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 for protection and comfort whilst helping prevent common problems such as blisters, swollen ankles and feet, and DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis).
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 around things like circulation, diabetes, DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), and bacterial and fungi 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, plus look at merino wool options in greater detail.
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’s about time we divulged why.
Why Wear Health Socks?
Anyone can benefit from wearing health socks, especially those who exercise and have active jobs. So, if you’re a farmer, labourer, hiker or biker - health socks can work wonders for you.
Depending on where you want the most support or protection for your feet, will determine the best type of sock for you.
Unfortunately, Health socks (which also can be known as compression socks or low tension socks) aren’t magic. They don’t have the ability to fix any serious ailments. But, they do have the ability to keep your feet healthy and keep any pesky problems at bay.
While they have their health benefits, they still provide all of the great benefits of your regular sock.
Such as:
- 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 some of your favourite fluffy socks. Warmth and comfort are the main reasons why most people wear socks day to day.
- Protecting your feet from injury - Have you ever been in such a rush you forget 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 that are usually avoided by wearing socks.
- As socks are your main defence barrier between your skin and shoes, they also protect you from getting blisters. That pinching sensation you feel when not wearing socks is your feet telling you a blister is on its way.
- Keeping your feet dry & avoiding odour - In closed toe shoes, it is no surprise that your feet sweat. Socks do a great job at absorbing any sweat and making sure that it doesn’t turn into any unwanted bacteria or fungi. Saving your nose from undesirable smells and keeping your feet 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 some that are ‘breathable’ or have ‘wicking’ technologies in them. These kinds of socks are made to wick sweat away from the foot and help them 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 more properties that promote healthy and happy feet.
Merino wool is:
Comfortable - Merino is the highest quality of wool available to you so it only makes sense that it is put into your socks when you think about how much work your feet do on a daily basis.
For your comfort, choosing socks that are doubly reinforced and feature terry loop cushioning / construction would be your best bet.
Exceptionally warm - Merino wool fibres have a natural crimp. This crimp retains your body heat in air pockets, keeping you warm for longer.
Regulates your body temperature - For many, this is the standout property that pushes socks with merino wool in above any other. Merino wool has the ability to be able to release heat and cool you down when needed. While also keeping you exceptionally warm when it’s cold.
Merino soaks up moisture - One of the main reasons people wear socks is for foot health. Socks help to collect the sweat and keep away all of that unwanted fungi and bacteria. Merino is perfect for that as it’s naturally moisture wicking.
Merino has the ability to hold up to 30% of its weight in moisture and can still keep you warm, dry and on the move!
Odour resistant - All odour molecules are absorbed by merino wool, which only releases them when washed. This means you'll stay cool all day, no matter how hot it gets.
If you’re taking these socks out for a hike, you’ll be happy to know that this lowers the amount of socks you need to bring as you won’t need a fresh pair everyday.
Which merino wool health sock is for you?
Health socks are beneficial for us all. Even if we don’t suffer from any of the ailments that they’re designed for, they aid with healthy circulation and promote good general foot health. Add merino and all of its amazing properties into that 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 require from the sock. If you’re in colder temperatures, a heavier sock will benefit you.
If you’re using the sock when participating in high-level activity, an ankle sock is your best bet for comfort and ease of movement. A mid length sock is great for lower level activity or lounging around the house.
Once you have decided on the weight and height, all that is left to do is go health sock shopping!
If you are 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 of the information that 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 created for your comfort. They have non-slip bands through the middle of the foot and are built with terry loop cushioning.
The key to happy, healthy feet
When we think about our health, with all we have to think about, it can be easy to not think about the health of your feet. But, they deserve looking after, too. Health socks are a really easy way to make sure that your feet are receiving the TLC that they need.
Merino wool, as you now know, will only aid you in that process. With all of the benefits merino can provide you with, you’ll 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!