which is something you’ll want to avoid.
While some of you may have had success in the past with wearing two pairs of men’s snowboarding socks, I would suggest that you simply find one individual pair that you can count on.
Maintaining Your Socks
Since men’s snowboard socks can be expensive, you’ll want to take care of them so that they last as long as possible.
Your snowboard socks should be washed inside out at a normal or delicate wash setting. You also want to wash in cold water. Then tumble dry on low or hang dry. Lastly, socks retain their shape best when they are stored flat, as oppose to rolled up into balls.
Where to Buy Men’s Snowboard Socks
With the product knowledge provided above you’re ready to buy men’s snowboard socks and take care of them season after season.
Socks can sometimes be overlooked but they’re a necessity in many ways. Snowboarding without proper socks is just not ideal.
There are plenty of online retailers like EVO, TheHouse, The Boardroom etc.
Use your best judgement to find the best price and most reliable shipping if you order online.
You can also buy men’s snowboard socks at your local snowboard shop.
One of my favourite snowboard shops in the Greater Toronto Area is Corbett’s in Oakville. They have a large outwear and clothing section.
Related Articles:
- The Ultimate Men’s Snowboards Guide
- The Ultimate Men’s Snowboard Boots Guide
- The Ultimate Men’s Snowboard Bindings Guide
- The Ultimate Men’s Snowboard Goggles Guide
- The Ultimate Men’s Snowboard Helmet Guide
- The Ultimate Men’s Snowboard Gloves Guide
- The Ultimate Men’s Snowboard Jacket Guide
- The Ultimate Men’s Snowboard Pants Guide
- The Ultimate Men’s Snowboard Base Layer Guide