Tag Archives: merino wool socks

Did you know that over half of the bones in your body are in your feet and hands? Although your feet have one bone less than your hands, 26 to be exact, it has been argued that your feet actually contain far more nerve endings than your hands do. We are all very careful about taking care of our hands and keeping them warm because we see them and use them for every tactile need. Many people overlook their feet.

Typical advice on foot care seems to be dominated by a reactive approach. You carefully pack your first aid kit to include things like bandages, gauze, duct tape and mole skin patches. While these injury care items are essential, a mindset toward preventative care is much better.

Just think about how much thought you put into taking care of your hands. If your fingers get cold, wet, bruised, or begin to blister you immediately stop and correct the issue. With our feet we seem to plod along and ignore the cold toes, wet socks, hot spots and irritations as though they can be dealt with later at a more convenient time.

You might think all of this can be solved by an expensive pair of custom fitted shoes, but the greatest shoes in the world will still destroy your feet if you don't wear the proper socks. That’s right, socks! Socks are probably the most overlooked and least thought about parts of your outdoors experience.

Aside from the puddles, creeks, and slushy snow you dunk your feet into on your hike, your feet will create their own moisture simply from walking. It can lead to serious problems like erythrosis, cyanosis or even necrosis (Trench foot). Most people don’t know that frostbite can actually occur at temperatures as high as 60° Fahrenheit. Hyperhidrosis (sweaty feet) causes a chain reaction of problems. The correct socks are your first line of defense.

Keep your feet dry by selecting high performance moisture wicking socks. This technology in socks draws the moisture away from your skin and keeps them dry and free of irritation. The last thing you want is water soaked feet rubbing inside your shoes on a long hike. Give your feet some love with these selections:

Merino Wool Outdoor Trail Socks (4 Pair)

• Our most popular socks!
• Includes 4 pair of super soft merino wool sport socks
• Does not itch like normal wool
• Wicks away sweat and moisture
• Keeps your feet warm
• Great for trail walking or riding, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling
• Colors: 1 Pair Navy Blue, 2 Pair Blue/Gray, 1 Pair Brown
• Cushioned throughout and reinforced from heel to toe
• Naturally odor resistant for life of sock
• Lycra® arch brace for fit and support
• Toe seam is smoothe for added comfort
• 71% Merino Wool / 21% Nylon / 7% Polyester / 1% Lycra Spandex

There was a time when your only options were low grade wool or cotton, but today you have fantastic options when it comes to socks. Fleece polypropylene, acrylic blended wool, and merino wool socks provide a plush feel with all the moisture wicking benefits you need. Most of these varieties are made with comfortable toe seams, cushioned heels and toes, Lycra supported arches, and a choice of colors to match your apparel.

Before you go skiing, hiking, snowmobiling or even sitting outside by the fire – take care of those unsung heroes you call feet. They’ll love you for it!

With temperatures lingering at a frosty 19 degrees you would think that most would cuddle up next to a warm fire and hide. But for one amazing mother in Utah, her fire seems to come from within!

Shawna, of NatureForKids.net, shows that with the proper cross country ski wear, and a touch of scenic beauty, you can get outdoors and enjoy nature even on the coldest of days. She exemplifies the model family camper who isn't afraid to take her children along with her. Knowing how to be prepared with the right thermal layers gives her more confidence and comfort to do what she loves. What does Shawna love? She loves cross country skiing around a high altitude reservoir outside of Brigham City, Utah.

It was no surprise to see her sporting some high quality ColdPruf Extreme Performance Thermals under her coat. Most of all she loves the comfort and bargain of her Merino Wool Outdoor Trail Socks.

In regards to the Merino Wool Trail Socks - Shawna says, "First thing I noticed was how cushioned they were. They fit snug and the seams aren’t bothersome at the toe. They’ve kept my feet warm enough that I haven’t had to give them a second thought while outside."

You can read the full experience, review, and get to know Shawna on her blog by visiting: Nature For Kids

Merino Wool Socks - Why They Are Better Than Regular Wool

Merino wool socks shouldn't be new to you if you hike, camp, fish, ski, snowboard or any other outdoor activity. Merino wool has been a part of the outdoor industry for a number of years now. If you're not familiar with it, then I'm guessing you are new to outdoor recreation or you don't know there is a difference between merino wool and regular wool. Either way, you've been missing out on the most popular fabric for outdoor clothing products available.

Merino Wool is finer and softer than standard wool

Merino wool is different from regular wool. As you can see in this picture, merino sheep have thinner finer wool than other sheep. This provides a couple benefits that make merino wool ideal for use in outdoor clothing. First, after the wool fibers are knit into a fabric, the fabric is able to trap more air providing superior thermal insulation. Studies have shown that merino wool is actually able to keep you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. The second reason the thinner fibers are better for outdoor clothing is that it makes for a non itchy wool. Unlike standard wool, merino wool is super soft. You get all of the great properties of standard wool, but without the annoying itch.

Merino Wool Socks - Merino Wool Vs Cotton

Instead of merino wool socks, I've notice that many people still stick to 100% cotton socks for everything they do. 100% cotton is definitely soft and comfortable. But cotton has a very limited comfort range. The reason for this is that cotton absorbs water like a sponge. It retains that water like to a sponge too. When cotton gets wet, it no longer retains heat. So if you are wearing cotton socks to do anything active, the socks just absorb all that moisture from your feet. Before long you are cold, damp, and miserable. Merino wool socks on the other hand absorb little water. Merino wool is naturally hydrophobic which means that it hates water. Merino wool also retains your body's natural heat when it does get wet. When you wear merino wool for high activity sports, the merino wool is able to dissipate the moisture and keep your skin warm and dry.

Merino Wool Socks - Nature's Protection Against Cold

There are plenty of other fabrics that are able to do what merino wool does. But, the reason merino wool is so popular is because it is a natural fiber. This means that any product made from merino wool is earth friendly to produce and earth friendly to dispose of. Additionally, many people are allergic to synthetic or man made fibers. Since merino wool is a natural fiber, it is uncommon and almost impossible for people to have an allergy to it. 

So, if  you are still wearing anything but merino wool socks for your outdoor adventures, it's time to try on a pair. Once you try them out you'll find  yourself replacing other parts of your wardrobe with merino wool as well.