Woolmark has produced a range of wool shoes in collaboration with knitting machine manufacturers such as Shima Seiki, Stoll and Santoni. These shoes are comfortable and breathable and also resistant to odor and wick away moisture. Several shoe prototypes have been created using advanced wool yarns to enhance the inherent benefits of the fiber. For example, by combining yarns together and 3D knitting, the entire upper can be free of cutting and sewing.

Comfortable for wearing next to skin by using a 100 per cent merino wool yarn as an inner surface layer, the latest spinning technology helps knit the fabric on to the outer face of the shoes’ upper, enhancing abrasion resistance. Post-workout muscle recovery can also be improved by using a combination of far infrared material with wool.

Woolmark has used the natural properties of wool – such as odor resistance, breathability, comfort and shape retention – for the ultimate in footwear. By working closely with its suppliers, it has been able to develop technically advanced yarns to be incorporated into the upper, inner and liner for a range of machine washable footwear.

The rise of wool sneakers is part of a larger trend, with merino wool continuing to cement its place in the growing sports and active wear industry.