Why Wool Is a Super Material

Wool is a natural material with a variety of outstanding properties that surpass many high-tech materials – a true super material. Wool is not only soft and warm but also breathable, antibacterial, and dirt-resistant.

These characteristics make this sustainable natural product the ideal material for our barefoot shoes.

Soft and Warm

Two qualities everyone associates with wool are its soft texture and its warming properties.

We perceive wool as soft because its fine fibers are elastic and crimped. When in contact with the skin, the fibers bend in different directions and have minimal contact with the skin due to their smooth surface – which we experience as softness.

The warming property of wool, on the other hand, comes from its natural thermal regulation. Wool fabrics contain up to 85% air because their unique structure creates air chambers. Since air is a poor conductor of heat, these chambers act as an insulating layer that retains body warmth. That’s why most of our winter barefoot shoes are lined with wool.

This same effect – the air chambers and the poor heat conductivity of air – also ensures your feet stay cool in summer. Processed wool is therefore temperature-regulating, making it suitable for both summer and winter.

Breathable and Hygienic

Another feature that makes wool a comfortable material for our barefoot shoes is its natural breathability. Wool can absorb a significant amount of moisture and release it into the environment. Even when damp, wool remains pleasant to the touch and retains some of its insulating ability.

Wool is also odor-resistant and hygienic. It can neutralize acids, depriving bacteria and fungi of their breeding ground, which minimizes odor. And if your shoes develop a slight smell after extended wear, airing them out will quickly refresh and neutralize them.

Dirt-Repellent and Fire-Resistant

Wool’s resistance to dirt is another quality that makes it the perfect material for shoes. This is due to a natural waxy coating on its surface, which creates a water-repellent effect. As a result, mud and liquids don’t penetrate deeply and can usually be easily removed. Additionally, wool resists soil and sand, which can often be brushed or wiped away with ease.

Another interesting fact? Wool doesn’t burn – or does so very slowly. While this isn’t directly related to barefoot shoes, it’s an intriguing characteristic. And who knows what life might throw at you and your barefoot shoes!

Sustainable and Fair

Now that you’re familiar with the qualities of high-quality wool, it’s easy to see why we call it a super material and love incorporating it into our barefoot shoes. But there’s more: as a pure natural product, wool shoes are a serious option for anyone who values natural materials and sustainability. The wool we use comes from sources where animals are not harmed or subjected to the painful practice of "mulesing."

Mulesing is a painful procedure where the skin around a sheep’s tail is cut away to prevent parasitic infestations. Since this method is carried out without anesthesia and causes severe trauma to the animals, we strictly oppose it. The wool we use is either sourced from mulesing-free production or recycled.

Wool is also a renewable resource and biodegradable. Unlike many synthetic fibers like viscose, wool doesn’t release microplastics into rivers, lakes, or oceans.

Our Wool Barefoot Shoes

Thanks to its unique properties, wool is used in different parts of our barefoot shoes for various functions.

BLSN-102

Our BLSN-102 sneaker features recycled wool from the EU for both the upper and the lining, making it the coziest of our barefoot shoes.

View all models in our online shop:
→ Black: Women / Men
→ Grey: Women / Men
→ Light Grey: Women

BLSN-020

The BLSN-020 barefoot boot combines recycled, mulesing-free wool with a PrimaLoft® insulation layer for warm, well-ventilated feet. Featuring water-repellent nubuck leather and a slip-resistant sole made in Germany, it’s the perfect companion for cold, wet days.

View in the online shop:
→ For Women or Men

BLSN-400

The elegant BLSN-400 features hydrophobic suede leather and recycled wool with PrimaLoft® insulation. This weatherproof barefoot boot impresses with its breathable, warm interior and a flexible barefoot sole made in Germany.

View in the online shop:
→ For Women in Black or Brown

BLSN-030

Featuring Iberian, mulesing-free sheep wool lining and hydrophobic suede leather, the BLSN-030 withstands harsh weather. Its flexible TPU sole and soft interior make it the ideal companion for fall and winter.

View in the online shop:
→ For Women in Black or Brown