Merino Sheep: Everything You Need to Know
Merino sheep are a breed of sheep known for their ability to thrive in different climates as well as their soft wool. Learn more about merino sheep, discover the properties of merino wool, and how this wool is used to make comfortable footwear.
What Are Merino Sheep Bred For?
Merino sheep are a breed that originated in Spain, and are now predominantly bred in Australia and New Zealand for their wool. These merino sheep became popular as they are tough and can survive in a large variety of different climates. The wool of merino sheep, known as merino wool, can be used for many products, including wool trainers or sneakers.
Merino sheep are mainly bred for their wool, although they are sometimes used for meat production. Merino wool is extremely fine compared to other types of wool. This is what makes it so desirable for clothing products. The wool is fine, and therefore very soft on the skin.
Despite being fine, this wool is also durable and some of its first appearances in garments was military wear. After the First World War, it found its way into fashion. The wool from merino sheep has since been used by many designers and remains a popular material due to its many benefits.
What’s Special About Merino Wool?
As we said, the wool from merino sheep is highly desirable. Its fine diameter means it’s gentle on the skin whilst being extremely soft. This means merino wool isn’t itchy! But this isn’t the only benefit of this unique fibre from merino sheep. The properties of merino wool include it being temperature regulating. This means the wool from merino sheep keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s a naturally antibacterial material, repelling unpleasant odors. Even after a few wears the wool from merino sheep will still smell better than ever!
When it comes to sports clothing, the wool makes the perfect fabric. It’s moisture wicking so any sweat is taken away from the skin and out to the surface of the fabric. Keeping you dry at all times. It’s no wonder so many people want to take advantage of the wool from these wonderful merino sheep.
Even better, washing merino wool is easy - you can even put it in the washing machine. Whether you need to wash your wool jacket, or even your trainers, you’ll be able to do it simply with a wool or delicate setting.
Is Merino Wool Ethical?
The wool we use at Giesswein is ethically sourced. We worked closely with farms in Uruguay to ensure we use mulesing free wool. Mulesing is when the skin at the rear of merino sheep is removed to stop insect infestations. In Uruguay, these bugs aren’t around, so the merino sheep don’t need to be cut.
Merino sheep never stop growing their wool, and so have to be shorn at least once a year. This is not only done for the sake of the wool. Without being shorn, merino sheep can suffer from health problems, including blindness, so it really is a necessity. Merino sheep constantly renew their wool, making it a sustainable resource that is also biodegradable. In line with our Green Strategy, we don’t let any material go to waste in our factory so every single piece of wool from the merino sheep is used. We strive to make all of our products as sustainable as possible, this includes our eco slippers, alongside our other ethical footwear.
Merino Wool Sneakers
The benefits of merino sheep’s wool really shines in footwear. Our range of women’s sneakers and men’s sneakers take full advantage of this. From the Wool Cross X sports shoe utilising the wool’s natural water resistance and temperature regulating, to our Merino Runners being so gentle and comfortable on the feet that you’ll want to wear them barefoot.
Merino Wool Products
Merino sheep products don’t end at your feet. The wool also makes other wonderful products. Our women’s beanies and men’s beanies are brilliant for cold winter days walking to and from work, as well as for sports such as skiing and cycling. There really is nothing that this fabric can’t do!
Whether you’re looking to cosy up for the day at home, or looking for an outdoor adventure, merino sheep products are the perfect companion - only to be rivalled by virgin wool. Our virgin wool men’s slippers, women’s slippers, and kids’ slippers come in a wide range of styles. Choose from slipper socks, to slip on slippers - there really is a pair to suit everyone’s lifestyle! These really are the warmest slippers for cold feet.
Thanks to merino sheep, and wool, you can stay comfy all day long in your footwear.
Find Comfort with Giesswein
At Giesswein, we’re a third-generation family-business putting sustainability into comfortable footwear. We use our Green Strategy to make our men’s vegan shoes, women’s vegan shoes, and slippers help you tread a little lighter on the planet.