Shop the story: Sheepskin Boots | Extra Wide Calf Boots | Sheepskin Protector
The short answer: choose genuine sheepskin boots by three things: height, sole and fit. Pick the height for how much warmth you want, the sole for where you'll walk (soft hide indoors, EVA for light outdoor use, chunky TPR for everyday outdoor wear), and check the size chart and your calf measurement before ordering. If you're between sizes, choose the larger size.
This guide covers every style in our range, a US, UK and EU size chart, how to fit tall and wide-calf boots, the colours we make, whether sheepskin boots are waterproof, and how to care for them.
In this guide
- What makes a boot genuine sheepskin?
- Sheepskin boot styles and heights
- Which sole do you need?
- Are sheepskin boots waterproof?
- Sheepskin boot size chart: US, UK and EU
- How should sheepskin boots fit?
- Tall boots and wide calves
- Colours
- Men's and women's sheepskin boots
- How to wear sheepskin boots
- How to clean and care for sheepskin boots
- Frequently asked questions
What makes a boot genuine sheepskin?
A genuine sheepskin boot is made from twin-face sheepskin: one tanned hide with the wool still attached, suede on the outside and wool on the inside. There's no separate lining glued or stitched in, so the warmth and breathability come from the hide itself.
Cheaper boots described as "sheepskin" are sometimes only wool-lined, or use a synthetic pile that looks similar in photos. Part the wool inside the boot: on genuine sheepskin you'll see the leather of the hide at the base of the fibres, not a woven fabric backing. Our guide to genuine vs synthetic sheepskin has more checks.
All our boots are made from premium twin-face sheepskin with about 22 mm (0.75 in) of wool, and are handmade in Auckland, New Zealand. You can read more about how they're made on our sheepskin boots info page.
Sheepskin boot styles and heights
Our boots differ mainly in height and sole. Heights include the sole and vary with size, from the smallest size to the largest.
A mid-calf boot is the everyday choice: warm, easy to pull on and simple to wear with jeans. A full-calf boot adds warmth up the leg for colder climates. The ankle-height Kiwi House Boot sits between a slipper and a boot.
Which sole do you need?
The sole decides where you can wear your boots, so choose it before the style.
If you want one pair for both errands and evenings at home, choose a chunky TPR sole. If they'll mostly stay indoors, EVA or soft hide is lighter and softer underfoot. Our sole types guide has photos and construction details.
Are sheepskin boots waterproof?
No. Sheepskin boots are made to be warm and breathable, not waterproof. The suede outer resists light moisture once it's treated, but the seams are stitched rather than sealed, so water will eventually get in.
- Fine: dry cold, light rain, dry snow and short walks on damp ground, in a treated pair with a hard sole.
- Avoid: prolonged heavy rain, standing water, deep or wet snow, slush and mud. Road salt can also leave white marks on suede, so brush it off once the boots are dry.
Treat new boots with a sheepskin protector and water repellent before first wear and again after cleaning. It helps water bead off the suede, but it doesn't make the boots waterproof.
If they get wet: blot off excess water, stuff them with dry, plain paper towels to hold their shape and absorb moisture, and let them dry slowly at room temperature. Keep them away from heaters, fires and direct sun, which can shrink and harden the leather. Brush the suede once dry.
Sheepskin boot size chart: US, UK and EU
Our boots are sized in US men's sizes, with the US women's size one size up. Use this chart to convert from UK or EU sizes.
Australian men's sizes match UK sizes, and Australian women's sizes match US women's sizes. Not every style comes in every size: most run from US men's 4 to 13, the Tall Classic EVA stops at 12, the Extra Wide Calf at 10, and the Soft Sole Indoor Boots go up to 14.
Every product page has its own Footwear Sizing tab with the boot height, maximum calf circumference and outer sole length for each size. Those measurements vary by style, so check the tab for the boot you're buying.
How should sheepskin boots fit?
Snug but comfortable when new. The wool compresses and the suede moulds to your foot over the first few weeks of wear. If you're between sizes, or you'd like a little more room, choose the larger size.
- Ultimate boots (chunky TPR sole) generally run about true to size.
- Classic EVA boots are cut roomier. Compare the outer sole length on the size chart with a pair of boots that fits you well.
- Your toes shouldn't press against the end, and your heel shouldn't lift much as you walk.
- Try them on with the socks you'll actually wear.
Unworn boots can be exchanged within 30 days; see our returns policy for the options.
Tall boots and wide calves
For tall boots, calf width matters as much as foot size. Measure around the widest part of your calf at the height where the top of the boot will sit, and compare it with the maximum calf circumference on the product's size chart. That measurement is taken at the top of the boot.
