Merino Wool Socks
Merino wool socks: Versatility meets comfort in the Best Thermal Socks
Wool is the equivalent of hair that is produced by several different animals including llamas, sheep and goats. However, the crimp and elasticity of wool give it a very different feel to hair and make it much better suited to making clothing.
That said, not all sheep produce great wool. Different breeds have been bred for different purposes. Many of the breeds bred for meat produce a poor quality of wool that is essentially a byproduct. It has little value and is not used to make clothing. Other breeds are almost the opposite and produce luxurious and very valuable fleeces that make high quality woolen garments. Of these breeds, one of the most well known is the Merino.
Merino wool, like all fine wools, has a high crimp. There are around 100 crimps per inch. Some poorer wool may have as few as 1 crimp per inch! Even within the Merino category, there are subdivisions of quality depending on the thickness of wool in microns. The finer the fibers, the finer the quality! Other benefits of wool are that it resists static build up and is very flame retardant when compared to other materials.
Merino wool has certain characteristics that make it perfect for use in athletic clothing. Athletes benefit from Merino’s ability to wick sweat away from the skin (thereby stopping you from feeling wet), to maintain body temperature, to retain warmth even when wet, and to prevent smells caused by bacteria. The softness of Merino is also a real benefit and prevents discomfort caused by friction.
Socks are just one of the clothing products that really benefit from being made out of Merino wool. Merino wool socks are very comfortable and benefit from all the properties we have already discussed. Because of Merino wool’s natural anti-bacterial properties, Merino wool socks are great for people with a propensity for developing foot odor. Merino wool hiking socks are perfect for people contemplating a several day hike who cannot afford to carry extra weight; they provide the comfort and odor resistance that such a venture demands.
Many companies offer Merino wool socks for sale. You can find them online for as little as $3 a pair right up to $10 a pair or more! It all depends on the brand, the thickness and the quality of the wool that is used.
One company that produces many great merino wool products is Smart Wool. From socks and sweaters to slippers, scarves and gloves, they produce all sorts of products incorporating the benefits of Merino wool. Smart Wool also operates under an ethical mission statement. They aim to source sustainably farmed wool and donate a percentage of their profits to great charity causes. More information about their SmartPrint philosophy as well as their complete product lineup can be found on their website.
So if you have been looking for some natural socks that offer benefits superior to many synthetic fibers and that are more comfortable than some cheaper, ‘scratchy’ wool, then Merino wool offers the perfect answer.
Wool Socks
Reasons to Choose Wool Socks
Although many people commonly choose cotton socks, or even socks made from synthetic fibers, wool is often the preferable choice when looking for thermal socks. Although socks made from cotton and synthetic fibers are inexpensive and easy to find, they do not provide many of the features and advantages that a pair of wool socks can. Although wool socks definitely cost more than a simple pair of cotton or synthetic socks, their many advantages definitely make them worth the extra expense. Moreover, wool socks are extremely durable and longwearing, and will no doubt outlast socks made of other types of fibers.
One common misconception in regards to wool socks is that they are only useful for keeping your feet warm in cold weather. In fact, wool socks will not only help keep your feet warm when the weather is cold, but will also keep your feel cool during hot weather. This is because wool helps keep your feet at a steady temperature, allowing them to breath. This makes them the perfect choice for both summer and winter wear.
One of the primary advantages to wool socks is how they can keep your feet dry by absorbing and wicking away moisture. Although cotton can also wick moisture, the cotton fiber reacts differently than wool when it becomes wet. The entire fiber of cotton becomes wet, and after the fiber becomes completely saturated with moisture, it can no longer provide insulation or moisture wicking. However, wool absorbs moisture inside the fiber, so the surface stays dryer and more comfortable.
Because wool breathes so well, the fiber is able to regulate moisture much better than other types of fibers. This not only helps to keep feet dry and comfortable, but it can also reduce foot odor. The microorganisms that grow once your feet become hot and moist primarily cause foot odor. Because wool socks can help control both temperature and moisture, your feet are less likely to sweat and form foot odor. Because wool socks do such a good job of controlling moisture, this also means that your feet will stay warmer, as dampness can cause your feet to feel cold.
For those who spend a lot of time enjoying outdoor activities, wool socks are an excellent choice. For those who participate in outdoor sports or work activities, a good quality pair socks such as Merino wool socks can be extremely comfortable. A pair of wool cycling socks is generally preferred by those who spend a great deal of time biking, as not only do they help keep feet dry and at a comfortable temperature, but they are also effective at reducing abrasions that can cause blisters and discomfort. For those who walk, run and hike, wool socks will also help absorb some of the shock, due to their extra cushioning and thickness.
In addition to being superior for outdoor activities, wool socks are a good choice for simple everyday wear as well. Men’s wool socks are a very popular choice, because even though they cost more, they are the most durable and comfortable socks available. For those who are concerned with style, smart wool socks are attractive as well as comfortable, and well worth the price.