Possum Socks, the new thermal socks!
Posted by Team NZNC on 29th Jun 2022
Nobody likes cold toes. That’s for sure!
They say that when you have cold feet, the rest of you feels chilly, so the best place to start is with a good pair of socks that warm your sole!
Thermal socks are generally the go-to choice when it comes to keeping your tootsies toasty and dry… but are they about to be surpassed by possum socks?
We sure think so!
What are thermal socks?
Quite simply, thermal socks are thicker. They offer insulation and an extra level of padding thanks to their thickness.
Thermal socks aren’t just a few extra yards of yarn – they are specifically designed for the bitter cold.
Heat retention is super important, but so is moisture management. The sweat-reducing qualities of thermal socks make them more comfortable and help prevent heat loss.
Padding in thermal socks can offer more than just comfort. It gives your feet protection from friction-related problems, such as blisters.
We wouldn’t recommend heavy thermal socks in a moderate climate because they could keep your feet so warm that you’d end up sweating! Thermal socks trap your body heat and use it to keep your feet snug as a bug in a rug.
If you’re in extreme weather conditions, thermal socks can help keep your feet warm and reduce the risk of cold-related injuries, such as frostbite. However, suitable footwear and other protective clothing are equally important.
And when it comes to keeping both feet warm, it's just as well that socks always come in pairs!
What makes possum socks so good?
The short answer is possum fibre.
Possum fibre is hollow and traps warmth, making it ideal for heat-retaining socks.
Possum fibre is considered one of the warmest natural fibres, which means that if you’ve got possum on your feet and it’s Arctic temperatures, you’re (probably) laughing!
But wait… there’s more…
Combining possum fibre with Merino wool (which is a popular choice) brings you a whole bouquet of benefits:
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Naturally odour-resistant – Helps keep your feet feeling fresher for longer.
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Moisture-wicking – Draws moisture away from your skin, helping keep your feet dry and comfortable.
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Low-pilling – Helps reduce the formation of those annoying little balls of fibre.
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Durable – A quality fibre blend designed for lasting wear.
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Comfortable – Wonderfully soft and gentle against your skin.
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Not bulky – Provides exceptional warmth without unnecessary thickness.
Thanks to their natural odour resistance, moisture-wicking properties and other wonderful possum benefits, you may not have to wash your socks as often as you would ordinary socks. Now, this means convenience for you, plus a reduction in water use – win-win!
Imagine wearing lovely possum socks on a super chilly day and having warm feet that don't smell, and still feel fresh and comfortable after a long, hard day out in the elements…
Can't imagine it? You need a pair of possum socks on your feet pronto!
What makes possum fibre so wonderfully warm?
Here in New Zealand, we hate possums with a passion – this may come as a surprise if you aren’t a Kiwi, but they are pests!
They are dramatically affecting our ecosystem and causing long-term damage to our native species’ natural habitats and food sources.
If you haven’t already, read our blog about possums here.
Regardless of how we feel about possums, they do have a remarkable characteristic that we are happy to take full advantage of… their fur.
Possum fibres are exceptionally fine, often measuring around 16–18 microns in diameter, and have a hollow structure that helps trap warmth and provide insulation against the cold.
Possum fibre is also lightweight, which makes it a great choice for hikers, farmers, cyclists, walkers, campers and travellers…
Possum fibre is remarkable because it retains heat, helps manage moisture and is wonderfully soft against the skin.
Here at New Zealand Natural Clothing, we love possum socks because they offer exceptional warmth, comfort and natural odour resistance, without the bulk of some traditional thermal socks. Making use of possum fur can also support New Zealand's pest-control efforts.
If you want warm feet without feeling like you’re carrying an extra pound on each foot, then you need to invest in a pair of high-quality possum socks!
If you’re not sure which possum socks are the right ones for you, get in touch today. We love chatting about fibres!