Snow Boots Material: Features of wool sheepskin

Sheepskin boots are made from four main materials, each with its own characteristics. Here's a detailed breakdown: A. Sheepskin wool fur (also known as tanning leather or "tanned leather") – commonly referred to as "fur" in the market. The outer layer is called sheepskin wool, and there is no such thing as raw wool. B. Leather half hair – this type has some hair on the upper part but not fully covered. C. Cowhide all hair – completely covered with hair on the outside. D. Leather mercerized wool (also called artificial wool) – a synthetic alternative that mimics the look of real wool. Sheepskin wool is known for its softness and flexibility, which makes it different from cowhide. It has a naturally soft and straight texture, unlike mercerized wool, which can feel stiff and less natural. The quality of the wool is determined by the density of the fibers within a certain area—higher density means better quality. In Chinese markets, this is often categorized into ABC grades, with some even referring to A+ as the top quality. Regarding imported fur, it’s important to note that most of the fur used in China is now locally sourced, reducing the need for direct imports. As a result, claims like “Australian origin fur” are often misleading. Even if some genuine imported fur exists, it’s usually limited in quantity and not sold in bulk on platforms like Taobao. Import processing is tightly regulated, and only a small amount is allowed per year—often just 1-3 pairs of shoes. When it comes to wool shedding, real sheepskin wool should be hairless, while artificial wool may have loose fibers. Hair loss typically occurs due to damage during the cutting process or floating hairs during manufacturing. Some users might pull the hair off, which is normal, but excessive force can cause more shedding. A simple test is to use fire; real wool will burn and turn to ash with a smell of organic matter, while synthetic fibers will melt or produce a chemical odor. Another key feature of real sheepskin is the fine fluff on the surface, which can become visible when rubbed. This is different from leather, which has a coarser texture. The effect of fluffing depends on the age of the sheep and the dyeing process. For example, black or sand-colored sheepskin may show this effect more clearly than others. To check authenticity, examine the side cut of the material—if the hair is not growing on the top and the skin feels soft, it's likely real. Some people mistakenly believe that burning a sample is the best way to identify wool. While burning can help, it’s not always reliable. The visual inspection remains the most accurate method. Another simple test is to poke the surface—real wool hair grows directly from the skin, whereas artificial wool is often attached to a non-woven base. Lastly, sheepskin has a natural pleat or fold, which leather and suede do not. If you're unsure whether a boot is made of sheepskin, simply look for these folds. If you prefer a smooth and firm feel, leather or suede (50% suede) would be better choices.