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Sheepskin
After
comparing the top brands, we were able to rate the grade of the sheepskin. Most
of the brands scored well here and the lower scores were given for rough
sheepskin or lower grade skins. Sheepskin for the production of sheepskin boots
is purchased as A, B and C grade. A grade is the most expensive and C grade is
the cheapest.
Sole
This
is one of the most important aspects of a good sheepskin boot. Most brands (and
all of the smaller producers) us EVA or Ethyl Vinyl Acetate as the outsole
however, this material wears out quickly and has a very slippery surface. Many
EVA soles have very poor flexibility which is an important comfort factor and
scored lower for this. Some brands have moved towards natural rubber which wears
extremely well and has a superior grip. This is a key point as most sheepskin
boots are worn in the colder months and a rubber sole will provide a good grip
where EVA can feel like wearing ice skates when walking on wet and slippery
surfaces.
Shape
This
is usually the most obvious difference between the top brands and the plethora
of smaller manufacturers who usually have a sheepskin background but know very
little about proper fitting footwear. The key here is in the shoe last which
determines the shape of the boot and the actual pattern of the boot. Most of the
brands scored well here and the lower scores were given because the boots
resembled a ducks bill rather that the classic boot shape.
Fit
A
poorly shaped pattern, hand cut sheepskin and not using a shoe last or forcing
in the last after the boot is stitched instead of stitching around the last will
result in a poor fit. Additionally, soles with poor flexibility will also cause
the heel to lift out with each step. The
lower scores here were due to a fit that just fell of the wearers foot while the
higher scores fitted well.
Quality
We
determined the overall quality of the boots by studying the stitching, the
construction, the finish and the materials used. Again, most brands scored well
here and the lower scores were due to
poor materials, rough and crooked stitching and logos and some glue stains on
the sheepskin.
Insole
This
is one of the biggest differences between the brands that we reviewed. The top
scores have
removable, washable insoles using features such as arch support, memory
foam
and even
a gel heel. The lower scores were given for no insole whatsoever, or just sheepskin sewn into
the boot or just a thin piece of EVA with sheepskin sewn or glued
onto it.
Arch
Support
Only
three brands have addressed this issue in the design of their insoles. This is a
key part of being
able to wear your boots for long periods of time. The top score was given due to
an actual plastic arch support that feels like a dream. This feature was unique
to this brand.
Heel
Support
Heel
and ankle support are another big factor in a well fitting sheepskin boot that
you can wear for
extended periods of time. The top scores were given to the brands that had a
good heel counter
and the right shape that resembled the heel. The lower scores were given due to
a non
existent heel counter or such a wide heel that the boot just came away with each
step.
Features
The
sheepskin boot industry is now a billion dollar market and some leading
companies are including features such as boots that are already water resistant
right out of the box, have memory foam insoles with arch support, have sizing
inserts included in the box and non slip rubber soles. The brands compared
ranged from all of the above for the top score and none of the above for the
lower score.
Durability
In
choosing your sheepskin boots, how your boots will last over time should always
be a big factor. Rubber soles will help your boots last longer as will removable
and replaceable insoles. The overall
quality of the brand is another factory here and we gave the higher scores for
these considerations.
Summary
Not
all sheepskin boots are created equal. Some leading brands do not have all the
features that are needed to make a high quality sheepskin boot that looks good,
wears well, is good for your feet
and will stand the test of time. Look past the brands marketing, advertising and
the popular consumer trends, which are greatly influenced by these factors, and
understand that you do have a
choice and that some brands are pioneering new features that will make a huge
difference in your
sheepskin boot investment.
SheepskinDirect.com
- The Australian Sheepskin Boot Experts
Disclaimer
- The above brands and trademarks are owned by various companies and they did
not take part in this comparative study which is intended to accurately and
objectively compare these sheepskin boots for our customers. While we are
sheepskin boot experts, this information is based on our opinion and is not by
way of any official company statements from the various companies used in the
comparison.
Are
you a manufacturer?
We
are always looking for new brands. We continue to offer the best brands on the
planet and aim to be as objective in comparing Sheepskin boots brands as
possible. If you have a brand that you want to have us compare to other
sheepskin boot brands, please contact
us.
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