10 BEST Wool Shoes for the Coziest Footwear [2024 Guide]

Reviewed by Mimi McFadden
Last updated:

*This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

TL;DR: The best wool shoes are the Allbirds Wool Runners. After three years of testing the Wool Runners, we love their exceptional comfort, versatility for everyday wear, and environmentally-friendly materials–all at a reasonable price.

Wool has become a popular material for sneakers and running shoes in recent years because it comes with so many natural advantages. 

Some of the most comfortable wool shoes use a particular type of fiber called merino wool, which comes from merino sheep. 

This breed of sheep is originally from Spain, but today most merino wool comes from Australia and New Zealand. And this sheep’s fleece has a few things that set it apart.

best wool shoes

Not only is merino wool softer and finer than its regular counterpart, but its antimicrobial properties make it odor-resistant. It’s also moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating. 

There’s no need to explain why these are all excellent traits for a shoe! Because of these properties, you can wear most wool sneakers without socks.

On top of that, wool is a renewable resource with a low environmental impact. You can shear a sheep without hurting the animal, and its fleece grows back again and again. 

So apart from preventing smelly feet, wool-lined shoes are also healthy for the planet.

If you’re ready to invest in a cozy pair of wool shoes, read on to see my picks for the best wool sneakers, slippers, runners, and boots.

A woman in black pants and an orange top wearing the Woolloomooloo Belmont shoes in black on a leafy sidewalk on a sunny day.

Short on Time? Here’s a Quick Look at Our Recommendations

#1 Allbirds Wool Runners

Most Versatile Wool Shoes

Allbirds Wool Runners in grey Merino wool with white eyelets and a white Sweetfoam outsole

Allbirds is one of the best merino wool sneaker brands, and the Allbirds Wool Runners are the most classic Allbirds wool shoes. 

This shoe has a chic, no-frills design. The soft upper is 100% merino wool. And everything from the sugarcane-derived midsole to the recycled plastic lace holes is either renewable or recycled material. 

These shoes are supportive enough for activities like walking long distances but have a versatile and casual wear design that works for an everyday sneaker. 

They also complement a variety of outfits and styles.  

And speaking of style variety: Allbirds Wool Runner shoes come in many different colors. 

They’re unisex, so the only difference between the men’s and women’s styles is the size range and the color options. 

The men’s sizes range down to 8, so if you’re a woman with an average-sized to large shoe size, you can pick between men’s or women’s sizes and colors. 

There are plenty of neutral tones in the women’s section and limited edition colors such as Calm Teal, and Hazy Indigo.

The men’s wool runners have even more limited edition colors, notably Calm Teal, Hazy Beige, and Hazy Indigo.

Note: If you’re looking for sportier everyday shoes that provide a lot of the same benefits but are slightly more breathable and not quite as warm, I highly recommend checking out the Allbirds Tree Runners as well. 

Read our full review of the Allbirds Tree Runners, Allbirds Wool Loungers, and our guide to the Tree Runners vs. Wool Runners

Holding up a grey and white Allbirds Wool Runner to see the side profile.
Grey Allbirds Wool Runners sitting on a colorful carpet, framed my the photographer's legs.
Admiring the Allbirds Wool Runners before putting them on for a walk.

PROS

  • 100% merino wool
  • Lots of colors
  • Versatile design
  • Machine-washable

CONS

  • No half sizes
  • Not waterproof

#2 Woolloomooloo Belmont Shoes

Bests Lightweight Wool Shoes

The Woolloomooloo Belmont shoes in black merino wool

I recently discovered Woolloomooloo shoes, specifically their Belmont shoes, and they’re another great wool shoe option for a variety of reasons.

First off, they’re super lightweight. I was surprised at just how lightweight they felt when I first slipped them on because they look bulkier than Allbirds Wool Runners.

Their lightweight nature makes them great for travel and for simply walking around town and feeling light on your feet.

Their knitted Australian Merino wool upper also provides a bit more rigid support compared to Allbirds.

This is nice since the main complaint with the Wool Runners is that they lose their shape after wearing them for some time.

I like that the Belmont shoes have a little more ankle and arch support as well.

Finally, they have a cool elastic lace system that allows you to just slip them on without having to re-tie the laces, they can also be worn without socks, and they’re machine-washable.

