Merino wool stands out from other types of wool due to its very fine fibre diameter and high durability.
Here you will find everything important about Merino wool:
- Why is merino wool so special?Why is merino wool so special?
- Merino wool socks
- Proper care of merino wool
- The best merino wool socks
What is special about merino wool?
The Merino sheep is a fine wool sheep breed and has its origin in North Africa, but it was the Spanish who first made the new wool of the Merino sheep famous. Today almost all merino sheep come from New Zealand. Merino sheep supply one of the most popular and highest quality wool for sock production.
This breed of sheep is characterized by an evenly long and dense coat, which makes the fibres of the later wool particularly soft. Merino wool is not a smooth fibre but a very strongly crimped one. This makes the new wool soft, light and very elastic. And probably the most important reason why merino wool stays that way is that it does not scratch you.
These properties make it the preferred wool for sock making. Especially in sports and outdoor activities, socks made of merino wool are gaining more and more importance.
The best properties of merino wool at a glance
- Merino is very breathable
- Merino wool does not scratch
- Merino wool has an odour-neutralising effect
- It warms even when wet
- Due to its natural texture, merino wool has an antibacterial effect
- Merino wool dries very quickly
- Sheep’s wool is a naturally renewable resource
Why is merino wool the best wool for socks?
Merino wool has a natural heat-regulating property. Due to its special composition, merino wool is able to absorb water vapour inside its fibres. However, the surface of merino wool repels the water. The wool can absorb up to 33% of its dry weight in water without feeling damp.
It wicks away moisture much faster than, for example, the much used cotton – which means no more damp feet. As the merino wool has a strongly crimped fibre, it encloses a lot of air and is therefore an ideal insulator – never again cold feet.
How do I care for merino wool properly?
Compared to socks made of other wool, socks made of merino wool are extremely easy to care for and seldom need to be washed because of their antibacterial properties. This makes it easier to plan longer tours. Nevertheless, the following should be observed when washing and storing them:
Easy care due to natural properties
- Merino wool is slightly dirt-repellent
- Merino wool is machine washable, dries quickly and requires no ironing
- Merino wool hardly creases
- The fibre is very elastic
- Follow the washing instructions on the care label. As a rule, you can use a normal washing program at 30°C without any problems.
- Do not use fabric softeners or bleaching agents.
- Do not put merino wool in the dryer.
The best 10 socks of merino wool for every sport
Merino wool socks for jogging
CEP Run Merino Compression Socks Anthracite for women
Die neue CEP Running Merino Compression Socke kann neben dem aktiven Sport auch ideal nach dem Sport zur Regeneration benutzt werden.
- Einzigartige Materialkombination aus bester Merinowolle, Polypropylen und Hightech Elastan
- Optimale anatomische Passform und höchste Haltbarkeit
- Extra-flache Zehennaht
- Perfekte Thermobalance für den Ausdauersport
- Herausragendes Klima- und Feuchtigkeitsmanagement
- Ideal platzierte Polsterzonen zur Druckentlastung
- Reduzierte Blasenbildung durch enganliegendes Fußteil
- Antibakterielle, geruchshemmende Wirkung
CEP Men Progressive+ Outdoor Merino Socks
The new CEP Running Merino Compression Sock can be used for active sports as well as for regeneration after sports.
The combination of the finest merino wool and polyamide fibres creates ideal conditions for outdoor sports. Merino wool is able to react to changes in body temperature and to warm or cool accordingly. The material can also absorb, store and transport moisture. Thus your skin stays pleasantly dry even on long tours.
Unique material combination of best merino wool, finest silk and functional high-tech fibre for highest durability. Optimal anatomical fit. Extra flat toe seam. Perfect thermal balance thanks to merino wool and silk. Outstanding climate and moisture management. Ideally placed padded zones to relieve pressure.
Reduced blister formation due to tight-fitting foot section. Antibacterial, odour-inhibiting effect. Optimal regeneration and performance. Maximum stability for muscles and joints. Improved movement coordination for more sure-footedness. Avoidance of swellings on leg and foot. Material: 60% polyamide, 20% wool, 12% elastane, 8% silk. The size is calculated from the calf circumference.
CEP Men Progressive+ Outdoor Merino Socks
Perfect thermobalance thanks to merino wool and silk. Outstanding climate and moisture management. Ideally placed padded zones to relieve pressure. Reduced blistering due to close-fitting foot section. Antibacterial, odour-inhibiting effect. Optimal regeneration and performance. Maximum stability for muscles and joints. Improved movement coordination for more sure-footedness. Avoidance of swellings on leg and foot.
- optimal regeneration and performance
- maximum stability for muscles and joints
- Improved movement coordination for more surefootedness
- Avoidance of swelling on leg and foot
Material: 60% polyamide, 20% wool, 12% elastane, 8% silk.
Still brand new on the market Woolrockers – Merino hiking sock
Durch eine optimale Polsterung von der Ferse bis zu den Zehen schützen die Socken von Woolrockers vor Blasenbildung.
