Merino socks are the absolute best for outdoor socks or active wear, but they do come with a few small drawbacks. However, by following some simple care instructions for Merino socks, you'll get all the benefits without any negatives, and your socks will last a heck of a lot longer.

Heads up: this info is specifically tailored for Merino toe socks but can also be 100% applied to ALL Merino socks.

Why are they different? 

Merino socks are typically the sock of choice for the outdoors. For running, hiking, rucking or even bird watching... they're are made to get dirty, wet and well used, so it's important we clean them well and care for them to make them last.

The care instructions for merino socks are simple. They're not complicated. So don't be scared to invest in some good socks for the outdoors!

Creepers socks, as with most merino socks, have the best of both worlds, with about half the content being ultra-fine Merino and the other half made up of fibers to help wick moisture, add elasticity, strength and more.

Merino wool has different properties to petroleum-based fibers such as CoolMax and nylon. It is fantastic at drawing moisture away from your feet by absorbing up to 30% of its weight. Unlike most other fabrics, this also means they lock away the smell molecules, which is how our merino socks help your socks and feet smell less!

Eventually though, they need to be cleaned and all the dirt, grime and locked away smell, washed out.

Care Instructions for Merino Socks

Cleaning & Drying Merino Socks

Wash

Dry:

3. Hang or lay flat to dry.

*Don't hang them too close to a fire (they may shrink)
**Do not tumble dry or dry clean, but if you do want to tumble dry, do it on low heat, it's not the end of the world

Other:
Do not bleach or iron

Foot care for toe sock longevity

Do keep your nails trimmed. Because merino socks, and particularly merino toe socks hug the curvature of your toes, any sharp or elongated bits of nail sticking out, will make holes in your socks quick.

When possible, keep your nails regularly trimmed and filed.

What the fluff?! Why are Merino Socks Fluffy After the First Wear?

This is very normal for all socks and particularly those with natural wool fibers blended in. 

You'll notice in your first 1-2 wears, that fluff comes off the socks! For the uninitiated, this can cause some real concerns about quality and durability but never fear. For high quality merino yarn, the extraneous loose fibres in the twist shed in the first wear and this is completely normal for socks with merino wool and after the first few wears it stops. It has no impact of quality or longevity.

How should you manage pilling on Merino Socks?

Are your merino socks pilling? This happens to all wool clothing and socks in particular, where there is the most friction out of any article of clothing due to the close, constant contact with your shoes. This happens gradually, particularly in the areas of high friction in socks. Pilling is when small little balls form on the surface and can make clothes look worn and shabby.

What can you do to remove pilling on merino socks?

You can use a fabric shaver or sweater comb to remove them. We find this easiest to do when wearing the socks.

Follow these care and washing instructions for Merino toe socks for a longer-lasting, more comfortable pair of socks!

See you out there.