Rojo Retro Ski Socks in the violet colour way

If, like me, you have been a tad obsessed with watching the Winter Olympics, you will be amazed at the fearlessness of the Ski Jumpers, and will have become a master at spotting a Switch Backside 900 or an Alley-Oop Rodeo - the staples of the ‘too cool for school’ Snowboard Halfpipe competitors.

Now I know I’m not going to be hurtling down Italian ski jumps any time soon, but I have been inspired to get myself fit enough to hit a slope or two in the near future (even if those slopes are just at the local indoor ski slope), and to do it preferably in comfort.

From past experience I know ski boots aren’t the most comfy of footwear, and getting the correct socks that cushion your feet, and also add warmth, is key to a fun time on the slopes.

When we went to Slide, a ski and outdoor trade event, I came across a brand making a foray into the British market that I hadn’t come across before - Rojo Outerwear, and got chatting to the woman who, it turned out, is the daughter of one of the two founders.

Rojo, an Australian brand established back in 1987, creates technical snow gear with a surf-inspired edge, designed by women, for women, which honestly, in a pretty male-dominated sector, was a bit of a revelation. The quality of their products on show impressed me, and after a chat about me and my usually cold feet, a pair of socks was thrust my way to test.

I loved the funky ‘skier on the mountains’ jacquard knit design on the ones I got, and if you are a snowboarder they have a similar design depicting a boarder instead of a skier, and they have many more designs in the range.

What are they like to wear?

I do not generally tolerate wool clothing, and go a bit red and itchy whenever it contacts my ski, but I was told these socks are made with a lightweight, breathable, itch-free merino wool blend so I gave them a go, and I have to agree there was none of the usual itches.

They have toe and heel padding for extra comfort, which isn’t too bulky and adds a nice layer underfoot, and they also have ribbed ankle and arch supports, which also means that the sock stays put and doesn’t slide about in your boots (I personally tested them in my wellies).

I am diabetic, which means that I have to be careful with socks that have a tight band on the top, and although these have a normal welt I didn’t find them restrictive and could happily wear them.

Here in the North West we haven’t had the snow that some parts of the country have had recently, so unfortunately I can’t speak to their warmth performance in snow, but in my wellies my feet were definitely toasty.

Our Verdict

I am pleasantly surprised that for once I can get the benefit of Merino wool in socks, and not at a stupid price. I’m now off to do some more deep squats in the hope of creating thighs that can crack walnuts, so that I can head off down the aforementioned slopes wearing these funky socks (and hopefully not kill myself).