Benefits of merino wool health socks
Posted by Team NZNC on 26th Apr 2022
Have you ever considered wearing health socks?
Health socks & low-tension socks: Practical socks designed for protection and comfort, while helping to reduce common problems such as blisters and discomfort caused by swollen ankles and feet.
If you’re thinking, “Well, I don’t have poor circulation or anything, so no, not really…” we get it.
The benefits of health socks are usually focused on things like circulation, diabetes, swelling, and bacterial and fungal growth.
Yet health socks are so much more than that. They are a great choice for many reasons aside from the obvious medical ones.
So, let’s get into those additional benefits and take a closer look at Merino wool options.
We know we talk about Merino wool like there’s no tomorrow. But having access to such a great natural resource deserves to be spoken about!
This blog, in particular, is going to explore the features and benefits of Merino wool health socks.
Yes, it’s a fairly niche subject. However, with health socks becoming more and more popular – and for reasons you may not expect – we thought it was about time we divulged why.
Why Wear Health Socks?
Anyone can benefit from wearing health socks, especially those who exercise or have active jobs. So, if you’re a farmer, labourer, hiker or biker, health socks could work wonders for you.
Depending on where you want the most support or protection for your feet, this will determine the best type of sock for you.
Unfortunately, health socks (which are generally available as low-tension socks and are different from medical compression socks) aren’t magic. They don’t have the ability to fix any serious ailments, but they can help keep your feet comfortable and certain pesky problems at bay.
While they have their health benefits, they still provide all the great benefits of your regular socks.
Such as:
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Keeping your feet warm and comfortable – There are very few feelings better than getting out of a bath on a cold day and putting on a pair of your favourite fluffy socks. Warmth and comfort are the main reasons why most people wear socks day to day.
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Protecting your feet from injury – Have you ever been in such a rush that you forgot to put a pair of socks on? If you have, I’m sure that by the end of the day, you will have experienced a few pinches and rubs that are usually avoided by wearing socks.
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Protecting your feet from blisters – As socks are your main protective barrier between your skin and shoes, they also help protect you from getting blisters. That pinching or rubbing sensation you feel when not wearing socks could be your feet telling you a blister is on its way.
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Keeping your feet dry and helping to avoid odour – In closed-toe shoes, it’s no surprise that your feet sweat. Socks do a great job of absorbing or wicking away moisture, depending on the fibres used, helping to reduce the damp conditions in which unwanted bacteria and fungi can thrive. This can save your nose from undesirable smells while helping to keep your feet comfortable and healthy.
A good tip for keeping on top of your foot health:
When you’re next in the market for some new socks, opt for ones that are ‘breathable’ or have moisture-wicking properties. These kinds of socks are designed to wick sweat away from your feet, helping to keep them dry and comfortable while allowing them to breathe.
Benefits of Merino Wool for Socks
Merino wool is so perfect for socks, it can almost seem like it was made just for that. In comparison to cotton, it has many properties that promote healthy and happy feet.
Merino wool is:
Comfortable – Merino is one of the finest and softest types of wool available, so it only makes sense that it's used in socks when you think about how much work your feet do on a daily basis.
For your comfort, choosing socks that are reinforced and feature terry-loop cushioning or construction would be your best bet.
Exceptionally warm – Merino wool fibres have a natural crimp. This crimp helps trap your body heat in tiny air pockets, keeping you warm for longer.
Regulates your body temperature – For many, this is the standout property that puts socks made with Merino wool above many others. Merino wool has the ability to help release excess heat and keep you cool when needed, while also keeping you exceptionally warm when it's cold.
Merino absorbs moisture – One of the main reasons people wear socks is for foot health. Socks help absorb sweat and reduce the damp conditions in which unwanted fungi and bacteria can thrive. Merino is perfect for that, as it's naturally moisture-wicking.
Merino has the ability to absorb up to approximately 30% of its weight in moisture while still helping to keep you warm, comfortable and on the move!
Odour resistant – Merino wool fibres can absorb and trap odour molecules, helping to reduce unwanted smells until the socks are washed. This means your socks can stay fresher for longer, even during a busy day.
If you're taking these socks out for a hike, you'll be happy to know that this can reduce the number of spare pairs you need to bring, as Merino socks can often be worn more than once between washes, provided they're allowed to dry and air out properly.
Which merino wool health sock is for you?
Health socks can be beneficial for us all. Even if we don’t suffer from any of the ailments they’re designed to accommodate, they can help reduce pressure around the ankles and promote good general foot health. Add Merino wool and all of its amazing properties into the mix, and you have the king of all socks!
It’s up to you to decide what length or weight of sock you require. It comes down to personal preference and what you need from the sock. If you’re in colder temperatures, a heavier sock may benefit you.
If you’re wearing socks while participating in high-level activity, an ankle sock can be a great choice for comfort and ease of movement. A mid-length sock is ideal for lower-level activity or lounging around the house.
Once you have decided on the weight and height, all that’s left to do is go health sock shopping!
If you’re wanting some more information about how to size your socks and what kind of shoes you should be wearing them with, we have a blog here with all the information you need.
We’ve included some of our favourite Merino health socks below to get you started:
This sock is one of our favourite health socks here at New Zealand Natural Clothing. The Foot Doctor socks are designed with your comfort in mind. They feature non-slip bands around the middle of the foot and terry-loop cushioning for added comfort.
The key to happy, healthy feet
When we think about our health, with all we have to consider, it can be easy to overlook the health of our feet. But they deserve looking after, too! Health socks are a really easy way to make sure your feet are receiving the TLC they need.
Merino wool, as you now know, can only help with that process. With all the benefits Merino can provide, you may never go back!
If this blog has inspired you to buy your first pair of health socks, or even just socks made with Merino wool, make sure you let us know how you get on!