Socks when you shovel snow before work

Short answer: When you shovel snow before work, you get warm and damp within minutes, so socks should be soft and not too thick. Bring a clean, dry pair to work if your feet are damp when you finish, and let the used ones dry at home.

First warm, then cold

Shovelling snow is hard work, and the body warms up quickly, feet included. When you stop, the moisture collected in the socks can leave your feet cold on the way to work. So it is not only the cold outside but also the sweat inside that decides how your feet feel later.

Thickness and room for the toes

Many pull on thick socks out of habit when there is snow, but a thick sock in a tight boot can pinch and give cold toes. Choose a thickness that still leaves room to move your toes. See the choices among socks for men if you want a soft sock that does not take up too much space.

The boot decides a lot

Boots that are too tight restrict circulation, and boots that are too big cause rubbing and blisters. Try them with the socks you will actually wear when shovelling, and walk around a little before you buy. Boots need to dry between uses, so put them somewhere with air, not directly on a radiator.

Change before you drive

If your feet are damp when you finish shovelling, change into a dry pair before you get into the car or onto the bike. It takes a minute and means you do not sit with wet feet all morning. Keep a pair in the hallway so you do not have to look for them in a hurry.

A spare pair at work

A pair of socks in the drawer or bag is cheap insurance on mornings when the snow falls and the plan slips. Then you can change in the changing room or the toilet if you arrive with damp feet. Choose the most everyday pair among bamboo socks, so it suits your work clothes and shoes.

Drying socks and boots

After shovelling, both socks and boots need time to dry. Hang the socks in the air and stuff newspaper into the boots so the moisture is drawn out. Avoid very hot places such as directly on the radiator, which can wear the materials. By the next morning they are usually dry if air can reach them.

Think of the layers too

The feet are only part of the story, because the whole body sweats when you shovel. Layers that feel soft and do not cling help you stay dry. You can look at bamboo underwear for men if you want a soft base, and take off the outer layer once you have warmed up.

Take your time

If you shovel every morning, plan a few extra minutes and take breaks instead of pushing yourself. Keep your feet moving so they do not get cold when you stand still. If you have problems with cold or aching feet that do not go away, talk to your doctor. A clean pair and a dry pair for work are always worth having.

Frequently asked questions

Should I wear thick socks when I shovel snow?

Not necessarily, because the work warms you up quickly. A soft sock in a thickness that gives the boot room is often better than a very thick one that squeezes.

Can I take the same socks to work?

If they are damp, change into a dry pair before you drive. A spare pair in your bag or drawer makes it easy, and it only takes a minute.

How do I dry socks and boots after the snow?

Hang the socks in the air and stuff newspaper into the boots so the moisture is drawn out. Avoid direct contact with a very hot radiator, which can wear the materials.

See our range of bamboo socks for women.