No matter how you like to have fun in the winter, you will want your feet to stay warm.
I spend my days in the snow on skis or a snowmobile, getting as much fresh powder and untracked trails as I can. And I’ve worn an almost endless amount of winter socks to keep me comfortable during it all.
The Smartwool PhD Ski Socks are the best socks for snowmobiling or any other winter activity for that matter that I’ve used. They provide plenty of warmth, stay comfortable all day long, and aren’t too bulky.
There are a lot of close contenders and good options for snowmobiling socks, so I’ll share some other top choices here as well.
If you ride often, you will want to have at least a few good pairs, and if you pursue many different winter sports, you might want to fill an entire drawer with the socks from this list.
Put these on, lace up your boots, and get out in the snow.
Table of Contents
Top Socks for Snowmobiling
Socks aren’t a complicated piece of snowmobiling equipment. But you still need something that will keep your feet warm when you ride. The socks below are all some of the best options to wear on the trails.
1. Smartwool PhD Ski Socks
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Warm, durable, breathable, 4-degree elite fit system
- Material: 64% Merino Wool, 34% Nylon, 2% Elastane
- Thickness: Medium
- Height: Knee
The Smartwool PhD Ski socks might be the best overall winter sock I’ve ever used. This makes them ideal for snowmobiling or any other activity you enjoy during the colder months.
Their construction is durable, and their comfort excellent. A blend of Merino wool, nylon, and elastane provides a lot of warmth while still being flexible and form-fitting. A 4-degree elite fit system keeps them firmly in place with no sagging or bunching while you ride.
And even though the PhD will keep you warm in the cold, they are also breathable to allow hot air to escape and prevent moisture build-up when temperatures increase.
Another key feature to appreciate is the Indestructawool technology they have. While I wouldn’t call them indestructible, they are far more durable than your average winter sock. This adds value and means they will hold up for a long time.
They are a relatively expensive pair of socks, but the quality is assured. You also need to properly follow the washing instructions if you want them to stay in good shape for a long time.
==> You can also get it on Dick’s Sporting Goods or Walmart.
2. 509 Tactical Sock
- Best for: Quick Drying
- Key features: Very quick to dry, warm, durable, comfortable, easy care
- Material: Nylon and Lycra blend with Silicone finish
- Thickness: Medium
- Height: Knee
When you’re out in the deep snow, you are inevitably going to get your feet wet at some point. The 509 Tactical Sock will help you dry back out quickly without sacrificing warmth along the way.
These are another great option built by a snowmobile-specific brand that knows the demands and needs of riders.
Their moisture-wicking and quick-dry properties are made possible by a special Lycra and Nylon blend that works as advertise and also gives them plenty of strength and durability. This is further enhanced by a Silicone finish, which also makes them very soft and comfortable.
A tall, knee-high design allows you to keep snow off your skin, and they are form-fitting so they won’t sag or bunch, even under heavy movement.
Another benefit of the quality construction makes them an easy-care option. You won’t need to follow any specific washing or drying instructions.
While this is convenient, it also makes them not as warm as other socks that use Merino wool in their blend. It’s a definite trade-off here, but worth it if you want an option you know will dry out in a hurry.
==> You can also get it on RevZilla.com or Walmart.
3. Carhartt Extremes Wool Boot Socks
- Best for: Extreme Cold
- Key features: Very warm, heavy wool blend, ribbed cuff, stretch top, comfortable
- Material: 74% Wool, 10% Polyester, 9% Nylon, 6% Acrylic, 1% Lycra Spandex
- Thickness: Heavyweight
- Height: Mid
If you ride in extreme conditions, you need to be well prepared. The Carhartt Extremes Wool Boot Socks will keep you warm and comfortable when temperatures plunge.
They have a thick, heavily insulated construction that features a blend of almost ¾ wool. This provides you with additional warmth and the proven insulating abilities of wool, even when wet.
They also have a reinforced heel and toe that adds extra durability and keeps the socks from wearing out prematurely. A ribbed-knit cuff helps keep them from sagging as well.
