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Gear review: How I ‘found’ my new favorite skiing sock

Jeanne McGovern
Aspen Times Weekly
Rating: Four out of five stars
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Generally speaking, I am not a picky person. Nor am I a gear snob.

But when it comes to socks, all bets are off. To me, there is nothing more miserable than a ill-fitting pair of socks or one that’s just not suited for the sport at hand.

So when I headed out for a recent morning on the slopes, and couldn’t dig up my current favorite pair of ski socks from the growing mound of laundry in my hamper, I hoped that my husband – who is both picky and a gear snob – would have a pair I could borrow in his ski locker.



Bingo! A brand-new pair of Point6 Ski Ultra Light socks, still in the packaging, were all mine. I must admit, I was skeptical at first. (As I said, I am picky about my socks.) But as soon as I pulled them on, I knew I’d found a winner.

Made of 63 percent merino wool, 34 percent nylon and 3 percent spandex, they were plenty warm but not bulky. In fact, there was no bulk. None. “No cushioning means no room for error in the tightest of ski boots,” notes the product description. Agreed.




But unlike other “light” ski socks I’ve tried, they didn’t make me feel like I was wearing a pair of surgical compression stockings. These socks slipped right on over my feet and calves, and were comfortable enough that I was able to keep them on when I went back to work after skiing. Still, they didn’t stretch out or lose their form; I credit the “Achilles brace to keep sock snug.”

Of course I know that not all feet are created equal, and that not all skiers seek an ultra-thin sock. A quick glance at the Point6 website and it’s clear everyone can find what they’re looking for, from light (“not too thick, not too thin”) to medium (“for those looking for a thicker sock”).

But here’s what really caught my attention while perusing point6.com: the Steamboat-Springs based company has not only mastered the use of merino wool and conquered the foot-fit challenge, but they claim to have done it for all sports. They have models for hiking, trekking, cycling, running, skiing, snowboarding and in the general “active” and “lifestyle” categories.

Now I can be a picky sock-snob in all of my outdoor adventures.

jmcgovern@aspentimes.com