Many people associate sheepskin footwear with cold winter weather, but the truth is that there are plenty of shearling boots, slippers and moccasins out there that are perfect for the warm summer months as well. All of our sheepskin products at The Sheepherder are handcrafted from the skins of domestic sheep raised in the Rocky Mountain states and are processed right here in the United States. When sheepskin is processed correctly, the material’s hollow fibers naturally wick away moisture from the body, keeping you cool even in hot weather. Shearling slippers and garments are also very comfortable and stylish, making them the perfect addition to any wardrobe throughout the year. The Sheepherder is an official Minnetonka retailer, and we offer a variety of sheepskin Minnetonka products for summer, including these favorites:

• Minnetonka Mens Hardsole Sheepskin Moccasin – This attractive shearling slipper is constructed with 100% shearling wool, featuring dense, soft sheepskin on the inside and a hard rubber indoor/outdoor sole that provides durability and traction.
• Minnetonka Ladies Shearling Mule Slipper – There’s nothing more convenient and comfortable than slipping into a pair of Minnetonka sheepskin mules, featuring an open back for easy on and off. The women’s shearling slippers are also constructed with a stylish band of sheepskin on the outside and a hard rubber slip-resistant bottom.
• Minnetonka Mens Twin Gore Shearling Slippers – Whether you’re walking around the house or around town, these sheepskin slippers for men will keep your feet comfortable and cool during the summer months. The footwear features elastic gores on either side so they are easier to get on and off, and also have a hard rubber indoor/outdoor sole.
• Minnetonka Ladies Sheepskin Ankle Boot – Slip on a pair of skinny jeans or short shorts and finish off the look with these shearling ankle boots for women, which provide a comfortable and stylish alternative to sandals. The ladies sheepskin boot features an attractive folded-over flap and a slip-resistant hard rubber sole for indoor or outdoor wear.
• Minnetonka Ladies Short Shearling Boot – Sheepskin boots are more popular than ever, and can be worn year-round for added warmth in the winter or cool, comfortable wear during the summer. These ladies shearling boots are attractive and stylish, and feature an indoor/outdoor rubber sole for traction and durability.

Quality Sheepskin Products at The Sheepherder

Minnetonka is one of the most trusted brands in sheepskin footwear, and we are proud to carry Minnetonka slippers, boots and moccasins among our own selection of fine shearling products. When you purchase a Minnetonka product from The Sheepherder, you can rest assured that you will receive a superior item constructed using only the highest-quality sheepskin available. Check out all of our sheepskin slippers and garments at The Sheepherder and treat yourself or a loved one to a genuine shearling product this summer!

Step Out in Minnetonka Sheepskin Slippers, Boots and Moccasins

The Minnetonka brand has been a staple of American comfort and style since 1946, and the company’s unwavering dedication to quality materials and superb craftsmanship has remained a constant throughout the past six decades. As an official retailer of Minnetonka-brand products, we offer a variety of stylish and luxurious sheepskin slippers, moccasins and boots at The Sheepherder that are perfect for indoor or outdoor wear. The durability and versatility of sheepskin footwear makes Minnetonka boots, moccasins and slippers a practical purchase for men, women and children of all ages. And, as with any product carrying the Minnetonka label, you can feel confident in the caliber of our shearling footwear.

Softsole Moccasin Slippers

Traditional softsole moccasins are perfect for lounging around the house on chilly evenings, or for stepping out of bed and into warmth first thing in the morning. The stitched-on suede soles are soft and flexible, and the snug, slip-on design is the perfect answer to a long day’s work. Imagine relaxing into the comfort of shearling after spending the day on your feet, and it will be hard to pass up these Minnetonka sheepskin slippers. Made with 100% sheepskin, rich suede footwear like the Minnetonka Men’s Softsole slippers can be worn any time of year and are made to last far longer than your typical house slipper.

