Sheepskin Footwear Care & Repair

Footwear Care
Taking good care of your ug boots will help to ensure that they remain warm, comfortable, cozy and clean for years to come. Here are some tips on the proper maintenance of skeepskin that you may find valuable.


Sheepskin, or wool, has clothed people for millennia, keeping them warm in wintery climates and comfortable in warmer environments. Also known as sherling or fleece, sheepskin continues to be a timeless choice. It is an extremely versatile fabric, and is used to make many kinds of clothing, from coats and hats to socks and gloves. Footwear has been one of the most popular uses for sheepskin; boots, slippers, and clogs made of sheepskin are valued for their comfort and style.

The initial European colonists settled hundreds of years ago in Australia with their sheep. The Australian rural landscape is uniquely suited to sheep, as the weather remains relatively mild and the landscape encompasses massive expanses of natural grassland. Similar to most any primitive lifestyle, it was important for the earliest settlers to put all possessions to complete use, as resources were often scarce. Not only were sheep used as a lucrative crop, for trading purposes, and as a source of food, but they were used for clothing as well. Over the years, the sheep became the primary crop and chief export for the entire country. With its dominance of the sheep industry for such an extended time, it is no wonder Australia was said to 'ride on the sheep's back'. The country's largest and most significant form of land use is for wool production, with roughly 70,000 wool-growing properties spreading from north of Queensland to the mid-north of Western Australia, including Tasmania and the Islands of the Bass Strait.

Australian Merino
The numbers of sheep are overwhelming. Individual flocks range from as little of a few hundred to as many as 100,000 or more! Three-quarters of all Australian sheep run in flocks of 3,000 or more. Australia produces 30 percent of all wool used worldwide, from over 100 million sheep. Other significant sheep flocks are found in the he USSR (117 million), China (111 million), New Zealand (50 million) and India (40 million).
More than 80 percent of all Australian sheep are a breed called the "Australian Merino". The outstanding feature of this sheep is its large size, and is known primarily for its heavy fleeces of fine quality wool. It is a distinct breed that has adapted to the specific conditions of the Australian countryside. Geelong, on the south east coast of Australia, is considered the wool capital of the world. In fact, Emu Australia, a premier manufacturer of sheepskin products, controls all processes from sourcing and tanning to manufacturing in the Geelong location.
Sheepskin = Sherling = fleece = wool
Over time, sheepskin boot production became as much a part of the Australian history as the cowboy boot is to America's Western heritage. Sheepskin hides were put to use to create all forms of clothing, including footwear. The Aussie ranchers made their boots from the skins of the Merino sheep, after discovering the unsurpassed quality of Merino sheep wool.
From the 1820s on, it is this highly valued wool that was Australia’s primary export product. The Merino sheepskin is perhaps nature’s most perfect material for footwear: durable, yet extremely soft and lightweight, it creates a boot that has a rich suede texture on the outside and the smooth, gentle fleece lining on the inside. This is one reason why sheepskin boots are so cozy.
What Makes Sheepskin Special Still strong enough for outdoor wear, it is the Merino sheepskin that is responsible for the boots' snug, comfy, foot-molding property that feels like gigantic socks when slipped around your feet. The exceptional fleece lining is a product that can be worn all times of the year, in extreme cold or in the heat of summer. In cold conditions, the fleece supplies the feet with an insulating layer of warmth by trapping in body heat. In the heat, the natural fibers of the fleece actually keep your feet cool by pulling perspiration away from your skin; thus keeping air circulating in the boots keeping your feet dry.

Since sheepskin is naturally thermostatic, you can wear them in conditions from-30 F to as high as your thermometer will go! Also, sheepskin contains lanolin and will moisturize your feet when worn barefoot. In Australia and the US, the typical way to wear sheepskin footwear is without socks.

Sheepskin Today Sheepskin Story!

Sheepskin, or wool, has clothed people for millennia, keeping them warm in wintery climates and comfortable in warmer environments. Also known as sherling or fleece, sheepskin continues to be a timeless choice. It is an extremely versatile fabric, and is used to make many kinds of clothing, from coats and hats to socks and gloves. Footwear has been one of the most popular uses for sheepskin; boots, slippers, and clogs made of sheepskin are valued for their comfort and style.

The initial European colonists settled hundreds of years ago in Australia with their sheep. The Australian rural landscape is uniquely suited to sheep, as the weather remains relatively mild and the landscape encompasses massive expanses of natural grassland. Similar to most any primitive lifestyle, it was important for the earliest settlers to put all possessions to complete use, as resources were often scarce. Not only were sheep used as a lucrative crop, for trading purposes, and as a source of food, but they were used for clothing as well. Over the years, the sheep became the primary crop and chief export for the entire country. With its dominance of the sheep industry for such an extended time, it is no wonder Australia was said to 'ride on the sheep's back'. The country's largest and most significant form of land use is for wool production, with roughly 70,000 wool-growing properties spreading from north of Queensland to the mid-north of Western Australia, including Tasmania and the Islands of the Bass Strait.

