Icebreaker Ski+ Light Review
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Quick to dry, comfortable, lighter padded construction
Cons: Lacks durability
Manufacturer: Icebreaker
Our Verdict
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 This Product
Icebreaker Ski+ Light | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  |  | | |
| Price | $20.73 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $19.73 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $25 List Check Price at REI | $22 List $22.95 at REI | $13.00 List |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Quick to dry, comfortable, lighter padded construction | Comfortable and warm, good moisture management, durable, great fit, well-rounded appeal | Snug fit, wicks moisture, quick drying, great for tight fitting boots | Lower price, comfortable cushioning, maintains warmth when wet, good construction | Priced right, warm when dry, comfortable, lightweight |
| Cons | Lacks durability | No lifetime guarantee | Lacks cushioning, outside of boot warmth isn't great | Compression zones on ankle and top of foot aren't ideal, breathability | Cold when wet, durability is so-so, not the most fitted sock |
| Bottom Line | A quick to dry well-rounded ski sock that can perform in all conditions, wet and dry | If you're seeking a ski sock for the season, this model is the most reliable across the board | Our favorite model for our performance fit boots and for high output activities like touring | Premium materials and a great fit at a price that saves you a few bucks | This is one of the least expensive models that still offers reliable performance for skiing or snowboarding |
| Rating Categories | Icebreaker Ski+ Light | Smartwool Ski Full... | Smartwool Ski Zero... | REI Co-op Powderbou... | Fox River Telluride... |
| Comfort & Construction (25%) | |||||
| Warmth (25%) | |||||
| Breathability (25%) | |||||
| Fit (15%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Icebreaker Ski+ Light | Smartwool Ski Full... | Smartwool Ski Zero... | REI Co-op Powderbou... | Fox River Telluride... |
| Material | 57% Merino wool, 40% nylon, 3% Llcra | 66% Merino wool, 32% nylon, 2% elastane | 55% Merino wool, 41% nylon, 4% elastane | 49% nylon, 48% RWS-certified Merino wool, 3% lycra spandex | 53% acrylic, 27% nylon, 18% Merino wool blend, 2% spandex |
| Level of Cushioning | Lightweight | Midweight | Ultralightweight | Midweight | Lightweight |
| Weight | 3.2 oz | 3.1 oz | 2.1 oz | 3.3 oz | 2.8 oz |
| Left/Right specific? | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Overall Height | 14.25 in | 14 in | 14 in | 14 in | 13 in |
| Padded Area | Shin, calf, foot, ankle | Cushioned throughout | Zero Cushion | Cushioned throughout | Shin, heel, ankle |
Our Analysis and Test Results
As a lightly cushioned option, the Ski+ Light dries quickly and thermoregulates over a vast range of temperatures. This merino wool blend is perfect if you're looking for a little bit of comfort with the perks of lightweight performance.
Performance Comparison
Comfort
This sock is super cozy and comfortable. It offers a thin level of cushioning in all the right places. Find it under the foot at the site of the heel and toes. A unique feature that we didn't see in any other product is a slight amount of cushioning in the calf and the shin.
The sock is made out of 57% Merino Wool, 40% Nylon, and 3% Lycra, offering a soft-to-the-touch feel against the skin. Since it dries quickly and wicks well, it can be worn all day - from the hills to bed.
Warmth
Providing warmth on both dry and wet days, many of our testers didn't need additional boot warmers or the like when temps plummeted. Utilizing a high density of merino wool in its thin construction, it retains heat well and insulates even when wet. If you're seeking a thinner sock option that provides ample warmth, this is it. Wear it on cold days, wet or dry.
Breathability
Looking for something that can dry quickly and wick effectively? Utilizing 40% nylon in its construction, this sock has some serious wicking ability. For the most part, our feet stayed dry, even when the sock got wet. To boot, when on a hut trip in Aspen, Colorado, we easily wore the sock from the hill to bed. When taking off our boots, the sock dried within a few minutes, providing comfort and the ability to wear all day.
Fit
Constructed as a light sock, it fits very well underneath tight boots. When putting boots on, it doesn't deform, bunch, or roll. While skiing, the sock stays in place, utilizing the integrated compression panels under the arch with a tinier heel cup for a more precise fit. For fabric thickness, it's between light and medium cushioning. A great in-between option that fits nicely underneath boots both tight and loose.
Durability
While this sock didn't fall the shreds during our three-month testing period, it shows the most wear and tear. The seams have held up fine, but the fabric in high-use areas has compacted under pressure. As a result, it's lost a bit of warmth after a season of hard use. The construction looks decent, but not as high quality as more durable options. It does come with a lifetime guarantee which is a huge bonus!
Value
All around awesome performance! While it is quite expensive, its performance might be worth it to you. Take it on all types of runs through all sorts of weather.
Conclusion
The Icebreaker Ski+ Light is a perfect go-to if you like a little bit of cushioning, but need a thin sock that will perform in all sorts of weather. If you need to keep your feet warm and dry, this is one of our top choices.
— Amber King
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