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There are slippers, and then there are KARU slippers — and the difference is felt the moment you slip your feet in. Handmade in Cape Town using only the finest locally sourced South African sheepskin and wool, KARU has been crafting premium comfort footwear since 1968. This is the story of how they started, why they remain unmatched in quality, and which pair might be perfect for you.
A Legacy Born in Cape Town
KARU's roots stretch back even further than 1968. The brand grew out of Woodheads, a leather and materials supplier that had been serving the South African leather manufacturing industry for nearly a century. In the early 1970s, Woodheads began crafting sheepskin slippers, boots, and small leather goods — and a legacy was quietly born.
By the 1980s, sheepskin slippers and boots had become enormously popular across South Africa. Demand surged, and over the following years, the KARU brand was formally established as a premium luxury comfort slipper brand, built on a foundation of locally sourced South African materials and meticulous handcraft. The factory eventually outgrew its original home and relocated to its current premises in Zonnebloem, Cape Town, where every pair is still made by hand today.
Staying True When Others Cut Corners
In 2020, the global pandemic sparked a renewed love of slippers worldwide — and with it came a flood of smaller makers offering similar-looking styles at lower price points, often using cheaper synthetic materials. KARU's response was simple: stay the course.
By remaining committed to premium luxury comfort and genuine materials, KARU continued to grow and cement its position as the definitive premium slipper brand in South Africa. That commitment — to 100% sheepskin, 100% sheep's wool, and handmade craftsmanship — is what separates a KARU slipper from everything else on the market.
The KARU Range
KARU offers a thoughtfully curated range of styles, each designed for a different kind of comfort. All styles are unisex and available in a beautiful palette of earthy tones including charcoal, sand, choc brown, caramel, and grey.
Cosy Sheepskin Slippers
The original. The one that started it all back in 1968. The Cosy is available in two versions: a full sheepskin edition — upper, lining, and insole — delivering unparalleled warmth and cushioning, and a 100% wool furpile version that offers the same beloved silhouette at a more accessible price point. Whichever you choose, the Cosy remains the definitive KARU experience.
Mule Suede Slippers
An open-back slip-on style crafted in suede, the Mule is effortlessly easy to wear. Perfect for warmer months or anyone who prefers a backless slipper with a premium finish.
Shloffy Leather Travel Slippers
Designed for life on the move, the Shloffy features a soft sole and supple leather construction that folds flat for packing. Whether you're heading to a guesthouse, a long-haul flight, or a weekend away, the Shloffy keeps your feet comfortable wherever you land.
Cuddles Bootie Slippers
When the Cape Town winter bites, the Cuddles bootie slipper wraps your entire foot and ankle in warmth. Made exclusively in full sheepskin, it's the most luxurious and cosiest option in the range — a true cold-weather indulgence.
Oskie Boot
The Oskie takes KARU's signature comfort and extends it into a full boot silhouette, available in both full sheepskin and 100% wool furpile versions. Offering superior warmth and coverage, the Oskie is built for those who want the ultimate in cold-weather comfort — without compromising on the premium craftsmanship KARU is known for.
Wool Insole Sets
Not just for slippers — KARU's wool insole sets bring the brand's signature comfort to any pair of shoes. A simple upgrade that makes a remarkable difference, especially during the colder months.
Why KARU Is the Best Slipper in South Africa
It comes down to three things: materials, craft, and heritage.
Every KARU slipper is made using 100% genuine sheepskin or sheep's wool — no synthetics, no shortcuts. The materials are locally sourced from South Africa, supporting local industry while ensuring the quality that only natural fibres can deliver. Each pair is handmade in Cape Town by skilled artisans who have refined their craft over decades.
And then there's the heritage. Nearly 60 years of making slippers in the same city, in the same tradition, with the same commitment to quality. That's not something you can replicate overnight.
Shop the KARU Collection
The full KARU range is available right here at Made by Artisans. Browse the collection and find your perfect pair — whether you're after the warmth of the original Cosy, the practicality of the Shloffy, or the snug embrace of the Cuddles bootie.