Der 72% Merinowollanteil reguliert alleine schon im hohen Maße die Temperatur im Fußbereich. Schweiß wird schnell nach außen transportiert und Merino hat antibakterielle Eigenschaften. Daneben sorgen zwei große Belüftungszonen am oberen Fuß zusätzlich für die optimale und konstante Luftzirkulation.
Diese Wandersocken eignen sich ausgezeichnet für viele Aktivitäten wie Wandern, Trekking, ausgedehnte Spaziergänge, City- und Radtouren uvm. Auch im Alltag können diese Socken bequem getragen werden.
- Efektiver Schutz vor Blasenbildung
- Atmungsaktiv und Feuchtigkeitsregulierend
- Ideale Passform und perfekter Halt
Zusammensetzung und Herkunft:
72% Wolle (Merino), 25% Polyamid, 3% Elasthan – Qualitätsarbeit – Made in Portugal.
CEP Dynamic+ Outdoor Merino Mid-Cut Socks
optimal conditions for outdoor sports. Merino wool is able to respond to changes in body temperature and warm or cool accordingly. The material can also absorb, store and transport moisture. Thus your skin stays pleasantly dry even on long tours. Unique material combination of best merino wool, finest silk and functional high-tech fibre for highest durability. Optimal anatomical fit. Extra flat toe seam. Perfect thermal balance thanks to merino wool and silk. Outstanding climate and moisture management. Ideally placed padded zones for pressure relief. Reduced blister formation thanks to close-fitting foot section. Antibacterial, odour-inhibiting effect. Maximum stability for muscles and joints. Improved movement coordination for more sure-footedness. Avoidance of swelling of the foot.
- optimal anatomical fit
- maximum stability for muscles and joints
- Extra flat toe seam
- Comfort waistband for secure hold
Material: 64% polyamide, 18% wool, 10% elastane, 8% silk.
Meindl Revolution hiking socks
As revolutionary as the shoe! The function of the Air Revolution sock from Meindl is matched to the Air Revolution shoe down to the smallest detail. With a slightly thicker padded instep area and minimised friction surfaces. The matching patented air channels and tubes support the pumping system of the Air Stream perfectly.
- soft comfort waistband, non-slip
- pronounced shin padding
- Stretch compensation for fit and comfort
- Air Revolution Tubes
- Plush sole with patented ventilation channels
material: 54% polyester, 26% new wool/merino, 10% cotton, 8% polyamide, 2% elastane
NORDHORN ® trekking socks functional socks MERINO WOOL / COOLMAX – TREKKING
- Merino wool fibres guarantee excellent thermal insulation
- moisture and heat dissipating zones made of Coolmax
- Double reinforced zones protect the Achilles tendon from injuries as well as from chafing and blisters.
- Terry cloth reinforced toe and heel areas
- Elasticated cuffs, prevent the stockings from curling up while wearing
Properties of the merino wool fibre:
fine and pleasant to touch, does not scratch like other types of wool thanks to its scaly spiral structure, it has self-cleaning properties and, unlike synthetic fibres, it does not absorb foreign odours, it is bacteriostatic, which significantly increases comfort when the garment is worn for a long time.
Material composition: 60 % merino wool (wool)/ 20% Coolmax (polyester) / 15% polyamide / 5% lycra (elastane)
NORDHORN ® ski socks functional socks MERINO WOOL / COOLMAX – SKI
Coolmax – directs body moisture to the sock surface where it evaporates quickly. In this way, the material prevents feet from overheating and provides a pleasant dry feeling even during intensive exertion or on long hikes. This unique four-channel fibre provides excellent breathability even in humid environments.
- Double two-segment cuffs adjust the stockings to any calf shape
- Terry cloth reinforced toe and heel areas
- moisture and heat dissipating zones made of Coolmax
- Terry cloth reinforced toe and heel areas
- Flat, non-pressing seams on the front of the socks
Material composition: 60 % merino wool (wool)/ 20% Coolmax (polyester) / 15% polyamide / 5% lycra (elastane)
X-Socks Uni Functional Sock Ski Carving Ultra Light
Protectors on calf and instep offer protection against pressure points in every position. The ankle is protected and stabilized by the patented X-Cross Bandage. The AirConditioning Channel lets the air circulate even in the tight-fitting ski boot and prevents heat and moisture accumulation. Even on hard surfaces and bumpy descents, the pads absorb the force of impacts and reduce the risk of skin abrasions, pressure points and blisters.
- X-Cross Bandage
- air conditioning channel
- Anatomically shaped right/left footbed
- Active Alliance
- Sport specific protectors
material: 56% nylon, 32% merino wool, 10% polypropylene, 2% elastane
Icebreaker ladies socks stockings ski
The Icebreaker Ski+ Light Over The Calf Women ski socks with a touch of Lycra® ensure the best comfort all day long on the slopes. From the anatomically shaped toe box, a special toe seam, support of the Achilles and instep areas and targeted light padding, everything serves to ensure the perfect fit of the Icebreaker Ski+ Light Over The Calf ski socks.
- Material: 75% merino wool, 18% nylon, 7% Lycra®
- height socks: ca. 42 cm
- Features: anatomical toe box, strategic light padding, Achilles/Rist support, special toe seam to avoid
- Bubbling
- Sizes: S = 35-37; M = 38-40; L = 41-43