I can remember about 25 years ago in a Nordica P.K. Ski boot at a Collegiate Sports somewhere in Toronto, holding up a nice thin Nordica ski sock and telling the staff that this was the Year of the Sock. I proceeded to give them all the features and benefits of the sock and that the sales process actually should start with a well fitted sock; you cannot properly fit a boot without wearing a proper ski sock.
Most of their customers were wearing old heelless cotton tube socks, super thick wool socks, or even two pairs of socks, a common trend found in any store. These socks can cause bunching, which in turn can prevent proper blood flow to the feet and cause your feet to go numb. My suggestion was to fit them with a proper ski sock, with a good heel pocket and to follow that up with a proper boot fitting. The sales staff were a little stunned by a few of my suggestions. Upon follow up visits to the store, they were all following my procedure and could not believe how many socks they were selling
It’s 25 years later and it’s still the Year of the Sock.
All ski boot manufacturers have reverted back to overlapped hinged boots, ski companies are using vertical sidewalls again for better performance and cotton has been removed completely from the sock equation. Today we have a variety of fine ski sock manufactures to choose from who use variations of wool, silk and synthetic blends.
How do you fit a good sock?
A good ski sock has to go high above the interface of the boot and shin to prevent irritation. It should be made from a good moisture wicking blend to keep your feet dry. The sock must have a deep heel pocket, preferably with a seamless toe, an arch band and an elasticized ankle, which helps to prevent any movement when you put your boot on. Any overlapping, folding or crinkling is what leads to pressure points and fit problems.
Socks do not need to be thick; most boot fitters recommend a thinner sock that slides easily into the liner. Good socks also have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial features that prevent the build up fungal growth in the sock, which keeps your feet healthy and boots smelling fresh.
I recommend wearing a different sock from home to the pro room and then changing into your proper socks just before going out. Start fresh before you teach; take your boots off at lunch and message your feet, especially under the balls of your feet to enhance circulation. The socks today are made with better moisture management materials; changing your socks at lunch isn’t always necessary.
It is important during ski season to practice good personal hygiene; wash your feet at night, dry well between your toes, and keep toenails cut straight across, so you do not shred your socks.
Happy Feet = a happy snow pro.
See you on the slopes
Coach Turbo (AKA Peter Hibbard )
Peter is a thirty year veteran of the ski industry. He’s a former teacher at Georgian College and Humber College in the Ski Area Operations program. Turbo coaches at Georgian Peaks Ski Club, as well as numerous A.O.A. Camps in the winter months.
