Ug or ugh boots made of sheepskin have been manufactured by the Australians for over 100 years. Amazingly, it was only recently that Australian surfers spread their popularity around the globe. These all season boots are unique due to the natural fleece insulation keeping your feet toasty in the winter, yet cool enough to wear on the beach.

BEWARE OF CHEAP IMITATION BOOTS ON THE MARKET NOW !!

IN TRUE QUALITY AUSTRALIAN UG STYLE BOOTS, THE OUTSIDE SKIN AND THE INSIDE SHEARLING ARE TWO SIDES OF THE SAME SKIN !!

If the boot is called wool lined, it is because the inside wool was sewn or glued onto the outside skin. Cheap scrap wool is often used to line the boots. The insulating properties are not the best and the skin and lining can be prone to separation. The best insulating qualities and durability are achieved with same skin construction using quality skins.

ABOUT MORTEL'S GENUINE AUSTRALIAN UG BOOTS

It's a Naturally Good Feeling

In the early 1700’s the Mortel family began hand crafting footwear in the Netherlands. During these early years special skills and techniques were developed to ensure Mortel products became greatly sought after and respected throughout the country.

Today, the same skills and dedication are exercised by the Mortel factory in the manufacture of an exciting range of premium quality sheepskin products, but now located in the Hunter Valley, Australia.

All sheepskins are specially selected from only Australian bred sheep... then tanned by Australian tanneries before being handcrafted into a Mortel product.

Only Mortel’s Australian sheepskin products combine first quality Australian sheepskins with over 150 years of master crafting.

Feel the difference... experience the difference! We wish you many years of enjoyment with your new Mortel sheepskin product.

Tony Mortel

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Sewing machine

Tony Mortel

Sheepskin Footwear... Frequently Asked Questions

What sizing convention are you using?

Order using US sizes. We will convert it into the  UK footwear sizes used at the Mortel factory. If unsure of sizing,  the factory knows it footwear better than anyone and how they are to fit once worn in, so often a bare foot length measurement of the recipients longest foot (yes... most people have one foot a little longer than the other) is the easiest way for us to determine the correct size.

Important: do not add any extra to your length to make any allowance for the density in the wool pile, this is done during the design of sheepskin footwear before manufacture to ensure easy sizing and accurate fitting.

As we do not do half sizes (sheepskin footwear does stretch), we prefer that you opt to go down to the nearest whole size for a really nice snug fit rather than go up to the nearest whole size for loose fit.

If you buy sheepskin footwear too big and comfortable to start off with, you will find that as they stretch and loosen, you will slip in them. This will reduce the life of them because you will rub the wool of the skin more quickly and put added pressure on the skin as you slide around. So it is always better to buy a nice snug fit.

How do I know if I have the correct size?

So you have bought a pair of sheepskin footwear and maybe you think they are too tight? Excellent! Sheepskin is one of those unusual materials of which there is no equivalent. Most people know that leather shoes stretch, well with sheepskin shoes this happens even more so.

A good fit means the shoe is nice and firm - almost to the point of being a little uncomfortable due to the fact that they will stretch. Another key factor is that the wool compresses with your weight and contours to the shape of your feet.

A good rule of thumb is that if you place your bare foot on the bottom of the sole (outer side) with your heel lined up with the heel of the boot and there is 2.5 to 3cm (say 1 and a 1/4 inch) between the end of your big toe and the front end of the sole then these are perfect. Any more than that and they will be quite roomy once the wool has flattened and the skin has stretched.

Does any brand of sheepskin footwear stretch?

Absolutely! and anyone who tells you otherwise is not experienced in the sheepskin industry. Sheepskin is the softest of all leather and we all know that ordinary leather shoes stretch, so too and even more does sheepskin.

There are however, some brands that will definitely stretch far more so than others. This is quite simply to do with the grading of sheepskins. Like wool is classed, sheepskins are graded for their strength, durability, wool quality, density, thickness of pelt etc. Generally lower graded sheepskins are thinner in the pelt and will stretch much more so. These are to be avoided as these skins can tear easily.

