What are the benefits of alpaca socks?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Alpaca socks offer natural performance you can feel: warmth without bulk, breathability and odor resistance all in one. Alpaca fiber’s hollow core traps heat in cold weather and releases it when it’s hot, making these socks perfect year-round. They’re also moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic and incredibly soft – even for sensitive skin.\n\nAt PAKA, we use the softest, finest "},{"type":"link","url":"https://www.pakaapparel.com/pages/origin","title":null,"target":null,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Traceable Alpaca™"}]},{"type":"text","value":" from Peru and blend it with performance fibers like recycled nylon, tencel and a touch of spandex. This creates a sock that not only insulates and breathes, but also stretches, holds its shape and stands up to serious wear – whether "},{"type":"link","url":"https://www.pakaapparel.com/collections/alpaca-hiking-socks","title":null,"target":null,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"you're hiking"}]},{"type":"text","value":", running or just kicking back."}]}]}

Are alpaca socks warmer than wool?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Yes, alpaca socks are up to three times warmer than sheep’s wool. The reason? Alpaca fibers are hollow-core, meaning they trap pockets of warm air inside each strand. This provides superior insulation without added bulk, which is why alpaca performs so well in cold, high-altitude environments.\n\nSheep’s wool is crimped but not hollow, so it holds warmth through density. Alpaca, by contrast, is naturally lighter and warmer, making our "},{"type":"link","url":"https://www.pakaapparel.com/collections/alpaca-thermal-socks","title":null,"target":null,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"cold-weather-ready socks"}]},{"type":"text","value":" perfect for everything from frosty mornings on the trail, to skiing or snowboarding, to cozy winter days at home."}]}]}

Alpaca vs. merino wool socks: What's the difference?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Both are great natural fibers, but alpaca has the edge when it comes to comfort and performance. Unlike merino wool, alpaca has a hollow fiber structure, which means better insulation, breathability and moisture control. It also absorbs less water (just 8% vs wool’s 16 - 20%), so your feet stay drier and odor-free longer.\n\nAlpaca is also hypoallergenic – no lanolin, no itch – and offers a softer feel than most merino. At PAKA, our Traceable Alpaca™ is blended for stretch and durability, making our socks ideal for anyone seeking all-day comfort, whether you’re out climbing or on the couch. Learn more in our post on "},{"type":"link","url":"https://www.pakaapparel.com/blogs/basecamp/alpaca-fiber-what-makes-it-different-from-wool","title":null,"target":null,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"alpaca vs. merino wool"}]},{"type":"text","value":"."}]}]}

How do I wash alpaca socks, and how often?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"To keep them in peak shape, hand-wash or use a cold gentle cycle with wool-safe detergent. Air dry flat – never toss alpaca socks in the dryer. Thanks to their moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties, you can wear them multiple days in a row – especially if you let them air out between wears. Less laundry, more living. Read more in "},{"type":"link","url":"https://www.pakaapparel.com/pages/wash-and-care","title":null,"target":null,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"our care guide"}]},{"type":"text","value":"."}]}]}

Are alpaca socks worth it?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Absolutely. With natural thermoregulation, odor resistance and long-lasting softness, PAKA socks outperform cotton and wool socks, even after miles of wear. Thanks to alpaca fiber’s durability and ability to stay fresh longer, you’ll wash them less and replace them less often – saving time and reducing waste.\n\nIt’s not just a purchase – it’s an investment in your feet, your comfort and the planet."}]}]}

Are alpaca socks itchy?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Not at all. PAKA uses some of the softest grades of alpaca fiber available, with a fine micron count that rivals cashmere. Plus, alpaca is lanolin-free, which makes it hypoallergenic and ideal for sensitive skin."}]}]}

Are alpaca socks good for sweaty feet?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Yes. Our socks are designed to breathe. They wick sweat away and regulate your foot’s temperature, so they’re ideal for sweaty, active or sensitive feet, whether it’s summer or winter."}]}]}

Can you wear alpaca socks in summer?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"You definitely can – and should. Alpaca fiber is naturally lightweight and moisture-wicking with its hollow core structure, offering breathable comfort in warm weather. Alpaca socks are year-round go-tos for hikers, travelers and everyday adventures."}]}]}