The only downside to the Belmonts is that they come at a steeper price than most of the shoes on this list.

However, if you care about having more support and structure for your wool shoes, these are a good option.

Woman wearing the Woolloomooloo Belmont shoes on a leafy street in the sunshine.
Close up of the black Woolloomooloo Belmont shoes on a sidewalk.
Wearing my Woolloomooloo Belmont shoes around Berkeley on my daily walks.

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Good structure and decent support
  • Machine-washable
  • Elastic lace system

CONS

  • No half sizes
  • Expensive

CHECK PRICE ON

#3 Baabuk Urban Woolers

Best Wool Sneakers

Urban Wooler Orange Baabuk in grey Merino wool with orange elastic laces, orange stitching, and a white outsole.

Baabuk is one of the leading makers of Merino wool sneakers. 

Inspired by Russian valenki boots, Baabuk uses traditional felting techniques to create a woven material called “burel,” which they then apply to contemporary designs. 

Originally founded in Switzerland, Baabuk is also a certified B-Corp, which means they keep to a list of high standards for sustainability and eco-friendliness.

The Baabuk Urban Woolers are everyday wool tennis shoes that reap all the benefits of their Merino wool upper. 

Made in Portugal and sourced from sheep who graze the Serra da Estrela mountain range, these shoes get their water-repellent properties from the natural waxy coating on the wool itself. 

They’ll stay dry in light rain, although your feet might get wet in heavy weather conditions. And, if these shoes get dirty, you can stick them in a washing machine without worrying about damaging them.

This unisex wool sneaker features a vans-like design that complements various clothing styles and aesthetics. 

And speaking of variety, they offer a whopping nine different color options, some of which are two-tone or have a colored thermoplastic sole. 

PROS

  • High-quality merino wool
  • Sustainable practices
  • Attractive design and color options

CONS

  • Pricey
  • Not suitable for running

#4 Allbirds Trail Runners SWT

Best Wool Trail Runners

Allbirds Trail Runners SWT in multiple shade of orange, with an outsole that is orange at the top and then white near the bottom

Allbirds is another company leading the industry in sustainability through sneakers made from wool. Among their many sneaker designs is the Allbirds Trail Runner SWT.

The Trail Runners showcase everything Allbirds offers in terms of alternatives to synthetic materials. 

The “SWT” stands for “sugar, wool, tree.” In addition to wool fiber, the upper also uses Allbirds’ eucalyptus tree fiber. And the midsole features their patented Sweetfoam, a sustainable foam manufactured from sugarcane.

These are supportive casual running shoes that perform well on rough terrain (the grippy treads on the soles provide excellent traction). 

Additionally, the external heel provides stabilizing support, so you can run on rocky, uneven trails without worrying about slipping or twisting an ankle. 

They come in either black or off-white, with a limited-edition orange and red option.

PROS

  • Supportive, stabilizing design
  • Eco-friendly materials
  • You can wear them without socks

CONS

  • Limited color options
  • Not 100% wool

#5 Giesswein Merino Wool Knit

Best Wool Athletic Shoes

Giesswein Merino Wool Knit in black Merino wool with white outsoles

Giesswein is yet another one of the shoe brands like Allbirds that set an example for sustainable footwear with some of the industry’s best wool sneakers.

On Giesswein’s website, there’s a lot of variety in style, color, and material. Scrolling around will give you a good sense of all the possibilities in the sustainable shoe industry. 

Giesswein makes quite a few different wool sneaker designs and other shoes made from innovative materials like cactus leather.

The Giesswein Merino Wool Knit boasts all the standard advantages of merino wool sneakers: temperature regulation, odor-fighting, and moisture-wicking properties that render socks irrelevant. 

Also, the wool upper features a linen stitch for a 3D-knitted look. 

This merino wool sneaker is also super lightweight, thanks to its EVA sole. Giesswein offers fourteen different color options ranging from bright and flashy lime to neutral black.

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • 100% merino wool
  • Lots of colors to choose from

CONS

  • Expensive
  • No half sizes

#6 Gleurups Unisex A-10 Slipper

Best Wool Slippers

Gleurups Unisex A-10 Slipper in grey with a beige outsole

Wool is the perfect material for slippers. Who wouldn’t want slippers made from a material that keeps your feet cozy and warm–but not too warm!–while eliminating the need for socks? 

