Category: Apparel

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.

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!

Celebrating Scandi Style in Wisconsin at Shepherd and Schaller Sports

Dale of Norway has been making iconic sweaters since 1879

They wrote the book on outdoor adventure in all kinds of weather. So, as we strive to offer the very best functional garments for the outdoors, heritage brands from Norway and Sweden top our list. Some of these iconic brands think Shepherd and Schaller is just a kid, at 75-years-young. Shop them on our web store as well:

Fjallraven bags and apparel are rugged and designed simply

Helly Hansen is Norway’s outerwear expert for 140 years

Kari Traa designs for women, by women

Pendleton’s home in Wausau is at Shepherd and Schaller

We’re celebrating our 75th Anniversary in 2024 with heritage brands that share our commitment to quality and goal of celebrating and loving the outdoors

Shepherd and Schaller Sporting Goods is proud to offer Pendleton, a family-owned company with a rich heritage of quality craftsmanship and American-made products.

We’re celebrating our 75th Anniversary in 2024 with heritage brands that share our commitment to quality and goal of celebrating and loving the outdoors

Theresa Shepherd

Heritage brands are the focus at Shepherd and Schaller in downtown Wausau, WI, where two levels of shopping includes Pendleton clothing, blankets, and accessories. Click photo to shop Pendleton at shepssports.com.

Pendleton owns and operates six operational facilities:

+ Pendleton Woolen Mill
Washougal, Washington
Mill built in 1910
Weaves blankets and fabrics for apparel, home, upholstery products
Store located at mill site

+Pendleton Woolen Mill
Pendleton, Oregon
Mill built in 1895
Weaves all jacquard blankets and fabric for apparel
Store located at mill site

+Columbia Wool
Portland, Oregon

+Pendleton Distribution Center
Bellevue, Nebraska

+Pendleton Distribution Center
Portland, Oregon

+Pendleton Corporate Headquarters
Portland, Oregon

Additionally, the company owns and operates more than 38 Pendleton stores across the United States.

We’ve Got You Covered

You’re covered. In fleece, in merino wool, in premium insulations, in comfortable fabrics that wick and warm. These are the secret to dressing well for Wisconsin winters. The clothing selection at Shepherd & Schaller will surprise you, especially if you think we’re only about skiing.

It starts with base layers. Non-itchy Merino wool naturally helps regulate body temperature, transports sweat away as a vapor, and cancels out odors.

More than 70 premium clothing and shoe brands are here to give you a huge selection of performance-focused styles. You’ll feel like you’re shopping in a trendy Rocky Mountain ski village, only at much lower prices.

We start next to skin and go all the way to outerwear.

  • Underwear & Base Layers
  • Socks, Shoes, Boots
  • Shirts, Sweaters, Fleece
  • Pants, Shorts, Skirts, Dresses
  • Jackets, Coats, Snow Pants
  • Hats, Mittens, Face Masks
  • Rustic, Dressy, Sporty, Serious: all are represented.
Pendleton is just one of the heritage brands stocked at Shepherd & Schaller.

Surprise! In addition to ski jackets and pants, we also offer elegant and rustic styles that will take you from work or school to dinner, performing in all kinds of weather. Our trend setting shoes, boots and booties in weather-proof materials complete your outfit . You can work, play and party in clothes and footwear you find at Shepherd & Schaller.

Just a few of the awesome 2019/20 styles in store from Sorel. Come see dozens more from EMU Australia, Chaco’s, Salomon, Thorogood, Pendleton and more.

What about kids? Young ones, size 2T- size 16, are covered in performance outerwear at Shep’s. Jackets and pants they’ll love and you can pass down for years. When the kids are warm and dry, the whole family has more fun outdoors. We’ll help you identify materials and construction that will do the trick. Quality truly makes a difference.

Hint: For a day of happy memory making, dress kids in the same quality you wear. We offer nothing less at Shep’s.

We love helping you see the value in premium jackets and snow pants. With so many built-in features and benefits to show you it’s always exciting for us and it’s what we’re known for. Shop our Downtown Wausau, WI store or online at shepssports.com. Here’s a sneak peak:

  • Rugged outdoor looks from Kuhl and Mountain Khakis
  • Fresh, fun styles from Picture Organic and Kari Era
  • Classics from Patagonia, Outdoor Research and Sherpa Designs
  • Alpine styles from Descente
  • Euro flair from Fjallraven and Luhta
  • Freestyle style from O’neill, Quiksilver and Roxy