Different types of fur footwear

Although very controversial, fur has been, and still is rampant in the fashion scene, despite efforts by PETA to stop the use of fur. PETA aside, fur has been used as coats, wraps and even lining for boots, and now even on sandals. The popularity for fur sandals have increased since the past year as can be seen from creations by famous designers like Reed Karkoff, Giuseppe Zanotti and even Jimmy Choo. The furs used on these fabulous footwear, range from rabbit, pony and even wild boar. Many people have questioned the use of fur on sandals, because fur is usually added to clothing or accessories to keep the wearer warm, but on sandals? If it’s hot enough to wear sandals, why add fur? As we know, most of the time fashion does not make sense, if it looks good, why not!

Before sandals were adorned with fur, boots and shoes were first to get the exotic treatment. Just like it’s summer counterpart, fur shoes are all the rage nowadays, and can be seen in the runways of fashion capitals like Paris and Milan. Unlike sandals, these shoes actually serve a purpose other than beautifying your toes. Fur has been used since the emergence of cavemen for one main reason, to shield you from the cold, so fur on clothing like coats and jackets are normal. The use of fur on footwear is the new black, as the fashion forward people would put it.

Going back to sandals, remember the UGG boot? Yes, the inverted sheepskin boot that was made in Australia and has since then, been on 60% of womens feet around the world. Well they have come up with a new line. This time its the UGG sandals. The sheepskin sandals,  fluffy white fur and everything. According to Bonsai, another manufacturer of the furry footwear, “highest-grade genuine sheepskin allow" you "to keep your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer”.

A variation of these fluffy feet warmers are fur flip flops. Not to be the last to hop on to the fur footwear bandwagon, these flip flops are usually just imitations of the sheep skin kind, using mostly synthetic and fake fur. Being more affordable and PETA friendly, these flip flops are gaining popularity amongst the budding fashion trend setters out there. There are a multitude of ways that fur is used in these flip flops, from the base of the flip flop, the straps and even as little fur balls attached to the straps that move as you walk. Whether it’s more for fashion than for function is up to you to decide.

As winter comes along, the need for warmer clothing and closed shoes arises. But for those women who have decided that their feet are just to beautiful to be closed away in boots, do not fret, the winter sandals trend has arrived. You might think that this is a ridiculous idea, but Christian Loboutin, Zac Posen and Salvatore Ferragamo think otherwise. Although these strappy stilettos are worn with tights or leggings, in sub-zero temperatures, will do little to protect your toes from frostbite.  Some more extravagant designs for these winter stilettos incorporate the most infamous fur used by designers, mink fur. Usually reserved for expensive coats, jackets and wraps, mink fur is now seen on mink sandals. Anything with a touch of mink fur screams expensive and classy, but as for keeping your toes frostbite free during the winter months, invest in some good old fashioned boots.