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!”

Ugg-style sheepskin boots have always had their detractors (though we can’t imagine why, considering how warm and comfortable they are), and the footwear hit its style peak close to a decade ago. But, like many things do, sheepskin boots are coming back in style this year, according to Vogue magazine, and we thought you’d like to be the first to know! The magazine published an article recently predicting the return of the cozy sheepskin boot to the high-fashion fold, thanks to a new generation of style-savvy stars who crave the warmth and comfort that can only be found in a genuine shearling boot.

Believe it or not, the pinnacle of the sheepskin boot was way back in 2004, when Sienna Miller rocked hers with a bare, natural face and sun-kissed hair – bohemian style – and now the footwear is shoe-in for a big fashion return in 2015. Preferred by fashion designers and celebrities like Kate Moss and Sarah Jessica Parker, as well as moms, teens and everyone in between, the sheepskin boot is a simple yet stylish addition to any outfit – dressy or casual. Basically, anything you might normally wear with an ankle boot, try pairing with an authentic shearling boot instead.

“I wear my [sheepskin boots] with hand painted Aries jeans, a Moschino tote, Palace Skateboards hoodie and Meadham Kirchoff star hair clips,” says designer Ashley Williams. “It was my first outfit of 2015 – [they] are the marmite of the foot wear world, they’re so comfortable. I love them.” It’s hard not to love them though, they are so darn cute and incredibly warm. “Of course there is the comfort factor too,” says Vogue editor Nura Khan. “They are just so cozy. Carrie Bradshaw [of Sex & the City] wore them the best with painted boyfriend jeans and a sheepskin jacket – think throwback, grungy San Francisco style.”

There you have it folks, the sheepskin boot is poised for a huge comeback this year, and those of you whose boots went the way of the parachute pants can score your own pair right now on our website. Plus, as a bonus, Vogue has offered five fashion rules on how to wear sheepskin boots in style this summer:

1. Wear them without makeup
2. Ditch the pajama pants and tracksuit bottoms for boyfriend jeans or stylish leggings
3. Be unique and clever with your style – think fishnets or a miniskirt
4. Consider pairing them with a vintage dress and a chunky knit
5. Go for a transitional look by donning a long white tunic or tux shirt, bare legs and a short black sheepskin boot

Check out www.customsheepskinjackets.com now and get your own pair of genuine Minnetonka sheepskin boots today!

Every year, people around the country look forward to finding out what Oprah Winfrey has included on her “Favorite Things” list, and this year, the coveted collection of products Oprah has deemed the perfect holiday gifts features both sheepskin slippers and shearling gloves, just in time for winter. “I tasted. I tested. I sniffed. I touched,” says Oprah about the rigorous process she used to determine her favorite products for 2014. “I lotioned. I potioned. I snuggled. I brewed. I steeped. I read. I dared, and then I did it all again…and again…and again.” And apparently, after all that product testing, Oprah just couldn’t resist the feel of soft, warm shearling on her skin, choosing two sheepskin products that will make the perfect Christmas gifts for 2014.

Continue reading Sheepskin Slippers & Gloves Featured on Oprah’s “Favorite Things of 2014” List

Fringe is the new fashion obsession of many of the hottest celebrities and style icons out there today, like Reese Witherspoon, Sienna Miller, Lauren Conrad and Kate Hudson, who are rocking everything from fringe boots to tasselled dresses and Western-inspired bags this fall. A new season ushers in a whole new set of trends, and we just can’t get enough of the fashion potential offered by fringe boots this year. Take some inspiration from your favorite fashionable celebrities this season and check out our Minnetonka fringe sheepskin boots for women and kids at The Sheepherder!

Continue reading New Fall Fashion Trend – Fringe Sheepskin Boots

It’s hard to believe, but September really is right around the corner, and while we still have some time before the brisk fall weather sets in, it’s a great time to get ahead of the game and get your hands on some warm and cozy must-haves for this fall, including sheepskin slippers, shearling coats and more. With our wide selection of sheepskin garments and accessories at your fingertips, you can dress your best this season and incorporate a little luxurious sheepskin into your fashionable fall wardrobe!

Continue reading How to Dress Yourself in Sheepskin this Fall

Sheepskin is a natural, durable fabric made to withstand the elements, which is why it is such a popular material for sheepskin slippers and other winter apparel. However, sheepskin is not naturally waterproof, and shearing garments can easily become soiled when worn outdoors. For this reason, it is extremely important to properly waterproof and protect the durability of your sheepskin slippers, in order to prevent long-lasting stains. Our sheepskin slippers at The Sheepherder are made to last, and we want to help our valued customers keep their sheepskin slippers looking as good as new for as long as possible. To that end, the following are six helpful tips to keep in mind when it comes to protecting, cleaning and caring for your genuine sheepskin slippers.

