Functional winter socks

For a longer time I was on a search for socks suitable for sport esp in winter. It should naturally, be warm enough to protect from cold weather but at the same time be able to handle excess of moisture. Although being a more complex theme,  for me as an amateur in textile industry, I only needed a functional product for reasonable price.
One would say that the most sophisticated and technically enhanced models are to be found at specialised vendors. At least I thought so ... Until I bought a pair of socks in retail food store what made me put down here my impressions.

Smartwool PhD Skiing

The first pair I invested in, 100% Merino wool socks, promised to minimise bad smell from sweat, thus being suitable for example for hiking over several days without necessity to wash - mind that as it absorbs sweat quickly, it dries rather slowly (i discourage from accelerating the drying process over a heater, as the sock may shrink and  misshape).
Featuring compressed area over the foot arch, it sticks to the foot quite well. A ribbed, narrow band should hold its position over calves. However, with the same diameter at ankle as in lower part of calf, it negatively impacts blood circulation - esp. when wearing for longer time - but still more tolerable than a ordinary winter socks.

Jack Wolfskin - sliding sleeve

To complete my collection of Jack Wolfskin apparel, I opted for a mixture of  (34% polyamid, 26% polypropylen -ISOFIL®, 19% polyacryl, 19% wool -Merino, 2% elasthan). Several zones varying in thickness, flexibility and breathability, fullfilled my expectations - well, until first running session. Even though the ripped band feels soft &.comfortable, it misses support from underneath and slips down a bit exposing the wet skin over ankle.





A major breakthrough brought the Falke TK2. (28% Polyacryl, 22% Wolle, 9% Polyamid, 40% Polypropylen, 1% Elastan  ) With nice blue and grey combination it features tiny channels along the sole venting accumulated moisture and excess heat. Additionally, these socks are cut anatomically - with a letter R/L indicating the proper foot.
A specialty of this pair is a ribbed rim with  soft rubber inner band - it definitely holds on, but leaves a tiny red mark on skin...




crane socks

Well, each of above listed ranges from 20,- to 35,- Eur in brand stores. My last trophy was snatched at Hofer.at. Made by crane - retailstore affiliate producer, priced at 4.99 Eur - no wonder that in few days there was none of them left.
Consisting of 60% PE, 26% wool, 12% polyamid, 2% elastan - seems to genuinely match my winter needs.
- Equipped with all praised features of  previuosly described items, it provides extra comfort through thicker padding on vertical part.







FALKE SK5

To be honest, without being sponsored by Falke, I find their socks top of the class. Even my best catch - ultra thin, extremly warm cross-country skiing stocking socks (Falke SK5) suprised me with the weight-performance ratio.  As can be seen on picture, except from Falke traditional channel vents on the sole - red fabric, it continue upwards thus enabling moisture transportation out of the robust winter/cross country skiing boot. 

Thicker cushion padding on heel, toes and on shinbone and special band under the ribbed ending round up the experience.
Best point of this pair: diameter continuously extends from ankle over calf, closing back in underneath the knie, fitting on the natural shape of your leg - without producing any pressure spots!!!
As I use them always during my cross-country skiing training - unless covered with unbreatheable material like rubber - they will stay dry and warm!



To find a pair of socks matching one's sport preferences and adaptive to specific anatomy of a their calves, might pose a challenge. Personally, I hope to share some experience which did cost me unnecessary expences (had I know it before ;)

What is your "perfect" sock for winter activity?