Burton Grails: Toe to Toe with Burton’s Most Iconic Socks

Before snowboard socks were even on the radar, riders made do—but in ’97, Burton changed that, and our feet (and style) have been thankful ever since.

Snowboard socks. While they may not be the first thing you think of when prioritizing your kit, they are, in fact, a key component to a long, comfortable, and enjoyable day on the hill. Sure, those generic, plain, department store socks are a dime a dozen, but they simply do not have the performance qualities — or style — to keep your digits from longing for the lodge.

And, if we’re being totally real, putting on a pair of grimey, white socks in the morning doesn’t exactly get us stoked to ride. So, rather than calling it a day by engineering some high-performance snowboard socks built specifically for boarding, we’ve always gone the extra step in crafting pairs that carry out the necessary duties of keeping the dawgs toasty, while also putting a smile on your face when slipping ‘em on.

Let’s take a look at some of our most memorable sock designs from over the years — pairs that not only stand out in performance but stand out when you’re standing out of your boots.

Where our love for socks officially started. Prior to ‘97, the idea of snowboard-specific socks simply didn’t exist. As we grew tired of bunched up ankles and numb toes, we made the executive decision to do something about it. Enter the Forward Lean socks. Your boots have it, your bindings have it, and by this point, we realized your socks should have it too. By designing a sock with this forward mentality in mind, we ended up revolutionizing the oft-forgotten key to your kit. And because these were a new, high-performance accessory, why not draw some inspiration from other high-performance athletes? Mimicking the timeless style of baseball stirrups, our Forward Lean socks proved to be a home run since day one.

Looking back, snowboard socks haven’t been the same since. You’re once-cold-feet are welcome.

We’ve always looked up to the originators — in snowboarding, in fashion, and everywhere in between. We’ve also never taken ourselves too seriously (which you will probably come to realize as you continue to read on). Like your favorite pair of Converse without the hassle of laces, our 2009 Slammers were an homage to classic footwear and retro, basketball vibes. Jake being a huge Celtics fan probably didn’t hurt, either.

When hanging out courtside on the mountain — be it parking lot, living room, or lodge — these midweight socks were a way to not only keep the frosty toes at bay, but also remind us that snowboarding was innovative, fun, creative, and always authentic.

Have you ever wanted to know what ski boots look like on your feet? Probably (hopefully?) not. And for those of you who have suffered through the pain of buckling up those clunky, hardshell, atrocities (sorry skiers, but there’s no arguing this), our Ski-Zee socks were a cozy little reminder of how good we as boarders have it.

No shin bang, no finicky buckles, and certainly no clanking about. Safely hidden from the eyes of the masses, these socks were not only a reminder of how much nicer it is to slip in and out of a pair of snowboard boots, but they were also a tongue-in-cheek nod to our two-planking, on-hill comrades.

While they may not have gotten you on the lifts at those behind-the-times ski areas (looking at you, Alta, Deer Valley, and Mad River Glen), they may have just gotten you a few compliments when preparing to poach their hot tubs.

Despite none of us ever getting accepted to Hogwart’s, a few of us have found other methods of becoming — or cosplaying — as a wizard. More often than not, that involved a roll of duct tape and a case of our favorite brew.

Inspired by these late-night, DIY Wizard staffs, our 2013 Wizard Party Socks were a tribute to some of our trusty, go-to cold beverages. Kings of beers and blue ribbon winners included, the Wizard sock, albeit a tad shorter in length than a few of our most memorable (or hard to remember?) Wizard staffs, were a testament to the party that will forever be snowboarding. Beers incorporated or not.

Rolling with our affinity for a frothy beverage after a quality day on the mountain, our 2016 Party Socks kept said party going. This time, by incorporating another one of our party indulgences, the 40s & Blunts print was born.

Safely hidden in your boots from the authorities, this rendition of the Party Sock celebrated springtime parking lot hangs, chairlift recreations, and post-riding celebrations. Plus, they kept your feet warm while sipping on a chilled 40 of your favorite malt beverage.

Who said riding was the only fun part about snowboarding?

At first glance, the paisley print of our Mine77 socks would be enough to warrant mention on this list. But, if we had to guess, you’re probably most interested in what’s going on with their quirky, split-toe design. Best to leave that explanation to Jake himself — who was also a little wary of their performance at first glance:

"They sent me a pair (mediums) to check out. I hesitated as I wear large socks and wasn’t sure about the split toe. Since that day, I have not snowboarded in any other sock. They are thin, warm, grippy on the sole, and the split toe lets you spread your forefoot, much like a surf bootie, for better board feel."

If they were good enough for Jake, then we bet they were good enough for everyone else out there, too.

How often do you think about your snowboard socks? Probably not as often as you should.

Doing laundry on a regular basis aside, fresh socks are a key component to an everyday kit. Try riding with some regular ‘ol cotton ones and you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about.

So, to shine a light on this key component, we’ve always put a little extra attention into giving them attention. That way, whether you’re gearing up for the day, or stepping out of your boots at the end of it, you’ll remember just how integral — and smile-inducing — these overlooked accessories are to your riding experience.

Now, which designs should we bring back or conure up next?