St. Ulrich bei Steyr – October 28, 2026 -- Austrian company Al's World GmbH makes shoe insoles from felted alpaca wool, offering a natural alternative to purely synthetic materials in places where heat and moisture build up.
Alpaca wool is built for warmth and moisture
Alpaca wool is an animal protein fiber, like sheep's wool. It can be comparatively fine and is valued for its soft feel and insulating properties. For insoles, moisture management is the key point: wool fibers can absorb water vapor from their surroundings while retaining warmth. Al's World uses these properties deliberately in its felt insoles.
Al's World turns raw fleece into felt
Alpacas are usually shorn once a year. For smaller keepers, the question afterward is what to do with the raw fleece. The Upper Austrian company processes alpaca wool into felt, giving the natural raw material a practical use. Founder Karl Mock drew on his technical background in mechanical engineering and built up production starting in 2018.
The alpaca felt insole is the main product
The company's central product is the alpaca felt insole. A layer of wool sits where warmth and moisture are most noticeable when walking. Wool can take up moisture without immediately feeling wet, while also insulating. How comfortable an insole feels still depends on the shoe, the material thickness and personal sense of warmth.
What to check when buying natural-fiber insoles
Shoppers should look closely at the exact material composition. Terms such as "alpaca" or "wool" alone reveal little about the actual fiber content. Fit and intended use also matter: a felt insole needs enough room in the shoe and should suit the wearer's own warmth preferences.