Gleurups understands that. Their A-10 Slipper has a soft leather sole, so they’re great for lounging around the house, but they’re also suitable for quick jaunts outside.

The felted upper uses a blend of wool from Denmark and New Zealand. And there are ten color choices: half are neutral blacks and greys, while the other half are vibrant. 

I always gravitate towards bright colors, so I love the orange and purple hues. But there’s something here to fit every taste. 

PROS

  • All-natural materials
  • Temperature regulating
  • Beautiful colors

CONS

  • Not machine washable
  • Not a ton of arch support

#7 Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzles

Best Wool Running Shoes

Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzles in heathered grey Merino wool with a white outsole and dark teel laces, eyelets, tongue, and collar,

The Allbirds Wool Dasher Mizzles pick up where the standard wool runners leave off. The runners aren’t waterproof beyond the wool’s natural moisture-wicking abilities. 

On the other hand, the Dasher Mizzles have a fluorine-free water-repellent coating that keeps your feet dry even when the outside of the shoes gets wet. 

These are also advanced running shoes with a stabilizing design, a ton of support, and a textured, slip-free sole.

The Wool Runner Mizzles are perfect if you’re a dedicated runner or if you’re simply looking for a good workout shoe. 

If you’re someone who never misses your morning run – even in a rainstorm – then these shoes will have you covered.

Style-wise, the Mizzle is similar to the wool runner but has a much sportier aesthetic. 

However, the colors are decidedly more limited. Men’s Mizzles come in only blue, while the women’s have four options: Forage Green, Calm Taupe, Buoyant Mint blue, red/pink, and blue/grey.

Note: If you’re just looking for a good pair of workout or running shoes that don’t need to be water-resistant, I’d also recommend checking out the original Allbirds Dashers. Our founder, Mimi, wears them every week for her workouts and can’t rave about them enough. 

A woman dressed in merlot leggings and a tan corduroy jacket walking a paved nature path along the river in California, wearing Allbirds Dashers shoes.
A close up of the Allbirds Dashers shoes as a woman in merlot leggings poses while out for a walk in California.
Striking a pose in my Allbirds Dashers while out for a walk.

PROS

  • Water-resistant
  • 100% merino wool
  • Supportive and comfortable design

CONS

  • Pricier 
  • Limited colors

#8 Kyrgies Molded Sole Low Back

Best Wool Slip-on Shoes

Kyrgies Molded Sole Low Back in heathered black wool and tan suede outsoles

The Kyrgies Molded Sole Low Backs are wool slippers with arch support. 

These wool-felt house shoes use 100% natural materials and have a firm, molded wool insole, which ensures your feet won’t get sore as you putter around the house. 

Kyrgies is also an excellent company that takes care of the planet and the people on it. 

They are a climate-neutral certified company. And, on top of using environmentally safe and natural materials, they pay fair wages to the artisans in Kyrgyzstan who handcraft the shoes and the local farmers who raise the sheep for the wool.

A button on the product page for these slippers allows you to make a $1 donation to either One Tree Planted or the International Rescue Committee to support Afghan Refugees. For every dollar donated, Kyrgies matches that donation. 

These organizations are both doing super important work, so I love that Kyrgies builds that support into their business model.

These low-back wool slippers come in four colors: black, grey, blue, and green. 

However, you should be aware that they cannot go into a washing machine, and Kyrgies doesn’t recommend wearing them outdoors. 

PROS

  • Arch support
  • All-natural materials
  • Carbon-neutral company

CONS

  • You can’t wear them outside
  • Not machine washable

#9 Wilding Chokeberry Boot

Best Wool Boots

Wilding Chokeberry Boot

Wilding is yet another responsible company that uses a variety of eco-friendly materials. 

Based in Europe, they produce shoes for men, women, and even kids – all while utilizing a climate-conscious and ethical fair-trade manufacturing process. 

Something that sets Wildling apart from other manufacturers is that they also specially design each shoe with an “anatomical fit,” so their shoes don’t restrict your foot’s movement. 

Not only does this produce very comfortable shoes, but it encourages your foot muscles to develop healthily. 

You essentially get all the benefits of walking barefoot with the protection and warmth of wearing shoes.

The Wildling Chokeberry Boot is one of the best warm wool shoes because of its felted wool upper. 