Convenient Mule Sheepskin Slip-Ons

If you dread leaving your shearling footwear behind in the mornings, take your cozy slippers outdoors and check out Minnetonka’s footwear constructed with a hard rubber sole. One of the most popular Minnetonka products we carry at The Sheepherder is the Ladies’ Mule Sheepskin Slipper, an attractive open-back slipper that is easily slipped on or off for comfy but convenient wear. With a slip-resistant, hard rubber sole, this durable Minnetonka slipper is suitable to be worn either indoors or outdoors, and its soft sheepskin construction will keep your feet cozy in cold and warm weather alike.

Warm and Cozy Shearling Boots

Another popular shearling item for outdoor wear is the Minnetonka sheepskin boot, a luxurious,warm product suitable for men, women and even children. Because of its natural hollow fibers, shearling wicks away moisture from the skin, keeping your feet cool in the summer and warm in the winter, which makes the sheepskin boots a great purchase, especially for kids. Not only are shearling boots comfortable and practical, but they have exploded as a global trend in recent years. With a choice between the tall or short Sheepskin Pug Boot made by Minnetonka, you can ward off the winter chill in style this season.

Treat Mom on Mother’s Day with a Custom Sheepskin Garment

Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show Mom how much she means to you, and an authentic sheepskin garment custom-made especially for her is a gift she’ll certainly never forget. All of our ladies’ shearling apparel, home goods and accessories at The Sheepherder are made from 100% genuine sheepskin, and we have some great gift options available for Mom, including cozy sheepskin slippers, stylish shearling vests, and other handcrafted garments and accessories she’ll love. The following are our top picks for sheepskin gifts for Mother’s Day.

Slip-on Sheepskin Slippers – Looking for the perfect gift for a busy mom who is always on her feet? Our handmade slip-on sheepskin slippers feature a plush shearling interior that will wrap her feet in warmth and comfort day in and day out, and a durable suede exterior that will stand up to daily use. Plus, with a wear-resistant cowhide sole, these slippers are sure to last for years to come.

Minnetonka Three-Layer Fringe Boots – Make Mom the most stylish mother on the block with a pair of our best-selling Minnetonka Three-Layer Fringe Boots, the perfect addition to any outfit. Made from a soft, supple suede, and featuring a slip-resistant rubber sole, these boots can be worn comfortably year-round. And with a variety of colors to choose from, they are a unique Mother’s Day gift any mom would love.

Silverheels Sheepskin Vest – On those cool spring or summer nights, a genuine shearling vest is a great way to stay warm and still look fashionable. Our Silverheels Sheepskin Vest is feminine and form-fitting, with clean, finished seams and authentic antler toggle buttons for a snug closure. Mom can pair her vest with a flannel shirt and her favorite jeans for a casual trip into town, or with a cute dress and boots for a date night out!

Shearling Patchwork Quilt – For moms who love to cozy up on the couch to read a book or watch a movie after dinner, our handcrafted sheepskin patchwork quilt plays double duty as a warm throw blanket and a beautiful showpiece that elevates any space in the home. Made from patches of genuine shearling in varying colors and sizes, this sheepskin blanket makes for a wonderful Mother’s Day gift Mom will want to use every night.

Sheepskin Eyeglass or iPhone Case – If you’re looking for a small and simple Mother’s Day gift, nothing beats our dual eyeglass/iPhone case, handmade with a durable suede on the outside and a soft shearling on the inside, which will protect her phone or glasses from scratches, and make them easy to find in her purse or car.

