There are so many benefits to wearing wool slippers. As the temperatures drop and you start looking for a new pair of slippers around the house, I’m sure you are considering if the extra money for woolen shoes is truly worth it. Wool is one of the greatest natural materials for keeping your toes warm. It is also naturally, antimicrobial, deters odor, and it is a renewable material!
Wool comes from the fleece of sheep. When processing our own wool for our farm’s wool slippers the fleeces will be cut in the spring. This is just a big haircut for the sheep, and unlike those sheepskin boots, they don’t cause any harm to the sheep. In fact, it’s a relief to these sheep to get their heavy coats off so they can enjoy the spring breezes.
Each of these slippers is handmade by our people flock, this is one of the best ways to stay busy through the winter months and spread some of the farm love we otherwise couldn’t share. Katie, one of our farm hand extraordinaires showed off some of the wool slippers and wool mittens on camera to describe just what makes these so special
On the farm, we value keeping the wool slippers simple, so that you can easily enjoy the many benefits of the natural wool. That is the first benefit of our wool slippers
Benefit of Wool Slippers – Minimalist
One of the greatest minimalist fabrics out there is wool, it’s breathable and warm when it’s dry. Wool can absorb up to one-third of its own weight in water and gives off heat in the process of drying. Wool absorbs sweat immediately and can release it into the air 7 times faster than synthetic materials.
Not only can wool absorb water, it can also release it as well, giving it an antistatic property. Wool slippers are also naturally mildew resistant. It’s a super material, that when it is handled correctly, won’t need harsh chemicals to process into fabric.
We keep our operation simple, unlike the majority of wool shoe makers. Most wool is processed with harmful chemicals that are used to dissolve any hay or straw in the wool. These chemicals can cause that itch you experience from that wool sweater in your closet.
On the farm, we put jackets on our sheep to protect from matter getting into their wooly coats. This keeps the fleeces clean and easy to handle! We then wash and felt the wool with a gentle natural detergent.
Another chemical that is not needed in wool slippers is fire retardants. Wool is one of only a few all natural self-extinguishing fibers; if exposed to fire, it will stop burning once the source of the flame is removed.
To keep up with the simplicity, we design each wool slipper to be as simple and functional as possible. This minimalist design makes for the ultimate in comfort. Without the crazy chemicals, these slippers are itch-free and cozy!
Just because our slippers are minimalist shoes, doesn’t mean that they sacrifice any comfort.
Benefit of Wool Slippers – Comfortable
Wool is a comfortable fabric for everyone, it is often considered by medical professionals to be hypoallergenic, meaning that few people have adverse reactions to the fiber. Most allergic reactions to wool slippers are caused by the products used to treat the wool during manufacturing, and not the wool itself.
So, these slippers are itch free and hypoallergenic, we also process them to be as soft as possible so that they can delight your toes! Wool absorbs sweat immediately and can submit it into the air seven times faster than synthetic materials. These slippers contain plenty of lanolin which is kind to sensitive or inflamed skin and can help to heal or desensitize inflammation, sensitivity, and rashes on the skin
The reason wool is so comfortable, is that each wool hair contains a three-dimensional spiraling crimp that acts like a tiny spring. This inherent springiness is a delight to walk around the house in!
Benefit of Wool Slippers – Natural
Wool is a natural and renewable fiber with plenty of its own inherent benefits. It is completely biodegradable and incredibly breathable fiber that also provides warmth. Wool stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It is also a great buffer against the cold! In cold temperatures, wool removes (wicks) moisture from the skin whilst at the same time its insulating qualities trap dry air and warmth. In warm temperatures, wool’s breathable qualities draw in air which removes excess heat and moisture from the body, helping the wearer stay cool.
To add to that, wool is naturally water-resistant, repelling moisture vapor through its fibers and making it resistant to rot, mold, and mildew.
Another natural benefit of wool is that it won’t allow the build-up of body odors.
In no way do we want to get in the way of wool’s many naturally occurring phenomenon, for the felting process, all that we use is laundry detergent and dyes to create little art pieces for your feet.
So, what are you waiting for! Are you ready to get your feet into a pair of wool slippers? Check out this year’s colors or design your own pair by shopping for your pair in our Holiday Catalog. We look forward to handmaking a pair for you!
Just go to – thelivingfarm.org/holiday-slipper-sale/ to learn more about the wool slippers.
Thank you for shopping from the farm, every purchase helps us to continue maintaining our organic sheep and people flock through the slow winter months.
Have a toasty warm winter,
The Living Farm
