Socks with merino wool – warm in winter, comfortable all year round

Feet in grey wool socks on a rug in front of a wood-burning stove, with a cup of tea beside them
Image created with AI.

Cold feet are a familiar issue for many people with diabetes or circulatory problems. The obvious solution – two pairs of socks on top of each other – is not a good idea, though: it presses in the shoe and creates creases. A single sock made of the right material is better. This is where merino wool shows its strengths.

What makes merino wool special

Merino wool comes from the merino sheep and is much finer than ordinary sheep's wool. That has several advantages:

  • It warms without overheating. The crimped fibres contain many small air pockets. They keep warmth at the foot and let excess heat escape.
  • It absorbs moisture. Wool can take up moisture and release it to the outside without feeling wet straight away.
  • It is soft. The fine fibres itch much less than coarse wool – even people who usually dislike wool often find merino pleasant.
  • It is less prone to odour than many synthetic fibres.

What to look for in wool socks

  1. No tight cuff. Especially with warm, thicker socks, a soft cuff without compression is important.
  2. No thick seam over the toes. Wool fabric is bulkier than fine cotton – a flat toe area prevents pressure points.
  3. The right thickness. Fine wool socks fit into normal everyday shoes, terry with wool is suitable for at home or very cold days. Check that there is enough room in the shoe.
  4. Fresh socks every day – wool included. With diabetes, you should change your socks every day, regardless of the material.

Caring for wool socks

Wool likes it gentle: wash on a wool cycle or by hand in lukewarm water, with a wool detergent, without fabric softener, and dry flat in the air. More on this in the guide Caring for health socks.

Merino wool at DEOMED®

Two DEOMED® models combine merino wool with silver:

Both are made without compression and are registered as medical devices. View all DEOMED® products →

This guide does not replace medical advice. If your feet are permanently cold or discoloured, please have this checked by a doctor.