Why Merino Wool Impresses - and Our Sneakers Even More
Merino wool combines nature, performance and comfort - sustainably sourced and crafted into feather‑light comfort in our sneakers.
Merino wool forms the basis of most products at GIESSWEIN. Environmental responsibility is a top priority for us. Our core element is also sourced from nature—more precisely, from so‑called Merino sheep. This breed is among the oldest and most resilient. After all, they were kept by nomads on the high plateaus of the Atlas Mountains, covering several hundred kilometres in a year and withstanding both the cold and heat of mountainous regions. Temperature fluctuations of up to 50 degrees are no problem for these animals, as their fleece has adapted to these conditions over centuries. These characteristics provide the perfect prerequisites for manufacturing functional clothing. In the following, we take a closer look at the suppliers of our valuable raw material.
WHERE DO MERINO SHEEP LIVE?
Merino sheep originally come from North Africa and reached Spain in the Middle Ages through trade with the Berbers. Because of their particularly fine and high‑quality wool, interest in breeding Merino sheep quickly grew there.
Over the course of the 19th century, breeding also spread to other countries. Today, Merino sheep are kept mainly in Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay. The vast grazing lands in these countries provide ideal conditions for sheep farming.
Our Merino wool also comes from these three countries. At GIESSWEIN, we use exclusively mulesing‑free Merino wool from Australia, New Zealand and Uruguay. In this way, we combine the special properties of the natural fibre with our commitment to quality and animal welfare.
WHAT DOES A MERINO SHEEP LOOK LIKE?
At first glance, a Merino sheep does not look all that different from other sheep. Typically, however, it has a rather long, wedge‑shaped head with somewhat more hair than a common domestic sheep. This tuft of wool on the forehead is also called a “Schaupe”. The ears hang a little lower than in other sheep and are relatively a bit broader. Because the sheep have been bred so that the skin forms as many folds as possible—thereby creating more wool surface—Merino sheep also appear markedly sturdier than other breeds. The structure of the wool, however, is much finer. As a rule, Merino sheep are also slightly longer than an ordinary domestic sheep. Even if it may not look that way at first glance, the wool is very white and is therefore described as pure white.
WHAT ARE MERINO SHEEP BRED FOR?
Merino sheep are bred primarily for their wool. Their meat is also consumed, but only to a limited extent, as the wool often makes the animals too valuable to slaughter for meat. The fine structure and long durability made the wool increasingly popular at the beginning of the 20th century. The military in particular discovered its advantages for outdoor use. After the First World War, Merino wool found its way into the world of fashion. Since then, it has been used by many designers and, thanks to its many advantages, has remained a consistently popular material. This breathable wool regulates temperature—it keeps you warm in winter and pleasantly cool in summer. In addition, thanks to its scaly surface, it absorbs unpleasant odours even before bacteria can break down our sweat and cause it to smell. The water‑repellent fibres of the wool also prevent the formation of a damp climate that promotes bacterial growth. With this antibacterial effect, Merino wool ensures wearing comfort from shoes to jackets. The advantages and positive properties of this functional natural fibre are therefore clear.
What do our customers say?
The Merino wool sneakers Merino Runners Women have a really good feel when worn.
Anonymous — ★★★★★
The Merino wool sneakers Merino Runners WOMEN are feather‑light and very comfortable to wear. The colour is as shown in the catalogue, truly beautiful.
Bettina — ★★★★★