Continue reading How to Waterproof, Protect and Clean Your Sheepskin Slippers

Now that we’ve survived the polar vortex, the arctic freeze and everything else this past winter had to throw at us, many people are looking forward to storing away their winter gear until next season, but don’t box up your sheepskin slippers or vest just yet! All of our shearling boots and outerwear at The Sheepherder are handcrafted using genuine sheepskin, which features hollow fibers that help the material naturally wick away moisture from the body, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Unlike all the synthetic sheepskin garments out there, our shearling slippers, coats and boots at The Sheepherder won’t make you sweat in warmer weather, which means you can enjoy the comfort and style of sheepskin outerwear all year long, not just during winter.
Great Sheepskin Products for Summer
While some of our sheepskin jackets and accessories are more appropriate for winter weather, there are plenty of shearling garments to choose from that you can wear during summer too. The authentic Minnetonka sheepskin boots for sale on our website, for example, can be worn all year long, and so can the Minnetonka sheepskin slippers and moccasins we offer for both men and women. There’s nothing better than stepping into a soft, cozy pair of shearling slippers first thing in the morning, even in the warm summer months, and with their easy slip-on, slip-off wear, our Minnetonka ankle-high shearling boots are perfect for running errands or enjoying a lunch out with friends, regardless of the weather. If sporting a full-on sheepskin coat during the summer seems like a little much, check out our beautiful custom-made sheepskin vests for men and women, which offer the utmost in year-round comfort and durability.
Caring for Your Shearling Garments
If you do decide to wear your sheepskin boots or jacket during the spring or summer, when things tend to get a little rainy and muddy, it’s important that you use the right products to properly care for your garments. First, the outer suede portion of your sheepskin item should be sprayed with a rain and stain shield made specifically for suede or leather, which will help prevent soiling and protect the garment against water spotting. If you find yourself needing to touch up the wool portion of your shearling coat or boots, you can use a solution of Woolite and cold water, but be sure to avoid soaking through to the suede. Once the wool is nearly dry, you can brush it to fluff it back to its normal appearance. If your sheepskin garment becomes soiled enough to require the help of a professional, be sure to ask ahead of time if the dry cleaner is experienced with sheepskin and/or leather and suede products.

Every once in a while we like to remind returning customers and other consumers that all of our sheepskin products at The Sheepherder are made right here in the United States, from beginning to end. From the authentic sheepskin hides used to make jackets, slippers and mittens, to the unique buttons crafted from antlers shed naturally by deer and elk each year, we are proud to say that each and every product we offer on our website and in our store is 100% “Made in the USA.” Why is this so important, you ask? It’s simple.

Sheepskin Garments Made in the United States

When you order one of our shearling jackets, you know for a fact that your product will be hand-crafted by Diane Blessing, using the highest-quality sheepskin from domestic sheep raised right here in the Rocky Mountain states. No kidding! The shearling used in our garments actually comes from sheep that are raised commercially for their meat, and their hides are a valuable by-product tanned and processed…where? You got it, right here in the United States. This means that your sheepskin jacket will not be made in China, and it will certainly not be made with a wool lining sewn or glued to the suede. On the contrary, it will be carefully constructed using one piece of continuous natural hide for the utmost in comfort and quality. Another benefit of purchasing sheepskin products made in the USA is that you’ll be supporting a local business, which is never a bad thing!

Minnetonka Moccasins and Slippers

In addition to offering our own products for sale, The Sheepherder is also an authorized Minnetonka retailer, and you can find a complete selection of Minnetonka boots, moccasins and slippers on our website. Minnetonka is based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and although all products created by the company are manufactured in the Dominican Republic they use leather and sheepskin produced in the USA. Check out our selection of Minnetonka footwear, and you’ll see that there’s no need to sacrifice quality and comfort for a pair of Minnetonka moccasins. Like Minnetonka, we believe that authenticity and quality craftsmanship are the most important characteristics of sheepskin slippers and other garments.

Authentic vs. Synthetic Sheepskin Products

We’ll admit, it’s probably faster and cheaper to get your hands on a pair of artificial “sheepskin” slippers, but when you buy synthetic, you never know where the product came from, the quality of its construction, or how long it will last. On the other hand, when you invest in a genuine sheepskin product from our shop, you know that it was made right here in the United States by Diane Blessing herself. Diane has been creating and designing custom shearling garments at her shop in Alma, Colorado for more than 20 years, and her extensive experience working with sheepskin ensures that your shearling product will be more than just comfortable or durable or stylish. It will be all these things and more!

Another year has gone by, and, yet again, sheepskin slippers and jackets rang in as some of our best-selling products for 2013. From Christmas to birthdays, baby showers and anniversaries, we worked hard year-round to keep up with your orders for our custom-made sheepskin garments. Now that 2014 is in full swing, what better way to celebrate the end of a great year than to look back on some of our most popular products from 2013? For those fashion-savvy and budget-conscious shoppers interested in staying up on the latest trends in shearling, the following is a list of The Sheepherder’s top five best-selling sheepskin products for 2013.

