Felt Boots Explained: How Wool Felt Winter Boots Work, Fit and Last
Felt boots are one of the oldest winter boots in Europe and still one of the warmest. In Norway they're called lobben, in Germany Filzstiefel, in Russia valenki. They're made of pressed wool, weigh very little, and keep feet warm in temperatures where many insulated boots struggle. They also behave quite differently from leather or synthetic winter boots, so it's worth knowing how they work before you buy a pair.
What felt boots are
A felt boot is shaped from boiled or pressed wool. Instead of being cut and stitched from separate pieces, the wool is matted together with moisture, heat and pressure into a thick, seamless or nearly seamless shell. A rubber or polyurethane sole is then attached for grip.
Because the whole upper is wool, a felt boot is warm all the way round, not just where the lining is. There are no stitched seams to let cold in, and nothing to delaminate or crack in the cold.
Why wool felt is so warm
- It traps air. Felted wool is full of tiny air pockets, and still air is what actually insulates.
- It breathes. Moisture from your feet can pass through the felt instead of building up inside the boot. Damp socks are one of the main reasons feet get cold in winter boots, and felt avoids much of that.
- It stays comfortable over a wide range. Felt boots don't feel like an oven indoors, and they stay warm when you stand still outside, which is why they're popular with dog mushers, ice fishers and people who work outdoors.
Where felt boots work best, and where they don't
Felt boots are made for dry, cold conditions: frozen ground, packed snow, cold mornings, long periods standing outside. They're also excellent around the house, cabin or garden in winter.
They are not waterproof. Wool resists light moisture, but slush, puddles and wet snow at around 0°C will eventually soak through. For wet winters, choose lined leather boots or boots with a waterproof membrane, or wear felt boots only on cold, dry days.
Sizing felt boots: size up
This is the most important thing to get right. Felt boots should be roomy:
- Allow 1–2 cm of free space at the toes. Your toes shouldn't touch the end of the felt.
- Size up for thick socks. Polar Lobben and Nesna Lobben boots can be bought up to two sizes larger than your normal shoes, especially if you'll wear wool socks inside.
- Room is warmth. A tight boot squeezes out the air layer and restricts circulation, so a boot that's too small feels colder, not warmer.
No left and right, at first
Traditional felt boots are often symmetrical when new: there's no difference between the left and the right boot. As you wear them, the felt moulds to each foot, and after a while you'll naturally reach for the same boot on the same foot. They can feel a little stiff for the first days, then soften into what many owners call the cosiest boots they own.
Polar Lobben vs Nesna Lobben
Both are Norwegian felted wool boots with a moulded sole for grip on snow and ice, made for the same dry cold.
- Polar Lobben: lightweight, 100% wool felt, with a deep-grooved non-slip sole. Originally designed for dog mushers. Available in black, grey and red.
- Nesna Lobben: the original Norwegian felt boot in breathable boiled wool, with a sole profile that grips well on snow. Available in black and red.
- Felt Boots 724: a Norwegian felt boot with a polyurethane moulded sole with deep grooves for traction on snow and ice.
You'll find them all in our Nesna Lobben collection and alongside lined leather boots in winter boots.
Felt boots vs leather winter boots
| Wool felt boots | Lined leather winter boots | |
|---|---|---|
| Warmth in dry cold | Excellent | Good to very good |
| Wet snow and slush | Poor, not waterproof | Good, especially with a membrane |
| Weight | Very light | Heavier |
| Breathability | Excellent | Moderate |
| Ankle support for hiking | Low | Good |
| Best for | Standing outdoors, cabins, dry frost | Commuting, wet winters, walking long distances |
Many people in the north own both: felt boots for cold, still days and lined leather boots for wet ones.
How to care for felt boots
- Wipe off dust with a dry cloth and brush off snow before you go inside.
- Clean the sole with a damp cloth.
- If they get damp, let them dry slowly at room temperature. Never dry felt on a radiator, by a fire or with a hair dryer, because heat shrinks and hardens wool.
- Store them dry and airy over summer, ideally with cedar or lavender to deter moths.
Frequently asked questions
Are felt boots warm enough for −20°C? In dry cold, wool felt boots worn with wool socks are among the warmest boots you can wear, which is why they're traditional in Scandinavia, Finland and Russia. Warmth always depends on activity, socks and fit, so leave room inside.
Can I wear felt boots in the city? On cold, dry days, yes. In slush or on salted, wet pavements they'll get wet and dirty, so lined leather boots are a better city choice.
Do felt boots smell? Wool naturally resists odour much better than synthetic linings. Airing them after wear is usually all they need.
Browse our winter boots, including Norwegian wool felt boots and lined leather boots made in Estonia. Shipping is €3 to every EU country, with free returns within 30 days.
