I just bought the best UGG boot alternatives by accident – they're almost identical and 50% off for Black Friday

Twenty years ago I bought a pair of UGG boots. At the time, at £150, they felt like a real extravagance. But they were one of the best investments I ever made – a winter staple I've worn so many times, it's a wonder they have lasted this long.

But alas, the time had come to replace my vintage beauties. And with the baltic weather and UGG Black Friday deals around the corner, now seemed like a good time to have a look for a new pair. A quick Google search and the short-style boots I was after appeared at a bargain price. Two-minutes later, I was the proud owner of some new UGGs. Or so I thought.

After getting very spend-happy, I went back and actually read the description of the boots I had just bought properly. And it turns out they are actually EMU Australia Sharky Micro Boots – now just £59.50 in the Black Friday sale. And there wasn't a part of me that thought about cancelling my order.

Ok, so while I didn't actually mean to buy EMU boots - I bought them genuinely believing they were UGGs they look so similar – they are my fashion find of the year. Despite minor design differences - including the brand name on the bag and the small tab on UGG's Classic Ultra Mini boot – these shoes are strikingly similar. But, perhaps better than UGGs, the serated sole means they will grip so much better when the ground is wet or icy - something my now vintage UGGs certainly struggle with. Both made from Australian sheepskin, it's difficult (clearly) to tell the difference at a glance.

EMU Australia's Sharky Micro boots are water-resistant, although that won't stop me dousing them in this excellent suede protector spray to help look after them. One of the biggest pulls, however, especially now, is the price. While the cost of EMU's footwear is not usually that far off of UGGs, to be able to get the EMU Sharky Micro at £59.50 - less than half the price off its UGG counterpart, is a deal not to be missed. Hurry though, these are selling very fast.

woman&home's Digital Fashion Editor Caroline Parr explains why UGG isn't your only option when it comes to toasty shearling boots this winter. "Although it's not as well-known as UGG, EMU is a brand with a great reputation when it comes to quality. Made in Australia, they use sustainable materials such as sheepskin to make the cosiest boots, slippers and cold weather accessories, plus the price tends to be that bit more purse-friendly too. What's not to love?"

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