Ski touring socks · Test magazine 2024
Tech talk with Günter Klein, WRIGHTSOCK/SOURCEPLAN GMBH
Managing Director · Print page 123
Who is Günter Klein? Managing Director of Sourceplan GmbH and Wrightsock Distributor
Günter Klein is Managing Director of Sourceplan GmbH, which he founded around 20 years before his interview in the BACKLINE 2024 test magazine. Through the company, he distributes Wrightsock, Body Glide and Blasenstopper in Germany and Austria. In early 2024, he brought the brands together on Reibungslos.de, grouping solutions for reducing skin friction and preventing blisters.
In the interview on ski touring socks, Klein discusses materials, moisture management and Wrightsock’s double-layer construction. For ski touring, he recommends functional fibres and socks that withstand dynamic uphill activity while allowing a secure fit in ski boots. Depending on the model, the socks contain elastane, nylon, merino wool and polyester. According to Klein, elastane provides stretch, nylon adds durability, and polyester and merino absorb moisture. He explains that the surface structure of the polyester fibre supports moisture collection and transport.
Klein identifies the joined inner and outer socks as a key advantage: slight movement between the layers is intended to reduce friction against the skin. He says this allows thinner socks without thick protective padding, while trapped air provides insulation. His recommendation is to choose sock thickness primarily according to the available space inside the boot rather than the season.
What should a ski tourer look for when buying touring socks?
Feet have to perform exceptionally well when ski touring. Therefore, we recommend socks that can withstand strong and dynamic uphill activity and allow for a snug fit of the ski boot. Furthermore, they should be made of functional fibers to keep the feet dry.
Do you recommend using different socks with different thermal retention at varying temperatures?
We cannot answer this question generally. We exclusively distribute the double-layer socks from Wrightsock. The insulating air layer between the sock layers ensures pleasantly dry and body-warm feet in every sock model. Thus, all our socks are suitable for any season. The thickness of the socks merely depends on the space to be filled in the shoes.
What materials are used for Wrightsock ski socks and what advantages do they offer?
Depending on the model, Wrightsock production uses elastane, nylon, wool (Merino), and polyester in various yarn blends. Elastane is responsible for the sock's elasticity, nylon for durability, and polyester and Merino for the sock's ability to absorb foot moisture. The polyester fiber used in Wrightsock is characterized by a large fiber surface. Simply put, the polyester fiber can optimally collect and wick away foot moisture through micro-grooves and pores on the fiber surface. This means that moisture has no direct contact with the foot skin. This results in the dry foot feeling while walking – even after a strenuous ascent.
How are Wrightsock ski socks constructed to effectively wick away moisture and minimize blistering?
All Wrightsock socks are double-layered and consist of an inner and an outer sock. Since the two sewn-together sock layers minimally 'slide over each other,' the usual friction of the sock material against the skin does not occur. Less friction means less heat and ultimately less sweat on the foot skin.
What advantages do double-layer socks offer for ski tourers?
Since friction between the two sock layers is neutralized, you don't necessarily need socks with thick padding designed to protect sensitive areas. This allows you to opt for thinner double-layer socks, which provide a more stable fit for your feet in the boot. Additionally, the air trapped between the sock layers acts as insulation, preventing your feet from getting cold during the descent.