Get Your Holiday Shopping Started with Handmade Sheepskin Gifts
If you’re one of those people who likes to beat the Christmas crowds and get your holiday shopping started early, your first stop should be The Sheepherder, a one-stop-shop for custom sheepskin outerwear and accessories, all of which are made by hand in a little shop in downtown Alma, Colorado, not in a factory or big-box retail store. All of our handcrafted sheepskin garments at The Sheepherder are 100% made in the USA, using the skins of sheep raised domestically for their meat in the western United States, and are custom-tailored to your exact specifications for color, style and size, so you can guarantee a great fit with every purchase.
Whether you’re shopping for a parent, friend, coworker, child or sibling, The Sheepherder has just the unique holiday gifts you’re looking for, crafted by hand with impeccable quality and attention to detail. Our authentic sheepskin coats, for example, are a great choice for men who have an eye for fashion, and can be paired with dress or casual wear, for a night on the town or weekend work on the ranch. For that lucky lady on your list, check out our wide selection of shearling slippers and boots for women, from traditional slippers to cozy scuff slippers and Minnetonka-brand sheepskin boots. We also have plenty of custom shearling items for children, including adorable sheepskin vests, hats, gloves, slippers and shearling stuffed animals.
When it comes to checking all the items off your shopping list, the most difficult gifts are usually the ones you have to buy for a coworker, an acquaintance, or the teenage family member who already has it all. At The Sheepherder, we work hard to make unique shearling garments and accessories for the whole family, and whether you stop by our shop in Alma, Colorado, or click through our website, we think you’ll something for everyone on your list.
For the homebody who would rather curl up on the couch than head out on the town with friends, for example, our handcrafted sheepskin pillows are the best gift they could ask for, a one-of-a-kind accent for any room, made with luxurious sheepskin on one side, durable suede or leather on the other, and stuffed with soft wool batting. For the coworker whose smartphone always seems to be attached to her hand, the perfect gift could be as simple as a stylish sheepskin iPhone case, one she can throw in her purse and trust to protect her phone’s screen throughout the day. And for the teen driver whose most valuable possession is his new (to him) car, a durable sheepskin steering wheel cover will protect his hands from the heat of summer and the chill of winter.
Lucky for you, we have a wide range of fine shearling garments, footwear, home goods and accessories that make the perfect gift for even the hardest-to-shop-for people on your list. With a bit of free time, a well-organized shopping list and a little help from our design studio, you may just be able to get all your holiday shopping done in one place!

Fur, Feather and Sheepskin the Top Shoe Trends for Fall 2016

When the models hit the runway for the Fall 2016 fashion shows in New York, Paris, Milan and London this past spring, they were sporting a variety of fur, feather and sheepskin footwear, and now that fall is finally almost here, it’s the perfect opportunity to score your own stylish shearling shoes to keep you warm in the cooler weather. From traditional sheepskin boots to fashionable Minnetonka fringe boots and handmade shearling slippers, The Sheepherder has everything you need to keep your feet comfortable and warm this fall and winter.

Sheepskin Shoes on the Runway

As far as the fall fashion shows were concerned, the shearling-accented footwear included Miu Miu’s colored sheepskin slides embellished with crystals and Maison Margiela’s hiking boot featuring ribbon laces and a shearling tongue. Even the men’s runway shows featured fashionable footwear with sheepskin accents, including shearling clogs and simple suede or leather high-tops with sheepskin tongues, Coach’s answer to the kangaroo-lined loafers Gucci debuted in January.

Handmade Women’s Shearling Boots

These may seem like an extravagant purchase for most of us, but even for those of us who aren’t walking the runway on a daily basis, there are plenty of sheepskin footwear options out there that are both practical and stylish. For women looking for a warm, comfortable shoe that can be worn inside and out, check out our Minnetonka Ladies Ankle Boot, a beautiful boot made with genuine sheepskin, a slip-resistant indoor/outdoor sole, and a versatile flap that can be folded up around the ankle for added warmth.

Sheepskin Slippers for Men and Kids

We also have authentic sheepskin slippers and boots for men, one of our most popular being the Men’s Minnetonka Hardsole Slippers, a moccasin-style shoe lined with 100% sheepskin wool to help keep your feet warm in the cooler fall and winter months. The shearling slippers also feature a durable suede construction and a hard rubber sole for indoor/outdoor wear. If you’re looking for genuine shearling footwear for the little ones as well, check out our Children’s Sheepskin Slippers, handcrafted using genuine shearling sheepskin.

Order Your Shearling Slippers Today

At The Sheepherder, all of our sheepskin garments are handmade to order using the highest quality shearling, which means your sheepskin slippers, jacket or gloves will be the perfect fit every time, and will surely hold up against the elements. So, get a jump-start on your fall shopping, and treat yourself to a pair of authentic, durable shearling boots or slippers, guaranteed to last you for many falls and winters to come.

