When it comes to snowshoeing, one of the most important pieces of clothing you will wear is your socks. Your feet are in the snow all day long, and when it’s frigid out, you need a stout pair of socks to keep those feet toasty warm and safe.
If you skimp when it comes to socks, then your feet are going to be cold and numb and could even suffer from frostbite. The bottom line is that bad socks can ruin a good snowshoe day.
That’s why we have tested out a variety of socks to provide you with five recommendations to consider this winter for your next snowshoe adventure.
While there are hundreds, if not thousands, of socks out there to choose from, these are five that kept our feet warm as we hit the trail and tested them out in the cold of the Rocky Mountains.
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Norrona Trollveggen Heavy Weight Merino Socks
Photo: Norrona
Norrona is known for its burly backcountry gear, and these heavy-weight Merino socks are no exception. This durable sock was developed for mountaineers, which is ideal for snowshoeing.
The Trollveggen socks kept my feet nice and warm all day while out in the elements, thanks to the first-class Merino wool. The wool will keep you warm when it is cold and cool when warm outside. In addition, the sock fits nicely in my hiking boots, considering it is a mid-high design.
The sock is made by traceable, mulesing-free Edelweiss wool from Safil, Italy, which translates to reliability. The thick, durable socks provide a soft, comfortable feel on the trail, and I did not rub any blisters or hot spots with them. Moreover, I liked them so much that I’ve taken to just wearing them around my house this winter to stay warm and comfortable.
The Norrona Trollveggen Heavy Weight Merino socks sell for $35.
Read More: Snowshoeing Gear Favorites
Smartwool Protect Our Winters Socks
Photo: SmartWool
Smartwool has been a staple in the sock industry, creating some of the most comfortable and best socks for winter sports. These Protect our Winters, POW, zero cushion print over-the-calf socks are no exception. A ski model sock, these are lightweight and extremely warm thanks to the Merino wool.
For those not familiar, POW is a non-profit organization working to slow and reverse climate change to help ensure we enjoy deep snow for years to come. These socks were designed with the pink sunrise on a cold winter morning in mind. Smartwool donated $2,500 to POW in honor of this sock, so you can get a warm fuzzy feeling, not just on your feet when you wear these socks, knowing you are helping protect our winters.
The over-the-calf socks include Smartwool’s Indestructawool technology for enhanced durability along with their 4 Degree fit system to ensure the socks fit well. In addition, a Shred Shield protects the toe bed, and the body-mapped mesh zones allow the sock to breathe.
These are great socks for any outdoor winter activity. They are sure to keep you warm, dry, and moving through the deepest of powders.
Composed of 42 percent Merino wool and made in the U.S., the Smartwool Protect Our Winters socks sell for $27.
Read More: Covering the Extremities: Prepare for the Snowshoeing Season
Darn Tough Hiker Boot Socks
Photo: REI
Comfort and warmth, what more could you ask for from a sock? With the durable Darn Tough Hiker Boot Socks, you get both of these traits in spades. Regardless of the conditions, these socks keep your toes nice and toasty all day long. These Darn Tough socks are darn comfy with a reinforced heel and toe and elastic support around the arch. No bunching or annoying rubbing is keeping your feet blister-free.
With 62 percent Merino wool, 34 percent Nylon, and 4 percent Lycra Spandex, these socks are available in cushion or full-cushion comfort. The family-owned business, based in Northfield, VT, knows what snowshoers need in a sock, and these deliver.
The men’s and women’s Hiker Boot Socks 2-Pack sell for $54.
Read More: Gear Review: Darn Tough Boot Socks
Minus33 Mountain Heritage Over-The-Calf Wool Sock
Photo: Minus33
As the name implies, Minus33 socks are built for harsh cold conditions. Minus33 started as a snowmobile brand and quickly expanded to other outdoor markets, such as hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing.
They created their Mountain Heritage sock with frigid conditions in mind. As a result, the company’s full insulation sock provides the dual benefits of comfort and warmth. The tall-calf cut keeps your legs warm in deep snow, and the Merino wool holds up in any condition.
Composed of 68 percent Merino wool, the lightweight socks offer venting zones on top of the sock to keep your feet from overheating. Plus, there’s a three-zone elastic on the arch and ankle, opening to ensure the sock does not move or bunch while in the boot.
The socks are made in Ashland, NH, where they test all their products in the harsh east coast winters. The Minus33 Mountain Heritage Over-the-Calf Wool socks sell for $21.99.
Read More: Analysis: Will Merino Wool Keep Us Warm While Snowshoeing?
Wrightsock Adventure Crew Hiking Socks
Photo: Wrightsock
If you suffer from blisters while snowshoeing, these are the socks for you. Wrightsock has a Double Layer performance sock model, which means it has a built-in liner to prevent blisters and hot spots and keep your feet comfortable and dry. In addition, they offer a “Blister Free Guarantee” on all of their socks.
The Adventure Crew Hiking sock is Wrightsock’s most cushioned blister-free performance sock available. Having put mile after mile on these socks, I can attest that they do indeed prevent blisters and keep your feet happy and warm.
The sock has advanced Repreve performance yarns added to the outer layer, offering durability and protection. Also, you can feel good about helping the environment with these socks. They make all their products using recycled plastic bottles. An estimated 70 percent of the socks are post-consumer recycled plastics. And all Wrightsocks are U.S.-made in Burlington, North Carolina.
The Wrightsock Adventure Crew Hiking socks sell for $22.
What socks do you wear snowshoeing? Have you tried any of the socks above? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
Read Next: Snowshoeing Footwear: Tips for Choosing Your Boot
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