With microfiber padding in the heel and recycled cotton laces, it’s a soft and flexible boot that follows the natural movement of your foot. You can even roll these boots up into a ball for easy packing.

The petrol gray upper and chokeberry-blue edging is a neutral color palette that offers some unique flair. If you look closely at the woven wool canvas, you’ll see the natural fibers. 

PROS

  • Eco-friendly materials
  • Comfortable
  • Easy to pack

CONS

  • Pricey
  • Not machine washable

#10 Sperry Saltwater Emboss Wool Boots

Best Waterproof Wool Shoes

Sperry Saltwater Emboss Wool Boots in textured grey with tan leather laces, a tan leather edged collar, with a dark grey side zipper, dark grey rubber lower, and tan tred.

I’m a California girl, but I’ve also braved twelve East Coast winters. From these harrowing experiences, I can tell you: warm and dry feet are the key to survival. 

Wool has you covered in the warmth department, but what about staying dry?

Although felted wool with a water-repellent coating can stand up very well to puddles, you may want a little extra protection for the wettest, most slushy winter days.

Boots are also a better option than sneakers or running shoes because they’ll keep your ankles protected from the cold and the wet.

The Sperry Saltwater Emboss Wool Boots are excellent cold-weather shoes. 

They feature a cozy upper made from 100% wool and a rubber outsole that extends over the top of the foot while having a lot of good traction underfoot.

A puddle of slush will be no match for these boots. The fleece and Thinsulate lining combined with cozy wool keeps your feet warm in subzero temperatures.

They come in off-white, grey, navy, and wine-red and feature a duck-boot design that’s perfect for your bundled-up cold-weather outfits.

Although their focus is not as centered on sustainability, Sperry is a trusted brand that makes some of the most high-quality shoes on the market. 

Looking for more shoes for rainy days? Read our full guide to the best waterproof walking shoes.

PROS

  • Completely waterproof
  • Warm wool outer and fleece lining
  • Affordable

CONS

  • Not 100% eco materials
  • Not machine washable

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Merino Wool Shoes

Not all wool sneakers are created equal. Luckily, we’re here to help. Read on for a guide to what you should pay attention to when looking for wool shoes.

Two pairs of Allbirds shoes, one grey and the other pink, sitting on a hardwood floor next to a colorful circular rug.

What to Look for in Wool Shoes

Type of Wool

Not every wool sneaker on this list uses merino wool. 

While there are undoubtedly other sheep breeds that produce high-quality wool, people generally consider merino the superior variety. 

This is why reading the fine print is essential to determine what type of wool is in a pair of shoes.

If it isn’t merino, that’s not necessarily a dealbreaker! This is especially the case if the company mentions where they source their wool from. 

For example, if it’s not merino wool, but it still comes from an organic fair trade farm in the mountains of Romania, then the quality is probably still going to be high. 

Waterproof

Wool has natural moisture-wicking properties, and merino wool has a wavy coating that further repels water. 

However, these attributes alone won’t save your feet if you stomp in a big puddle, and you shouldn’t assume that a merino wool sneaker will be waterproof. 

Like Allbird’s Wool Mizzles, some wool sneakers are water-repellent due to a coating they apply on the outside of the shoes. 

When you’re shopping for wool shoes, check to see if they’re waterproof or water-repellent before you hit the add-to-cart button.

Knit vs. Felt

There are a couple of different ways to treat raw wool to turn it into a shoe. Some shoes on this list use wool felt, such as Baabuk shoes and Kyrgies shoes

When you make felt, you weave the material into a fabric, which goes through a special hot washing and drying process to turn it into one homogenous surface.

On the other hand, some shoemakers opt for a wool knit. In this case, the fabric doesn’t go through the felting process, and you’ll be able to see the stitches.

Felt and wool knit have different looks. A knit fabric will be more breathable, but a felt material will be more impenetrable.

Other Materials

You can’t make an outdoor shoe with wool alone. When picking out a pair of wool shoes, pay attention to what other materials make up the shoe.

Some shoe brands use sustainable materials from top to bottom, whereas others simply have a conventional rubber sole. If you’re hoping for an eco-friendly shoe, you’ll want to look at the whole picture.

Is it Machine-Washable?

Have you ever thrown a wool sweater into the wash, only to later discover that you’ve made a terrible mistake? 

