Glerups Felt Shoes: Why I wear them year-round – indoors and out

There are shoes you buy. And there are shoes you eventually won't want to take off. My Glerups clearly fall into the second category. Ever since I first put them on, they have become my constant companion – even barefoot in winter, when hiking, on the beach, or while shopping. It's time to write down what makes these Danish wool felt shoes so special.

Craftsmanship instead of mass production

Glerups is not a trend label, but a brand with a history: founded in 1993 out of a passion for wool and their own Gotland sheep, production continues to this day with the same commitment to quality and natural materials. Manufactured in Europe and according to strict EU standards without toxic additives – for a shoe worn directly on the skin, this is not a nice extra, but a basic prerequisite.

The material: Wool felt from Gotland sheep

The core of every Glerups shoe is pure wool felt, obtained from the wool of the Gotland sheep – a robust, ancient breed of sheep from Sweden whose wool is characterized by its particularly soft, yet durable structure. The wool is mostly processed mechanically rather than chemically, preserving its natural properties: It regulates moisture, warms even when slightly damp, and feels amazingly soft against the skin.

This is precisely why I deliberately wear my Glerups without socks in winter. It sounds contradictory at first – barefoot in winter – but wool felt behaves completely differently from synthetic materials. It insulates without encasing the feet, and allows the skin to breathe. No sweating, no cold feet, no synthetic feel. Just pleasantly warm.

Barefoot shoe principle: natural instead of standardized

Glerups are deliberately designed as barefoot shoes. This means: no pre-formed footbed, no elevated heel, no restriction of natural foot movement. The foot can move in the shoe in a way that corresponds to its actual anatomy. Anyone who has ever switched from classic, rigidly shaped shoes to barefoot shoes knows the difference: you feel the ground, your toes can spread, and your whole gait feels noticeably more natural and relaxed.

Two soles, one shoe for every occasion

What makes Glerups so versatile in everyday life is the choice of sole:

The leather sole is soft, supple, and flexible – perfect for indoors. It adapts to every movement and feels almost like a second layer of skin, ideal for cozy days at home.

The rubber sole is a bit firmer and non-slip, making it suitable for short trips outdoors – in dry weather to the mailbox, in the garden, or, as in my case, even for an extended hike, a beach walk, or a shopping trip in the city. It is precisely this combination of indoor and outdoor use that makes the shoes so practical for me: I don't constantly have to change shoes, but have a suitable solution for almost every situation with one pair of Glerups.

My personal experience

I now wear my Glerups almost all year round. In winter, they are my lifeline against cold feet – barefoot, without socks, and still warm. When hiking, they constantly surprise me with how much ground contact and freedom of movement they allow, completely without the confined feeling of classic hiking boots. On the beach, they are easy to put on and take off, pleasantly light, and yet robust enough for sand and stones. And when shopping? I simply forget that I'm even wearing shoes – that's how comfortable they are.

Care and longevity

Wool felt is naturally dirt and odor resistant, which makes care refreshingly uncomplicated. Light dirt can usually be simply brushed off; occasional airing is enough to keep the shoes fresh. With good care, Glerups can last for years – another reason why investing in a pair of high-quality natural material shoes pays off in the long run.

Conclusion

For me, Glerups are proof that a simple, honest material like wool felt can do more than you initially think: warm in winter, comfortable to wear barefoot, suitable for hiking and everyday use at the same time. If you have never worn wool felt shoes, don't be deterred by the unusual idea of being barefoot in winter – I was surprised myself at how well it works.

You can find the complete Glerups collection with all models and sole variants in our shop: Discover Glerups felt shoes