Are ski socks necessary? Yes!

Why Ski Socks Matter

Ski socks add comfort, warmth and improve boot fit. They’re designed not to bunch up or slip down (saving you from the risk of blisters or sores) and can reduce shin bang while providing a hug that aids blood flow and energy, improve performance and stability. And yes, snowboard socks exist, and make the same positive contribution to your day on the slopes.

“Cold, wet feet will wreck your ski day.”

Robb Shepherd, Boot fitter

Darn Tough socks have a lifetime warranty. Woven to last a lifetime, they’ll improve the fit of your ski boots and keep you on the slopes longer.

Cushioning and Padding for Comfort

Many ski socks come with built-in cushioning and padding strategically located in high-impact areas, like the shin and ankle. These extra cushioned areas enhance comfort and minimize the shock of dynamic movements .

Perfect Fit and Compression

Grabbing the thickest pair of socks in your drawer is tempting in preparation for a cold day on the slopes. But a thick sock can impede blood flow and cramp your feet in your ski boot. Skiers should look for a sock that is snug, not tight and offers the right amount of compression and cushioning. Think of your ski sock more as a second skin than a loose layer that could bunch and lead to discomfort.

Finding the Right Length

The right length of ski socks is worth considering to avoid painful abrasions from your boot. Tube socks that stretch well above your boot, preventing it from chafing your shin, are good options.

Socks that are too short can slide back into the boots, creating blisters and discomfort during your ski tour. The right sock length will ensure your legs are protected and comfortable as you dominate the slopes.

Shop hundreds of in-stock ski socks at Shepherd and Schaller in downtown Wausau, WI, year-round.

Comfort Meets Performance in Dalbello Panterra Ski Boots

The Panterra Collection provides loads of customizable comfort across all-mountain boot flexes. Comfort and performance have never been so refined in these legendary boots than this year’s models. Once of our favorites:

Dalbello Veloce 120 GW Alpine Boot

Of all our sophisticated all-round boots, this is the model with less flex for sporty skiers who value perfect power transmission as well as the capacity for individual adjustment.

Dalbello Designed:

  • The integrated Powercage and milled outer shell produce optimum power distribution across the entire boot and reduce weight without compromising stability.
  • A variable sole angle with a canting system under the foot and adjustable cuff volume provide additional ways of adapting the boot to your personal preference.
  • The tongue fits even better into the shell, improves the boot’s ergonomics and provides more rebound and very supportive flex. The cabrio design boasts a three-part structure with even flex and harmonious damping as well as support at the sides and rear.
  • Getting into and out of the boot is now easier than ever. IF liners with neoprene caps provide more space and greater comfort. With GripWalk soles, hike mode with a ski/hike motion radius of 51° and MyFit technology for separately adjustable liners and outer shells, the boot has everything you need to make it as comfortable as possible. The 3D Grip texture also makes the Panterra extremely robust.

Brrrr! Thank goodness for those fabric tubes that cover your face.

There are so many names: gaiter, neck-up, neck-tube. And, what about that thing people wear over their head and face? At Shepherd and Schaller we call it a Balaclava, or Clava. And we recommend them for bitter cold and hot sun.

There are so many names: gaiter, neck-up, neck-tube. And, what about that thing people wear over their head and face? At Shepherd and Schaller we call it a Balaclava, or Clava. We stock and wear them year round!

An investment of $15-$50 will protect your ski and keep you warm and dry.

Windproof panels, moisture-wicking fabrics, easy-fit sizing, multi-function from CTR. So, they’regreat for outdoor workers, athletes, everyone!

Quick-dry power-stretch fleece in kids and adult sizes. These things cover just your face or all the way over your head. Flexibility and crazy patterns rule!

Our year-round favorite: Merino Wool. The perfect fabric for cold, bitter cold and even sunny, hot weather. Shop all these and more in Downtown Wausau at Shep’s.

