Really plush pile, these are my second pair of EMU's, the first had a woven wool lining and it went bald in no time  - these are much higher quality - real sheepskin. They sent me black with natural coloured fur, not the black pictured but that's ok. The sole is a bit firm but I hope it will bend a bit more as they get broken in. I'm happy over all - there is nothing like a real sheepskin slipper!