Ski socks are numerous and varied. Huge amounts of research and development go in to creating the perfect ski sock fabric and shape that is comfortable, dry, warm, and the list goes on. This article is not about ski socks though; it is about the always-overlooked partner of the ski sock. That is the sock that goes on immediately after skiing; the relax sock that in fact has more duties than meets the eye. The after-skiing sock’s first priority is comfort. I’ve heard many times that the best part of the day is the feeling of taking one’s feet out of their boots. So why would you follow that high and emotional moment by quickly jamming your feet right back into any old cheap sock that was made in a developing nation’s sweatshop? No, instead treat yourself and your fatigued feet to a pair of real socks.
I’m talking about a pair of Marko John’s Superior British Socks, or MJs for short. I admit that I have been guilty of mistreating my ski-feet as I sometimes even leave them in my stinky ski socks or just throw them up on the couch in yesterday’s old Nike socks. Then I got my hands on a pair of MJs and now I can understand what they mean by a “superior British sock.”
the Whistler sock
Marko John’s prides themselves so much on their ability to make a comfortable and stylish sock that they have an entire Après-ski line that consists of the Chamonix and the Whistler sock. These are two of the world’s heavyweight ski centers so it is only fitting that a superior Après sock shares their names. I have a pair of Whistler socks and am told that the
“Whistler design is inspired by British Columbia’s iconic resort. With a contemporary mix of grey and orange, these MJs are ideally matched with chalets, sofas and aperitifs! Your feet will appreciate our hand linked, seamless toe after a day in ski (or snowboard!) boots.”
What else besides comfort and style sets a sock apart from ordinary socks? In MJs case, heritage, tradition, and location all play into a better sock. Marko John’s has been hand linking high quality socks in the traditional fashion since 1895 (that’s older than Geln Plake), and they are all entirely made in England. Most other socks are made in Asia and supplies are shipped around the world,
“The result is cheap, poor quality, disposable socks. And a carbon footprint far bigger than you would expect from any sock.”
Marko John’s Superior British Socks, on the other hand,
“celebrate heritage, tradition and quality over the disposable, short-term consumerism that has become so prevalent of late.”
So next time you send it off AJs and stomp the landing for all of the Peak Chair line to see and realize that you are the best skier on the mountain, well go home and thank your feet for not letting you down by tucking them into a pair of MJs, a Superior British Sock. Then enjoy some tea.
Air Jordan double in Whistler
“These are superior British socks. This is what we do.”
Check out marko-johns.com too see all their different styles and hear how a real sock should be made straight from the horse’s mouth.
