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05.07.2021

Antibacterial Material: What is There to Know?

Antibacterial material can be in the form of many everyday fabrics. From wool to linen, this type of material is featured in a variety of products, such as shoes and slippers. The primary purpose of this material is to prevent bacteria from attaching to the surface of the fabric and multiplying. In our case, shoes can be a breeding ground for bacteria to thrive in. This is because our feet can create a moist environment. The last thing we want is to be slipping our feet into a shoe lined with bacteria! Thankfully, Giesswein shoes and slippers are made using various wool types, which feature antibacterial material naturally. You can be confident strolling in your sneakers, knowing your foot hygiene is not compromised.

Table of Contents

What is Antibacterial Material?

What Materials are Antibacterial?

Merino Wool

Virgin Wool

5 Benefits of Having Antibacterial Material In Shoes

Fresh Feet with Giesswein

What is Antibacterial Material?

Antibacterial material is fabric which repels or defends against microorganisms. What this means is that bacteria and other germs cannot build up and multiply. This could imply that having footwear with antibacterial material could be beneficial to achieving good foot health. Typically, shoes and other footwear are a hot zone for bacteria to live in. We’ve all experienced sticky, sweaty feet, it's not a nice feeling. To combat this, you would need to wash your footwear frequently to kill the gems or invest in a pair which feature antibacterial material. At Giesswein we have done the hard work for you and can provide a range of footwear that includes antibacterial material. From our men’s trainers to women’s trainers, we have an option to suit any occasion.

what is antibacterial material

What Materials are Antibacterial?

Having an antibacterial material within your shoes can have many benefits to your feet. So which materials are antibacterial? Wool is a great fabric to look at. Many  types of wool have natural antibacterial and  moisture wicking properties. This is because on the wool’s fibres, there is a thin waxy coat which contains fatty acids. This acid prevents bacteria building up. As well as this, the acid can aid to repel water, which would otherwise help mould to grow.

Merino Wool

Merino wool has many great attributes, including being an antibacterial material. What allows it to be antibacterial is the structure of the fibres. Traditionally, synthetic fibres are very flat which could allow germs to easily multiply. Merino wool on the other hand, has a scaly surface. This uneven structure makes it hard for the bacteria to embed itself. Another benefit to merino wool is that it has a self-cleaning effect. As the fibres are made from two different types of cells, they are constantly massaging against each other. This action of friction is a very effective way of the fibres cleaning itself.

does merino wool have antibacterial properties

Virgin Wool

Similar to merino wool, virgin wool fibres are a great natural antibacterial material. It is again because of the structure of the wool that bacteria and other microorganisms find difficult to multiply on. What makes virgin wool different to other wool types, is it is traditionally taken from a lamb’s first shearing. This means the wool could be super soft and cozy. It is for this reason we use it for our men’s slippers and women’s slippers. The soft material is one way you can prevent smelly slippers

5 Benefits of Having Antibacterial Material in Shoes

Antibacterial material has a vast array of benefits for many industries including footwear.  

  • Reduces bacteria multiplying. 
  • Reduces odours as the fibres are hard to cling onto.
  • The fabric is more durable which can help to prolong the use of the shoe. This can be seen as the antibacterial material withstanding more wear and tear than regular synthetic fibres.
  • Fabric requires fewer washes as germs can't cling to the fibres. You may still want to occasionally wash your footwear to keep them fresh. Shoes with merino wool are easy to wash at home. Simply put them in your washing machine and leave to air dry.
  • Footwear stays fresher for longer because an antibacterial material like merino wool has self-cleaning actions. This helps to fight off unwanted odours that may arise in your shoes.  

Fresh Feet with Giesswein

As we use various types of wool within our footwear, we can provide your feet shoes with antibacterial material. By having this feature not only keep sweaty odours at bay, but there are so many other benefits our shoes can offer you. Whether you are looking for an everyday sneaker to run errands in, or something more athletic to perform your best. At Giesswein we are sure to have a style suitable for everyone.

can I wear antibacterial trainers everyday

Merino Runners: Merino runners are our ultra-lightweight trainer. Weighing just 200 grams, this featherlight shoe can make you feel like you're walking on air! As well as featuring antibacterial material, these trainers are both temperature regulating and moisture wicking. Having a combination of these three properties could see your feet cool and dry throughout the seasons.

Wool Cross X: For those who enjoy adventures outside or a range of sports, our Wool Cross X may be your perfect fit. As the world's first merino sports shoe, this footwear includes micro-grip soles, 3D Knit-Technology, and antibacterial material. This means you will never have to sacrifice comfort or support when staying active!

do wool trainers feature antibacterial material

Wool Sneaker: Our Wool Sneaker is the world’s lightest merino shoe! They weigh just 160 grams, which is equivalent to 120 paper clips! This was possible as they feature EVA soles. Being lighter and more flexible than traditional rubber soles, they are a great base for your feet. An excellent benefit to these soles is that they are shock absorbing too! Perfect for those light afternoon walks in the sun.     

Satisfy Your Feet with Comfortable Giesswein Footwear

Giesswein is currently run by third generation Giessweins. We are a family company that specialises in merino wool products, featuring antibacterial material. Including men’s beanies, women’s beanies and slippers for the whole family. We are sure to have something to satisfy everybody's needs. What’s more, we try to be as green as possible. This is why you will find no wasted materials and 90% of our production water is recycled.