Alpaca wool for the Four Days Marches
Many walkers suffer from (early) blisters, sore heels and chafing. Here is how to use alpaca wool from our own alpacas in Malden during the Nijmegen Four Days Marches or any long-distance walk.
Why alpaca wool?
Every spring (between April and June) our alpacas are shorn. Their wool is very soft, naturally lightweight, water-repellent and thermoregulating. You hardly feel the tuft of wool in your sock, while it reduces friction and pressure on a sensitive spot.
Alpaca wool is also free of lanolin (wool grease) and much finer and softer than sheep’s wool. You use it dry, without washing. It is a 100% natural product and may contain traces of sand or straw.
Walkers mainly use the wool preventively: on the spots that often trouble them on long walks, such as between the toes, on the heels or under the foot. The wool is meant for spots that rub and for blisters that have not yet opened.
How to apply alpaca wool
Put a tuft of alpaca wool directly on the spot that rubs or presses.
Simply pull a sock over it.
The alpaca wool clings to your sock and does not shift. This relieves the pressure and eases the discomfort.
How much do you need?
- 10 grams of alpaca wool (€10.99): for smaller blisters between the toes and sore spots on feet and toes.
- 20 grams of alpaca wool (€18.50): for blisters on big toes or heels and other sore spots.
- 40 grams of alpaca wool (€29.99): a supply for several days: ideal for long hikes and walking events.
We ship with PostNL within the Netherlands (€4.95, usually within 1 to 3 working days), or you can collect the wool in Malden by appointment.
The Four Days Marches: our stand along the route
During the Nijmegen Four Days Marches (every year in July) we have a stand along the route with a special offer: a bag of alpaca wool for €6. This offer only applies at our stand, not in the web shop. On Wednesday and Friday you will find us on Malderburchtstraat in Nijmegen, on Thursday on Hatertseweg in Malden. All details are on the alpaca wool page.
Preparing for the Four Days Marches? Order the wool in good time, so you can already try it out during your training walks.
Questions about alpaca wool against blisters
How do I apply alpaca wool?
Pluck a small tuft of wool and place it directly on the spot that rubs or presses. Pull a sock over it: the alpaca wool clings to the sock and does not shift, which reduces the pressure on that spot. The wool can be used dry, without washing.
How much alpaca wool do I need for the Four Days Marches?
For a few spots between the toes a 10-gram bag is enough, for heels and big toes a 20-gram bag. If you walk for several days, such as the Four Days Marches, choose the 40-gram supply bag.
What is the difference with sheep’s wool?
Alpaca wool is free of lanolin (wool grease) and much finer and softer than sheep’s wool. It is also naturally lightweight, water-repellent and thermoregulating.
Is alpaca wool suitable if I am allergic to wool grease?
Alpaca wool contains no lanolin. That makes it suitable for people with an allergy to wool grease.
Where can I buy the wool during the Four Days Marches?
During the Nijmegen Four Days Marches we have a stand along the route: Wednesday and Friday on Malderburchtstraat in Nijmegen, Thursday on Hatertseweg in Malden (near number 34). You can pay in cash or by card there. All year round you can order the wool online in the shop.
Order alpaca wool
Choose a bag of 10, 20 or 40 grams in the alpaca wool shop. Pay online straight away with iDEAL, Wero, Google Pay or Apple Pay.