Wool socks in summer? No, you're not imagining it. They're a top choice for smart folks looking to stay comfortable and protect their feet. While many may think of wool as a winter fabric, active folks know Merino wool is a perfect choice all year round, even as the temperatures soar. Let's take a closer look at the reasons why.
1. They Keep You Cool
If you were wondering, the answer to "Do wool socks keep your feet cool?" is a resounding yes. For generations, people have loved Merino wool for its ability to regulate temperature. It has to do with the fabric's unique texture, which creates small pockets that trap air. In the summer, these hold cooler air closer to your feet, shielding them from the hot air outdoors. This has the reverse effect during cold winter weather, helping contribute to Merino wool's reputation as an excellent all-season choice.
2. They Keep Your Feet Dry
In hot weather, moisture is the enemy of your feet. It can lead to blisters, sores, or general discomfort that can ruin your plans. But Merino wool is excellent at keeping your feet as dry as possible. It naturally wicks moisture away from your skin, holding about 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet to the touch. They store this water deep within the fiber, keeping it far from your skin. The design of the wool fibers also encourages better transfer of heat from your feet to the air, a feature that additionally helps them dry faster.
3. They Don’t Smell
It may not be pleasant, but we've all got to deal with it at one point or another - foot odor. This can be especially problematic for active people in the summer, with high temperatures leading to sweaty feet. We've already mentioned Merino wool's ability to keep you cooler and drier, limiting the amount of sweat you're dealing with in general. But the fabric also has natural antibacterial properties that prevent the growth of microscopic bacteria that cause unpleasant smells. This means that, while other socks may stink after a few hours, Merino wool socks can often be worn several times between washes without any odor. It's among the reasons they're a favorite of long-distance hikers or backpackers who stretch the limited clothing they've brought with them as far as possible.
Related: How to Wash Merino Wool Socks
4. They're Durable
Merino wool is also among the more durable and sturdy options, able to stand up to all sorts of activity. They're naturally strong and flexible, capable of taking the repeated bending, squeezing, folding, and other pressure your feet put on them. This is in part thanks to the natural elasticity of Merino wool fibers. They resist sagging, deforming, stretching, and other hazards that make socks made from other materials unwearable after a while.
5. They're Comfortable
With all these other incredible benefits, it's easy to forget one of the most obvious - they're super comfortable! Merino wool fibers are significantly finer than alternative types of wool, a unique property that makes the species that produces it so desirable. For wearers, the result is a much softer feel on your feet. It also prevents the itchy feel that some other, less desirable types of wool can sometimes have. This can be particularly important for those with sensitive skin or anyone who plans on wearing their socks for extended periods.
Don't Leave Merino Wool Just For Winter
If you've always thought of wool as a cold-weather option, these fantastic benefits for summer wear should make you think again. Investing in Merino wool socks will not only keep you cool, but they'll also keep your feet dry and odor-free for far longer than any other material. And that doesn't even begin to touch on the all-season comfort and durability benefits. So don't stash away those Merino wool socks just because the temperatures are rising - you're better off investing in an extra pair for your wardrobe, instead!
Find them among the incredible selection at Feetures, including comfortable and attractive Merino socks for men and Merino socks for women. You can buy with confidence with Feetures' Lifetime Guarantee, which will provide replacements for issues like holes, thinning material, and stretching or deforming. There's no better choice in socks - and no better place to buy them.
