The Story of Betterfelt Wool Felt Slippers

Adventurers by nature and driven by a heart for people and the environment, Liz Wirth and Jakob Lykke were looking for a business opportunity that reflected their values and would allow them to make a direct and positive impact.

When heart and sole led them to the Betterfelt store in Randers, Denmark in 2019 – they found it.

At the time, the duo had decided to move from Denmark to Canada where they had met 12 years earlier. Liz had been working in sustainable investment for a global financial services provider and Jakob had been working in a Danish bank in the credit department. Though they had success in their fields, they now wanted to use their knowledge, skills, and experience to build a business with a mission to do good.

They fell in love with Betterfelt’s beautifully designed wool felt slippers – and the way they are ethically sourced and produced. The company perfectly aligned with Liz and Jakob’s own values of Fair Trade and making a positive impact in the world. Betterfelt was proof you could produce high quality products, while doing good by the people who make them.

They were so impressed that they ultimately bought the business in early 2020.

Growing the Betterfelt wool felt slipper brand

Today, the duo run this global Fair Trade certified brand from their headquarters in Toronto together with their partner Thomas Hornebo in Denmark and their partner Sabina Matangi in Nepal. Thomas is responsible for sales in Europe, including the company store in Randers, Denmark.

Liz and Jakob value the history behind Betterfelt and are deeply committed to retaining – and growing – its team of artisans in Nepal, who hand-make all the company’s wool felt slippers and home products.

As the company continues to grow, their focus continues to be on creating high-quality, Fair Trade certified wool felt slippers that combine Danish design with superior Nepalese artisanship — while strengthening their connection with the people who make them.

They hope that every time you wear your Betterfelt slippers, you share that connection too.