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Over time, we have forgotten the many benefits of wool socks. In this article, we explain why you should wear wool socks rather than only cotton ones, even though cotton is more common and generally cheaper.
Why do people wear cotton socks?
Cotton is inexpensive and fairly convenient for everyday use. For most users, a sock simply means a cotton sock: no special expectations in terms of performance.
This is even truer today, as wool socks are still harder to find in stores. Offshoring to countries using low-cost cotton and labor has amplified cotton’s dominance. The rise of synthetics and the 1970s reputation of wool as “itchy” also contributed, when finishing techniques were not comparable to what we have today.
Thus, over time, we somewhat forgot the benefits of wool and wool socks: we even simply forgot that wool exists.
However, informed users know that wool socks offer many advantages and beneficial properties.
1. Wool socks help prevent foot odor
Foot odor is mainly caused by microorganisms whose growth increases with heat and humidity, particularly during exertion and when feet are enclosed in shoes. Wool socks help prevent this because they stabilize your feet’s temperature and reduce spikes. With better temperature regulation, microorganisms do not proliferate and your feet do not smell.
2. Wool socks help maintain body temperature
Wool socks keep feet cool in summer and warm in winter. During activity, wool keeps you dry and cool because the fibers themselves absorb up to 30% of their weight in water while maintaining a dry surface. This produces a refreshing effect under effort. Excess moisture is transported to the outside of the sock.
When you take off your shoes, while your feet feel dry, touch the outside of your socks and you will notice they are damp.
3. Wool socks absorb and release moisture
Because wool breathes (allowing water vapor and perspiration to circulate), it effectively regulates humidity. Your feet stay dry.
By contrast, cotton socks behave like a sponge. They soak up perspiration without being able to release it. Your feet remain in a damp sock, stimulating the growth of odor-causing microorganisms.
In summer, the brief cool sensation from moisture retained by cotton that periodically dries with ambient air (if your shoes breathe) can feel pleasant, but odors will not be eliminated!
In winter and in non-breathable shoes, your feet get cold and start to smell.
Comfort, use and care
Wool socks are also great for people who spend a lot of time outdoors or practice winter sports. Unlike cotton, wool can be knitted into thick socks that help keep feet even warmer.
For hiking, wool socks cushion impacts and help protect feet, especially on rough trails.
A good pair of wool socks usually costs more than cotton. However, considering the comfort provided, the price difference is an excellent investment. Thick wool socks can also last several years.
For washing, a good pair of wool socks can be machine-washed from 30°C without shrinking. Higher-grade wool socks can be washed up to 60°C, which helps eliminate the microorganisms responsible for odors.
In short, remember that wool socks eliminate odors, help keep your feet warm in winter and cool in summer, and absorb moisture for all-day comfort at any temperature.