Merino barefoot shoes
Our merino barefoot shoes offer you the best foot climate! This comfortable foot climate is down to the combination of genuine merino wool and cork. We use merino wool not only as a lining material for our barefoot shoes, but also in the upper. The merino wool used in our barefoot shoes comes from the indigenous Portuguese merino sheep and is processed there by Nordwolle.
Merino barefoot shoes – find out more now
Why are Doghammer’s merino barefoot shoes so unique?
The idea behind merino barefoot shoes is to recreate the sensation of walking without shoes whilst still providing your feet with minimal protection. However, merino barefoot shoes stand out not only for their natural walking sensation but also for the comfortable microclimate they create for your feet. This is thanks to the use of natural materials: cork and wool. Merino wool is antibacterial, temperature-regulating and helps maintain the right moisture balance inside the barefoot shoe. The Merino barefoot shoe can therefore be worn in any season; whether in summer or winter, the Merino wool always ensures the perfect foot climate. Combined with the insole made from recycled cork, we can promise the best and most comfortable barefoot shoe foot climate!
Where are the Merino barefoot shoes made?
Our zero-drop merino barefoot shoes are manufactured in a small, family-run shoe workshop in Portugal. We have been working closely with the workshop – now run by the second generation of the family – since 2019, collaborating on our sustainable footwear projects. The merino barefoot shoes are an excellent addition to our urban lifestyle range, and we have also been able to draw on the Portuguese shoemakers’ many years of experience. As well as the merino barefoot shoes, our merino trainers for men and women are also manufactured there.
Why merino wool of all things for barefoot shoes?
The answer to this question becomes clear when you look at the properties of merino wool. Compared to, for example, the wool of a German native sheep, the wool from merino sheep is significantly softer and finer. This is because merino sheep are mainly found in southern countries such as Spain or Portugal. The climatic conditions there are, of course, quite different to those here in Germany – the winters are not as cold and wet, whilst the summers are significantly warmer. Consequently, each breed of sheep has adapted to its local environment. The fibres of Merino wool are significantly thinner in diameter and generally do not grow as long; all of this results in a very soft wool that is perfectly suited to Merino barefoot shoes and also our hiking boots with Merino wool lining.
How do I look after my Merino barefoot shoes?
Our recommendation for cleaning the Merino barefoot shoes is to use a very soft brush, lukewarm water and a sponge. You should be aware that the merino wool used in our barefoot shoes is untreated and undyed; in other words, the natural wool grease (lanoil) has not been washed out and protects the wool fibres. The lanolin makes the merino wool highly resistant to dirt and also water-repellent. If you were to start cleaning your merino barefoot shoes with soap, for example, you would wash the lanolin out and the natural protection would be lost. For this reason, we recommend using only lukewarm water.