If our standard tall boots are too snug, the Extra Wide Calf Tall boot has about 8 cm (3 in) more room at the top than the Full-Calf Tall Ultimate in the same size:
The Extra Wide Calf boot comes in chestnut, in US men's 4 to 10 (US women's 5 to 11).
Colours
Our boots come in natural, easy-to-wear shades. Which colours you can choose depends on the style (see the table above):
- Chestnut: a warm tan, available in every style.
- Chocolate: a deep brown.
- Black: the easiest to keep looking clean in town.
- Oxford Gray: a soft grey, and our lightest colour, in the Mid-Calf and Tall Classic EVA boots.
We don't currently make white or navy boots. Lighter suede shows marks more easily, so whichever colour you choose, a protector spray before first wear makes a real difference.
Men's and women's sheepskin boots
All our boots are unisex. They're sized in US men's sizes with the US women's equivalent listed alongside, so the same styles, soles and colours are available to everyone. For men, the Ultimate range's chunky TPR sole and toe cap suit everyday outdoor wear; if you're between sizes or have wider feet, the larger size will give more room.
How to wear sheepskin boots
Sheepskin boots look best with simple shapes and natural colours.
- Mid-calf boots work with straight-leg or wide-leg jeans hemmed to sit over the top of the boot, or with leggings and a longer knit.
- Tall boots suit slim trousers, leggings or a midi skirt, with a longline coat over the top.
- Neutral tones like cream, oatmeal, camel, charcoal and navy sit well with chestnut, chocolate and gray suede.
They're made for casual wear: weekends, errands, travel days and evenings at home, rather than the office or wet outdoor work.
How to clean and care for sheepskin boots
- Protect them first with a sheepskin protector before first wear and after each clean.
- Brush the suede regularly with a soft suede brush to lift dirt and keep the nap even.
- Spot clean marks with a little Woolskin Wool Wash and a damp white cloth, then let the area dry slowly.
- Hand wash only if a full clean is needed: cool or lukewarm water with a sheepskin wash, rinse in cold water, press out excess water with paper towels and stuff with dry paper towels to hold the shape.
- Dry naturally, away from direct sun, heaters and radiators.
- Never put sheepskin boots in a washing machine or tumble dryer.
On our Ultimate boots, the foam-backed sheepskin insole can be replaced when it wears down. Between seasons, store your boots clean and dry, stuffed lightly with paper to hold the shape. For the full method, see our sheepskin care guide.
Why buy from Kiwi Sheepskins
We're a family-owned sheepskin specialist based in Auckland, New Zealand, and have been since 2002. Our boots are handmade in Auckland from genuine twin-face sheepskin, we ship worldwide, and every pair is backed by our 12-month guarantee against manufacturing defects. If you're unsure which style or size suits you, our team can help before you order.
Frequently asked questions
Are sheepskin boots waterproof?
No. The suede outer is water-resistant once treated with a sheepskin protector, but the seams are stitched rather than sealed. Light rain and dry snow are fine; prolonged heavy rain, standing water, slush and mud are not.
Can you wear sheepskin boots in snow?
In light, dry snow, yes, especially in a pair with a chunky TPR sole that has been treated with a protector. Avoid deep or wet snow and slush, and dry them slowly at room temperature afterwards.
Do sheepskin boots run true to size?
Our Ultimate boots generally run about true to size. Our Classic EVA boots are cut roomier, so check the outer sole length on the product's size chart. If you're between sizes, choose the larger size.
What size sheepskin boot should I get if I have wide calves?
Measure around the widest part of your calf at the height where the top of the boot will sit, then compare it with the maximum calf circumference on the product's size chart. Our Extra Wide Calf Tall boot has about 8 cm (3 in) more room at the top than our standard Full-Calf Tall Ultimate in the same size.
What's the difference between EVA and TPR soles?
EVA is a lightweight hard sole for indoors plus light to moderate outdoor use. Chunky TPR is thicker and lock-stitched to the boot, with a toe cap and a replaceable insole, and suits regular outdoor wear.
Do you make white sheepskin boots?
Not at the moment. Our boots come in chestnut, chocolate, black and Oxford Gray, depending on the style. Oxford Gray, in the Classic EVA mid-calf and tall boots, is our lightest colour.
How do you clean sheepskin boots?
Brush the suede, spot clean marks with a sheepskin wash and a damp cloth, and hand wash only if you must. Never put them in a washing machine or tumble dryer. Stuff them with dry paper towels and let them dry slowly away from heat and direct sun.
Are sheepskin boots unisex?
Yes. Our boots are sized in US men's sizes with the US women's equivalent listed alongside, so the same styles and colours are available to everyone.
Ready to choose? Browse our full range of New Zealand-made sheepskin boots.
