How to choose a sheepskin ankle boot
Sheepskin is sheep hide tanned with the fleece still attached: a single material serves as both upper and lining, with no need to add an inner layer. That is why a sheepskin ankle boot keeps the foot warm without bulking up the fit, and why it can be worn barefoot: the fleece absorbs moisture and releases it, instead of holding it against the skin the way a synthetic fabric would.
Born as a shoe to slip on after the beach or after a day outdoors, this type of ankle boot has a deliberately soft structure. There is no rigid heel counter and no shaped footbed: the sole is flat and light, the shaft stands up on its own but gives way immediately at the ankle. Take your usual size rather than a larger one, because the fleece compresses with use and the fit widens slightly over the first few weeks.
Care is the care of nap leathers, not of smooth leather: no creams, no washing machine, no direct heat. Brush it dry when it is dry, let it air away from radiators, and treat it with a water-repellent spray for suede and sheepskin before the first wear. Alternating two pairs, rather than always wearing the same one, is the simplest way to make the fleece last.
