[Review] PhD Slopestyle Socks by Smartwool

I’ve been wearing Smartwool socks for skiing for as long as I can remember and even before reviewing for them, I could easily say that Smartwool socks are not only the best socks on the market, they are the only ones that keep my feet warm while skiing.

Most recently I’ve been skiing in the PhD Slopestyle Light and I’ve found it to be my new favorite ski sock. Choosing the right sock is a lot of personal preference combined with boot style so I would highly recommend trying on a bunch of different styles with your ski boots so you get exactly what you need. For me, the Slopestyle Light not only works really well with the fit of my boot, it also helps cushion a recent problem area on my foot.

There are a lot of changes that have happened throughout the Smartwool sock lineup since I bought pairs 5 years ago. The most noticeable I would have to say is the Virtually Seamless™ toe. It’s crazy that you literally cannot feel the seam in the toe box and makes for a very comfortable and effortless fit and feel all day long.

The 4 Degree Elite Fit System ensures that you are not going to be able to feel bunching in your socks while you’re skiing. The socks really conform to your foot shape and allow for a concise next-to-skin fit. The fit system combined with the Indestructawool™ makes for a durable sock that’s not going to stretch out over time or rip or tear. My socks of 7 years are just now showing wear in the heal and if I didn’t have a bone spur on my heal that continues to grow, they wouldn’t show any wear at all. I can truly attest to the durability and quality of Smartwool socks as I’ve been wearing them for the last 10 years of skiing. I guess when I type it out it’s kind of gross that I’ve had the same ski socks for over 7 years and at that point, maybe it’s just time to replace them out of respect for hygiene.

Another thing that I really love about the Slopestyle socks is that the top is a little bit thinner material than the calf and shin and it fits nicely over or under my base layers and stays up all day long. I’ve recently worn socks that bunch up and fall down. By the end of the day, they are bunched at the top of my ski boots causing me discomfort.

Besides the fact that I know they are going to last a long time, the PhD Slopestyle Lights are the perfect amount of cushion for my foot and ski boot. I love that Smartwool makes a specific sock for many different activities and many different preferences. Not only are these socks really warm, they adapt to your temperature and help pull moisture away from the skin. Be sure to check out the line of Smartwool winter sport socks and find out what is best for your foot and boot. If you like a little bit more cushion, the PhD Slopestyle Medium would be a perfect option.