Australian Merino
The numbers of sheep are overwhelming. Individual flocks range from as little of a few hundred to as many as 100,000 or more! Three-quarters of all Australian sheep run in flocks of 3,000 or more. Australia produces 30 percent of all wool used worldwide, from over 100 million sheep. Other significant sheep flocks are found in the he USSR (117 million), China (111 million), New Zealand (50 million) and India (40 million).
More than 80 percent of all Australian sheep are a breed called the "Australian Merino". The outstanding feature of this sheep is its large size, and is known primarily for its heavy fleeces of fine quality wool. It is a distinct breed that has adapted to the specific conditions of the Australian countryside. Geelong, on the south east coast of Australia, is considered the wool capital of the world. In fact, Emu Australia, a premier manufacturer of sheepskin products, controls all processes from sourcing and tanning to manufacturing in the Geelong location.
Sheepskin = Sherling = fleece = wool
Over time, sheepskin boot production became as much a part of the Australian history as the cowboy boot is to America's Western heritage. Sheepskin hides were put to use to create all forms of clothing, including footwear. The Aussie ranchers made their boots from the skins of the Merino sheep, after discovering the unsurpassed quality of Merino sheep wool.
From the 1820s on, it is this highly valued wool that was Australia’s primary export product. The Merino sheepskin is perhaps nature’s most perfect material for footwear: durable, yet extremely soft and lightweight, it creates a boot that has a rich suede texture on the outside and the smooth, gentle fleece lining on the inside. This is one reason why sheepskin boots are so cozy.
What Makes Sheepskin Special Still strong enough for outdoor wear, it is the Merino sheepskin that is responsible for the boots' snug, comfy, foot-molding property that feels like gigantic socks when slipped around your feet. The exceptional fleece lining is a product that can be worn all times of the year, in extreme cold or in the heat of summer. In cold conditions, the fleece supplies the feet with an insulating layer of warmth by trapping in body heat. In the heat, the natural fibers of the fleece actually keep your feet cool by pulling perspiration away from your skin; thus keeping air circulating in the boots keeping your feet dry.

Since sheepskin is naturally thermostatic, you can wear them in conditions from-30 F to as high as your thermometer will go! Also, sheepskin contains lanolin and will moisturize your feet when worn barefoot. In Australia and the US, the typical way to wear sheepskin footwear is without socks.

Sheepskin Today
In 2002, fashion industries around the world determined it was an appropriate time to really popularize sheepskin products. How? By producing and promoting countless styles of clothes made out of sheepskin. What started out as purely beach-scene style made its way to ski areas and ultimately wound up finding popularity in the mainstream fashion industry.
Finally, consumers could obtain the best of both worlds: a product that is delightful to wear and is still considered fashionable. The versatility and popularity of sheepskin is a clear sign that it is no longer a secret of the surfers. Much of this exposure has been driven by the high visibility of the UGG Australia brand. Deckers corp., owners of UGG Australia, has marketed their cozy little sheepskin boots very well. See the exposure in People Magazine below

UGG, Emu, Koolaburra, Aussie Dog and Jackson Bay are all manufacturers of sheepskin boots that have taken this wonderful material and made it look fashionable. Check them all out at http://www.spt23.com
In 2002, fashion industries around the world determined it was an appropriate time to really popularize sheepskin products. How? By producing and promoting countless styles of clothes made out of sheepskin. What started out as purely beach-scene style made its way to ski areas and ultimately wound up finding popularity in the mainstream fashion industry.
Finally, consumers could obtain the best of both worlds: a product that is delightful to wear and is still considered fashionable. The versatility and popularity of sheepskin is a clear sign that it is no longer a secret of the surfers. Much of this exposure has been driven by the high visibility of the UGG Australia brand. Deckers corp., owners of UGG Australia, has marketed their cozy little sheepskin boots very well. See the exposure in People Magazine below

UGG, Emu, Koolaburra, Aussie Dog and Jackson Bay are all manufacturers of sheepskin boots that have taken this wonderful material and made it look fashionable. Check them all out at http://www.spt23.com">Sheepskin, or wool, has clothed people for millennia, keeping them warm in wintery climates and comfortable in warmer environments. Also known as sherling or fleece, sheepskin continues to be a timeless choice. It is an extremely versatile fabric, and is used to make many kinds of clothing, from coats and hats to socks and gloves. Footwear has been one of the most popular uses for sheepskin; boots, slippers, and clogs made of sheepskin are valued for their comfort and style.

