Fresh feet: Merino shoes against odour

Why shoes smell and Merino is the solution

Know the feeling? A glorious summer’s day, you’re out for hours, you come home happy in the evening and the moment you take off your shoes a strong smell hits you. There’s no need to be embarrassed, because the culprit is rarely poor hygiene but often the shoe material. Non-breathable fabrics trap heat and moisture, giving bacteria the perfect conditions to thrive. Our idea, on the other hand, is simply ingenious: choose natural, breathable materials that tame moisture. This is exactly where Merino shoes play to their strengths. They keep your feet dry, feel soft, and ensure that even after many steps you still feel fresh and carefree - with no compromise on comfort.

Sweat itself smells surprisingly neutral - as you’ll notice in the sauna. Only when bacteria break down sweat and fatty acids are formic and butyric acids produced: the typical odour. Closed, poorly ventilated shoes provide the perfect climate for this. Choosing the right material is therefore crucial. Merino wool stands out thanks to an exceptional fibre structure: it can absorb up to 30 percent of its own weight in moisture, store it within the fibre and release it outwards without feeling wet. At the same time, it regulates temperature and inhibits bacterial growth - a natural self-cleaning effect included. This keeps your feet pleasantly dry, and unpleasant odours have little chance.

Want to be proactive against musty shoes? Then combine smart habits with clever home remedies. Give your shoes time to air between wears, change your socks daily - or enjoy the barefoot feel in Merino shoes. If needed, you can wash them on the wool cycle at 30 °C, without fabric softener, then air dry; dry the removable footbed separately or replace it occasionally. For quick freshness, lemon or orange peels left overnight add fragrance, baking powder or cinnamon help to dry and neutralise, tea bags offer antibacterial properties, soothing lavender as well as antiseptic tea tree oil. With these tips, your favourite shoes stay fresher for longer and you start each day relaxed and in a good mood.

Merino Runners

As soon as you slip them on, you’ll feel why the Merino Runners become true favourites. The premium Merino fabric caresses your foot, breathes with every movement and noticeably regulates temperature - so it stays pleasantly dry even when worn barefoot. The GIESSWEIN removable footbed with a Merino layer stabilises your step and boosts comfort on long walks, while the low weight delivers a featherlight feel. Ideal for normal-width feet in width G. Whether everyday wear, travel or a stroll: these wool trainers give you 360° well-being – every step, every day.

Merino Runners WOMEN
Merino Runners MEN

Conclusion: Fresh, comfortable, carefree

Ultimately, fresh-feeling feet aren’t a matter of chance but the result of choosing the right materials plus a few simple routines. Merino wool acts like a built-in climate and freshness system: it absorbs moisture, wicks it outwards, inhibits odours and feels wonderfully soft. Combined with airing, washing on the wool cycle and natural home remedies, shoes stay comfortable for longer. If you also want maximum comfort, you’ll find it in our Merino Runners: super lightweight, breathable and ideal for everyday use - from the first step in the morning to a relaxed evening.

What do our customers say?

The Merino wool trainers Merino Runners WOMEN are featherlight and very comfortable to wear. The colour is as shown in the catalogue, truly beautiful.
Bettina ★★★★★

The shoe fits perfectly and is nicely light. The well-cushioned, soft sole helps me achieve a soft step. I chose the shoe because of my back problems and will be expanding my collection.
Norbert ★★★★★