As the mercury drops the hunt is on for practical wardrobe additions that look chic too.
Sheepskin boots have long been a staple for freezing winters and are a must-pack if you’re headed to the slopes and want to stay cosy during apres ski. But what’s new this season?
You can’t picture a sheepskin shoe without UGGs flashing to mind. Yes, some of us will think of their 2000s heydey when they were the shoe of party girls — everyone from Paris Hilton to star of The OC Mischa Barton flew the flag in celebrity circles — and they were all over university campuses thanks to their comfy creds. But they actually date back to the late 1970s, with roots in the surf world. Aussie surfer Brian Smith founded the company in Santa Monica, California and they quickly became a staple for beach communities to slip on after riding waves.
After the brand’s big moment in the Noughties, their popularity waned for a while, but in the past few years, they’ve had a major resurgence with a new crowd of It girls such as Emily Ratajkowski and Bella Hadid. The mini versions were a street style staple last year and this season the playful heeled iterations called New Heights will elevate your looks.
But of course, there are plenty of other labels to know in the sheepskin world. Mou was founded in London and the brand’s shoes are made with cowskin and goatskin as well as having sheepskin lining, so they are both durable and super warm. Emu is another Aussie label using supersoft sheepskin and treated suede on the outside.
Plus plenty of designers parade sheepskin or shearling boots down the catwalks as part of autumn/winter collections, paired with apres cool ensembles like knit co-ords. Look to Chloe and Prada. Or for slope-ready styles, Mocler and Sorel lead the way.
So why would you choose shearling over sheepskin? Shearling is softer and more supple, though it has leather backing rather than being made from the hide of a sheep, and can require more maintenance to retain its look and feel. While sheepskin has more of a natural aesthetic.
As for the tread of your shoe, look for something with grip and a rubber construction if you’re headed anywhere slippery.
Here are our favourite sheepskin boots and shearling alternatives to shop this season.
UGG Classic Ultra Mini New Heights Boot
Like your favourite UGGs but with added height. These 3-inch heeled mini boots are designed with the brand’s trademarked UGGplush lining to keep them box-fresh no matter the wear.
Buy now £160.00, UGG
EMU Stinger Micro Platform Boots
EMU’s sheepskin boots are unbelievably cosy and made with the softest Australian sheepskin - and they’re water-resistant too. We love the platform versions in grey for a cute winter look. Pair them with some slouchy long socks, a mini and a knit for daytime cool.
Buy now £134.00, Free People
Clarks Wallabee Hi Black Warmlined Suede
Clark’s Originals are an off-duty staple. These shearling-lined versions of the brand’s skate-inspired Wallabee His are easy to slip on and are super snug. The rubber sole means they’ll stand up to harsh weather and the sleek silhouette is ideal for wearing under straight-leg jeans.
Buy now £110.00, Clarks
Penelope Chilvers Lomond Suede Shearling-Lined Boot
The perfect apres shoe, these cute khaki shearling-lined boots from London label Penelope Chilvers have a pully toggle fastening and chunky tread to keep them secure in snowy weather.
Buy now £269.00, Penelope Chilvers
Sorel Ona Ave Trek Waterproof Boots
Sorel is an apres classic and these cute hiking-style boots are warm and waterproof for your outdoor adventures. They’re lined with faux fur and made with nylon and suede to be extra durable.
Buy now £134.00, Free People
Tretorn Aspa Hybrid Low Waterproof Boot
If you want a minimal bootie for ski or winter outings, look to Tretorn. The brand’s Aspa boots combine warmth with waterproofness. This is on account of the shoe’s natural rubber and neoprene construction. They are fitted with warm winter lining made from sherpa fleece.
Buy now £140.00, Tretorn
Mou Eskimo 18 boots
There areThere’s plenty of colours to choose from in this Eskimo boot from Mou which features warm double-face sheepskin, and statement hand-crochet wool stitching. They might look like they’re made for indoors, but a supportive heel and rubber sole means you can incorporate them into your street-style looks.
Buy now £165.00, Mou
Russell & Bromley Snowfall Shearling Boot
For an elevated take on the shearling boot, these chunky Russell & Bromley Snowfalls deliver. They’re a great cosy option for sleek city looks in camel with their suede outer.
Buy now, Russell & Bromley
Nike City Classic Premium Waterproof Boot
Another hiker-style option for outdoor lovers is Nike’s fluffy-lined waterproof boots. Khaki is having a moment for autumn/winter so they’re in the perfect palette.
Buy now £69.99, Nike
Chloe Shearling and Suede Ankle Boots
Make a serious statement with Chloe’s luxurious suede ankle boots. Slip slim-leg denims into them to show off the shearling cuffs.
Buy now £372.00, The Outnet
