Plastic on your feet? Better not. At Natur-el, you will find a huge collection of wool socks for women, men, and children. Almost all of our socks are made from 100% organic wool. The conscious exceptions also consist entirely of natural fibers, such as our Elia bed socks made of wool-silk and socks with 15% linen. No polyester or polyamide to artificially strengthen the sock: we opt for 100% wool or at least 100% pure nature.
Wool keeps your feet warm, breathes, absorbs moisture, and feels completely different from a sock with many synthetic fibers. But which sock fits your shoes? Do you need a thin or thick sock, a hiking sock, knee-highs, or bed socks? View our complete wool sock selection guide or choose the sock that suits your situation below immediately.
Which wool socks are you looking for?
Why choose wool socks from Hirsch Natur?
We have been selling wool socks from Hirsch Natur for years, and for good reason. The German brand specializes in socks made from natural materials and makes beautiful socks from organic wool for the whole family. From tiny feet to large men's feet, thin or nice and thick, calm natural tones or the most beautiful colors: there is quite a lot to choose from.
- Almost always made from 100% organic wool.
- Different composition? Then we opt for 100% natural fibers.
- Without polyester or polyamide as synthetic reinforcement.
- Breathable and temperature-regulating.
- Can absorb a lot of moisture without feeling clammy.
- For women, men, and children.
- Available in various thicknesses, colors, and models.
- 10% discount automatically on three pairs of wool socks.
Are wool socks really warmer than regular socks?
Wool is brilliant stuff when it comes to temperature. The fibers trap air and thereby help to insulate. At the same time, wool can absorb moisture and the material continues to breathe. That doesn't simply mean every wool sock is boiling hot. Wool actually helps to maintain a comfortable climate around your feet.
The warmest choice also depends on the thickness and your shoes. A thick sock in a shoe that is too tight can become uncomfortable or cold. Do you want to know exactly what suits you? Read which socks are the warmest.
Can you also wear wool socks in the summer?
Certainly. That might sound strange if you only think of thick winter sweaters when you think of wool, but wool is temperature-regulating. A thin wool sock can therefore also be pleasant when it is not freezing cold at all. Moreover, wool can absorb a lot of moisture without immediately feeling wet or clammy. That makes thin wool socks interesting even when your feet get hot or damp easily.
100% wool or 100% natural fibers
At Natur-el, we consciously choose socks made of 100% wool or at least a composition of 100% natural fibers. Not just a high wool percentage, but truly pure nature.
There are two deliberate exceptions to 100% wool:
-
Elia bed socks: 70% wool and 30% silk. They are lower and roomier, making them nice when regular sock cuffs pinch.
-
Wool-linen socks: 15% linen and the rest wool. This composition is also completely natural.
In the top approximately 5 cm of the cuff, minuscule elastics are knitted in to keep the sock in place. These are inside the knit and do not touch the skin. This way, the sock does not slide down, while the material against your skin remains purely natural.
Why can 100% wool socks wear out?
A sock endures more friction than almost any other garment. With our pure wool socks, we do not add synthetic fibers to make the heel or toe extra strong. Constant friction occurs while walking, especially under the ball of your foot, at the heel, and around the toes.
How quickly a sock wears out varies enormously. Your shoes, way of walking, calluses, nails, the fit, and how often you wear the same pair all play a part. This does not automatically mean there is something wrong with the sock. It does mean that you treat a sock made of pure wool differently than a synthetically reinforced sports sock. Therefore, we do not provide a warranty on holes or normal wear and tear.
How to make your wool socks last longer
- Alternate different pairs and do not wear the same pair every day.
- Check that your shoes do not have rough spots on the inside.
- Keep toenails smooth and watch out for sharp edges and calluses.
- Wear the right size: tension and slipping cause extra friction.
- Wash wool as little as possible and always according to the washing instructions.
- Repair a thinning spot before a large hole develops.
Also read our detailed explanation: Hole in your wool sock? Here's how to prevent and repair it.
How do Hirsch Natur socks fit?
