Ski touring socks · Test magazine 2025
Tech talk with Christian Naujoks, BAUERFEIND SPORTS
Head of Product Management · Print page 153
Who is Christian Naujoks? Head of Product Management at BAUERFEIND SPORTS
Christian Naujoks is Head of Product Management at BAUERFEIND SPORTS. He joined the team in 2016 and has led product management since May 2022. His academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sports science and a master’s degree in sports management (M.A.). A former competitive judoka, he now focuses on road cycling and fitness training.
In his interview for the BACKLINE 2025 test magazine, he discusses ski touring sock development. The Ski Touring Compression Socks feature targeted compression zones, a thin, breathable knit with a high merino wool content, ventilation zones and zoned cushioning. Bauerfeind omits anatomical shin padding on this model because ski touring boots are worn more loosely during ascents. A contoured sole pad is intended to improve grip. Sizing takes foot length and calf circumference into account.
Naujoks describes medical knowledge from compression therapy as a development foundation. He says targeted compression is intended to support circulation and reduce fatigue. Other priorities include durable materials, mulesing-free merino wool and a supply chain kept as European as possible. According to Naujoks, feedback from athletes and specialists, including through partnerships with Deutsche Sporthilfe and the German Ski Instructors Association, also informs product development.
What distinguishes a high-quality ski touring sock from conventional ski socks – and what does Bauerfeind particularly prioritize in development, and which technologies and features have you integrated?
Our Ski Touring Compression Socks score with clever details specifically tailored to the needs of ski mountaineers. Bauerfeind SPORTS' core competence lies in Targeted Compression Zones. Targeted compression increases the performance of the calf muscles, provides more power during ascents and descents, and ensures faster regeneration. The zone-specific construction is completely different: While alpine skiing often leads to pressure points on the shins due to forward lean angles and closed buckles, ski touring boots are worn looser, sometimes even unbuckled, during the hike. Therefore, we omit anatomical shin padding in our touring socks. Due to more active movement patterns, we focus on a thin, breathable knit structure, which, with a high proportion of fine merino wool, ensures optimal temperature regulation. Integrated ventilation zones offer more effective breathability, and anatomically recessed padding zones reduce pressure points. And a profile pad integrated into the sock's sole area provides optimized grip in the boot.
How do individually fitted socks specifically influence comfort and performance on a ski tour?
Every detail counts – the sock is the direct connection between foot and boot. Targeted compression supports blood circulation, reduces fatigue, and leads to more endurance and performance. Thanks to an ergonomic fit and zone-specific padding, pressure points and friction are effectively avoided – even on demanding tours. For optimal effectiveness, the fit of the sock is extremely important. That's why we consider foot length and calf circumference for sizing. Breathable functional materials ensure a dry, comfortable feel – even in changing conditions. Whether you're an ambitious ski mountaineer or a sporty beginner: I am convinced that the right sock makes a decisive difference – with every meter of altitude. My recommendation: Test it!
Bauerfeind is strong in the medical field – do insights from compression therapy also flow into your products?
Definitely. Our roots are in the medical field – valuable expert knowledge from our almost 100 years of experience is a central building block that we specifically use in development. The compression of our sports socks is specially adapted to the respective areas of use to optimally support blood circulation and muscle supply during activity – with comfortable, non-constricting compression zones.
What role do sustainability and material innovation play in your products – for example, in the selection of yarns or the longevity of the socks?
We integrate sustainability into every design process. Our socks are manufactured under the highest quality standards – from durable materials like merino wool (mulesing-free) and high-performance functional fibers. This combination ensures optimal comfort and extends longevity. When selecting yarns, we focus on resource-saving components and reduce unnecessary transport routes with an 'as European as possible' supply chain.
What other aspects are in focus during your product development?
Since 2002, we have been present at the Olympic Winter Games and are closely associated with elite sports. Through collaborations with Deutsche Sporthilfe (German Sports Aid) and the Deutscher Skilehrerverband (German Ski Instructor Association), we are in continuous dialogue with athletes and experts from the professional field. We view athletes holistically – regardless of their performance level. We synergistically transfer their practical experiences and valuable impulses into our development processes. We aim to support everyone – whether elite or recreational athletes, in competition or on an after-work round – with products to achieve their personal goals. For this purpose, we also have bandages, sleeves, and insoles in our portfolio, which are developed and manufactured in Germany. The focus is on quality, function, precision, and design – for more stability, comfort, and performance in the respective sport. "For Your Personal Best".