5. Sheepskin mittens – This winter brought record-breaking chills and significant amounts of snow to much of the United States, and our customers responded by purchasing a pair (or two) of cozy sheepskin mittens. Hand-crafted using high-quality hides, our shearling mittens feature soft, warm wool on the inside and durable suede on the outside to protect your hands from the cold winter weather. We also have sheepskin mittens for children and babies, so you can keep everyone’s hands nice and warm this winter.

4. Shearling coats for men – If you thought sheepskin was just for women, think again. Ringing in at our fourth best-selling product, men’s sheepskin jackets remained a popular purchase in 2013, and we have a feeling we know why. Our sheepskin coats are custom-made to order for a perfect fit and, unlike synthetic garments, they are made from the skins of domestic sheep raised in the Rocky Mountain states. It doesn’t get much manlier than that, does it?

3. Kids’ sheepskin slippers – You didn’t forget about the kids, did you? There’s nothing cuter than a child snuggled up in sheepskin, and our handcrafted kids’ shearling slippers are the perfect addition to any kid’s outfit, especially in winter. Our children’s sheepskin slippers make a great gift for a birthday, baby shower or Christmas, and with a price tag of just $24, the stylish and affordable footwear came in at number three on our best-selling list.

2. Shearling hats – It makes perfect sense to pair your shearling mittens with a cozy sheepskin hat, right? Well, that’s what many of our customers were probably thinking when they helped make our custom shearling hats the second-best-selling item for 2013. Our shop has stylish and affordable sheepskin headwear items for the whole family, including sheepskin aviator hats, earbands and more, in colors ranging from traditional sahara or ranch to adorable pink or grey.

1. Sheepskin slippers for men and women – Nothing keeps your feet warmer and more comfortable than a pair of genuine sheepskin slippers, and our customers apparently agreed, because shearling slippers were our number one best-selling product for 2013. With a number of durable footwear options for both men and women, including authentic Minnetonka moccasins (hardsole or softsole) and shearling mule slippers for women, our sheepskin slippers are likely to remain a popular purchase in 2014 as well!

Wondering what to get that special someone in your life this holiday season? The answer is sheepskin! Whether the person at the top of your Christmas list is a family member, friend or co-worker, sheepskin is one of the best Christmas gifts you can give this year. From sheepskin slippers to shearling boots, jackets and hats, there are plenty of options out there for sheepskin gifts this holiday season, no matter who you’re shopping for. Not only are sheepskin boots and other shearling products completely practical, they are very comfortable, durable and stylish as well, and there are plenty of great options that fall well within the typical Christmas gift budget. Here are our picks for the top five sheepskin Christmas gifts for 2013:

Minnetonka Men’s Soft- or Hard-Sole Moccasins – Does dear old Dad spend a typical Sunday morning lounging by the fire with a cup of coffee in hand? Add to the mix a cozy pair of sheepskin slippers and you’ll definitely make his day. Our men’s Minnetonka moccasins are made with 100% sheepskin wool to keep his feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer, making these shearling slippers the gift that keeps on giving all year-round!

Ladies’ Sheepskin Mittens or Designer Gloves – If there’s a lady in your life who spends a lot of time outdoors in the winter or has a long commute to work, our ladies’ sheepskin mittens or designer shearling gloves make great Christmas gifts. The mittens have toasty warm sheepskin on the inside and durable suede on the outside that keeps away the wintertime chill, while the designer gloves make even long drives in the cold winter weather a breeze.

Children’s Shearling or Deerskin Slippers – Don’t forget that brand-new little niece or nephew! Besides being incredibly adorable, our children’s sheepskin and deerskin slippers are warm and comfortable, and will help protect that little one’s feet from the cold winter weather. Check out our children’s shearling mittens and aviator hat for a perfect match!

Ladies’ Sheepskin Vest – A winter coat is a great Christmas gift idea, but try changing it up this year with a handcrafted ladies’ Silverheels or Wrangler sheepskin vest. Both of our shearling vests are feminine, sleek and versatile garments that can be worn with either dressy or casual outfits, which makes them a go-to option for fall or winter wear. All of our vests feature genuine antler toggles for closure and are custom-made to order for a perfect fit.

Men’s Shearling Aviator Hat – Let’s face it, what guy wouldn’t love a genuine sheepskin aviator hat under the Christmas tree? Our classic men’s bomber hat features an incredibly soft and warm sheepskin interior with durable suede on the outside to keep the heat in and the cold out. Secure the velcro on the chin strap to stay extra warm, or velcro the straps on the top of the hat to keep them out of the way. Either way, this unique gift is guaranteed to put a smile on his face this Christmas!