The initial European colonists settled hundreds of years ago in Australia with their sheep. The Australian rural landscape is uniquely suited to sheep, as the weather remains relatively mild and the landscape encompasses massive expanses of natural grassland. Similar to most any primitive lifestyle, it was important for the earliest settlers to put all possessions to complete use, as resources were often scarce. Not only were sheep used as a lucrative crop, for trading purposes, and as a source of food, but they were used for clothing as well. Over the years, the sheep became the primary crop and chief export for the entire country. With its dominance of the sheep industry for such an extended time, it is no wonder Australia was said to 'ride on the sheep's back'. The country's largest and most significant form of land use is for wool production, with roughly 70,000 wool-growing properties spreading from north of Queensland to the mid-north of Western Australia, including Tasmania and the Islands of the Bass Strait.

Australian Merino
The numbers of sheep are overwhelming. Individual flocks range from as little of a few hundred to as many as 100,000 or more! Three-quarters of all Australian sheep run in flocks of 3,000 or more. Australia produces 30 percent of all wool used worldwide, from over 100 million sheep. Other significant sheep flocks are found in the he USSR (117 million), China (111 million), New Zealand (50 million) and India (40 million).
More than 80 percent of all Australian sheep are a breed called the "Australian Merino". The outstanding feature of this sheep is its large size, and is known primarily for its heavy fleeces of fine quality wool. It is a distinct breed that has adapted to the specific conditions of the Australian countryside. Geelong, on the south east coast of Australia, is considered the wool capital of the world. In fact, Emu Australia, a premier manufacturer of sheepskin products, controls all processes from sourcing and tanning to manufacturing in the Geelong location.
Sheepskin = Sherling = fleece = wool
Over time, sheepskin boot production became as much a part of the Australian history as the cowboy boot is to America's Western heritage. Sheepskin hides were put to use to create all forms of clothing, including footwear. The Aussie ranchers made their boots from the skins of the Merino sheep, after discovering the unsurpassed quality of Merino sheep wool.
From the 1820s on, it is this highly valued wool that was Australia’s primary export product. The Merino sheepskin is perhaps nature’s most perfect material for footwear: durable, yet extremely soft and lightweight, it creates a boot that has a rich suede texture on the outside and the smooth, gentle fleece lining on the inside. This is one reason why sheepskin boots are so cozy.
What Makes Sheepskin Special Still strong enough for outdoor wear, it is the Merino sheepskin that is responsible for the boots' snug, comfy, foot-molding property that feels like gigantic socks when slipped around your feet. The exceptional fleece lining is a product that can be worn all times of the year, in extreme cold or in the heat of summer. In cold conditions, the fleece supplies the feet with an insulating layer of warmth by trapping in body heat. In the heat, the natural fibers of the fleece actually keep your feet cool by pulling perspiration away from your skin; thus keeping air circulating in the boots keeping your feet dry.

Since sheepskin is naturally thermostatic, you can wear them in conditions from-30 F to as high as your thermometer will go! Also, sheepskin contains lanolin and will moisturize your feet when worn barefoot. In Australia and the US, the typical way to wear sheepskin footwear is without socks.

Sheepskin Today
In 2002, fashion industries around the world determined it was an appropriate time to really popularize sheepskin products. How? By producing and promoting countless styles of clothes made out of sheepskin. What started out as purely beach-scene style made its way to ski areas and ultimately wound up finding popularity in the mainstream fashion industry.
Finally, consumers could obtain the best of both worlds: a product that is delightful to wear and is still considered fashionable. The versatility and popularity of sheepskin is a clear sign that it is no longer a secret of the surfers. Much of this exposure has been driven by the high visibility of the UGG Australia brand. Deckers corp., owners of UGG Australia, has marketed their cozy little sheepskin boots very well. See the exposure in People Magazine below

UGG, Emu, Koolaburra, Aussie Dog and Jackson Bay are all manufacturers of sheepskin boots that have taken this wonderful material and made it look fashionable. Check them all out at http://www.spt23.com ">Cleaning Your Sheepskin Footwear

Although some people do, we do not recommend putting your boots in the washing machine. If you plan to wash your boots, make sure to use a soft or gentle soap. Hair shampoos are generally more gentle than regular laundry detergents or dish soaps. Normal detergents can severely damage sheepskin! We do recommend hand washing your sheepskin footwear products.
Ensure maximum water repellency and protect against stains with UGG Australia Sheepskin Stain & Water Repellent. To clean UGG footwear, use UGG Australia Sheepskin Cleaner and Conditioner.