Do alpaca socks shrink?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Only if washed improperly. Stick to cold water, minimal agitation and no heat. "},{"type":"link","url":"https://www.pakaapparel.com/pages/wash-and-care","title":null,"target":null,"children":[{"type":"text","value":"Treated well"}]},{"type":"text","value":", they’ll hold their shape and stretch for years."}]}]}

Alpaca Wool Socks – Sustainable Natural Fiber

Natural Fiber Alpaca Socks

Great for both the environment and your feet, our sustainable alpaca socks let you tread mindfully and comfortably. PAKA socks feature the naturally soft, lightweight, durable and temperature-regulating properties of alpaca fiber. Unlike sheep’s wool, cotton and synthetics, this all-natural, renewable resource doesn’t require any harsh chemical treatments during washing.

Our moisture-wicking and odor-resistant socks benefit from alpaca having the lowest moisture retention rate of all natural fibers – just 8%, compared to 16 - 20% in most wools. The excess moisture held in other wool socks creates a breeding ground for bacteria, making them stinky along with your feet. Because alpaca socks stay dry, they also stay fresh and comfortable for mile after mile and wear after wear.

Made ethically in Peru with a lifetime guarantee, PAKA’s natural fiber socks are equally suited for cozy, casual settings or your nearest hiking trail or running route. As a hollow fiber with a high, 50 N/ktex tensile strength, alpaca lasts from season to season and from climate to climate, warming you when it’s cold and cooling you when it’s hot. That versatility means you can wear the same alpaca socks on a warm summer hike that you'd wear in a snowstorm.

Alpaca Socks FAQs

Alpaca socks offer natural performance you can feel: warmth without bulk, breathability and odor resistance all in one. Alpaca fiber’s hollow core traps heat in cold weather and releases it when it’s hot, making these socks perfect year-round. They’re also moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic and incredibly soft – even for sensitive skin.

At PAKA, we use the softest, finest Traceable Alpaca™ from Peru and blend it with performance fibers like recycled nylon, tencel and a touch of spandex. This creates a sock that not only insulates and breathes, but also stretches, holds its shape and stands up to serious wear – whether you're hiking, running or just kicking back.
Both are great natural fibers, but alpaca has the edge when it comes to comfort and performance. Unlike merino wool, alpaca has a hollow fiber structure, which means better insulation, breathability and moisture control. It also absorbs less water (just 8% vs wool’s 16 - 20%), so your feet stay drier and odor-free longer.

Alpaca is also hypoallergenic – no lanolin, no itch – and offers a softer feel than most merino. At PAKA, our Traceable Alpaca™ is blended for stretch and durability, making our socks ideal for anyone seeking all-day comfort, whether you’re out climbing or on the couch. Learn more in our post on alpaca vs. merino wool.
Absolutely. With natural thermoregulation, odor resistance and long-lasting softness, PAKA socks outperform cotton and wool socks, even after miles of wear. Thanks to alpaca fiber’s durability and ability to stay fresh longer, you’ll wash them less and replace them less often – saving time and reducing waste.

It’s not just a purchase – it’s an investment in your feet, your comfort and the planet.

Yes, alpaca socks are up to three times warmer than sheep’s wool. The reason? Alpaca fibers are hollow-core, meaning they trap pockets of warm air inside each strand. This provides superior insulation without added bulk, which is why alpaca performs so well in cold, high-altitude environments.

Sheep’s wool is crimped but not hollow, so it holds warmth through density. Alpaca, by contrast, is naturally lighter and warmer, making our cold-weather-ready socks perfect for everything from frosty mornings on the trail, to skiing or snowboarding, to cozy winter days at home.

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Alpaca Socks FAQs

What are the benefits of alpaca socks?

Alpaca vs. merino wool socks: What's the difference?

Are alpaca socks worth it?

Are alpaca socks good for sweaty feet?

Do alpaca socks shrink?

Are alpaca socks warmer than wool?

How do I wash alpaca socks, and how often?

Are alpaca socks itchy?

Can you wear alpaca socks in summer?

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