Skaapherder was established for and by nature lovers. We are a small, family-owned and independent company specializing in Goodyear Welt leather boots and Merino wool socks for use in outdoor activities. As outdoor enthusiasts ourselves, we design products that combine the highest technical quality with the use of natural materials. We are committed to local production; therefore, all our products are made in Europe.
Our boots & socks are based on full grain leather and Merino wool: ecological and natural materials. In a market increasingly focused on products made from oil derived-synthetic fibers, we propose a return to the origin and champion the use of traditional components such as leather and wool.
The word Skaapherder (pronounced: / ˈskaːpˌhɛrdər /) comes from the Dutch Schaapherder and means shepherd, although it can also refer to a sheepdog! It is made up of Schaap (sheep) + Herder. Both elements are central to our philosophy. On one hand, the sheep represents a model of utilisation, since we obtain wool, leather, meat and dairy products from them. The shepherd dog, on the other hand, is an example of leadership, determination and resistance: they do not break, they never give in and they never back down. We use the Dutch term out of respect for the great Dutch and Flemish master weavers and shoemakers of the 16th to 18th centuries. They pioneered the use of Merino wool fabrics, a legacy which continues today thanks to the efforts of Dutch merchants of the time, who shipped the finest european products far and wide.
Following in the footsteps of the masters, we work to combine the best raw material available, along with the use of the best specialists and artisans in wool and footwear to produce our products.
