Wool vs Synthetic: Why Wools Are Better for You & the Planet

Wool vs Synthetic:

The shoes that you wear day to day to make your feet comfortable tell a story. They carry the story of the material that is used, the artisans who produce it, and the natural impact. The choice between natural materials, wool vs synthetic footwear, is not just about comfort, durability, or appearance. It impacts the planet's sustainability and health.

The foundation of our brand is simple: shoes should feel good for the earth as they are for our feet. We believe that your footwear should reflect your values of comfort, quality, and environmental care.

Therefore, we promote wool felt over synthetic material. Eco-friendly wool shoes are the perfect choice for anyone who loves better quality and honors nature. It brings you comfort, better performance, and ecological advantages.

Let's take a closer look at why wool shoes should be your next pair over synthetic:

1. Comfort: Wool's Natural Advantage

Wool has a natural softness, making wool shoes soft and comfortable to wear, shaping themselves around your feet over time. It removes moisture and remains breathable in summer while insulating and keeping the feet warm in the winter. Wool's moisture-wicking properties keep feet dry and fresh.

Unlike other synthetic shoes that are stiff, rigid, and hold heat, wool felted shoes are lightweight, breathable, and hypoallergenic. Synthetic shoe gives every foot the same feel, but wool felt shoes deliver personalized comfort to everyone.

2. Breathable and Moisture Control

No one likes shoes that make their feet feel hot and sweaty. Wool is naturally a breathable footwear material, through which air circulates freely.Breathable shoes absorb up to 30% of their weight in moisture. This means they will absorb sweat, keeping your feet dry, odor-resistant, and lessening the growth of bacteria.

Synthetic fiber often resists water but does not release sweat, leading to discomfort and odor. Over time, it gets uncomfortable to wear. For people with sensitive skin, hypoallergenic shoes made from wool are gentler than shoes made with chemically processed synthetic materials.

3. Durability and Long-Term Wear

Are wool shoes durable? Absolutely. High-quality wool felt shoes are surprisingly strong as they resist water, maintain their shape, and can last for ages with proper care. Natural fiber benefits shoes stay resilient even after heavy use, holding their original shape.

Synthetic fiber may be durable, but it loses its shape and degrades faster. It breaks down into microplastics, especially under sunlight, with rubbing, and extreme heat, polluting the environment. Our felt shoes aren't just for comfort but to accommodate you season after season.

4. Environmental Impact: Wool vs Synthetic Shoes

Sustainable shoe material, wool, is a renewable resource since sheep develop fleece every year. Sustainable materials, wool is degradable, meaning that it returns safely to the earth at the end of its life. In contrast, synthetic fiber derived from petroleum-based plastics takes centuries to release harmful microplastics into the environment. It contributes to the environmental impact of the synthetic fibers through microplastic pollution.

That's why our felt shoes use AZO-free coloring for safe and chemical-free coloring and are Goodweave certified to maintain fair and ethical practices. We try to make every step in the production process as gentle to the earth as possible. We align with the circular economy fashion principle by creating eco-friendly footwear.

5. Wool vs Synthetic: Quick Comparison

6. Which should you choose? 

If you value comfort, breathable, longevity, and sustainability, wool felt shoes are the obvious choice. It is gentler for your feet, the planet, and the artisans who create them. Synthetic shoes may have a large production and be less priced initially, but they tend to neglect the lack of lasting comfort and environmental benefits.

7. Making the Switch to Sustainable Shoes

How to choose sustainable footwear:

• Look for renewable materials in shoes (like wool or organic cotton)

• Check for the ethical manufacturing process and ethics (like GoodWeave certification)

• Choose durable designs that last longer (reducing waste)

• Support brands that align with circular economy fashion.

Be it the best eco-friendly walking shoes, running shoes, or affordable sustainable shoes, the key is choosing materials that are good for both your feet and the environment.

When you choose Kuuma, you’re not just buying shoes, you’re choosing classic comfort, a commitment to sustainability, and ethical production. Make the switch to sustainability today.