There’s something soothing about slipping your feet into a pair of Glerups after a long day outdoors. Whether you’ve been hiking, paddling or simply gathering around a campfire, the feeling of comfort that these wool slippers bring is undeniable. And they’re meant to be worn barefoot. So your feet sort of get a hug and some post-adventure relaxation.

Get Unpacked with this Danish brand that went from a tiny workshop to shipping their shoes internationally.

Origin Story

Nanny Glerup and her husband, Ove, embraced the idea of living self-sufficiently on their rural Danish farm in the 1970s. As their flock of Gotland sheep expanded — a hardy, curly-fleeced breed known for its soft yet durable wool — so did their supply of wool.

“I wanted to make use of the wool, so I enrolled in a local felting course and learned to felt,” said Nanny Glerup. “To finance Glerups in the beginning, Ove worked as a thatcher [building and repairing roofs with natural materials], and I was a gymnastics teacher. Ove was careful with spending. ‘You can only use the money once, so spend it well,’ he always said.”

This practical mindset carried them through the years, with Ove designing and building some of the early machinery they needed.

The couple crafted the first pair of slippers as a declaration of love from Nanny to Ove. Fast forward to today, and they weave that same sense of dedication into every pair of Glerups made.

Connection to Nature

The brand’s connection to nature is far more than a marketing slogan; it’s a way of life. Glerups has always strived to maintain its environmental responsibility while scaling production. From the early days of using wool from their own sheep to partnering with ZQ-certified New Zealand farmers, their commitment to quality and humane animal welfare has been unwavering.

“Several years ago, we realized that there would not be enough Gotland wool to keep up with our growth, and after some research, we discovered that New Zealand and ZQ was the place and partner for us,” explained Nanny Glerup.

“Ove and Nanny believed in hard work and always tried to find solutions to do better. They had each other and made a great team,” shared Christina Flindt Bjerg Albæk, head of marketing, communications and commercial activities at Glerups. “Both agreed that if they treat nature, sheep, and people with respect, then they would get respect back. This was natural for both of them and is integrated in our DNA.”

And the relationship between Glerups and their New Zealand suppliers is not just business — it’s personal.

Allan Timm, a Glerups partner, shared that the team spends weeks in New Zealand each year, visiting farms, staying with farmers, and even participating in daily life.

“We use this time to discuss wool, quality, nature, Glerups, and regenerative farming,” Timm said. “Some of them have farm shops where they sell Glerups. I would say the personal relationship is very unique and special.”

From Denmark to the World

As the popularity of Glerups grew, so did their production capacity. The company now owns a state-of-the-art factory in Romania equipped with solar panels and even boasts a new color lab for their wool. Despite their growth, they have maintained their ethos of respect for nature, animals, and people.

“We never compromise on our DNA,” said Timm. “We have experienced production capacity challenges, but have solved the issue while continuing production in our own factory and being true to our values.”

Cozy Products

Glerups offer a variety of footwear products. Some may even come in a box that reads, “Our passion is felt,” that adds to the relaxed nature of the Glerups brand.

Shoes with natural rubber sole: The Glerups shoes with the natural rubber sole are nice if you want to take comfort outside. Whether it’s a morning coffee on the porch or a quick stroll around the campsite, the sturdy yet flexible sole gives you just enough protection. Think light rain or light mud and muck. They’ll easily get you through without slipping or getting your feet wet and uncomfortable.

Again, you’ll want to wear these slipper shoes barefoot to experience the natural wool’s warming and breathable properties. They do have some pilling initially, but that’s part of the charm — like a good wool sweater, they form to your feet over time, making them even more comfortable. I’ve been wearing mine around our homestead in Montana, and they’re quickly forming and customizing to my feet.

Boots with with leather sole: The Glerups boots with leather soles are also cozy. The Glerups team sources their leather from high-quality suppliers that adhere to Glerups’ standards of ethical production and sustainability. The leather they select is based on durability, flexibility and natural breathability.

These boots are perfect for lounging around the lodge after a day of trekking or slipping on during a brisk morning cup of coffee outdoors around the campfire. The smooth leather sole also allows you to move naturally and gives you a refined finish that feels luxurious against the ground. They’re more structured, making them feel like a proper boot but with all the warmth and coziness of a slipper.

Kids shoes with leather soles: The Glerups kids’ shoes are adorable. And they’re designed with the same level of care and attention to detail as their adult footwear. These shoes give kiddos warmth without overheating, and their flexible soles allow for kids to move easily.

According to Glerups’ head of marketing, “We hear over and over again about the special part of the day when you put on your Glerups and feel the ‘ahhhhhh’ moment. So comfortable and lovely to wear.”

Looking Forward

The brand is working on its Farm to Foot content creation project, featuring their factory, solar panels, and Nanny’s vegetable garden. They’re also producing fresh content from New Zealand farms, introducing new colors and models, and expanding their zero-waste initiatives.

Glerups has also recently joined the Scandinavian Outdoor Group, solidifying its status as a brand beloved by outdoor enthusiasts everywhere.

So if you crave warmth, comfort and a commitment to sustainability, Glerups delivers. Whether you’re throwing them on at the end of a long hike or padding around the cabin, there’s a clear sense of craftsmanship and care woven into every pair.

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Suzanne Downing is an outdoor writer and photographer in Montana with an environmental science journalism background. Her work can be found in Outdoors Unlimited, Bugle Magazine, Missoulian, Byline Magazine, Communique, MTPR online, UM Native News, National Wildlife Federation campaigns and more.