Bearpaw Vs UGG Boots: Which Brand Is Better?

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Treat your feet to a pair of super comfortable boots this winter. Here’s an in-depth guide on Bearpaw Vs UGGs to help you decide!

Like white tennis sneakers and black stilettos, Ugg-style boots are never going out of style. When it comes to this incredibly comfortable form of footwear, there are two brands that continuously outsell the rest of the competitors: Bearpaw and UGG

While both companies sell similar-looking booties, there are some differences in materials, style, and quality that shoppers should consider. If you’ve been wanting to purchase a pair from one of these popular brands, we’ve done the research that will help you decide between Bearpaw vs Ugg boots.

The History Of UGG 

UGG, formerly known as UGG Australia, was launched in 1978 by Brian Smith, an Australian man who was living in Southern California. Because of his strong Australian roots, he wanted to create footwear out of sheepskin, which was a material that many Aussies were very fond of. 

In the 1980s, UGG boots became an important part of the relaxed Californian style and surf shops all around the state began carrying UGGs, though they never stayed on the shelf for long.

By the time the 2000s rolled around, Oprah Winfrey declared UGG footwear to be one of her “favorite things” and gifted more than 300 pairs to her audience members. After this publicity, the UGG brand really took off. 


While the brand’s signature boots were first made in neutral colors like light brown, dark brown, and black, UGG introduced pastel shades in 2003. This, once again, landed the boots a spot on Oprah’s “favorite things” list. UGGs quickly grew to be a must-have item among celebrities, fashion lovers, teenagers, and even men. 

After all of this success, UGG opened up its first flagship store in New York City, the fashion capital of the world.

Today, UGG has branched off into sneakers, sandals, slippers, and even mule-style shoes with heels, and remains a very popular brand due to its high-quality craftsmanship and fashion-forward designs.

While many fashion trends lose momentum quickly, UGG boots have remained in the spotlight as they are incredibly comfortable, especially in colder climates. 

The History Of Bearpaw

Bearpaw is an American footwear, clothing, and accessories brand that was launched in 2001 by Tom Romeo. This was around the time Paris Hilton started wearing Ugg boots every time she stepped out of the house, which led to an influx of fashionistas trying to copy her style.

Bearpaw footwear had to compete against two other very similar shoe brands from the very beginning: UGG Australia and EMU Australia. But what set it apart was its lower price tag, making it a popular brand with a younger demographic.

The very first Bearpaw retail store opened in California in 2011 and it remains the brand’s headquarters.


After 17 years of selling its popular snow boots, Bearpaw introduced a vegan alternative that is made from a polyester microsuede fabric and lined with a rubber sole.

These were, and continue to be a huge hit with fashion enthusiasts who preferred to steer clear of purchasing any products made from leather, fur, or other materials sourced from animals.

Main Differences Between Uggs Vs Bearpaw

By just looking at the best-selling boots from both brands, it’s difficult to notice any huge differences. Boots from both brands have a slightly slouched shape, a flat sole, and can be easily slipped on your foot.

However, when you start looking a bit closer, you start noticing the differences between Bearpaw vs Uggs, mainly…

1. Materials Used

While Uggs and Bearpaw boots may look near identical, the materials used to create their most popular styles are actually very different. Ugg boots use premium materials in their boots, mainly ethically sourced twin-faced sheepskin with wool fleece on the inside.

Thanks to the superior materials, it’s said that Ugg boots will last anywhere from 5 to 20 years – talk about durability!

Cute fall outfit with classic Ugg boots
©Anastasiia Krivenok | Depositphotos.com

On the other hand, Bearpaw’s boots aren’t actually sheepskin on the outside. Instead, the Eva boots that resemble the traditional Uggs the most are made with suede cow leather on the outside, with a wool-blend lining and sheepskin footbed.

2. Price Point

You could argue that the main difference between the two brands is their price point. UGGs are marketed as a high-end product, and you’ll typically find them sold in higher-end stores like Saks 5th, Nordstrom, and others. A classic short boot will set you off by about $150.

In contrast to this, Bearpaw shoes are much more affordable. The brand’s boots are often sold at lower-end and discount retailers like DSW. A classic short boot style will set you back by just $60.

3. Sole Type & Weight

The general consensus is that Bearpaw boots are heavier for two reasons. First, the cow leather used on the outside of the boot is heavier than Ugg’s sheepskin, and second, Bearpaw havs a rubber sole as opposed to UGG’s rubber foam sole. It’s worth noting that many, though not all, Ugg boots have a synthetic sole.

4. Comfort

Both Bearpaws and UGGs are designed to be comfortable, casual shoes but in terms of comfort, UGG is slightly superior thanks to its use of soft and supple sheep leather throughout its shoe.

