You know that feeling when you walk into a Costco for a rotisserie chicken and somehow walk out with a $300 receipt? It happens to the best of us. But nestled between the 48-packs of toilet paper and the massive tubs of hummus, there is a legendary item that causes literal stampedes every autumn: the Kirkland Signature shearling slippers.
Most people see them and think "Oh, cheap UGG dupes."
Honestly? That’s doing them a massive disservice. While the price tag—usually sitting around $19.99 in-warehouse or roughly $29.99 online—suggests a "budget" product, the actual specs tell a different story. We are talking about genuine twin-face sheepskin. Not the fake polyester "Sherpa" that turns into a matted mess after three weeks of wear.
The Quality Gap: Real Sheepskin vs. Everything Else
There is a weird misconception that because these are sold at a warehouse club, they must be "fake" shearling. They aren't. Costco uses 100% wool shearling, often sourced from Australia or New Zealand. This matters for one big reason: breathability.
Synthetic slippers make your feet sweat. It’s gross. Genuine shearling, however, is a thermoregulator. It keeps you warm when it’s 20 degrees outside but doesn't turn your feet into a swamp when the heater kicks on.
Why the EVA Sole Matters
The outsole is made of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). It’s lightweight. It’s flexible. It’s also exactly what you’ll find on slippers that cost four times as much.
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Many people complain that these aren't "supportive" enough. And they're kinda right. If you have high arches and need orthopedic-level support, these aren't going to cut it. They are flat. They are designed for lounging, not for hiking through the woods, though that durable EVA sole does mean you can definitely wear them to grab the mail or take the dog for a quick 6:00 AM bathroom break without ruining the bottoms.
The Sizing Trap (Don't Say I Didn't Warn You)
If you buy your "normal" shoe size in these, you might regret it.
Sheepskin stretches. A lot. When you first slide your foot into a brand-new pair of Kirkland Signature shearling slippers, they should feel almost uncomfortably snug. Your toes should be right up against the front.
Give it a week.
As the wool compresses and the hide softens, they mold to your foot shape. If they feel "perfect" in the store, they’re probably going to be flopping off your heels by Christmas.
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- Pro Tip: If you are a half-size, almost everyone recommends sizing down rather than up.
- The "Two Finger" Rule: If you can fit two fingers behind your heel when they're brand new, they are way too big.
- Unisex Confusion: Lately, Costco has shifted toward "Unisex" sizing. A Men's 8 is roughly a Women's 9. Check the box carefully because the labels can be confusing when you're rushing through the aisles.
The Drama: UGG vs. Kirkland
It’s no secret that Deckers (the parent company of UGG) isn't exactly thrilled about these. In fact, they’ve filed lawsuits over "trade dress" because the Kirkland version looks strikingly similar to the UGG Tasman.
But for the average shopper? The difference is mostly in the branding.
Sure, the UGG version might have a slightly thicker pile or a more intricate braid around the collar, but you're paying a $70 to $100 premium for a logo. In terms of raw materials—the sheepskin, the wool lining, the outsole—the Kirkland version punches way above its weight class.
How to Not Ruin Your Slippers in Two Months
Please, for the love of all things holy, do not put these in the washing machine. I’ve seen people do it. It’s a tragedy. The heat from a dryer or the agitation of a washer will shrink the hide and turn the soft wool into a brittle, crunchy mess.
Maintenance is actually pretty simple if you're proactive:
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- Spot Clean: Use a damp cloth and a tiny bit of extremely mild detergent (think baby shampoo) for stains.
- The Baking Soda Trick: Since these are real wool, they don't get as smelly as synthetics, but they can still get "tired." Sprinkle some baking soda inside, let it sit overnight, and vacuum it out with a hose attachment.
- Brushing: Use a soft-bristled brush or a suede brush to keep the exterior from looking "dead" and to fluff up the interior wool once it starts to flatten out.
Is the "Viral" Hype Real?
Every year around October, TikTok goes into a frenzy over these. People "run, don't walk" to their local Costco only to find the "Caribou" or "Chestnut" colors are already sold out.
Is it worth the hype?
If you want a slipper that lasts 3–5 years and feels like a cloud, yes. If you are expecting a high-fashion statement piece or something with arch support that will fix your plantar fasciitis, probably not. They are utilitarian. They are cozy. They are arguably the best value-for-money item in the entire warehouse shoe department.
Actionable Maintenance & Buying Steps:
- Check the pile density: Before you buy, stick your hand inside. The wool should feel thick and resist being pushed down easily.
- Buy early: These usually hit the floor in late August or September. By December, you're usually left with only the massive or tiny sizes.
- Protect them: Spray the suede exterior with a water-repellent protector before your first wear. It takes 30 seconds and prevents those annoying water spots from melting snow or spilled coffee.
- Reshape while damp: If they do get wet, stuff them with white paper towels (not newspaper—the ink will bleed!) to help them keep their shape while they air dry away from a heater.
They aren't perfect. They are a bit clunky. But for twenty bucks? You won't find a better way to survive a cold winter morning.