Dressing appropriately for various occasions and finding exclusive, high-quality accessories that not only match well but also provide excellent comfort has become essential. This holds especially true for shoes, as they are not only aesthetically important but also crucial for keeping feet healthy. Therefore, wearing sports shoes that are uncomfortable or cause sweaty feet is undesirable. Thanks to innovations in the textile sector, modern shoes are comfortable, breathable, flexible, and aesthetically pleasing. One of the recent additions to the qualities of sports shoes is the introduction of woolen running sneakers.

These new woolen sports shoes offer assurance of comfort and foot health during activities like running, jogging, or hiking. The list of improvements that woolen running sneakers bring is extensive. The New Zealand-based company that pioneered the concept of making sneakers with wool is the first to do so. Wool has proven to be an excellent choice for crafting running shoes, as it possesses many beneficial qualities. These shoes are made using mid-micron New Zealand sheep wool, which effectively wicks away sweat, controls odor, regulates temperature, and is stain-resistant. Wool is also a sustainable and eco-friendly material. Furthermore, wearers of woolen running sneakers do not need to wear socks with them. In addition to being lightweight, these shoes can be easily washed in a washing machine, similar to regular woolen products.

It's important to note that wool is not typically known for its durability in high-impact activities like running. However, these newly designed woolen running shoes feature a double-layered wool knit. This knit combines wool fibers, melt-bond fibers, and multifilament yarn to create a knitted fabric that is soft and comfortable on the inside, while also being resistant to dirt on the outer surface. The upper layer is highly durable and seamless, providing a comfortable sock-like feeling. Despite their impressive qualities, these sneakers are reasonably priced, with a single pair costing only $98. They are designed to have a casual appearance, making them suitable not only for running but also for everyday casual wear.

It is worth mentioning that this new product is expected to benefit sheep farmers in New Zealand. With the initial demand for woolen runners creating a buzz in the shoe industry, New Zealand farmers are likely to see an increase in demand for the raw material needed by manufacturers. The global footwear industry faces sustainability challenges, and even though approximately 230 billion pairs of shoes are sold annually, many running shoes are still uncomfortable. Woolen running sneakers offer a solution to unresolved comfort issues. The initial campaign for woolen sneakers has been highly successful, and these custom-designed shoes with a reflective tongue panel bring a unique and innovative twist to footwear.

Nevertheless, the debate regarding these sneakers doing what they claim with regard to comfort to feet is going on. The final word would come only when these sneakers are sold out all over the world including developing countries. The eco-friendly nature, attractive design and properties of wool have imparted these sneakers a characteristic that is unique, thus, the demand will escalate once the good word goes out regarding these sneakers.


The shoes are currently being produced in Portugal, as the cost of production is much reasonable in Portugal in comparison to New Zealand. Portugal is also a lot closer to the major potential markets of European Union. Unlike research and development, which has been undertaken in New Zealand, the manufacturing of these sneakers is a mechanical process, and thanks to global economy that this process can be completed at lower cost in Portugal.


Meanwhile, the research and development team of the woollen running sneakers is also working on a concept that would allow customers to scan their feet using their mobile phones. This scan will be used as a 3D model that would help the manufacturers provide the customers better fitting shoes. Eco-friendly, odour proof, washable, comfortable, sockless, dirt and water resistant, all these properties are available in a single product, thus making it extra special. And considering these properties it is nothing less than a surprise that wool was never considered as an option make sockless, stain proof and smell proof sports shoes!


The textile world is constantly evolving and this progress has been a boon for not only garment industry, but also footwear industry. The woollen running sneakers have paved way for fresh ideas that can improve the customer satisfaction to multiple degrees.




References:


1. Runoregonblog.com

2. Stuff.co.nz

3. Ecouterre.com

4. Fashionunited.co.uk