The Extremes are an excellent option to have around when you need a little extra warmth and make a great layering sock if you need extra warmth.
They are thick, which means you might experience some bunching when you have your boots on. And the mostly wool blend makes them not as soft as Merino socks. I also wish they were a little bit longer.
If you need or want a really warm option, have these in your dresser.
4. Minus33 Merino Wool Sock
- Best for: Budget Option
- Key features: Affordable, comfortable, moisture-wicking, very soft
- Material: 78% Merino wool, 15% Spandex, 4% Nylon, 3% Polyester
- Thickness: Mid
- Height: Knee
The Minus33 Merino Wool Sock is the best value on this list. They are very affordable but still make for a high-quality option that will meet your needs on the trail.
With a 78% Merino wool blend, these socks offer excellent warmth that will keep you comfortable all day long as well. They are incredibly soft, and you might not want to take them off when you’re done riding.
This blend also makes them moisture-wicking for quick-drying, and they do a great job of keeping odors at bay. If you have issues with stinky feet and socks, give these a try and see if it helps.
They are also available in a lot of sizes and colors so you can customize your look and fit. This is a feature that other socks don’t often offer.
Even though this is a high-value pick, they bunch up a bit more than some of the other options and don’t offer outstanding durability.
==> You can also get it on Minus33.com.
5. Smartwool PhD Ski Light Elite
- Best for: Lightweight
- Key features: Minimal weight for an excellent fit, comfortable, durable, performance fit
- Material: 59% Merino wool, 38% Nylon, 3% Elastane
- Thickness: Light
- Height: Knee
The Smartwool PhD Ski Light Elite is the best lightweight sock for snowmobiling.
If you ride in warmer conditions or have heavy-duty boots and only need a minimal sock, these are worth looking into.
Smartwool is my favorite cold-weather sock brand, and these are very similar to the top option on the list, except they are lighter weight.
You’ll get exceptional durability even with less thickness thanks to the built-in Indescructawool technology. They also do a decent job of moisture-wicking and keeping odors away.
Another thing to like about a lightweight option is that they are better-form fitting than thicker socks and will easily stay in place as you dive into any adventure.
However, they aren’t nearly as warm, and these aren’t the option to use if you plan on being in extreme cold for extended periods.
==> You can also get it on Smartwool.com, Zappos.com or Dick’s Sporting Goods.
What to Look for in Snowmobiling Socks
Take the considerations below into account when buying socks for snowmobiling.
Material
The most critical factor with a sock for snowmobiling is what materials it is made out of. While you can technically wear whatever sort of sock you want, the best options will be made out of a wool blend that offers superior warmth.
Merino wool is one of the best materials around for winter warmth. Most of the options here are a Merino wool blend. This blend mixes in other types of fabric like nylon and spandex to boost durability and comfort.
Never use a cotton sock for any winter activity. This material doesn’t offer much warmth and won’t insulate when wet.
Thickness/Weight
The thickness of a snowmobile sock directly relates to how warm it will. The thicker the sock, the more warmth, and insulation it will provide. If you ride in the extreme cold, a thick sock is ideal, and you might even want to wear two pairs. But thicker is bulkier.
I like a mid-weight sock for snowmobiling. This will give you plenty of warmth without being too bulky. On warmer days in the spring, a thin sock will work just fine as well. Ultimately, thickness and weight are a personal preference.
Height
Sock height is another thing to think about and also a preference choice. Most people will wear a taller sock that sits above your boot line. This will keep snow from ever coming into contact with your skin if you end up in deep powder.
I prefer a tall sock for snowmobiling that comes up just below the knee. This adds a little more warmth and comfort. If you wear lower boots when you ride, you can probably use a lower sock.
My Verdict
I think the Smartwool PhD Ski Socks are the best option for snowmobiling. These are a great pair that offers reliable warmth, a lot of comforts, and can withstand heavy use. The medium cushion is perfect for long days on the trail, and they won’t sag or bunch.
You’ll need more than a single set of socks for any of your favorite winter activities. Stock up on the options here, and you will be ready to get out there and get after for many seasons to come!
About Chaz Wyland