All our sheepskins, for all our products, are of the highest grade available, to maximise the life of the product, to give the most comfort, look and feel the most luxurious and make our customers, customers for life!

Are ugg boots waterproof?

No. Genuine sheepskin footwear is not waterproof, however is somewhat water resistant. It takes a fair bit of moisture to penetrate through the skin and then through to the wool. Only footwear with an outer layer of a waterproof material are almost waterproof and quite often these are not lined with genuine sheepskin but a woolen look-a-like.

You should spray the sheepskin with a leather and suede water repellent to help prevent penetration of moisture and stains. Apply 2 coats of repellent when boots are new and again after they have been wet (and dried).

If the snow is dry and sun is out, or if rain is educed to a drizzle, then you can wander about in them but if it’s wet and slushy then it is best not to wear them.

Can I wear ugg boots hiking?

Once again, sheepskin is a soft leather. Hiking through rough terrain increases the risk of twigs, branches, sharp rocks, etc. catching the soft leather and potentially tearing it. Regardless of the type of sole on them, the soft leather can still be torn if enough force is applied.

How long will uggs and slippers last?

This is a hard question to answer given that every person wears shoes out differently. It depends on your environment, how often you wear them, your physical characteristics, you love or abuse of them, and so on. Some people can wear the same pair for 10 years whilst others need a new pair every year.

Some tips to prolong the life of your sheepskin footwear are:
• Avoid wet grass, wet snow, mud and excessive wetness. Allow to dry fully before wearing again.
• Don’t play sport in them (cards with friends okay) and don’t work in them (unless desk, computer work), and no gardening, watering in them!
• Limit wearing to sealed dry surfaces or hard dry ground.
• Remove using hands not toe to heel.
• Please check those toe nails and keep them comfortably short.
• Keep out of your dog’s reach
and most important
• Always buy sheepskin footwear the correct size hat are a nice snug fit

How do I keep my uggs clean?

First apply 2 coats of a leather and suede water repellent (available from most shoe retailers or boot-maker/repairers) after purchase before wearing. This helps to keep dirt and grime to a minimum as well as helping to waterproof the sheepskin. Be aware though, that once your footwear gets wet, you need to reapply another coat after they have dried.

You can hand wash your sheepskin footwear - but do it carefully. We recommend sheepskin shampoo and conditioner as it washes the wool and conditions the skin, in cold to lukewarm water. Do not soak or fully submerse your boots, and use a soft brush is help in the washing process. If you do however soak your boots, place them in your washing machine on a spin cycle for a few minutes to get rid of excess water. Place boots in the shade to dry away from direct heat sources such as sun, fire or heaters, as any form of heat will shrink the sheepskin. NOTE: Colours may fade or run especially the darker dyes.

You will notice once the footwear have dried that they have shrunk slightly but this is normal. After wearing them again, they will go back to the normal warm and comfortable state that you love so much.

If you find you have a grease stain on your uggs, try rubbing some white chalk over the stain and leaving for a few minutes. Then, using the bottom of your hand or thumb, gently rub the stain. Repeat this a few times until the stain has disappeared.

Remember: prevention is always better and easier than the cure!

A quick and easy way to spot clean your uggs is using a suede shampoo/foam and a soft brush on the outer. Brush gently so as to not remove colour or dyes, in small circular motions and wipe away with clean dry towel. Re-apply water repellent. Baby powder rubbed through the wool will absorb odours and moisture, shake excess out. If uggs become wet do not place in dryer, oven or microwave. Yes! this has actually been done before and the outcome was not pleasant! Machine washing is not recommended and therefore ddone so at your own risk.

Do you give any warranty on footwear?

We stand by our products and offer a total quality guarantee. Our products will be free from any defects or faulty workmanship or you will receive 100% of the purchase price by either an exchange or refund (excluding postage). Wear and tear is not covered by guarantee.

Variations in colour and texture in sheepskins or its wool should not be regarded as a fault. These are unquie traits of a natural product