Hirsch Natur thick wool ski socks rainbow blue
Who ever decided that warm wool socks have to be boring? These thick Hirsch Natur ski socks combine a dark blue base with narrow stripes in colors including pink, red, orange, green, yellow, purple, and light blue. A complete rainbow, but in warm, easy-to-match colors.
Model 016E is longer and roomier than the well-known Norwegian socks from Hirsch Natur. The inside has a soft, loop-like structure reminiscent of terry cloth, making the socks feel thick and cozy. They are made from 100% organic wool and can be worn as ski socks, hiking socks, or extra warm socks in roomy boots and winter shoes.
- Thick, extra-long wool socks
- Dark blue with colorful rainbow stripes
- Made from 100% organic wool
- Soft, loop-like structure on the inside
- Warm, breathable, and moisture-regulating
- Suitable as ski socks, hiking socks, or warm boot socks
- Available in combined sizes from 36/37 up to 47/48
- Hirsch Natur runs large: choose the smaller size if in doubt
Also check out our other wool ski socks or compare the models in our wool sock buying guide.
A rainbow with dark blue as a calm base
The many colored stripes give these socks a cheerful look, while the dark blue cuff, heel, and toe ensure that it doesn't look too busy. The colors are also heathered, which gives the knit that lively, natural look that suits wool so well.
Under long trousers, you will mainly see a bit of the colorful leg. If you wear them at home with rolled-up trousers, you can see the full rainbow. They are also surprisingly easy to combine with dark blue, brown, or green boots.
Wool is a natural product. The exact shades and the structure of the knit may therefore differ very slightly per pair or delivery. This is not a production defect, but part of the natural character of these socks.
What makes model 016E special?
These rainbow socks are longer and thicker than many regular wool socks. They also run roomier than the Norwegian Hirsch Natur socks from the 030 series. The shaft goes higher up the lower leg, providing more coverage to protect your ankle and calf from cold and friction.
The inside of the knit has a soft, loop-like structure. You can compare it to terry cloth, but made of wool. This structure provides extra volume and makes the socks exceptionally cozy on cold days.
Because of their generous thickness, these socks take up quite a bit of space. They are best suited for roomy ski boots, hiking boots, or winter shoes. They are likely too thick for tight-fitting sneakers or shoes where your toes already have little room to move.
Are these technical ski socks?
These Hirsch Natur socks are sold as ski socks because they are thick, warm, and longer than regular models. As such, they can be very comfortable in ski boots, but they are not technically designed sports socks with different compression zones or targeted synthetic reinforcements.
Whether they are comfortable for you while skiing depends primarily on the room in your ski boots and your personal preference. A sock that is too thick can compress your foot and restrict circulation, which can actually make your feet feel colder. Therefore, always check that your toes can move freely when your boots are fully closed.
Do you have tight-fitting ski boots or prefer a thinner sock? Then choose a more finely knitted model. Our wool sock buying guide will help you compare the different thicknesses.
Also great as warm hiking or boot socks
Luckily, you don't have to buy a ski pass to wear these socks. Thanks to the longer shaft and warm internal structure, they are also suitable for winter walks, cold days working outdoors, and roomy rain boots or lined boots.
For rigorous hiking, a good fit is extra important. The sock should not fold, and your foot should not constantly slide in your shoe. These socks do not have synthetic reinforcement in high-wear areas, so be sure to check the heels and balls of the feet regularly if using them intensively.
Why 100% organic wool is so comfortable to wear
Wool insulates while simultaneously helping to regulate heat and moisture around your feet. The fibers can absorb moisture without feeling clammy. This is pleasant when you are outdoors, alternating between standing still and moving, or when there is a large temperature difference between indoors and outdoors.
Because these socks consist entirely of wool, they contain no synthetic fibers to strengthen the knit. You are therefore consciously choosing the natural properties and comfort of pure wool, with the knowledge that a fully wool sock can be more susceptible to friction.
Are you sensitive to wool? Please keep in mind that every skin reacts differently. Some people find this loop-like structure wonderfully soft, while others find pure wool a bit itchy.
Hirsch sizing advice: these socks run extra large
Hirsch Natur socks generally run large, but model 016E is even more generous than the Norwegian models. If you are between two combined sizes, choose the smaller size.
For example, if you wear a shoe size 39, size 38/39 is usually the logical choice rather than 40/41. The heel of the sock should sit roughly on your own heel. If it hangs above it or there is a lot of material left over at your toes, the sock is likely too big.
A sock that is too large can crease and slide inside your shoe, which increases the chance of friction and wear. So do not automatically take a larger size because it is a thick sock. Instead, check whether your shoes have enough room for the correct sock size.
Real customer experiences
Customer experience: several customers describe these rainbow socks as wonderful, soft, and warm. One customer was happy she followed the sizing advice and chose a smaller size, as the socks indeed ran large.
Customer experience: another customer uses them as extra socks in rain boots while walking the dogs. This customer finds that the smooth wool makes putting on the boots easier. Another wearer says her feet stay warm without feeling overheated.
These are personal customer experiences and not a guarantee that everyone will have the same experience. How warm a sock feels and how much your feet perspire varies per person and depends on factors such as your activity, shoes, and the outside temperature.
Do not wear as slippers around the house
Although these socks are thick and soft, they are not intended as a replacement for slippers. Carpet, rough floors, and small imperfections cause much more friction than the inside of a well-fitting shoe, which can cause the wool knit to become thin quickly.
Want to wear them at home? Put appropriate slippers over them. Ensure the inside is smooth and that your foot does not constantly slide back and forth.
Honest information about wear and repair
100% wool is beautiful to wear but not indestructible. Because no nylon or polyester has been added to these socks, thin spots or holes can develop with intensive use. The heels, toes, and balls of the feet are especially subject to a lot of friction.
The speed at which wear occurs varies greatly. Your shoes, insoles, foot shape, toenails, calluses, walking style, and the amount of rest between wears all play a role. Normal wear is not a production defect and is not covered by the warranty.
Let the socks rest after wearing and alternate them with another pair if used intensively. Do you see a thin spot developing? Do not wait for a large hole. In our blog Help, I have a hole in my wool sock, we explain how you can repair your socks. Darning wool and other tools can be found under our repair accessories.
Airing is usually better than washing
Wool naturally has dirt- and odor-repellent properties. Hang the socks out after wearing and preferably give them a day of rest. Often, they will be fresh enough for the next wear afterward.
Do they need to be washed? Then always follow the washing label. Use the wool wash program at a maximum of 30 degrees, a low spin speed, and a suitable wool detergent. A hand wash program is not automatically the same as a wool wash program and can cause too much agitation.
We like to use Lanalicious wool detergent. Do not use fabric softener, do not wring the socks out, and never put them in the dryer. Gently bring them into shape after washing and let them air dry lying flat.
Try on rainbow socks in Rotterdam
Do you want to feel how thick these socks are or check if they have enough room in your hiking, ski, or winter boots? Bring your shoes to our store at Zwaanshals 376 in Rotterdam. You can try on the socks there, and our staff will be happy to assist you with honest sizing advice.
Can't make it to the store? Please contact us and tell us your shoe size, the type of shoes you use, and which sizes you are debating between. We'd be happy to help you think it through.