Hirsch Natur socks run very large. Our experience in the store is therefore that it is best to choose one size smaller than you normally wear. A sock that is too large can slide or bunch up in your shoe and cause extra friction because of that.
After putting them on, check that the heel of the sock is truly around your heel and that no excess fabric disappears into the shoe. Still in doubt? Feel free to contact us. We have been selling these socks for years and prefer to help you with the right size beforehand.
Do wool socks itch?
That differs per person. Real wool has a different fiber structure than cotton. Many people wear Hirsch Natur wonderfully directly against the skin, while someone who is extremely sensitive to wool might feel the fiber. We therefore do not promise that wool will never itch for anyone; we prefer to give honest advice about that.
Are wool socks suitable for sweaty feet?
The combination of moisture absorption and temperature regulation is exactly what makes wool interesting for feet that get hot or damp easily. Wool can absorb a fair amount of moisture before the material feels clammy. Of course, wool socks can also get wet, but for many people, wool feels much more pleasant on the foot than a synthetic fiber that barely absorbs any moisture.
For more explanation, also read Can I wear wool if I sweat easily?.
How do you wash wool socks?
Wash wool socks only when necessary and always follow the wash label of the specific pair. Use a proper wool wash program, low agitation, a low temperature, and a low spin speed. Avoid regular detergent, fabric softener, large temperature fluctuations, and the dryer.
Use a mild wool detergent with lanolin, such as Lanalicious detergent for wool and silk. Let the socks dry gently and carefully pull them back into shape after washing. Also view our complete explanation on washing wool.
A hole in your wool sock? Do not throw it away
We have become so accustomed to socks as disposable products that a small hole often automatically means the trash bin. Don't! Wool socks are actually easy to repair. You can darn a small hole or thinned spot with darning wool and a darning needle. It is better to start too early than too late.
View our repair accessories for wool socks and read the step-by-step explanation in our repair blog. You can also watch our video on darning wool socks.
Three pairs of wool socks: 10% discount automatically
Advance warning: there is a chance that one pair will not prove to be enough ;-). When purchasing three pairs of wool socks, you automatically receive a 10% discount. You do not need to enter a discount code. Mix different colors or models and quietly build up a sock drawer without plastic.
Buying wool socks at Natur-el in Rotterdam
Do you want to feel how thick the wool is first, or are you in doubt about your size? Then come and try them on and feel them at Natur-el on the Zwaanshals in Rotterdam. We have a huge collection for women, men, and children. Ordering online is also possible, of course. View all products above or use our wool sock selection guide to find your ideal pair.
Frequently asked questions about wool socks
Are the socks made of organic wool?
Almost all socks in this collection are made of 100% organic wool. The Elia bed socks consist of wool and silk, and a few socks consist of wool and 15% linen. Always view the specific product for the exact composition.
Is there polyester or polyamide in the socks?
Not as a reinforcing fiber throughout the sock. In the top approx. 5 cm of the cuff, only minuscule elastics are knitted in to prevent sliding down. These do not touch the skin.
How do Hirsch Natur socks fit?
Hirsch Natur runs very large. Therefore, in principle, choose one size smaller than you normally wear.
Are wool socks only for winter?
No. Thicker models are wonderful in the cold, while thin wool socks can be pleasant for a large part of the year due to temperature and moisture regulation.
Can you wear wool socks with sweaty feet?
Many people actually find wool pleasant for hot or damp feet, because wool can absorb moisture and helps regulate temperature.
Why do pure wool socks wear out?
Pure wool is a natural fiber. Without synthetic reinforcement, the heel, toe, and ball of the foot are more sensitive to friction and normal wear and tear.
Do you provide a warranty on holes?
No. We do not provide a warranty on holes and normal wear and tear. How quickly a sock wears out is strongly influenced by shoes, fit, friction, walking pattern, and use.
Can you repair a hole?
Yes. With darning wool, a darning needle, and optionally a darning egg, you can darn a hole. It is best to reinforce the spot as soon as you see the wool thinning.
