How do you like your ski socks? Lightweight but still cushioned? Seamless? Heavier weight and super cushioned? And with a touch of 1980s kapow?!
The latest collection of ski socks from PhD offer a range of well-designed socks to suit all tastes. They include PhD Slopestyle Light Tube Sock Socks and SmartWool PhD Slopestyle Medium Switch 1980 Ski Socks. The names give away quite a bit about the socks but here is a little more depth.
First there’s the fit. Like all SmartWool PhD ski and snowboard socks, the Slopestyle collection features a “4 Degree Elite” fit system, which uses targeted elastics to improve stretch and recovery. This means that the socks stay where you put them and won’t fall down.
There is also ReliaWool technology to improve durability in all the places where ski socks usually wear out. SmartWool pledges 100% satisfaction guarantee.
In addition to improved fit, PhD Slopestyle socks have a thermal body mapping technology to “mitigate heat and moisture through strategic mesh and elasticity placement”. Body mapping is also designed to take into account the differences between men and women, so the socks will keep your feet warm in all the right places and according to your gender.
The cushioning in the sole of the socks is designed to minimise friction and impact in the ski boot and also regulate your foot inside the boot.
I have been trialling two styles of Slopestyle socks.
PhD Slopestyle Light Tube Socks
Tube socks have always worked well for skiers. The lack of seams means there is far less chance of rubs and irritations. But my old tube socks for skiing had a tendency to fall down. Thankfully PhD’s 4 Degree elite fit system keeps the socks exactly in place. They do not feel over tight but nor do they fall down. Job done!
The socks also feature flat knit toe seams for a smooth fit in ski boots and 65% Merino wool for natural warmth and breathability, as well as no-whiff benefits.
The socks have a lightly cushioned sole. If you prefer your ski socks to be lightweight yet still warming, these PhD Slopestyle Light Tube Socks are ideal. They are easy to wear and fit very neatly.
They do everything that they say on the packaging. I would also wear these socks as everyday winter wear, such as when walking the dog or hills in boots.
The socks come in a range of colours and are sold as male or female specific. RRP is £21.95 but I have seen them on-line far cheaper. See SmartWool (an American site) too.
Smartwool PhD Slopestyle Medium Switch 1980 Ski Socks
The first thing you notice about these socks is the “odd” funkiness. The socks do not appear to match, or, rather, they match but each sock is a different colour but in the same pattern. I think this is fun and attractive.
The socks offer many of the same features to the Slopestyle Light Tube Socks except they are a bit heavier weight and more cushioned. This is the sort of sock I would normally go for when skiing because I need something to keep my feet warmer.
As well as the 4 Degree elite fit system and ReliaWool technology there’s a flat knit durable toe seam. The socks come up the calf by 14”, which perfectly suits me.
SmartWool reckon the socks will add “kapow” to your winter sports. I like the 1980s design style and the thoroughly modern features including 63% Merino Wool, 35% Nylon, 2% Elastane
Buy for around £20 to £22 on-line. Also see SmartWool