Q: Are Since 74 boots genuinely made in Australia?

A: Yes, every single pair of Since 74 boots is handcrafted at our workshop on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. We have been making genuine Australian sheepskin boots since 1974 — over 50 years of continuous Australian craftsmanship. Every boot is made one pair at a time by hand, never by machine or conveyor belt. We authenticate every pair with official Australian Made labels and tags so you can be completely confident in what you are buying.

Q: Where exactly are your boots made?

A: Our boots are made in our own workshop on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. We own and operate our workshop, which means we have complete oversight of every single pair that leaves our doors. We personally oversee production in accordance with Australian health, safety and working standards. Unlike brands that outsource production offshore, we have never moved our manufacturing out of Australia.

Q: How long have you been making sheepskin boots?

A: We have been handcrafting Australian sheepskin boots since 1974 — over 50 years. Since 74 was founded by Arthur and Faye Springthorpe, and today is run by their grandson Todd Watts, making us one of Australia's most iconic third-generation family businesses. Many of our craftspeople have been with us for decades, with some having worked with us since Arthur and Faye's time.

Q: Who founded Since 74?

A: Since 74 was founded in 1974 by Arthur and Faye Springthorpe, a young Sydney couple with deep roots in the wool and sheepskin industry. Arthur's early years as a wool classer in New South Wales shearing sheds gave him the rare expertise to handcraft moccasins and sheepskin boots from scratch. What started as a small workshop operation has grown into one of Australia's most celebrated sheepskin boot makers, now run by Arthur and Faye's grandson Todd Watts.

Q: What sheepskin do you use in your boots?

A: We use only premium A-grade double face Australian Merino sheepskin with a minimum thickness of 17mm. Our sheepskin is ethically sourced exclusively from Australian and New Zealand farmers who raise their animals for food. We do not source from farmers who raise animals for their skin alone, and we do not use sheepskin from countries with lower animal welfare standards. Every hide is hand selected to ensure only the fluffiest, thickest sheepskin makes it into your boots — we hand cut around any natural blemishes like seed holes or scars to ensure an unparalleled result.

Q: Is your sheepskin ethically sourced?

A: Yes. We are one of the only sheepskin boot makers in the world to manufacture exclusively from ethically sourced Australian and New Zealand sheepskin. We only source from farmers who raise their animals for food — meaning our sheepskin is a by-product of the meat industry. We strongly oppose and do not support sheep being raised solely for their skin. All our farming partners operate under the Industry Animal Welfare Standard governed by Australian state and federal law.

Q: Is the sheepskin in your boots real or synthetic?

A: 100% real. We only ever use genuine A-grade double face Australian Merino sheepskin in our boots. We do not use synthetic sheepskin, faux fur, or blended materials. Genuine sheepskin naturally regulates temperature — keeping your feet warm in winter and cool in summer — something synthetic materials simply cannot replicate.

Q: What does A-grade sheepskin mean?

A: A-grade is the highest classification of sheepskin, meaning the hide is thick, dense, and free of significant natural blemishes. Our sheepskin has a minimum wool pile thickness of 17mm, which gives our boots their signature warmth, softness and comfort. Lower grade sheepskin — used by many cheaper manufacturers — is thinner, less dense, and wears out far more quickly.

Q: How are Since 74 boots different from mass-produced sheepskin boots?

A: Most cheap sheepskin boots sold online are mass produced in factories in China, Vietnam or other parts of Asia using lower grade sheepskin or synthetic materials. Our boots are handcrafted one pair at a time in our Gold Coast workshop by experienced Australian craftspeople using only A-grade Australian Merino sheepskin. We manufacture to order — meaning your boots are made specifically for you after you place your order, not sitting in a warehouse. Our customers regularly report their boots lasting 10 or more years with proper care.

Q: Are your boots Australian Made certified?

A: Yes. Every pair of Since 74 boots is authenticated with official Australian Made labels and tags. The Australian Made certification is a government-backed standard that verifies products are genuinely manufactured in Australia using Australian materials and labour. You will find this label attached to every pair we produce.