Authentic Sheepskin Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

If you’re looking for the perfect gift to show Mom how much you love her, a custom sheepskin item is definitely the way to go. Handcrafted using the highest-quality skins from domestic sheep raised commercially for their meat in the Rocky Mountain states, many of our shearling garments and accessories are custom made to order, which means your Mother’s Day gift will fit her perfectly, based on her own unique measurements and style preferences. The following are this year’s top picks for sheepskin Mother’s Day gifts from The Sheepherder.

Ladies Sheepskin Scuff Slippers

Nothing says love like a luxurious pair of authentic shearling slippers made from the finest sheepskin available. The scuff style of the sheepskin slippers makes them easy to slip on or off, and the wear-resistant cowhide sole means they will last a lifetime with the right care!

Minnetonka Shearling Ankle Boots

For a little added warmth and comfort, check out our Minnetonka-brand sheepskin ankle boots, which feature a luxurious shearling flap that folds up around the ankle, and a slip-resistant hard rubber role for indoor/outdoor wear any time of year.

Unique Sheepskin Eyeglass/iPhone Case

If Mom is constantly misplacing or scratching her eyeglasses, the perfect Mother’s Day gift could be a shearling eyeglass case made with durable suede on the outside and soft shearling on the inside. This unique gift also doubles as a protective case for her iPhone or smartphone, and makes both items easy to find inside her purse.

Handmade Sheepskin Pillow

For a special Mother’s Day gift for the home, consider our one-of-a-kind shearling pillows, made entirely of genuine sheepskin, from the inside out. Filled with soft wool batting for a nice cozy construction, the pillows feature a unique color-block sheepskin pattern on one side and a durable suede or leather on the other.

Genuine Shearling Driving Gloves

Even with the warmer weather spring typically brings, a nice pair of authentic shearling gloves can still come in handy for drives into town on those brisk evenings, or for moms who live in places that get cool or downright cold weather year-round. Made with a soft and supple sheepskin interior and a sturdy suede outer, they make a great Mother’s Day gift any mom would enjoy.

Order Your Sheepskin Mother’s Day Gifts Today

Because many of our sheepskin garments and accessories are handmade to order, it’s a good idea to get a jump on your Mother’s Day shopping and place your order as soon as possible. Whether she is more apt to appreciate a pair of genuine sheepskin slippers, a protective sheepskin eyeglass case, or a handmade shearling pillow for her home, The Sheepherder has plenty of unique and stylish Mother’s Day gift ideas Mom is sure to love!

Sheepskin Boots: From Fashion Fad to Forever

Considering their name comes from an abbreviation for “ugly,” it’s pretty remarkable that Ugg-style sheepskin boots have been around for so long, evolving from their humble beginnings as the crude shearling boots Australian surfers wore to keep warm, to global fame as the preferred fashion footwear for everyone from Rihanna and Kendall Jenner to Tom Brady and Ben Affleck. Whether you, personally, are a fan of the sheepskin boot or not, there’s no denying that the cozy footwear has staying power and will likely remain a fashion favorite for years to come.

Sheepskin Boots Go with Any Outfit

For supermodel and Ugg’s first “global women’s ambassador,” Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who has owned a pair of the sheepskin boots since she was 16, Ugg boots are all about personal style and ease of wear. “There are no rules really. I mean, I feel that you can wear the same outfit that you would wear with a different pair of shoes but with Uggs. I think it works really well. So I’ll be wearing mine with my skinny jeans and T-shirts, and a blazer or a cool bomber jacket.”

Huntington-Whiteley raises a good point here about substituting shearling boots for just about any other type of shoe, which is likely the main draw for the warm and cozy boots. It seems that Ugg-style sheepskin boots are one of the only types of footwear to transcend fashion trends year after year, while also effortlessly going with just about any outfit, whether you’re sporting a pair of leggings and a sweater, a mini skirt and bomber jacket, or skinny jeans and a T-shirt.

