Sneakers first appeared back in the 1830s in England. The 19th century saw different styles and evolution of these comfortable shoes to provide a functional pair for athletic endeavors. They were termed “sneaker” in 1870 in the US because they are practically noiseless.
At its conception, sneakers were predominantly footwear for sports. However, they have become a popular choice for daily casual wear, with a plethora of styles and forms available in the market. The latest additions to the sneakers family are wool sneakers.
Wool sneakers have experienced exponential growth in popularity over recent years. While they may sound non-traditional, they have introduced a completely new comfort level in the footwear range.
What are wool sneakers?
Wool is a naturally occurring fiber used in various objects in our everyday lives. It makes a soft fabric with excellent wicking ability and adaptable functionality. Due to its exceptional breathability, you do not feel clammy in wool garments. Moreover, it is an active fiber, which means that it responds to your body temperature. Consequently, it keeps you warm when it is chilly and helps you stay cold in hot weather. Wool is also stain-resistant and has antimicrobial properties due to its natural protective outer layer.
Wool is now being used to make footwear owing to its many benefits. Wool sneakers are gaining massive traction amongst the masses. While you may feel reluctant to jump on the bandwagon, these trendy shoes are comfortable, stylish, and robust.
The wool sneakers are constructed of felted wool that has been heat-treated to make it cohesive and durable. The felt is hammered and brushed simultaneously to enhance its water repellent properties before being shaped into a shoe. The soles attached to the final shape are strong and lightweight. Finally, each pair is customized and decorated to give its characteristic look.
What makes wool sneakers so comfortable?
Wool sneakers and urban woolers are synonymous with comfort. The sporty shoes combine the versatile properties of wool and the trainers’ ergonomic design to create the latest footwear innovation. Here is what makes wool sneakers so comfortable:
Breathability
Sweat glands are present throughout the skin, but they are most concentrated, amongst other places, in the soles of your feet. It means that your feet produce the most sweat. As aforementioned, wool has the extraordinary property of absorbing large quantities of moisture in its fibers and evaporate it into the atmosphere. As a result, your feet do not feel sweaty and are relatively dry even after strenuous exercise.
Moreover, the fabric’s construction is such that it has space between its fibers that traps heat. Therefore, wool shoes are able to keep your feet warm, making them ideal to workout outdoors even in winters.
Lightweight
Another attractive quality of wool is that it is incredibly lightweight. Therefore, wool sneakers are comfortable to wear compared to other shoes since they are not bulky. You can walk, jog, or exercise without experiencing any hindrance in your activity caused by your footwear. Moreover, despite being lightweight, wool sneakers do not compromise on warmth or durability.
Wearability
Wool sneakers are very wearable due to several reasons. They have lightweight soles that are spongy, supportive, and provide a nice cushion to your feet. You can wear them throughout the day without feeling any pressure on your soles.
Also, wool has the capability to regulate your body’s temperature. It entails that your shoes will maintain a comfortable temperature even on the hottest of days. You will not end up with sweaty, smelly feet, regardless of the weather outside or the amount of time you wore the sneaker.
Finally, wool is amazingly stretchable. It adapts to the anatomical structure of your feet, providing further comfort and support.
Odor resistant
The wool has anti-bacterial and antimicrobial properties. Each wool fiber has a thin, waxy coating containing fatty acids that inhibit the growth of bacteria. The layer also makes the wool fibers water-resistant, thereby preventing the buildup of mold and mildew. Therefore, wool sneakers keep your feet bacteria-free and odorless. You can even wear these revolutionary shoes without socks without feeling any discomfort, irritation, or the fear of smelly feet.
Sustainability
For environmentally-conscious people, the most vital point of wool sneakers is that they are very sustainable. The source material is 100% renewable, and you can recycle the shoes. Thus, you can flaunt your footwear without having a guilty conscience of their impact on the environment.
Final thoughts
Wool sneakers are an exceptional addition to the footwear market, which is still in the initial evolution stages. However, the current models offer stylish designs, top-notch quality, various colors, and smart construction for maximum support. In addition to their unique aesthetic, they are also very comfortable to wear, making them a popular choice amongst the millennial, as well as the older generation.
