Sock Materials: 

Merino Wool – Merino Wool is an excellent, natural fiber that feels insanely soft and will help you keep warm and stay dry. The wool comes from an ancient breed of sheep that is able to live in the extreme conditions of New Zealand’s Southern Alps.  Merino Fleece is extremely breathable, insulating, soft, and lightweight.

Synthetic – The downside to Merino Wool is its lack of longevity and its high cost.  A more cost effective alternative is finding a good synthetic option or a blend between synthetic and Merino Wool.  Many synthetic socks are designed to have good moisture wicking properties and will last longer.  However, they tend to retain odor and will need to go through a wash more often than Merino Wool Socks.

Nylon – Usually a secondary fabric used with both Merino Wool and Synthetic materials.  Nylon gives socks a consistent shape and increases durability. It prevents socks from sagging or bunching up in your ski/snowboarding boot which can lead to a frustrating day on the mountain.

Compression – Compression socks are often made with a spandex type materials that has a much thinner and tighter fit than other socks.  The tight socks come from a performance mindset, where the compressed areas boost warmth by increasing blood flow.  These socks are often very expensive.