Anyone Can Wear Shearling Boots

Derided by many as the fashion fad that refuses to die, sheepskin-lined boots have somehow avoided going the way of the clog, Crocs, Birkenstock sandals and other regrettable fashion fads, and remain the favored footwear for mothers running errands in town, teenagers enjoying a Saturday shopping spree, and celebrities donning their off-duty uniform and jet-setting around the world for their next big appearance. From the fashion-forward A-lister to the regular Joe, the Ugg-style sheepskin boot is the common denominator.

Get Your Own Authentic Sheepskin Boots Today!

So what’s the secret behind the shearling boot’s unstoppable success? According to The Guardian, it’s the footwear’s ability to effortlessly straddle the line between “public glamour and private style,” telegraphing a message of “’I’m worth it’ but also ‘this is me, off-duty.’” The one factor that keeps many style-savvy individuals from purchasing a pair of sheepskin boots, however, is price. Fortunately for you, you can get a pair of genuine shearling boots from The Sheepherder for a fraction of the price. Check out our selection of Minnetonka-brand pug-style and fringe sheepskin boots, and get in on the fashion “trend” that’s here to stay!

Transition Your Sheepskin Vests and Boots from Winter to Spring

The official first day of spring was March 20, and while some parts of the East Coast actually saw snow that day, the weather has been getting progressively warmer as we get ready to head into April. And with this promising glimpse of a mild spring, there’s no doubt some of you have already begun switching out your closets, trading your winter coats and boots for floral blouses, jean shorts and summery espadrilles. One garment you don’t have to pack away for the season though is your sheepskin, which can play double duty in your wardrobe and easily transition from winter to spring.

When you purchase a genuine sheepskin garment – as opposed to faux or imitation sheepskin – you’re getting an item that’s made from the natural hide of a sheep, which has a silky wool on one side and durable suede on the other. Unlike synthetic shearling, authentic sheepskin features hollow fibers that, when processed correctly, allow your skin to breathe and naturally wick away moisture from the body, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. That means you can wear your favorite sheepskin vest all year round, whether the temperatures are in the 30s or the 60s.

One of our most popular sheepskin garments for spring is our Ladies Wrangler Sheepskin Vest – the perfect addition to any casual outfit, and paired best with your favorite jeans and comfy flannel shirt or lightweight sweater. Our shearling vests for women are attractive and form-fitting, and feature toggle buttons made from genuine antlers shed annually by deer and elk. As you’re organizing your closet this spring and deciding what to pack away until next season, you’ll definitely want to hang on to your stylish shearling vest for some of those cooler spring nights.

Another sheepskin staple that transitions seamlessly from winter to spring is your favorite pair of shearling boots – yes, the ones that have kept your feet nice and toasty warm all winter long. It’s true that nothing beats authentic sheepskin when it comes to staying warm and protected from the elements, but your shearling boots can just as easily keep your feet nice and cool this spring and summer, not to mention comfortable. The Sheepherder is an official retailer of Minnetonka-brand products, and we have several different types of shearling boots for sale in our shop, including traditional pug-style sheepskin boots and fashionable fringe boots as well.

We’ve clocked in a few chilly days the past couple of weeks, but there’s no doubt that an early spring is in the cards for us, and no matter what April turns out like in terms of weather, you won’t regret having that sheepskin around. So be sure to check out our wide selection of sheepskin jackets, slippers, vests and boots at The Sheepherder shop or on our website, and get a jump on your spring wardrobe today!

As we head into the winter season – sure to be a cold one if last winter was any indication – you’ve probably already pulled out your favorite sheepskin boots from storage, only to find that they are a little grimy…er, well-worn. Lucky for you, genuine sheepskin will last a lifetime if you care for it properly, and the same is true for our Minnetonka shearling boots, which feature a soft suede upper and a sheepskin and wool blend lining. Sheepskin is a natural, durable material that can easily withstand the elements, which is why shearling boots are so popular for winter wear. Care for them the right way, and you can enjoy the same pair of sheepskin boots for years to come!

