Merino wool socks are some of the most expensive socks you can buy. One pair of these can cost as much as $20 and up, depending on the manufacturer and retailer, and if you’re buying a multi-pack, it gets even more expensive. So are Merino wool socks worth it?
The answer is a resounding YES. Merino wool keeps your feet warm in winter, cool in summer, and odor-free all year round. Its lanolin content prevents moisture and odor buildup, while its soft, fine fibers supply comfort and durability.
Merino wool socks are a worthwhile investment because of their versatility. Not only are they suitable for hot and cold weather, but they can also be worn with most shoes and boots. Here are some more reasons why they’re worth your money:
Merino Wool Socks Keep Your Feet Warm
All Merino wool comes from the Merino sheep, but they’re a very versatile breed and have been bred over time to produce various qualities of wool.
Merino sheep are found in the wild in Australia, but they’ve also been domesticated and bred to have various qualities that make them popular with the human population. One of those qualities is their lanolin content—this is a wax-like coating on their fur that helps insulate them from extreme temperatures.
Just as lanolin defends sheep against the cold world, it swings into action in Merino wool socks to regulate body temperature and help the human feet stay warm.
A Merino wool sock has a thicker, denser weave than other socks—this means that there are more fibers per square inch, so less air can come in to disrupt the warm pocket of trapped heat.
Merino efficiently monitors your body temperature by absorbing extra moisture when you’re hot and releasing it when you’re cold. This fabric is best used when the mercury drops below freezing, but it’s also great for summer activities because its natural fibers absorb moisture for a cool sensation.
Merino wool socks are an excellent gift option for anyone who spends time outside and tends to have cold or wet feet—hikers, cyclists, campers, people working outside in the fall or winter—or even just anyone who loves cozy footwear.
Merino Wool Socks Wick Moisture and Odor
These socks also keep your feet dry, thanks to lanolin, which is derived from sheep’s wool. Lanolin is hydrophilic—it attracts moisture and then absorbs it. That means that when your feet sweat, the lanolin will grab hold of all that moisture and draw it away from your skin. Wool fibers then absorb the moisture and release it later when the air around you is drier.
It’s worth mentioning that Merino wool does what it does because it’s air-permeable. Translation? It allows air to flow through it to a reasonable extent, so it dries quickly when dampened or wet. Air permeability and lanolin are the two reasons why Merino wool socks don’t stink like other socks in your drawer.
Merino wool not only wicks moisture to keep your feet dry, but it also helps prevent foul odor. Merino wool’s natural capacity to absorb moisture and resist bacterial build-up means you can go longer between washing your socks.
I didn’t want to spill the beans now, but Merino wool socks are the best for extreme outdoor activities because they keep your feet dry and odor-free for almost a week. They will not irritate your skin or cause blisters, which makes them ideal for traveling and hiking long distances.
Merino Wool Socks Offer Comfort
Come on, do the math. When you take away foot odors, sweaty/clammy feet, and having to wear damp socks for a whole day because you didn’t pack a spare pair for the trip, what do you have left? Comfort.
Merino Wool Socks Are Durable
Merino wool socks last as long as they do because of the way they’re knit. Merino wool is six times more durable than cotton, which means it has a higher resistance to pilling. In addition, Merino has better wicking ability and feels softer against your skin than cotton.
Merino Wool Socks are Sustainable
One benefit of Merino wool is that it does not have to be washed frequently, unlike cotton socks. Every year, Merino sheep are shorn by hand, and the wool grows back naturally without harming the animals. In addition, Merino wool is 100% ecological since it is a renewable resource that requires no additional chemicals or pesticides to grow or collect.
Merino Wool is an All-Weather Material
Don’t buy into the myth that Merino wool is only good for cold-weather wear! Merino socks work well during hot seasons because they naturally wick sweat while keeping your feet cool. And when the weather turns cold, Merino can still work its magic to keep your feet warm.
Merino Wool Socks Don’t Stretch and Sag
Merino wool socks are made from a stretchy, breathable fabric that won’t sag or bunch around your feet. You’ll love the fit of a Merino wool sock, which stretches to accommodate your foot width but returns to its original shape when taken off.
Merino Wool Socks have Easy Care Instructions
Wool doesn’t smell as much as other fabrics, so you don’t have to wash it often. I’ve worn the same pair of Merino wool socks for four days without having stinky feet! When you do wash your wool socks, there’s no need to use lots of detergent or bleach.
Merino wool is naturally odor resistant, so all you need to do is air it regularly, and it will smell fine. Wool is also durable, and proper storage should preserve its shape for a long time. You can store your Merino wool socks in a flat or balled-up position, but it’s best to avoid misshaping the wool by storing it flat. If you plan on storing the socks for an extended period, place them in a plastic bag or box.
Final thoughts: Are Merino wool socks worth it?
Merino wool socks are worth purchasing for the following reasons: comfort, protection, and durability. The comfort Merino wool socks provide is unparalleled, as they do not itch or cause blisters like most other socks tend to do. Merino socks protect your feet from harmful bacteria that may lead to smelly feet and other potential health problems. They also last a long time before getting worn out.
The purchase of these socks is one of the best decisions you’ll make in 2022, so buy ’em already.