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Everything You Need To Know About Ski Socks

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Everything You Need To Know About Ski Socks

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It’s common knowledge to invest in a visit to the boot fitter to make sure that your ski boots fit perfectly. What’s not given much attention in terms of ski apparel, is socks. Wearing appropriate socks can be the difference between cold feet and toasty toes that can last the day and keep you on the slope. So what do you need to keep in mind when purchasing the layer between you and your boots? Here’s everything you need to know about ski socks.

Material

Ski socks are made from special materials that can aid in wicking away moisture while holding heat in. It’s also important that they are anti-microbial which helps to reduce bacteria that can lead to smelly feet. Materials commonly used include polyester, nylon, lycra, acrylics, or double-spun merino wool.

Fit

There’s no such thing as one size fits all when it comes to ski socks. Socks that are too big can bunch, cause blisters, and have reduced warmness. Socks that are too tight can cause a decrease in circulation which can in turn, can result in cold feet. You want your ski socks to fit snuggly, have no extra material, and allow for free movement of your toes. Some socks on the market are designed with fabric that causes the sock to stay snug and move with the foot.

Breathability

This could be one of the most important aspects of choosing sock. The key to warm and happy feet is keeping them dry. Most performance socks keep this in mind and are made with fabrics that promote breathability while not sacrificing warmth. The fabric works by pulling moisture away from the foot to the exterior of the sock so that it is not trapped between your skin and the inside of the sock. This allows sweat to easily evaporate.

Durability

Your socks are logging the same vertical as you are and with just as much force. Ensuring that your socks will last the season or more is also part of the selection process.

Technology

Length, cushioning, reinforcements, padding, and flat seams and are just a few of the modifications out there that can help with warmness, comfort and of course, performance. A thicker sock doesn’t always mean warmer. Advancements in fabric technology have improved the thickness-to-warmth ratio, enabling skiers and snowboarders alike to get thinner socks.

Have more questions on what ski sock will work the best for you? Stop by McCoo’s. We can help outfit you from head to toe.

Do I Need Cycling Socks?

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Do I Need Cycling Socks?

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There’s a number of pieces of gear that are obvious when it comes to mountain biking: Knee pads, elbow pads, helmet, and goggles. In addition to these, us mountain bikers usually gravitate towards clothes that allow us to move. But what about what we’re putting on our feet? Many of us don’t think that we need cycling specific socks, and if you don’t, you’re right. However, cycling specific socks have a number of details that can make your foot all that more comfortable when you’re riding. Here’s what you might be missing out on.

Wick Away Sweat

It’s no secret that mountain biking is a sweaty sport. You’re pushing yourself hard, especially during the spring, summer, and fall months when temperatures are high. As a result, your feet, among other body parts, are going to sweat. Wearing socks that are made of a moisture wicking fabric can help keep your feet dry. As an added benefit, these fabrics are often anti-microbial, meaning they are less prone to being smelly!

Tight Fit

There’s no room for loose garments in cycling. Loose clothing can be a hazard. It can get caught on bars, your seat or even worse, your chain. Tight socks are not only safer, they are healthier for your feet. The tight fit can support your arch and act as a compression sleeve.

Sock Height

The height of your cycling socks is a matter of preference. That being said, most mountain bikers opt for a sock that is higher than ankle height. This feature can act as a barrier between you and possible hazards. These hazards include your pedals, bugs, rocks, and plants that could be a skin irritant.

Breathability

The fabric that cycling and performance socks are made of boosts breathability and comfort. Breathability is important as it can prevent chaffing which in turn can lead to blisters. The fabrics commonly used are synthetic materials like nylon or polyester or natural fibers such as merino wool. Additionally, this feature helps keep your feet cool, dry, and not to mention, less smelly.

McCoo’s has a wide selection of cycling specific socks. If you’re still not sold on why socks should be part of your mountain biking kit, come on into the store to see the variety of socks we have in stock. Once you add this into what you’re wearing when you ride your bike, you won’t go back. We can put our foot on it!