We recommend that all Sheepskin products be sprayed with a Sheepskin Stain & Water Repellent before being worn especially if they are Twin Faced sheepskin (100% sheepskin) or a light color. This will prevent dirt and oil from soaking into the sheepskin or suede and will thus trap dirt on the surface, making the cleaning process easier. Stain and water repellent is very helpful and effective. We sell a variety of quality sheepskin protectors.
How to Clean Suede Uppers:
Dampen entire boot evenly to the seams. Clean the leather with a soft, damp cloth. Apply a minor amount of water and Suede Cleaner to the cloth. Then rub two pieces of the cloth against each other creating lather. Do not pour shampoo directly onto your sheepskin items. Evenly and gently clean the surface with the cloth. Then thoroughly rinse the boot by using a wet, clean cloth. Allow to dry naturally in the house in a well ventilate area. Avoid heat or direct sunlight. We do not recommend putting your sheepskin shoes in the washing machine. We recommend hand washing for best results. Stuff the boot with paper towels to help maintain its original shape while it dries. Once the boot dries, buff the leather lightly with a clean suede brush to restore the nap of the leather fibers.
After cleaning, spray again with Sheepskin Stain & Water Repellent to help protect against any future damage or stains! The spray will put a protective sealer over the upper to keep dirt and grease out. This should enhance the life of the shoe.
How to Clean Twin Faced Sheepskin (100% Sheepskin) Uppers:
Hand wash ONLY, do not machine wash. Dampen the entire boot evenly to the seams with cold water. Apply water and a small amount of Sheepskin Cleaner & Conditioner to a clean, soft cloth or sponge. You can mix sheepskin shampoo with water to create a nice subtle cleaning solution. Do not pour shampoo directly onto your sheepskin items. Be sure to gently clean the entire boot evenly to prevent discoloration in the Sheepskin. Rub gently on the sheepskin upper as some pieces tend to be delicate. Do not use a wire or coarse brush on sheepskin uppers because they can sometimes scar the sheepskin. Rinse using a clean, wet cloth. Be sure to remove all of the Cleaner. You can maintain the shape of your boots by stuffing them with paper towels. Allow your boots to dry naturally and slowly avoiding any direct sunlight or heat at all times.
After cleaning, spray with Sheepskin Stain & Water Repellent to help protect against any future damage or stains!


To clean your Sheepskin Shoes, first wet the entire shoe with cold water using as little water as possible. Then apply a small amount of cleaning soap/shampoo to a sponge or soft brush and clean the entire area thoroughly and evenly. Rinse clean the shoe in cold water. If washing the insides, reshape the shoe or boot by stuffing it with paper towels which will help pull the moisture out of the sheepskin. Let them dry in the house or in the shade to keep the sheepskin in its best condition. Do NOT dry your shoes in direct heat or sunlight.

Shampoos and Repellents
While normal soaps/shampoos work for cleaning your boots, there are some custom Sheepskin Care products we offer that will ensure that your boots are being cared for properly.

The various Sheepskin Footwear Product companies offer special shampoos that are formulated to take extra care of the sheepskin. These products will protect the surface of the sheepskin and allow for easy removal of dirt, without harming the sheepskin. Directions are on the back of each bottle.

The best method to care for your sheepskin shoes is a preventative one. Spraying your boots with a protective seal when they are purchased and/or after they are cleaned is a good habit to get into. Many Sheepskin Shoe companies offer some type of repellent to protect the outer sheepskin. These easy to apply sprays protect your shoes from rain, snow, and stains by putting a protective coating over the skin. This will keep stains and dirt on the surface of your shoe, making it easier to remove them when cleaning. If you plan on using your sheepskin footwear outside of your house, we highly recommend you use this spray.



Replacement Soles
The insoles of many styles can be replaced. Simply pull out the existing insole and replace it with your new insole. You can find replacement insoles in our store, and they are a great way to spruce up the sheepskin under your feet. Putting a new insole on top of the existing insole can be a good way to take up excess room inside the boot or shoe if they ever stretch out. They can also replace the smell that can get trapped under your feet.



Replacement Insoles For Your Sheepskin Shoes

Browse through our wide selection of Sheepskin Shoe care products to find what you need. With proper care, your Sheepskin Footwear Products will be clean and comfortable for years to come!

Click here to view and/or purchase our shoe care products!

Footwear Repair
We would like to carry replacement soles for almost every EVA-soled Sheepskin Shoe, but it is a difficult task! If your shoe has an EVA (Ethal Vinyl Acetate) sole, it can often be replaced. We have a shoe repair facility on-site where we can replace EVA soles. We will make sure that we have an EVA sole that will work to your satisfaction before putting it on. Sometimes EVA soles are available from certain companies but not from others.


A standard EVA sole, where the foam sole is glued to the bottom of the shoe. These may be resoled.
This is a non-EVA sole where the rubber is stitched directly onto the shoe. These are currently not resoleable.

If we can obtain a sole that is large enough, we can grind it down to fit. The main difference between EVA soles from different companies is the thickness of the sole. The other is style, but again, we can always grind it down to fit your shoe. We often use Koolaburra EVA soles as replacements for other brands. They work great!