Merino Wool Greatest Hits:

  • It’s Odor resistant-Antimicrobial properties of merino wool means it kills bacteria . So, wear it repeatedly before washing. No matter how hot it is, you’ll feel fresh all day long. Your merino wool T-shirt or shirt will not smell – like cotton shirts do. On top of that, you don’t need to wash it each time you’ve worn it. Just hang it in the open air and enjoy it again the next day.
  • Merino Wool is Quick drying- a surprisingly fine fabric, that releases water easily. It’s dry long before your other garments are. Just put it in the machine, dry flat or place it on a hanger and wear it again in no time!
  • Merino Wool is Wrinkle resistant- The elastic properties of the merino fiber make it extremely wrinkle resistant. If you hang your garment to dry, ironing becomes optional. And when you’re travelling with a packed suitcase, just get out your merino wool clothes, hang them for half an hour and you’re all good. No annoying wrinkle damage from seatbelts or backpacks any more. It’s the ultimate on-the-go companion.
  • Merino Wool is Washable-The naturally protective outer layer of your merino wool shirt or T-shirt will prevent stains from being absorbed. However, when your favorite item is dirty, just wash it on low temperature. Not sure how to start? Check the care label inside your garment!
  • Merino Doesn’t itch-
  • Superfine merino wool fibers are only 17 microns thick, compared to a human hair which is between 60 and 180 microns in thickness causing them to be more flexible and less coarse against the skin. They also don’t fray as much as other fibers (thanks to their flexibility).
  • Merino is Durable-Merino wool is 6 times stronger than cotton. Each fiber can be bent back onto itself over 20.000 times. In comparison: cotton breaks after 3.200 times.
  • Merino UV resistant-The natural UV barrier of the fabric keeps you safe from damaging UV radiation from the sun – unlike synthetics and cotton. Sheep don’t get sunburn, right? Hello, worry-free summer times!

BOA Ski Boots are Dialed In at Shepherd and Schaller

BOA’s dialed-in precision fit is redefining “peak performance” in alpine skiing. Wauasu’s historic ski shop has the largest selection of in-stock alpine ski boots in Wisconsin, including BOA boots from K2, Salomon and Atomic.

BOA’s dialed-in precision fit is redefining “peak performance” in alpine skiing. Wauasu’s historic ski shop has the largest selection of in-stock alpine ski boots in Wisconsin, including BOA boots from K2, Salomon and Atomic.

Whether tearing down the piste or taking on the backcountry, athletes are constantly seeking ways to gain a performance edge. Technological innovations have played a pivotal role in that. The BOA® Fit System, known for its groundbreaking contributions to multiple sports, has now ventured into alpine skiing, promising a scientifically proven performance advantage. In partnership with the world’s leading ski brands, K2, Salomon, Atomic.

IMPROVED PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION:

A 13% reduction in peak pressure on the top of the foot while still delivering a precise uniform fit, micro-adjustable in millimeter increments.   

IMPROVED RESPONSIVNESS AND POWER TRANSFER DURING TURNS:

Up to 6% increase in peak forces underneath the foot and 10% improvement in the rate of force production at turn initiation.   

BOAfit.com

Shep’s boot fitters are trained to help you choose the best boots for your situation. Preview our ski boot inventory at shepssports.com then visit us in downtown Wausau where we can serve you best.

Cheapest Prices of the year on Ski Gear Right Now at Shep’s

Pre-Season Sale Ends Oct 28, 2023

It’s time! We’re stocked with the latest, swankiest, hippest, techy-est, highest performing gear for the slopes at end-of-the-season prices before the first flakes fly. 23-24 gear is fire! Need a reason to shop early?

  • Beat the crowds. Be ready for first chair with no stress.
  • You or the kids may have outgrown your gear in size, or performance.
  • Your current gear isn’t performing the way it used to.
  • Your current boots don’t fit well, or have worn soles.
    • You’ve been reading the trades and drooling over new styles.

Bundle Skis or Snowboard with Boots and Bindings for the lowest possible price on each item. We call it Package Pricing. You’ll call it a smokin deal.

Preview our in-stock Alpine, Nordic Ski and Snowboard Brands at shepssports.com, but shop our Downtown Wausau store for Pre-Season Sale prices.

Armada . Atomic . Blizzard . Dalbello . Dynastar . Elan . Fischer . Flow . Head . Jones . K2 . Lange . Leki . Line . Look . Marker . Nidecker . Nordica . Now . Rossignol . Salomon . Smith . Swix . Tecnica . Tyrolia . Volkl . Heard of them? Yeah, Shepherd and Schaller has the largest selection of boots, skis, snowboards, bindings and poles all of Wisconsin. Plus a full Wintersteiger back shop.

Check your gear closet. Shop early to save on our very best selection. Service your gear now (tune-up and hot wax, binding adjustments and health checks) before the chairlifts turn. We’ll see you on the slopes!

Shop Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm. Pre-Season Sale ends Saturday, Oct 28.