Boots with sheepskin have long been loved by surfers, travelers, and outdoor-minded people for their unbeatable warmth. While ancient cultures used sheepskin for warmth, modern boot designs made popular by UGGs evolved from Australian sheep farming and surf culture. This is our Barefoot Backpackers guide to 100% sheepskin boots, from 100% shearling designs to blends with other natural fibers.
Unlike synthetic winter boots, genuine sheepskin naturally regulates temperature, keeping feet warm without overheating. It wicks moisture, as well as resists odor, and molds gently to your feet over time. Whether you are padding around the house, heading out on a crisp morning walk, or traveling somewhere cold, a well-made sheepskin boot will keep you cozy.
In this guide, we focus on boots and sheepskin slippers that use real sheepskin or shearling, not just faux linings. We also clearly note where brands use wool blends or sheepskin insoles only, so you can choose what aligns with your values, comfort needs, and budget. So with that in mind, let’s get into it.
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At a Glance: Best Sheepskin Boots
- Best 17mm Twinface Sheepskin Boot: UGG Women’s Classic Mini II Boot
- Best Affordable 100% Australian Shearling Boot: Fireside by Dearfoams Riverland Shearling Boot
- Best Hybrid Wool Blend Alpine Boot: UGG Women’s Classic Ultra Mini Alpine
- Best Wool Blend Lined Winter Boot: BEARPAW Winter Women’s Boot
- Best Full Height Classic Sheepskin Boot: UGG Women’s Classic Short II Boot
- Best Mixed Sheepskin Micro Boot: UGG Women’s Classic Micro Boot
- Best Handcrafted Sheepskin Ankle Boot: Minnetonka Women’s Sheepskin Ankle Boot
- Best Sheepskin Collar Alpine Slipper Boot: UGG Women’s Tasman Alpine
Boots with Sheepskin
The UGG Women’s Classic Mini II is one of the most recognizable sheepskin boots in the world, and for good reason. It uses 17mm twinface sheepskin throughout the upper, lining, and insole, offering full, natural insulation that adapts to your body temperature. The result is a boot that stays warm in winter while remaining breathable during indoor wear.
This updated version includes a post-applied water repellency treatment and a durable rubber sole, making it more practical for light outdoor use than earlier models. With its low ankle height and easy pull-on design, it works equally well as a house boot or for short trips outside.
Key Specs
17mm twinface sheepskin upper, lining, and insole
Rubber outsole
Water repellency treatment
Low ankle height
Rear pull tab
The Fireside Riverland boot is an excellent option if you want genuine shearling without the premium price tag. It is fully lined with 100% Australian shearling, offering the same natural temperature regulation and moisture-wicking benefits as higher-end boots.
Designed for indoor and outdoor wear, the lightweight EVA outsole adds flexibility and cushioning, while the slip-on shape makes these boots easy for everyday use. This is a great choice for lounging, running errands, or travel days when comfort is the priority.
Key Specs
100% Australian shearling lining
Lightweight EVA outsole
Temperature regulating and moisture wicking
Easy slip-on design
Indoor and outdoor use
The Ultra Mini Alpine offers a more rugged, winter-ready look while using a wool blend interior rather than full sheepskin. The lining and sockliner are made with UGGplush, a blend of upcycled wool and TENCEL lyocell, while a sheepskin collar adds softness around the ankle.
This boot is best suited for people who love the UGG aesthetic but prefer a slightly firmer structure and alpine-inspired styling. It is warm and comfortable, though not a fully sheepskin-lined option.
Key Specs
UGGplush wool blend lining and sockliner
Sheepskin collar
Suede upper
Sugarcane EVA outsole
Foam footbed
BEARPAW’s winter boot combines a suede upper with a wool blend lining and a removable sheepskin footbed. While it is not fully shearling lined, it still delivers warmth and comfort for everyday winter wear.
The BearCoat water and stain treatment adds protection against wet conditions, and the lightweight rubber outsole makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. This is a practical choice for those who want sheepskin underfoot without a fully lined boot.
Key Specs
Wool blend lining
Removable sheepskin footbed
Suede upper
Lightweight rubber outsole
Water and stain resistant treatment
For those who want maximum coverage and warmth, the Classic Short II delivers. This boot features 17mm twinface sheepskin throughout the upper, lining, and insole, wrapping the foot and lower leg in natural insulation.
Its taller shaft provides extra warmth in colder climates, while the updated outsole and water repellency treatment make it more durable for daily wear. This is a timeless, long-lasting sheepskin boot for winter living.
Key Specs
17mm twinface sheepskin upper, lining, and insole
Rubber outsole
Water repellency treatment
Mid-calf height
Overlock stitch detailing
The Classic Micro Boot blends different sheepskin thicknesses to reduce bulk while maintaining warmth. It features 10mm sheepskin lining in the shaft, 17mm sheepskin in the vamp, and a 17mm sheepskin insole.
This makes it a good option for people who want a slimmer silhouette with genuine sheepskin benefits. The sugarcane EVA outsole keeps the boot lightweight and flexible.
Key Specs
10mm sheepskin shaft lining
17mm sheepskin vamp lining and insole
Suede upper
Sugarcane EVA outsole
Rear pull tab
Handcrafted in the Dominican Republic, this Minnetonka ankle boot combines a suede upper with genuine sheepskin lining for soft, breathable warmth. The adjustable high-ankle design offers a secure fit, while the durable rubber sole allows for light outdoor use.
This boot feels more artisanal and traditional, making it a lovely option for those who value craftsmanship and natural materials.
Key Specs
Genuine sheepskin lining
Suede upper
Adjustable ankle design
Rubber indoor and outdoor sole
Handcrafted construction
The Tasman Alpine sits somewhere between a slipper and a boot. It features a sheepskin collar, suede upper, and UGGplush wool blend lining and insole. While not fully sheepskin lined, it offers warmth, structure, and easy wear.
