There is nothing on this earth more comfortable than shoes made from wool. Although wool shoes are a relatively new invention, they changed the shoe industry forever, with their ergonomic and innovative design creating a much more practical shoe.
However, although wool is synonymous with sweaters made by your grandmother and warm winter blankets, it is little known that this fabric is one of the most diverse materials, as it can withstand different climates. Its moisture wicking properties can help you feel cool in the summer, but it can also help regulate your temperature in the winter – there are so many benefits to this advanced fabric.
As designers begin to use more sustainable materials to make their products, wool has become a popular shoe fabric because it’s eco-friendly and incredibly adaptable. Wool is now used to make different footwear, from cozy knit sneakers to cozy felt slippers, promising ultimate comfort and durability. Even better, you can throw woolen shoes in the washing machine after a long day at work.
Different types of wool shoes
merino wool
Merino wool is an incredibly diverse fabric used to make everything from running shoes to exceptionally soft slippers. The reason this New Zealand wool is often used in footwear is that it provides a highly breathable membrane and effectively absorbs moisture.
Allbirds was the first company to create merino wool shoes after founder Tim Brown launched a successful Kickstarter campaign to make shoes from natural materials. He raised over $1 million in five days, thanks to Allbirds Wool Runner, which sold out instantly.
wool felt
Wool felt is also an incredibly adaptable fabric for footwear, as it’s soft yet durable and machine washable. They can also be worn in all types of environments as there is a range of felt outdoor shoes that can withstand the toughest weather conditions. However, due to its cozy and comfortable feel, this material lends itself to making fantastic slippers that will provide ultimate warmth and comfort.
Knitted Wool
Knitted shoes provide excellent warmth while being lightweight. They are the epitome of comfort, style and practicality. Due to their breathability, knit shoes are ideal for summer. However, their insulating properties also help keep you warm in the colder seasons.
Knit sneakers have definitely become trendy in the footwear industry as more and more mainstream designers are starting to embrace this trend, with many sneakers featuring knit uppers. Knit sneakers also improve performance and are odorless.
Wool Shoes FAQ
Can woolen shoes get wet?
Although woolen shoes are generally not water resistant, if you get them wet, this fabric has insulating properties that will help regulate your temperature so you don’t get cold. However, there are wool shoes specially treated to be waterproof and suitable for harsh climates.
Do woolen shoes smell bad?
Woolen shoes don’t smell, thanks to their moisture-wicking and odor-free properties. In particular, merino wool shoes do not accumulate odor after being worn because they are antibacterial and moisture regulating. Even when you jump on the socks, these shoes won’t smell!
Is wool good for your feet?
Woolen shoes are good for several reasons: they are antibacterial, moisture regulating and have insulating properties, more so than cotton or other synthetic materials. These qualities are beneficial in protecting your feet from the cold while keeping your feet dry when the temperature also starts to rise.
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If you are looking for a woolen shoe, whether in a sneaker style or a comfortable slipper, these are the best brands to buy from.
all the birds
If you’re looking for wool sneakers, you can’t go wrong with Allbirds’ Wool Runners or their Wool Runner Mizzles, if you’re looking for water-repellent properties. As we mentioned earlier, the Wool Runners were one of Allbird’s first designs; however, this product has been slightly updated to ensure it is the best merino wool trainer the industry has ever seen.
This comfortable runner has been ethically produced and features moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties. As it is merino wool, the shoe is exceptionally flexible, adapting to your movements with great ease.
The Wool Runner Mizzles are among the most comfortable shoes on the market. This simplistic yet innovative design fuses high-end technology to create a water-repellent wool shoe. This sneaker also features odor resistant properties, promising to keep you cool while you sweat. These comfortable shoes also feature a non-slip natural rubber sole, ensuring excellent grip.
2/4BAABUK
The husband and wife team quickly left their day jobs to focus on the new business and the launch of their shoe line. Today, BAABUK has sold over 100,000 pairs to over 60 countries and has been highly praised by outdoor enthusiasts around the world. The company is also an ISPO Gold Winner and a Certified B-Corp Corporation for its sustainable methods and efforts to preserve the planet.
BAABUK uses old school techniques to create flawless footwear, ensuring comfort and durability. Their collection of wool trainers and slippers feature advanced technology to withstand all kinds of harsh weather conditions. Many of their sneakers have a tough rubber sole, providing ultimate traction. Their wool trainers are 100% mulesing-free Portuguese sheep’s wool and include a soft merino wool lining.
However, if you are looking for incredibly comfortable winter lounging shoes, be sure to check out their Pomoca wool slippers. These wool slippers have been constructed from recyclable materials, as their soles are offcuts from freeride and ski mountaineering skins. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable wool shoe.
3/4Giesswein
Since its beginnings, Giesswein has always used wool to create a varied range of products. They hand-select wool that meets the highest ethical and ecological standards. Giesswein cares deeply about making sustainable footwear, using only natural, organic-based or recycled materials.
Check out their collection, as they make amazingly high-performance wool sneakers, slippers and tops that keep you warm while wicking away moisture. Giessen offers lightweight merino wool running shoes with an EVA sole for added flexibility. These shoes are available in different colors so that they go well with any sports outfit.
If you’re looking for something more suitable for casual wear, check out their wool hi-top trainers, as these shoes are warm like a winter boot but as light as a trainer. Their non-slip sole provides extra traction so you can walk on even the toughest terrain.
However, if you’re looking for something to wear around the house, take a look at Giesswein’s luxurious felted wool slippers, as these babies are very durable while being exceptionally comfortable – easy to put on and take off too.
4/4Mahabis
Mahabis is constantly tinkering, finding new practices and pioneering new materials to manufacture its high quality range. This company even received the award for Best Footwear Innovation at the Drapers Footwear Awards in 2015 and was also a finalist in two categories at the same awards.
Mahabis not only creates functional shoes, but also comfortable and stylish shoes. They produce slippers to feel like a comfortable and ergonomic fit so you can wear them all day. These slippers feature a rich felt upper made from recyclable materials. Their neoprene heel cradle gives your feet ultimate support, while its organic wool lining helps regulate your feet temperature. In addition, these wool slippers have a natural rubber sole to improve shock absorption and grip. These shoes are also machine washable.
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