Removing sheepskin from leather boots

[Ellbee]

Anyone tried it?

I have a nice pair of Beval sheepskin-lined leather open-fronts and ankle boots but haven’t used them in a couple years as the fluff is so overpowering. They are beautiful boots and I’d like to put them back in service but all that puffiness really bugs me.

I am considering removing the sheepskin, either by cutting the stitches holding it in or shearing it so the fluff isn’t protruding past the leather as far. Has anyone done anything like this to their boots, and how did it turn out?

Input greatly appreciated, as I’m a little queasy about defiling these boots. But I’m not using them as is and would rather not pay for another full set. Thanks in advance!

[Peggy]

Yes. It didn’t end well.

First I tried trimming the edges of the the fluff so it didn’t stick out. That resulted in a boot where the leather part was far enough away from the surface of the leg that I thought it was a tripping hazard.

I considered shearing the whole thing but figured the boot would then be too big for my horse.

[Write_amp_Ride]

If you removed the sheepskin altogether would that leave you with an unpadded boot? You’re just asking for rubs and discomfort if that’s the case. You can always try selling them first - don’t know if there’s a market or not, but you can try.

[Peggy]

@Write&Ride

If you removed the sheepskin altogether would that leave you with an unpadded boot? You’re just asking for rubs and discomfort if that’s the case. You can always try selling them first - don’t know if there’s a market or not, but you can try.

I have seen some photos of fuzzy boots on jumpers, possibly European-based ones.

[Saskatoonian]

I have a lovely pair from a friend who got out of horses and am quite sure that they got a haircut before making their debut with her - but not a full on buzz cut. There’s still fuzz sticking out but not the “strapped a sheep to each leg” look they have originally. Will have to ask how she did it.