This style is ideal for people who want something cozy yet presentable for quick trips outside or relaxed travel days.
Key Specs
Sheepskin collar
UGGplush wool blend lining
Suede upper with mudguard
Sugarcane EVA outsole
Slip-on design
Sheepskin Insoles
The UGG Men’s Sheepskin Insole is designed to add natural warmth and softness to boots and closed shoes without permanently altering the footwear. The top layer uses 17mm genuine sheepskin fleece, which provides insulation while remaining breathable, helping feet stay warm without becoming clammy during long wear. This makes it especially useful for winter boots, hiking boots, and everyday shoes worn in cold conditions.
Underfoot, the insole uses a dual-density synthetic foam base, which adds step-in comfort and light cushioning. While this means it is not a fully natural insole, the sheepskin layer still delivers the core benefits of temperature regulation and moisture management. It is a practical option for those who want the feel of real sheepskin with a bit more structure than a fleece-only insert.
Key Specs
Plush 17mm genuine sheepskin fleece surface
Natural wool fiber with moisture-wicking properties
Dual-density synthetic foam base for cushioning
Breathable and temperature regulating
Designed for boots and closed footwear
The Thieaudio Sheepskin Insoles are built for serious warmth, using 30mm thick genuine sheepskin fleece to protect feet in cold, wet, and winter conditions. This unusually thick wool layer creates excellent insulation, making these insoles well suited to hiking boots, wellingtons, work boots, and slippers used outdoors or in unheated spaces.
Unlike many budget options, the underside uses a wool felt backing rather than plastic, helping keep the insoles in place while maintaining breathability. The dense, high-quality fleece is designed to resist flattening over time, retaining loft and warmth even with regular use. These are a strong choice for those prioritising insulation and natural materials over slim profile or minimalism.
Key Specs
30mm thick genuine sheepskin fleece
Natural wool felt anti-slip backing
Highly insulating and breathable
Moisture absorbing and odor reducing
Suitable for shoes, boots, slippers, and wellingtons
Fabric typeSheepskin
OriginImported
Fur descriptionDyed Sheep Fur (Fur Origin: United States/United Kingdom/Spain/Ireland/Australia)
Sole materialSynthetic
About this item
Plush 17mm sheepskin insole
Breathes naturally
Moisture wicking
Lasting cushion
Dual density, color-blocked sock liner with open cell PU foam top layer and EVA bottom layer
Sheepskin Boots Buyer’s Guide
If fully lined sheepskin boots feel too warm or too bulky for your climate, sheepskin insoles offer a flexible alternative. Traditionally used in work boots and outdoor footwear, genuine sheepskin insoles add insulation and comfort without changing the structure or breathability of the boot itself.
For hikers, travelers, and everyday walkers, this allows you to adapt footwear seasonally. A leather hiking boot paired with a sheepskin insole can provide warmth in winter and be swapped out in warmer months. Because real sheepskin regulates temperature rather than trapping heat, it helps keep feet warm without becoming clammy during long days on the move.
This approach also works particularly well with barefoot-style or minimalist boots, where maintaining flexibility while improving insulation is key.
Pure Sheepskin vs Wool Blends: What’s the Difference?
Not all “sheepskin” products are created equal, and many brands use wool blends rather than true shearling.
| Feature | Pure Sheepskin (Shearling) | Wool Blend Linings |
|---|---|---|
| Material composition | 100 percent sheepskin with wool attached to the hide | Wool mixed with lyocell, polyester, or other fibers |
| Insulation | Naturally insulating while regulating temperature | Provides warmth but is less adaptive to temperature changes |
| Breathability | Excellent natural airflow through wool fibers | Moderate, varies depending on synthetic content |
| Moisture management | Naturally wicks moisture and stays dry | Moisture wicking varies by blend and construction |
| Odor resistance | Naturally odor resistant without chemical treatments | Often treated with finishes to manage odor |
| Longevity | Highly durable with proper care | Typically wears down faster over time |
| Feel and comfort | Plush, supportive, and temperature balancing | Soft initially but can compress or mat over time |
| Sustainability | Fully natural, biodegradable material | Partially synthetic with lower biodegradability |
| Best for | Long-term comfort, natural fibers, cold-weather wear | Budget-friendly options or lighter insulation needs |
How to Tell if a Product Uses Genuine Sheepskin
When shopping for sheepskin boots, slippers, or insoles, these details matter:
Look for terms like “twin-face sheepskin,” “genuine shearling,” or “100% sheepskin”. Be cautious of proprietary names that do not state fiber percentages. Wool blends often include lyocell, polyester, or recycled fibers
True sheepskin will regulate temperature naturally and feel warm without overheating. Insoles or linings made from real shearling will usually specify millimeter thickness. If a product does not clearly state the material composition, it is usually a blend.
Why Sheepskin Insoles Work So Well with Barefoot and Hiking Footwear
Sheepskin insoles pair especially well with barefoot and hiking boots because they provide warmth without rigid arch support or synthetic padding. This preserves natural foot movement while improving comfort on cold ground. For travel-focused hikers or minimalists, they offer a lightweight way to adapt footwear across seasons without owning multiple pairs of boots.
FAQs
Are sheepskin insoles good for hiking boots?
Yes, especially in cooler conditions. They add warmth and moisture control, but they are best paired with hiking boots that already have adequate support.
Can I use sheepskin insoles year-round?
They are best for autumn and winter. In warm weather, they may feel too insulating unless used in breathable footwear.
How do I clean sheepskin insoles?
Air them out regularly and spot clean with a damp cloth. Avoid soaking, and allow them to dry naturally away from direct heat.
