If you’re searching for socks to hike in, run in or wear casually, merino wool is one of the top choices. It is naturally anti-bacterial and odour resistant and is known for its moisture-wicking capabilities.
Merino wool is robust, too – so you can keep it outdoors without fear of damage. Just adhere to the manufacturer’s care instructions for the best results.
Natural anti-bacterial properties
Merino wool’s naturally anti-bacterial properties are due to lanolin, a wax produced by sheep’s glands. This wax helps shield skin from wet weather and stops bacteria that could lead to foul odours from growing.
That is why you don’t need to wash your merino socks after every use; they will remain fresh and smell great even after wearing them for days or weeks. However, you must follow the care instructions to ensure your merino wool socks last as long as possible.
Merino wool is an incredibly comfortable fibre, unlike cotton, which retains heat and helps regulate your body temperature. It allows you to stay warm in winter and cool in summer without feeling overheated.
Merino wool’s outer surface repels water, while its inner core is hydrophilic, readily absorbing moisture. This unique structure gives merino thread its remarkable wicking abilities.
Merino wool’s wicking and anti-bacterial properties help to combat smelly odours by pushing sweat away from your feet. It ensures that bacteria that break down proteins in sweat don’t have the ideal environment to multiply and produce foul odours.
Moisture-wicking properties
Merino wool socks have moisture-wicking properties, making them perfect for long hikes, running workouts, and other outdoor activities. By drawing sweat and moisture away from your feet, merino wool socks help prevent blisters and odours while keeping feet dry and comfortable.
These qualities are crucial during wintertime, keeping your feet warm without overheating. Unlike synthetic materials like Coolmax or Thermolite, merino wool has tiny channels that actively move water and moisture away from your feet, helping to evaporate it quickly.
Merino wool is also a natural anti-bacterial, keeping your feet fresh and free of unpleasant odours. It can be especially helpful if you suffer from sweat conditions like bromhidrosis, where bacteria cause your feet to smell.
Moisture-wicking fabrics are also known for their breathable qualities, which help keep your feet dry by evaporating sweat and other perspiration from the material. It ensures your feet remain comfortable and dry even when working out or walking miles in the rain.
They’re also odour-resistant, especially if you spend much time outdoors in summer. With these shoes, you don’t need to worry about your feet smelling bad during your daily activities.
Merino wool socks tend to be thinner and more breathable than regular cotton socks, making them ideal for wearing under other shoes on long walks or for a lightweight, minimal feel.
Merino wool fibres possess the internal memory to return to their original shape after stretching, meaning these socks won’t shrink or sag over time. This property makes for a practical design feature that helps these socks stay fit for longer.
Temperature-regulating properties
Merino wool socks are ideal for hiking, running, and other activities requiring a base layer. They’re lightweight, breathable, quick-drying and odour resistant; plus, they help regulate body temperature to prevent blisters.
Wool is naturally temperature-regulating, and wicks moisture away from your skin to keep you cool, dry and comfortable all day. Furthermore, it absorbs up to 1/3 of its dry weight in water without feeling wet – making it perfect for sweating or dripping activities (like rafting).
The fine fibres of socks wick sweat away from your skin, helping your feet remain cool. Not only does wicking keep feet cool, but it also reduces friction which could cause blisters if not taken care of correctly.
Merino wool’s fine, flexible fibres allow them to bend easily around your foot’s shape, eliminating any itching or irritation that could arise during activity. Furthermore, this flexibility prevents the sock from chafing – which could leave your feet sore after a long hike or run.
This combination of properties makes them ideal for a summer hike or trail run. To maximise temperature regulation during strenuous activities, opt for thick wool socks.
Odour-resistant properties
Merino wool socks boast odour-resistant properties, making them ideal for hiking, climbing, and other outdoor activities. Depending on the action involved, they keep odours at bay and can be worn multiple times before needing washing.
Merino wool’s odour-resistant properties make it especially ideal for long-haul hikers, as they prevent bacteria from multiplying and developing on your feet. Not only does this avoid odour formation, but it can also save money on laundry costs – essential when on a budget.
Moisture wicking and breathability can affect an item’s odour-resistant qualities. For example, if the socks are too thick or sweaty, their fibres become saturated with water. As a result, they won’t wick away enough, leading to unpleasant odours – plus, this increases the likelihood of blisters.
Another reason merino socks are odour-resistant is that they don’t absorb sweat or bacteria as quickly as other fabrics do, which reduces the odour-causing compounds found in work that cause an unpleasant odour.
Wool socks resist odours and are more comfortable than cotton or synthetic alternatives due to the fibres being softer and more flexible in wool than cotton. It helps keep your feet comfortable during long hikes as well.
Polyester lacks these qualities, which can cause odours to build up after wearing it for a prolonged period. This issue is especially pertinent to those carrying heavy loads, like backpackers or trekkers.
Merino wool not only resists odours but is also an environmentally friendly choice. Typically, these sheep are shorn once or twice a year to extract the wool without harming the animals.