How to Choose Ski and Snowboard Socks

Offering slope-ready, boot-specific cushioning and height, the REI Co-op lightweight Powderbound snow socks ensure your feet are ready for long days on the snow.
Made in USA.
View all REI Co-op Men's Snowboard SocksBest Use | Snowsports Downhill Skiing Snowboarding |
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Fabric | 51% merino wool/45% nylon/4% LYCRA spandex |
Sock Height | Knee-high |
Sock Cushioning | Light Cushioning |
Moisture Wicking | Yes |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
S | M | L | XL | S/M | L/XL | |
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U.S. Men's | 5.5-8.5 | 9-12 | 12.5-14 | 5.5-8.5 | 9-14 | |
U.S. Women's | 4-6.5 | 7-9.5 | 10-12.5 | 4-9.5 | 10-12.5 |
For socks, please use shoe size.
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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Footwear worn: Danner Tachyon 8”, 11.5EE Right out of the box, I felt the socks were made well and had an old school look to them. They fit snug, but not too tight. They have key fabric and stitching securing your feet in place. The elastic at the opening is well made and securely holds the top of the sock above the calf. I wore the socks all day in my Danner’s and then did a 2-mile road march on the same day. I did not get blisters or hot spots, but felt the socks were too thin for my liking to wear with boots. After wearing and washing twice, I noticed pilling and wearing on the toe box and heal that cause concern of lasting wear and tear. (See pictures) Overall, I feel these socks are comparable and competitive with like manufactures such as Darn Tough and Farm to Feet.
I wear a size 9.5-10 in women’s and got a size medium. They fit really well, are medium thickness but I didn’t like how tall they went. Pulled up, they go to my knees which is a little bulky with tighter-fit pants. I was impressed with the moisture wicking. I wore these out on the trail in hiking boots and again in rubber muck boots. I usually have pretty hot feet (yep, gross and sweaty) but I had super dry feet when wearing these. I liked the material too, my legs get sensitive to wool and wool-like fabrics, and no issue here. Since there’s no snow yet in the PNW, I was only able to test them in rainy weather conditions ranging from 63-66 degrees F.
I like the sock they were pretty warm but they ripped on the calf the 1st day I wore them. I have never had that happen & my calves are not large by any means. I am 5"2" petite & I would say they went up to 2 inches below the knee. Again pretty warm I live in Chicago so I used them the 1st time in Dec/Jan whenever they were delivered but didn't feel like going through the return or having to buy a new pair bc it just got colder here & I intend for them to be used within the month of getting them for a trip.
The socks are very comfortable, soft and supportive around the foot and calf. They appear to be well constructed and I expect will last for many many cold weather adventures both hiking and skiing. I love wool on my feet and these are another great pair. The fit is very good overall, but consider sizing down if your foot is in the middle or lower range of sock sizing. It all depends on how you prefer your socks to fit. I wear a size 13 running shoe and the XL sock (fits foot size 12.5 to 14) fits well, but has some extra material around the toe. I’d order the XL again, but something to consider.
For the price, these REI Co-op Powderbound Lightweight Snow socks are tremendous value. The socks are perfectly warm and yet thin enough in ski boots to work well in any weather and not bind or cause hotspots in the ski boot. And for being about $5-$6 cheaper than the name brands, this is the way to go. I got the army cot green ones.
I am a hiking sock coinsure - these have all of the qualities I look for: snug contoured fit, stretchy, good cushioning, breathable, and quick drying. Durable materials. Warm and cooling at the same time (adaptable to climate and use). All in all, extremely comfortable and functional!
These socks provide medium padding and plenty of warmth and dryness for outdoor winter activities. I wear a size 9.5 women's and my sons wear sizes 7 and 8 men's so these socks fit all three of us. After ice skating, skiing, and hiking, these socks are still going strong. I have washed and dried them 3 times and they have retained their shape, size, and softness.
Bought these for my kid and they seem to be quite happy with them. They’re running around in the snow currently so I will amend this review if the socks fail to keep their feet warm.
The powder bound lightweight merino wool over the calf performed much better than expected. I took them for a 12 mile backpacking trip on the wonderland trail and then after a wash a 24 mile trail run on the high divide in Olympic National Park in the drenching rain and they not only kept my feet dry, I was blister free and warm throughout the entire run and hike. I even took these out for a short road run and the compression they proved on the calf as well as the warmth they provide even when wet was great. I would recommend these to anyone. Go get yourself a pair
I definitely recommend these socks. They are very comfortable and do a good job wicking moisture and keeping your feet dry. After 6 hours on the slopes I took off my ski boots, jumped in my running shoes and went for a 5 mile mountain run. The socks performed like a champ!