Heated Clothing

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Heated Clothing

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The cold. Most of our winter gear is designed to combat its effects. Gortex, layers, breathability. These terms might sound familiar and don’t get us wrong, they do work. Despite the technologies improving drastically, there still stands a chance of the sub-arctic temps winning and leaving you out in the cold…no pun intended. Presently, there are a number of brands that have lead the way in creating clothing that keeps you warm no matter what conditions are on the outside. They rely on generating heat from an external source, most of them powered. We’ve got the low down on some of the current heated clothing technologies now available at McCoo’s.

Flexwarm Jackets

Flexwarm has spent over the last five years researching and developing patented new technologies that have enabled them to create a completely unique, flexible heating element that is so thin (0.5mm) it can be printed directly onto fabric. Because Flexwarm can be printed, it can then be layered directly onto fabric which enables 8K Heated Apparel to be ultra-lightweight, durable and washable (without the need for adding additional heavy and bulky insulation materials). You can expect upwards of 13 hours of heat from your jacket and when it’s out, just recharge the battery. To adjust the temperature, connect your phone to your jacket via Bluetooth and input your desired level of toastiness! And finally, topping it all off, these jackets are splash resistant, so you don’t have to worry if mother nature decides to change her mind from snow to rain.

Therm-ic Socks

Therm-ic have designed high-end socks that can offer up to 29 hours of heat. The heat is generated from an easily rechargeable battery that sits at top of the sock. The technology allows for even distribution of heat, easy attachment of batteries to the sock, and optimized integration of the heating elements for a guaranteed long life. What’s more, Therm-ic products connect to your smartphone! With the batteries’ Bluetooth function and the Thermic mobile app, you can adjust the heat setting for your sock at the touch of a screen. Now, that’s going to come in handy for turning it up a notch while on the chair lift.

Staying warm while on the hill no longer has to be a battle. With heated clothing technologies advancing, it can be easy to set a temperature and stay there, no matter what the weather is doing. If you have any questions regarding the heated gear currently on the market, come stop by McCoo’s– guarenteed a few of our staff members are probably wearing them right then and there!

Cold Feet? Try These Tips!

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Cold Feet? Try These Tips!

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Foreigner must have been talking about feet in ski boots when they sang, “Your as cold as ice”. Cold Feet can be a real bummer, expecially when the low temps are creating all-time conditions. To prevent your toes from being the reason you have to call the day, try these tips!

Make sure your boots fit: Cold feet can be caused by poor fitting boots. Something could be cutting off your circulation or they could be too loose allowing for a bit too much air flow. Visit a boot fitter to determine if this is part of your problem.

Wear proper socks: Wear ski socks. Not just any socks will work, you want ones that are made of wool or other materials that will prevent sweating and blisters from rubbing.

Keep your boots dry and warm: If you store your boots in the car overnight, they’re going to be cold when you put them on in the morning. Take the extra time to bring them inside. Also, dry your boots out from one use to the next. Sweat can make the liners damp, and once again, a damp boot is a cold boot. Use either a boot drier or remove the liners to dry after a day on the hill.

Keep your feet dry, too: Keep your feet free of sweat. Again, this goes back to the socks you’re wearing and if you’re properly drying your boots. Dry feet are warmer feet.

Heat your feet:  Disposable foot warmers are easy to stick to your socks or the interior of your boot and can create a toasty environment for your tootsies.

Replace the liners: Some boot liners just aren’t that warm. You can replace yours with a custom moldable liner.

Ski more: Cold? Ski harder! The harder you ski, the warmer your core will be and this means more blood flow to your extremities AKA your hands and feet. So wear those extra layers and that warm jacket then ski until your heart’s content!

If you have more questions about keeping your feet warm while you’re on the slope, ask one of the knowledgeable staff at McCoo’s. They’ll help you gear up for adventure.