Some wool sneakers are entirely machine-washable, while others are not. Allbirds Trail Runners, for example, can go right into a washing machine. 

However, Wilding boots will get ruined in a washing machine. Some companies even recommend taking your wool shoes to a dry cleaner.

Wool is naturally self-cleaning, so there shouldn’t be a considerable need to wash your merino wool shoes. 

However, some sticky spills and accidents sometimes require intervention, so you should be aware of this before buying the shoes.

Conclusion: Our Pick for the Best Merino Wool Shoes

Grey Allbirds Wool Runners from the front three-quarter's view on a hardwood floor

Although there are many great options for wool shoes, my top pick for the best wool sneakers is the Allbirds Wool Runners

This casual wool runner gets top marks across the board. It’s a highly comfortable shoe that works great as an everyday wool sneaker, but it also has enough support for long walks and standing on your feet all day.

You can wear these shoes on a morning walk and then out to lunch. 

They also come in many different colors, some of which are pretty unique. So, they’re very versatile and could quickly become your primary pair of shoes.

Additionally, when you choose a pair of Allbirds wool shoes, you know you’re making a good choice for the planet. 

Not only is wool an environmentally-friendly material, but every inch of this shoe – from sole to lace – uses renewable and sustainable materials. 

And Allbirds’ commitment to the environment extends beyond that; they also take on several projects and initiatives to offset their carbon footprint.

Overall, Allbirds Wool Runners earn the top spot for their versatility, quality, and sustainability, as well as their reasonable pricing. 

They retail at just over $100, which is a pretty good value when you consider that these shoes are made from 100% merino wool and innovative, clean ingredients. 

My second pick for the best wool shoe is the Baabuk Urban Wooler

Baabuk is a strong competitor with Allbirds, and they are, in fact, my top pick for the best Allbirds alternative. They have a lot of similar attributes and a few things that set them apart.

Baabuk also gets top marks when it comes to sustainability. They, too, go above and beyond, supplementing already planet-friendly sheep wool with carbon offset initiatives. And Baabuk is even a certified B-Corp. 

Lastly, when it comes to quality, Baabuk is unmatched. Their merino wool comes from sheep that graze the mountaintops of Portugal, while their rubber soles are ultra-durable, flexible, and water-resistant.

Like Allbirds, Baabuk’s Urban Wooler sneaker has a minimalist and sleek design that’s versatile and unisex. 

Both shoes offer a range of color options aside from the standard black and grey, although Baabuk leans toward technicolor while Allbirds leans toward pastel. 

Both Baabuk and Allbirds are also washable merino wool shoes, making upkeep easy and convenient.

Baabuk only misses the top spot because their shoes are a little pricier than Allbirds. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elina Ansary with pink shoulder-length hair, wearing a black jacket and shirt.

Elina Ansary

Elina Ansary is a visual artist, writer, teacher, and avid traveler who grew up in San Francisco, CA. Elina’s offbeat, colorful sense of style has been a mode of self-expression for as long as she can remember. Elina’s love for fashion extends down to her toes. She’s a constant walker, and has also suffered from foot pain most of her life due to a extra bone in her feet. Finding shoes that are both comfortable and stylish is both a passion and a necessity, and her shoe collection is extensive. When she isn’t writing and editing for The Atlas Heart, Elina is pursuing a Master’s degree in Visual Art at Cornell University and splits her time between Ithaca and Brooklyn.


Looking for more shoe recommendations? Check out these related posts below!

Allbirds Tree Breezers Review: What I Thought of Allbirds Flats

Tieks Review

Birdies Shoes Review

Rothy’s Review

Thursday Boots Review

17 Tieks Alternatives

Tieks vs Rothy’s

Birdies vs Rothy’s Shoes

A picture from above of the Allbirds Tree Runners in a neutral pink with wool-lined insoles, sitting on a multi-colored rug with the text overlay, "Best Wool Shoes".
A woman wearing an orange top, black lulu Lemon cross-body bag, black leggings, and black Merino Wool Woolloomooloo sneakers stands on a sidewalk surrounded by plants, with the text overlay, "Best wool shoes".

Pin one of these images for future reference

Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

LEARN MORE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CENTRAL CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WINTER TRAVEL ROAD TRIPS GEAR

Leave a Comment