How to choose your sheepskin boot size: how much room and how to measure

Why is sheepskin boot sizing different from sneaker sizing?

Because the inside of a sheepskin boot is lined with thick fleece, and that fleece takes up part of the volume. In a new pair the pile is springy and hugs the foot; with wear it packs down a little. So your usual sneaker size is a poor guide: go by foot length and the chart of the specific model.

Sheepskin boots are traditionally made from twin-faced (double-face) sheepskin — a hide tanned with the wool still on, leather outside and fleece inside. The Babylon boots in this article are made that way too: the Frost-74 page lists a double-face genuine leather (sheepskin) upper, dense, thick sheepskin fur inside and a fur-covered insole. For how to tell real sheepskin from faux fur, see “Genuine sheepskin boots”.

Makers of sheepskin footwear give the same advice on fit: the wool beds down and moulds to the foot over time, and the leather gives slightly. That is why they say a new pair should feel snug rather than loose.

How do I measure my foot before ordering?

Measure in the evening, standing, on a sheet of paper against a wall: from the heel to the tip of your longest toe. Do both feet and use the larger figure, rounded to 0.5 cm.

One adjustment for sheepskin boots: measure in the sock you will wear with them in winter, not barefoot. The full step-by-step method is in “How to measure your foot at home” and on the “How to choose your size” page.

Which socks should I wear with sheepskin boots?

The ones you will really wear in winter — usually a regular cotton or thin wool sock. A very thick ski sock is rarely needed: the fleece already keeps you warm, and in a snug pair the extra bulk will press.

Keep it simple: the same sock for measuring, trying on and wearing. Then the size chart gives an accurate answer, and the wool can do its job — reference sources note that sheepskin fleece draws moisture away from the foot and traps warm air.

Should I size up in sheepskin boots?

No, not automatically. Do not add anything to your measured foot length: the allowance is already built into the last and the chart. A pair that is too big rubs just like a tight one, and lets warmth escape faster. The exception is MARY: these slip-ons are snug over the instep, so we recommend one size up, especially with warm socks.

How to check the fit:

1. Toes. About 1 cm between your longest toe and the front — roughly a little finger's width, as an NHS footwear factsheet advises for closed shoes.
2. Sides. Your foot is not squeezed and your toes do not press.
3. Heel. It does not lift or slip as you walk.
4. Instep. The fleece noticeably hugs the top of the foot — normal for new sheepskin. Pain or numbness is not.

Don't size up automatically: the foot will slip and the warmth will escape. Measure in the evening, in the socks you'll wear with the boots, and check the model's chart.

How do I read the size chart on a product page?

Open the product page, click “Size Chart” next to the size selector and find the value in the “Foot Length, cm” row closest to your measurement. The size above it is yours. Almost every Babylon model is made on its own last, so every pair has its own chart.

Note the two men's rows: the same size 41 matches a different foot length in Frost-84 and UGM-1-41. The gap is small, but it is exactly why you should not carry a size over from one model to another, even within one brand.

Do sheepskin boots run small or large?

There is no single answer: fit depends on the last and the fleece thickness of each model. The pages for Frost-74, UG-1-41, Frost-84 and UGM-1-41 carry no note about running small or large — they carry a “Size / Foot Length, cm” chart instead. Rely on two numbers, your foot length and the chart value, rather than other people's reviews.

What if I'm between two sizes?

Send your foot length and the model name to the shop, and they will advise using that pair's chart. Babylon's size guide says that in this case the larger size is usually the better choice.

• No half sizes. The charts on Babylon's sheepskin boot pages list whole sizes, so a “37.5” needs rounding with the shop's help.
• Laces help. A lace-up pair is easier to tighten if it is slightly roomy. The NHS factsheet also favours a secure fastening such as laces or Velcro, because a foot slides and rubs in unfastened shoes.

What about a wide foot or a high instep?

Trace your foot on paper, measure the widest part across the toes and send that figure with your foot length. For a high instep, lace-up boots are easier: you can loosen the lacing over the instep without changing size.

All four models in this article lace up: Frost-74 and Frost-84 have classic laces, while UG-1-41 and UGM-1-41 have braided laces that their pages describe as a standout design detail.

Which Babylon sheepskin boots come in women's and men's sizes?

Babylon is a Ukrainian footwear factory with its own production in Kharkiv since 1997, where shoes are made by hand. The women's charts usually cover 36–41 and the men's 39–45; sizes in stock are shown on each page.

• Frost-74, women's — double-face sheepskin upper, sheepskin fur inside, fur-covered insole, EVA sole.
• UG-1-41, women's — natural double-face sheepskin, thick dense fur, lightweight sole, braided laces.
• Frost-84, men's — double-face sheepskin upper, sheepskin fur inside, TPE sole, 3.5 cm sole height inside.
• UGM-1-41, men's — natural double-face sheepskin, thick dense fur, lightweight sole, braided laces.

• LeatherWomen's sheepskin boots, down to −20 °C Frost-74Heel counter and decorative tongue insert: genuine leather; inside: dense; insole: fur-covered€115View →
• LeatherWomen's sheepskin boots, down to −20 °C UG-1-41Inside: thick; sole: lightweight; temperature: down to −20 °C€133View →
• LeatherMen's sheepskin boots, down to −20 °C Frost-84Heel counter and decorative tongue insert: genuine leather; inside: dense; insole: fur-covered€115View →
• LeatherMen's sheepskin boots, down to −20 °C UGM-1-41Inside: thick; sole: lightweight; temperature: down to −20 °C€133View →

Browse all models in women's sheepskin boots and men's sheepskin boots.

What if the boots don't fit?

For international orders, returns and exchanges are accepted within 30 days of delivery, provided the boots are unworn and in their original condition. Shipping is free worldwide and takes about 5–10 business days (7–12 to the US, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, Georgia and Montenegro).

In Ukraine you can also try pairs on in Babylon showrooms in Kharkiv (Sumska St. 128 and Pushkinska St. 50/52) and Kyiv (Pavlivska St. 18), daily 10:00–20:00. Full terms are on the “Return policy” page. To keep the fleece and shape in good condition, read “How to care for sheepskin boots”.