For those of you who own a pair of authentic sheepskin boots, you know that they are so incredibly warm and comfortable, you’d be hard pressed to trade them in for anything else during the winter, especially when the temperatures drop and it feels like the chill is reaching right through to your bones. Unfortunately, that also means that your sheepskin boots see a lot of wear during the winter, when the mix of snow, dirt, gravel and salt leaves a layer of grime on your shoes that seems impenetrable. Not so!

With the right sheepskin care and cleaning tips, you can transform your well-worn shearling boots from soiled and grubby to clean and pristine, and make them look great and last as long as you need them to. We recommend two products when cleaning or caring for sheepskin, and protecting the natural material from future damage – a rain and stain shield made for suede or leather for the outside and a mild detergent to clean the wool on the inside. If you’ve noticed that your sheepskin boots have become dirty, soiled or water-spotted, a suede conditioner or cleaner should do the trick.

To clean your sheepskin boots, hand blot the area with a rag, mild detergent (or your everyday hair shampoo) and cold water, being careful not to soak through to the suede. Then carefully rinse and hand blot the excess moisture using a clean, dry towel, and let the boots air dry. Brush the wool when it is nearly dry to fluff it back up. If your sheepskin boots are exceptionally soiled, your best bet might be to take them to a dry cleaner that specializes in leather and/or furs. Also, if your shearling boots ever become significantly wet, it’s best to let them dry slowly over time, without placing them in direct heat, which can damage the sheepskin.

One of the most important things to remember about sheepskin, is that you should try to clean the spot or stain as soon as it occurs, rather than letting it set over time. So, at the end of this winter, when you get ready to pack away your shearling boots in favor of flip-flops, remember to treat any grime or stains right away, so when you pull them back out next winter, your shearling boots are good as new!

It’s easy to see sheepskin slippers and boots as a fashion staple made strictly for women, but the truth is, the cozy footwear is just as wearable for men (like New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady) who are looking for easy slip-on shoes they can step into at the end of a long day. Plenty of men out there already recognize the undeniable comfort of authentic shearling footwear, and even A-list male celebrities like Bruce Willis, Tom Brady and Ben Affleck sport cozy and warm sheepskin slippers and boots on occasion.

Our handcrafted sheepskin slippers and boots at The Sheepherder are made to last, using the natural wool and hide of domestic sheep raised in the Rocky Mountain region, and the shoes are also warm enough to keep your toes toasty warm throughout the fall and winter. Imagine waking up on a chilly morning and stepping into a pair of luxurious sheepskin slippers, or coming home at the end of a winter day to cozy up by the fire in shearling slippers handmade to fit your exact measurements. As the UK news website Metro so eloquently puts it, wearing genuine shearling slippers is like “slipping your feet into a bear’s armpit,” and what man wouldn’t want that??

From traditional sheepskin slippers to scuff shearling slippers, The Sheepherder offers a wide variety of one-of-a-kind shearling slippers for men that are handmade to order by Diane Blessing, in her shop in beautiful downtown Alma, Colorado. Diane has been creating handmade genuine shearling slippers and other sheepskin garments since 1989, and each and every item she crafts is made using the highest-quality materials, and with impeccable attention to detail. Check out The Sheepherder’s Scuff Sheepskin Slipper for men for easy-on, easy-off wear on a daily basis, or the Men’s Traditional Shearling Slipper for a warm and cozy fit that offers coverage for both your feet and ankles.

In addition to custom shearling slippers handcrafted by Diane herself, The Sheepherder also offers a wide selection of authentic Minnetonka sheepskin footwear for men on our website. Head on over to our official Minnetonka section and choose from the shearling Ankle Hi Pug Boot, Olympia Boot, Men’s Ankle Boot, Men’s Hardsole Slippers, Men’s Softsole Slippers or Men’s Twin Gore Slippers, all from Minnetonka’s sheepskin footwear collection, and all featuring durable, attractive suede on the outside and luxurious, warm wool on the inside.

If there’s one type of footwear that is guaranteed to keep you warm on chilly mornings and evenings throughout the fall and winter seasons, it’s genuine shearling slippers or boots. Order your own pair of handmade men’s sheepskin slippers today and see what it’s like to “slip your feet into a bear’s armpit!”