Ashley Reid
September 30, 2025
The Unbeatable Comfort of Sheepskin Slippers: Why They're a Must-Have
A champion among fabrics and the preferred choice for outdoor lovers, sheepskin is without a doubt the crème de la crème when it comes to choosing material for clothing.
A champion among fabrics and the preferred choice for outdoor lovers, sheepskin is without a doubt the crème de la crème when it comes to choosing material for clothing. But what about on your feet? Will it itch? Will you sweat? Is it actually comfortable? Is it durable? All valid concerns! Wool is an ancient textile that’s stood the test of time—for good reason.
Benefits of Wool Slippers
Environmentally Friendly
Sheepskin is biodegradable! Unlike synthetic counterparts, sheepskin is a natural fiber from the Earth, meaning it decomposes in weeks to a year. Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand? We’re talking potentially up to 200 years. Synthetic fibers are also derived from fossil fuels. Most of us don’t typically think of our clothes as being made from petroleum products—but it’s true. Natural fibers, including animal-based ones, have the ability to be replenished and regrown.
What’s more, synthetics require higher energy consumption. It’s estimated that around 40% of emissions produced by the fashion industry come from polyester. There’s a particularly great blog post from a few years back on the connection between fashion and greenhouse gas emissions that really puts it all into digestible perspective.
Sidenote: many moons ago, I became passionate about sewing and sustainable fashion after watching a documentary on this topic. It was an eye-opening film, and thankfully, it feels like the conversation around sustainability is finally getting some much-needed attention. If you have time, I recommend checking out Miss Representation.
Because sheepskin is so durable and resilient, it will last you far longer than just one season. Wool is made to last for years to come.
Comfort
I’ll be the first to admit—I used to have a knee-jerk reaction to the idea of wool clothing. But to be fair, the wool my husband wears feels like the abrasive green side of a kitchen sponge. For him—an avid outdoorsman and bushcrafter who’s out in subfreezing temps—it’s perfect. For me? Not so much. If it’s not soft, I’m not interested.
So I started digging: Why are some wool garments scratchy and others buttery soft? Turns out, it all comes down to the micron count—the width or thickness of the fibers. Wool meant to take a beating and serve as a tough outer layer has a higher micron count. Merino wool, by contrast, has a very low micron count, giving it that famously soft feel.
At East Perry, our slippers are made with 100% natural sheepskin. The hides are just as lush and soft as the day they were prancing through the fields. This is because all of our products are unprocessed fur, not yet woven into fibres. This is how our slippers are plush and luxurious. The fibers have a unique structure that traps air, helping retain warmth while still allowing breathability and comfort. Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, tend to do the opposite—trapping heat and moisture, resulting in that unpleasant clammy feeling.
Sheepskin is also a wicking fiber, meaning it pulls moisture away from the skin and stays cool and dry—even when exposed to sweat. If you're a barefoot shoe enthusiast and prioritize flexible soles, these slippers are a wonderful option that still promote natural movement of the feet.
Longevity & Durability
Beyond being incredibly soft and comfortable, sheepskin slippers are built to last. Wool is a hardy material, not prone to tearing or fraying. This durability has long been favored by hunters who need garments that can withstand rough terrain—and it’s also appreciated by dog owners with heavy chewers!
As indoor footwear, sheepskin slippers are golden.
While I touched on fast fashion earlier, it’s worth emphasizing here: garments made from synthetic fibers are often packed with microplastics and degrade with each wash. Over time, this leads to thinning fabric, worn-out necklines, and holes. Natural fibres from animals however, maintain their structure and appearance, aging gracefully without looking old or shabby.
A friend once told me, “I’m too poor to be cheap.” In other words, he was intentional about what he invested in—choosing fewer, better things. When you buy a quality product that’s lovingly made by hand in small batches, you're not just getting durability—you’re getting attention to detail and true craftsmanship.
So go ahead: slip into those lush sheepskin slippers, let them cradle your feet in softness, and take a deep breath. You deserve it.