So if you’re looking for a boot that you never want to take off of your feet, UGG is the better option.

5. Stitching

UGG boots also have hidden smooth stitching whereas Bearpaw has visible stitching. Depending on your style preference, you might prefer one look over the other. 

6. Slouchiness

While the boots from both brands tend to hold their shape quite well with regular use, Ugg boots are definitely more slouchy due to their use of soft sheepskin.

On the other hand, Bearpaw uses calf suede, which is much more thicker and durable – this makes the boots hold their upright shape much better.

7. Ethical & Sustainability Concerns

When it comes to being cruelty-free, Bearpaw has more vegan options that are made from synthetic materials.

UGG does note that they only source their animal materials from ethical suppliers but at the end of the day, their boots are certainly not vegan friendly. This is why animal lovers tend to purchase boots from Bearpaw instead.

However, as you may know, vegan materials are often not sustainable, whereas animal products will biodegrade over time. So, if sustainability is at the top of your mind, opt for real sheepskin boots instead.

Our Top picks From Bearpaw Vs UGGs

1. Classic boots
Brown Ugg boots
Get this pair of Uggs on Nordstrom
Brown Bearpaw boots
Get this pair of boots on DSW

Even though tall Ugg-style boots were incredibly popular years ago, mid-calf versions are now the most sought-after. 

UGG’s Classic II Boot ($170) is the brand’s most beloved boot, and comes in multiple classic shades, such as chocolate, chestnut, black and grey, but these warm boots are also available in trendy bright colors such as emerlad green.

As with all Ugg boots, these boots have a sheepskin leather outer, with a shearling lining, stitch detailing, a synthetic sole, a leather logo patch on the back of the heel, and an outsole made with UGG’s special Treadlite fabric for comfort. 

The Elle Snow Boot ($84.90, now on sale for $39.98) from Bearpaw comes in a variety of colors and is the perfect boot to wear during cold weather. The boots are treated with NeverWet® technology that promises to keep your foot dry and warm.

The Elle boots have a suede upper, shearling and wool blend lining and a shearling footbed, that will keep your feet dry in the rain and snow. In terms of outfits, pair these boots with high-waisted mom jeans, leggings, or a monochrome sweatsuit. 

2. Slippers
Bearpaw VS UGG: Scuffette II slippers in brown
Get this pair on UGG
Bearpaw VS UGG: Loki Hickory slippers in brown
Get this pair on Bearpaw

The Scuffette II slippers from UGG are so cute and comfortable that you’ll want to wear them outside! These best-selling slippers are made from the brand’s signature sheepskin and have a suede upper, sheepskin collar, and a rubber outsole that’s likely more durable than the one on the Bearpaw slippers.

On the other hand, the Loki Hickory slippers from Bearpaw look remarkably similar to the Ugg slides, but come at a more affordable price tag. They have a cow leather suede upper, sheepskin lining and footbed, and a lightweight sole that can be worn outside on your patio or when you’re camping.

The Loki slippers come in 13 color variations, so if you’re after a specific style that Ugg doesn’t offer, these will be the better choice. With this said, Ugg does have a variety of different slippers such as the new Talisman slippers that are worth checking out.

3. Other Shoe Styles
Cream Ugg Fluff Yeah slippers
Get these on Nordstrom
Bearpaw VS UGG: Gloria White sandals in ivory
Get this pair on DSW

Have you ever seen a shoe as fluffy as the Ugg Fluff Yeah Slippers? While this style may not be for everyone, we love the plush design of this fun slipper that comes in multiple fun colors ranging from lime green to neutral cream.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a good summer shoe, check out the Gloria White sandals from Bearpaw. These are perfect for your next adventure or trip to Europe as they are comfortable to wear while walking!

These sandals are made from long-lasting, premium leather and have an ankle buckle closure. Match these lightweight sandals with sundresses, jeans, or skirts. 

Conclusion

If you’re not wanting to break the bank, we suggest opting for boots from Bearpaw as they are much more affordable – shoppers can get a pair of fashionable boots for under $100, sometimes even under $50! We also recommend browsing Bearpaw’s vegan options if you’re mindful of animal welfare.

But for those who want to splurge on a pair of real sheepskin boots that range in cost from $150 to $300 and prioritize quality, UGG is the best option for the winter months. These boots will also reportedly last anywhere from 5 to 20 years, so they’re definitely the better long-term investment! For this reason, Ugg boots get our vote.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that although vegan products are of course better for animal welfare, these products are terrible for the environment. Real animal skin products, whether from Bearpaw or UGG, will biodegrade over time, whereas vegan leather products will take hundreds, if not thousands of years.

If this is your main concern, it’s best to go with a pair of Bearpaw leather boots, as many Ugg boots have a synthetic sole, while classic Bearpaw’s soles are made from rubber.

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