Minnetonka moccasins, slippers, and boots are made from natural leathers — deerskin, moosehide, cowhide, and cowhide suede — along with sheepskin, pile, and berber for lined styles. These materials have been used in Minnetonka's construction since 1946.

How Minnetonka sources its leathers

The tanneries Minnetonka partners with meet rigorous sustainability standards. The Dominican Republic tannery has earned Gold certification from the Leather Working Group for sustainable operations. The Mexico tannery holds Silver certification and has been recognized for its emissions reporting and energy-efficiency efforts. In China, tannery partners adhere to strict government environmental regulations, and Minnetonka continues to work with them toward formal Leather Working Group certification.

The Leather Working Group is an independent organization that audits tanneries on environmental performance including water use, chemical management, energy consumption, and traceability. Gold is the highest tier of certification.

COWHIDE LEATHER

Smooth cowhide leather brings more structure and a slightly more polished appearance to Minnetonka styles while retaining softness and flexibility underfoot. It is used in select styles where a finished leather surface is preferred over the brushed texture of suede.

Best for: Styles with a more refined or polished look

COWHIDE SUEDE

Brushed cowhide suede is a Minnetonka signature, used across moccasins and boots in a wide range of colors from vibrant hues to earthy neutrals. Like all natural leathers, suede loosens with wear — sizing accurately at purchase matters.

Best for: Moccasins, fringe boots, and slippers across the widest range of colorways and styles

MOOSEHIDE

Minnetonka's moosehide comes from a family-owned tannery in Finland and is slightly more structured than deerskin — it softens and loosens with wear but does not stretch as much as suede. It is handmade into styles that are soft, durable, and long lasting.

Best for: Moccasins and slippers where durability and a slightly more structured fit are preferred

DEERSKIN

Soft, buttery deerskin is sourced in the U.S. and used in softsole moccasins, where the natural leather stretches and molds to the shape of the foot over time. It is Minnetonka's lightest leather and delivers a rich, almost barefoot feel.

Best for: Softsole moccasins, traditional moccasin construction, buyers who want a close barefoot feel

Pile

Pile is a thick, plush synthetic lining used across the majority of Minnetonka's bestselling slippers — it keeps feet warm and snug and is available across men's, women's, and kids' styles. It delivers substantial warmth at a lower price point than sheepskin.

Best for: Everyday indoor slippers, cold-weather house shoes, buyers seeking warmth at an accessible price

Berber

Berber is a polyester lining with a cozy, cloud-like texture — less dense than pile, which makes it more comfortable for all-day wear and transitional seasons. It is featured in select men's Home & Away styles and in the Ecowise slipper collection, where it is made from recycled plastic bottles.

Best for: All-day indoor wear, transitional seasons, buyers who want softness without the heat of pile or sheepskin 

SHEEPSKIN

Top-grade sheepskin sourced from Australia, New Zealand, and North America is used as a lining in Minnetonka's slippers and boots, naturally wicking moisture for warmth and breathability across seasons. Minnetonka introduced its first sheepskin slippers in 1987; the Sheepskin Hardsole Slipper remains a current style in the lineup.

Best for: Year-round slipper wear, cold-weather boots, buyers who want a natural lining material

RECYCLED CARDBOARD

Every pair of shoes we sell is nestled inside a signature Minnetonka box. Every single box is made of 100% recycled materials and printed with earth-friendly soy ink.

360° COMFORT

Designed for all-day wear, 360 Comfort surrounds your foot with balanced support, cushioning, and flexibility.

MINNCOMFORT

Our MinnComfort footbed delivers supportive cushioning with a removable design for customizable, all-day comfort.

CUSHION INSOLE - Dual-density padding makes every step easy on the feet.

LACES - Genuine suede, rawhide leather, or woven cotton laces are hand-tied in a bow.

UNIQUE DETAILS - Thoughtful accents like hand laced plugs and fringe give you a standout look.

LEATHER UPPERS - Genuine cowhide, moosehide, and deerskin provide supple durability to the shoe's main body.

COMFORT MIDSOLE - Many of our modern styles have added comfort features like padded midsoles and contoured footbeds.

SHOCK ABSORBING RUBBER SOLE - Ninety-five individual nubs help provide a sturdy grip while staying lightweight and flexible.

DISCOVER THE RICH MATERIALS THAT MAKE MINNETONKA

Since 1946, we’ve crafted exceptional shoes, boots, slippers and more. But our footwear is only as good as what it’s made from — which is why we use only the finest materials, to ensure comfort, durability, and timeless style.

Regarding sustainability, we ensure that the tanneries we work with are using environmentally friendly business practices. In the Dominican Republic the tannery we work with has received gold certification from the Leather Working Group for sustainable business practices. In Mexico the tannery we work with has received silver certification from the Leather Working Group and has received environmental recognition for reporting emissions and creating energy efficiency. In China the tannery we work with adheres to strict government standards and we’re working with them to achieve formal certification in the future.

Curious to learn more about our materials? Discover the natural leathers, hides and fabrics that go into making Minnetonka.

Smooth cowhide leather brings a bit more structure and formality to our moccasin styles, while still wrapping your feet in comfy softnes

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Our moosehide comes from a family-owned tannery in Finlan

d and provides the ultimate in supple yet durable leather.