When it comes to sock materials, there aren’t any quite like merino wool since it can offer so many benefits all at once. Unfortunately, a common misconception exists that merino wool is exclusively suited for winter hiking. It is not uncommon for people to associate woolen apparel solely with colder seasons. However, merino wool is different from regular wool. Its properties make it an ideal choice for summer too. Whether you’re looking for the perfect pair of socks for your upcoming hiking holiday or just for regular daily use, merino wool socks are an excellent choice for summer, and we’ll tell you why.
Brief History of Merino Wool
Before getting into the details of those benefits, we’d like to run through what merino wool is for readers who might not be familiar with this particular fabric. Merino wool gets its name from the Merino sheep that it grows on. The lineage of this breed of sheep can be traced back to Spain as far as the Middle Ages. The production and distribution of merino wool were limited to the Spanish borders, any export being strictly prohibited by law. However, during the 18th century, the Spanish monarchy decided to send some flocks to other European royal courts, which subsequently led to it spreading all over the world. Today, most Merino sheep are grown in Australia and New Zealand.
The Benefits of Wearing Merino Wool Socks in the Summer
Moisture Management
One of the main pros of wearing merino wool socks is that your feet will never get sweaty in them. But how does that work exactly? Well, merino wool is naturally very porous. So as your feet begin to perspire during movement, the wool fabric in the socks wicks away the moisture in the form of vapor, preventing it from accumulating into sweat. Compared to other materials which soak up your feet’s moisture – leaving it up to your body to heat it up and eventually evaporate it – merino wool does it all for you, meaning you can stay dry no matter the activity.
Temperature Regulation
While the outer part of the merino wool fiber rejects moisture, the inner part tends to be more absorbent. This means that as most of the moisture will be eliminated from the surface of your skin, some of it will be stored within the fabric and used as a thermoregulatory agent when needed – when your feet get hot, to be precise. This whole process is named evaporative cooling.
Odor Resistance
Merino wool socks are naturally odor-resistant due to the unique structure of the wool fibers. The fibers have a natural waxy coating called lanolin, which prevents the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Additionally, as explained above, merino wool can absorb moisture and wick it away from the skin, keeping your feet dry and preventing the buildup of sweat and bacteria. As a result, merino wool socks can be worn multiple times without developing an unpleasant odor, making them a great option if you want to reduce your laundry load. However, it's important to note that even merino wool socks will eventually need to be washed to maintain their performance and longevity.
Comfort
Comfort is one aspect that matters the most when distinguishing a high-quality pair of socks from one you can find in any regular fast fashion store. A comfy pair of socks won't leave your feet itchy, irritated, suffocated, or full of blisters at the end of a long day. As we've discussed earlier, the structure of merino wool fibers gives them a natural softness and a signature cushiony feel when used in the manufacturing of socks. Moreover, the moisture-wicking capabilities of merino wool also contribute to the comfort of a pair of socks. Since better moisture wicking means less sweat, that also dramatically reduces the chances of constant unpleasant friction between the feet and the shoes. As such, merino wool socks for women are very sought after these days since they're particularly suitable for sensitive, delicate feet.
Biodegradable
Merino wool is one of the most environmentally friendly fabrics around. Being a natural fiber, it is biodegradable, meaning it can decompose naturally in the environment without releasing harmful chemicals. This is in contrast to synthetic fibers, which can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to the buildup of waste in landfills. Furthermore, merino wool is a renewable resource, as it comes from the fleece of the merino sheep, which can regrow their wool. Therefore, choosing merino wool socks over synthetic ones helps reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact, making it a sustainable and responsible choice.
No Matter the Weather, Your Feet are Comfy withNordic Socks
Our merino wool socksare made in Europe with the utmost care by skilled manufacturers. Being the leaders in the high-quality Nordic Socks business, we've sold socks to over 500.000 happy customers worldwide.
Available in a variety of fun and rich colors and adorned with traditional Nordic patterns in varied designs, they are the missing piece in any summer outfit. So liven up your looks and enjoy sunny days while dressing your best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear wool socks year round?
Well, the answer is a definite yes! Merino wool socks are a versatile and excellent option for all outdoor activities, regardless of the season. They offer many benefits, from warmth and comfort during colder weather to breathability and moisture-wicking properties in warmer weather. Merino wool socks are an exceptional choice for anyone seeking comfort and functionality all year round.
Should you wear thick socks in summer?
It's important to note that it's best to avoid wearing overly thick socks in the summer months, as they can trap moisture and make your feet feel uncomfortably hot and damp.
Are wool socks breathable?
When it comes to outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers, there's no doubt that merino wool is the ultimate choice for comfortable feet. This natural fiber is a gift from nature to active sock wearers, providing excellent breathability, moisture-wicking capabilities, and thermoregulation, making it the perfect material for any outdoor activity.
Written by:Luna Meschiari
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