{swank} review & giveaway: EMU Australia Sheepskin Boots

Australian-made sheepskin boots have been a popular pop culture staple in every woman's {and man's} wardrobe for over 10 years.  Surprisingly, I had yet to take the plunge as I thought they were just clunky looking and un-stylish.  Leave it to EMU Australia to prove me wrong!

Emu is a proud Australian born, Australian based and Australian owned brand that has passionately produced the world's finest sheepskin and Merino wool products for over 15 years.

Founded in 1994, EMU uses real wool and sheepskin to ensure the quality of their products.  Their products can be found in 67 different countries and 10,000+ retail outlets.  If you are familiar with EMU Australia {pronounced "eem-you" not "eem-moo"!}, the first thing that comes to mind may be their stylish sheepskin boots, however, they have a wide product line ranging from slippers to coats and accessories.  They also have an amazing kids line which has garnered lots of international attention by the likes of some Hollywood "mini-lets" such as Suri Cruise and Leni & Lou Samuel.

Suri, Leni & Lou all love EMU!

The Little Creatures Collection from EMU Australia

EMU uses water resistant sheepskin to ensure that their boots can be worn outside even in the most extreme weather conditions.  The water repellent material has been added through the tanning process rather than the standard spray that sits on the surface and washes away as the boot wears.  Here is a breakdown of the EMU boot according to their website:

Photo courtesy of emuaustralia.com

1. Water resistant sheepskin
2. Super soft Australian sheepskin is thicker and provides your boot with more structure
3. Better fit and support.  Moulded heel cup
4. Anatomically correct sheepskin lined insole.  It's like you're walking on a cloud! {Couldn't have said it better myself - see below!}
5. Hard wearing and comfortable tough rubber outsole, with a soft EVA inset

Check out the water resistant features of EMU Australia boots in action here!

I was sent a sample of EMU's Cuddles slippers in Chestnut and the first time I slipped my feet into them, it felt like I was walking on clouds!  Seriously.  You can tell the difference between cheap slippers and well-made slippers, and EMU didn't disappoint.  If you've ever seen me around the house, you would know that I always have a pair of slippers attached to my feet.  And because of this, I easily go through 5-7 slippers a year.  I'm talking the ones you find in department stores.  Well now I can honestly say that EMU has converted me - I'm taking these babies and never looking back!  Even at a price point at around $80 CAD, I would say they are definitely worth every penny.  The quality is amazing and built like a boot you would wear outside every day, plus the sheepskin inside the slipper is so comfortable and actually wicks away moisture.  This means that you can wear them in the summertime and your feet don't get hot, sweaty or stinky.  Imagine that!

As for sizing, I was sent a size 9 and found that they fit true to size {I'm usually a size 8 1/2 - 9}.  It seemed a bit snug in the length at first but they stretched to a comfortable fit over time.

EMU Cuddles slippers in Chestnut

The most important things that I look for when purchasing slippers are the quality of the entire slipper {stitching, etc.} and the durability of the sole.  The Cuddles slipper has everything I'm looking for and more!  EMU currently has a similar style to Cuddles on their website called the Albany.

If you're looking for a versatile style that you can wear with your everyday wardrobe, I'd highly recommend the Stinger Hi boot.  I haven't personally tried on a pair but it sure is one visually attractive boot!  Case in point:

EMU Australia Stinger Collection

Stinger Hi Boot in Chestnut

{Win It!}

EMU Australia is generously offering one lucky reader a pair of gorgeous EMU Australia boots from their Stinger collection!  Sizes may be limited to either size 5, 6 or 7.  The Stinger style will become one of your essential wardrobe pieces as they are a classic, fashionable design and easy to wear.

Stinger Hi Boot in Mushroom
One lucky winner will be wearing these this fall!

To enter, please use the Rafflecopter entry form below.  This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only and ends at 9pm PST on Sunday, October 7, 2012.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of EMU Australia.  We received a sample from EMU Australia free of charge in order to conduct this review.  Note that {swank}mama does not accept responsibility for sponsors that do not fulfill their giveaway duties.  Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to  respond, otherwise, a new winner will be chosen.