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.
Smart Wool Socks
The Advantages of Smartwool Socks (aka: Smart Wool Socks)
When choosing thermal socks that will provide both comfort and durability, Smartwool socks are the preferred choice of many. In fact, while Smartwool is a brand name, it is clever one because these are truly “Smart Wool Socks”. Not only are these fine socks the softest wool socks available, but they have many other features, such as multi-point compression system to prevent socks from feeling tight while still providing enough elasticity to keep them from constantly falling down and sliding around the foot. They are available in a variety of knit weights, making them perfect for everyday activities as well as more demanding outdoor wear.
The advantages of Smartwool socks include superior moisture control, due to the wicking properties of the wool fibers. Instead of becoming saturated with moisture like cotton, or being unable to wick moisture at all like with synthetic fibers, wool wicks moisture to the inside of the fiber, while the outside stays drier, providing more comfort and insulation. Keeping the feet drier also helps to keep them warm. Wool fibers are also superior at regulating temperature, helping to insulate the feet to keep them warm. Wool also helps to keep feet cool in warmer temperatures by allowing feet to breathe and absorbing the heat produced by the feet. By helping to keep feet cool and dry, foot odor is also prevented, because the wool fiber allows moisture to escape instead of allowing it to collect on the foot surface. When feet become damp and hot, microorganism grow which cause foot odor. This moisture is what causes odor to occur when socks made from other types of fiber besides wool are worn.
Smartwool socks are the perfect choice for outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling, not only because of the superior insulating and moisture control properties of wool, but also because Smartwool socks use a proprietary four-point compression system to insure socks stay snug and secure. This compression system prevents socks from slipping around the foot, providing an excellent fit around the instep, arch and heel of the foot. This keeps the socks comfortably in place, which can help prevent the irritation that can result from socks that slip down. Smartwool hiking socks are also thick, providing an extra layer of wool where it is needed most, to help protect the foot against abrasion and shock. This can make walking and hiking much more comfortable, especially on rough paths. Smartwool cycling socks are a popular choice among cyclists, again because of the superior comfort, durability, and other features that make wearing Smartwool socks such a pleasure.
In addition to being an excellent choice for outdoor work and sport activities, Smartwool dress socks are great for everyday wear. In addition to being stylish, these socks provide the same type of comfort, moisture control, and durability as those designed for more grueling activities. While still cushioning the feet, dress sock varieties are thinner, making them more comfortable for indoor wear with dress shoes.
When shopping for Smartwool socks, always keep your eyes open for a good Smartwool socks sale. Smartwool socks are premium socks, and as such, their price is higher than other lesser quality socks. However, their many advantages definitely make them worth the extra cost.
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.
Hiking Socks
One of the biggest mistakes people make when prepping for hiking or other outdoor activities is overlooking the small things. In this case, we’re talking about a good pair of thermal socks.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning to hike in the summer heat or in the cold of winter, either way good thermal socks have a job to do; keeping your feet dry and cool in the summer and dry and warm in the winter.
Does it seem strange to you that socks can both keep you warm in one season and cool in another, especially when we’re talking about the SAME pair of socks? Well, the truth is that with today’s modern materials, this is absolutely the case. While cotton is a good starting point when thinking about socks because it is all natural, soft and comfortable, cotton alone isn’t the best choice for hiking. Fortunately, through the miracle of modern science and technology and some really clever engineers, we have been able to improve upon the performance of ‘just cotton’ by adding in some other ingredients into the mix. Mixing in some Lycra, different kinds of wool and something called micro-geometry manufacturing, socks now offer the comfort of cotton but with great support as well as wonderful wicking abilities. Wicking simply means that the material is able to pull moisture from your skin and ‘wick’ it to the outside of the sock. This keeps your skin dry and comfortable and allows the moisture to more easily evaporate into the air.
Some other ‘features’ you need to consider with your hiking sock purchase is a pair with reinforced toes and heels, since these area will take more of a pounding and you don’t want them to wear out too quickly. At the same time, check to make sure there aren’t any ridges that could cause friction and painful blisters on your feet. Believe it or not, what looks like a harmless ridge in your sock in the store can end up being much more painful than a rock in your boot. Because with a rock, at least you can get rid of it!
As for sock length, you want to be sure the sock extends well outside the top of the boot (not those little ankle types tennis socks). You want to be able to fold the socks down over the top of the boot if necessary. The reason you want to be able to do this is that socks have a tendency to loose elasticity over time, and by folding the sock over your boot you can prevent it from actually slipping INTO your boot. Talk about some uncomfortable ridges from your socks!
Even though this can happen to socks, you shouldn’t expect it to happen. Shop for socks that seem to have some good elasticity and support and which have a reputation of being durable. Some of the better brands you may want to keep in mind include Thorlo, Wigwam and SmartWool hiking socks.
One word of warning for you when you go to find yourself some good hiking socks… they’re not going to be cheap! But then again, what good equipment is, right? The thing is, don’t think of them as ‘expensive’ either. Even though you may spend $10 or even $20 on a single pair of socks, think of it as a value investment. They will not only last you a long time, but they will allow your feet to last a long time on your hikes as well.