Walking your dog isn't just a walk - it's a daily routine that takes you out in all weathers. Whether you're out in the rain, sleet and snow, frost or the best weather ever, your feet need protection, warmth and comfort.
It all starts with the right footwear, combined with the right socks for the conditions. But, how to make the choice and why we think merino wool socks are a dog walker's best friend - you'll find out in this blog.
Why are merino wool socks the superior choice for the dog walker?
Dogs are often taken out several times a day, regardless of the season or the weather. For short walks in the rain, the choice of socks is irrelevant, but for longer walks, socks, like shoes, start to make a difference. Turn your attention in particular to the material of the sock to get the best out of the footwear you choose! With bad socks, you can ruin the feel of even the most expensive shoes.
Merinovilla is an excellent sock material because it:
- Warms in the cold, cools in the warm - Natural fibre reacts to body temperature
- Breathes and wicks moisture - prevents sweating, chafing and blistering
- Does not itch or smell - antibacterial natural fibre stays fresh for a long time
- Insulates even when wet - unlike cotton, merino wool retains its thermal insulation even when wet
- It is a responsible choice - Sockmakers' socks are made ethically and respectfully of the environment NATIVA merino wool
How do different conditions and footwear affect the choice of socks?
The long-term well-being of your feet depends on good quality shoes of the right size, but socks play a major role in the performance of your shoes. Poorly fitting socks will rub on the shoe, roll up, and cause blisters and abrasions. The material also makes a difference. A material that traps moisture makes you more vulnerable to frostbite in cold weather, when the cold can creep into the moisture on your skin.
Technical merino wool socks with a multi-layered construction act like layering. The materials knitted into different layers wick moisture away from the skin, warming and evaporating moisture to keep feet dry and warm in all weathers.
Our recommendations for different conditions / footwear:
| Outdoor use/conditions | Footwear | Recommended type of merino wool socks |
|---|---|---|
| Morning jog in the city | Jogging shoes / walking shoes | Everyday socks according to dress: Patterned socks, Sport merino wool tennis socks |
| A walk on a forest path in frosty weather | Light or medium-weight outdoor shoes | Medium thickness multi-layer merino wool socks to insulate against the cold: Merinostep, Ordinary, Repo |
| Loskakeli | Rubber boot / heavy outdoor shoe | A sock for warmth and support combined with a thin merino wool sock: Contact Liner + Arctics |
| Kurakeli | Rubber boot / heavy outdoor shoe | A sock that provides support and sufficient warmth: Saana |
| Long walk | Running shoes / lightweight outdoor shoes | Thin or medium thickness merino wool socks: Malla, Posio, Merinofit |
Tips for choosing the right socks
1. Choose the right thickness:
Consider whether the sock fits comfortably in your outdoor shoes. Find the right fit for your outdoor socks. The heavier and looser the shoe, the thicker the sock should be - layering prevents chafing and abrasions.
2. Invest in the length of the shank:
The stem protects the ankle from the cold and prevents the sock from dripping. A longer stem also protects against splashes and mud. The length of the stem should be slightly longer than the shank of the shoe. For long runs, sneaker-length socks are not recommended for any footwear.
3. Check the seams and fit:
Well designed and made merino wool socks will not rub or compress. A reinforced heel and toe prolong the life of the sock, a seamless toe prevents chafing.
4:
Sockmasters' merino wool socks are made from mulesing-free, open-chain NATIVA merino wool in our own factory in Ylöjärvi - responsibly and sustainably.
Regular exercise with your dog is more enjoyable when your feet stay warm and dry in all weather conditions. Merino wool socks offer the warmth, breathability and sustainability of superior natural superfibre - a choice that makes dog walking even more enjoyable.
Don't compromise on the well-being of your feet - choose the right socks for every walk.
