Kerrie Hughes
Sheepskin boots are an ideal choice for cold weather and with stormy weather ahead, we're craving comfortable and cosy designs. Thanks to the growth in popularity of this style, there are lots of options available on the market, although UGG and EMU boots are largely considered the biggest players in the sheepskin footwear market.
If you're wondering how to decipher the UGGs vs EMU debate, we've done the hard work for you, analysing both brands' products to help you choose the pair of cosy, sheepskin shoes or boots that are right for you and your winter capsule wardrobe.
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UGG VS EMU: UGG
UGG was founded in 1978 by Australian surfer Brian Smith, who decided to give up his corporate job and move to California. When he was at the beach in the US, he noticed that none of his fellow surfers wore traditional sheepskin boots post-swim like they did back in Australia, and he decided to create a range of comfy footwear that would keep beach-lovers cosy on even the chilliest of mornings.
He originally sold the boots from the back of his van, but they quickly became a smash hit with surfers and fashion fans alike, and it wasn’t long before he was selling in stores. In the decades since, UGG has become an international hit, and the boots really took off during the early 2000s with an endless amount of celebs, including Paris Hilton and Jessica Alba, wearing them with pride.
These days, the range covers a vast number of boots, slippers and clothing for women, men and children, and they are still a hit with A-listers, including Kate Middleton, Jennifer Lopez, and Gillian Anderson have all been spotted rocking UGGs.
This platform pair of UGGS sits on the ankle and offers you a few extra inches of height. This platform style looks great with wider leg trouser silhouettes. The sheepskin fabric has been treated to be stain and splash-resistant, too.
The UGG Bailey features a playful bow at the back that adds a feminine feel to the otherwise practical design. They come in several colourways; however, these black pairs are extremely versatile and won't mark easily either.
UGG don't just offer the standard flat beige boot; these days, you'll find playful designs like this flatform pair. They still feel just as cosy to wear as they are lined with fluffy wool, but the heel gives them a smarter spin that will sit well with a dress or cropped jeans.
The most classic of all the UGG boots has had a bit of an update recently, and now the sheepskin footwear has an invisible coating to add some water resistance and a firm yet lightweight sole for added support.
A personal favourite, these fluffy boots are sitting firmly on my winter wishlist. They have a short silhouette when turned down, which reveals the fluffy cuff. Alternatively, you can wear them turned upright for a more classic finish.
For a more subtle take on UGG boots, try this classic mini pair that sits just below the ankles and has a firm sole made from a clever sugar cane material. The simple and smaller shape will sit well with tights or under the best wide-leg jeans.
UGG VS EMU: EMU
Another footwear brand born in Australia, EMU was launched in 1994 and originated from a traditional tannery business that had been crafting real sheepskin boots for decades. EMU took all the traditional expertise and natural fabrics that the company had always used, but gave them a fashion-forward twist that appealed to both men and women worldwide.
They pride themselves on using sustainable materials, which include Australian sheepskin, natural leathers and merino wool. They have a large 'Platinum' range, which is still handcrafted in Australia before being distributed globally.
The brand quickly gained loyal fans (including Kim Kardashian and Katie Holmes) and the range now covers boots, slippers, and a wide range of cosy accessories for the whole family.
These Alba boots can be worn turned down to reveal a fluffy cuff look. They feature a water-resistant sole, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use, and the playful back buttons feel uniquely chic.
These boots have extra grip for when you're out and about in cold and icy conditions. The glossy brown sheepskin finish adds a glam feel that means you can wear them day or night with ease.
The slanted topline and fluffy trim on this pair give these boots a modern feel without being too fussy. They will sit at the ankles and feel extra cosy thanks to the shearling lining, while the rubber soles keep them supportive.
The ankle-high cut on this pair of natural sheepskin boots will flatter legs and will work brilliantly with a swishy skirt or a pair of barrel-leg jeans. They are water-resistant and available in five other colours.
The 5cm high flatform on these boots adds height, whilst the cosy design is practical enough to wear all day. The dark grey tone will pair well with a range of colours, from dark winter neutrals to your favourite bright white jeans outfits.
These classic sheepskin boots come with a slightly slimmer fit, which is perfect for anybody who prefers a neat and structured finish. They are just as comfy as the rest of the collection, though, and the mid calf height will keep you snug on even the coldest of days.
UGG VS EMU: What's the Difference?
At first glance the shoes from both brands look very similar but there are some differences to consider:
TECHNICAL SPECS
Despite the size of each brand, sustainability and responsibly sourced materials are still very key for both companies, and both UGG and EMU continue to use natural-based fabrics on their boots. Both brands manufacture their boots in a range of countries, but EMU still hand-crafts their 'Platinum' range in Australia.
EMU boots have been developed to be water-resistant or fully waterproof and are pre-treated to stay splash-proof whenever you wear them, whereas UGGs can often struggle a little in a heavy rain shower. To solve this, you can now buy waterproofing products to protect UGGs, including a rubber guard, which will help to keep them shower-proof.
EMU boots contain memory foam cushioning inside and often come with removable arch support to keep the foot comfortably in place while you wear them. Traditionally, UGG boots don't have the same level of support on the inside, which can be an issue if you're wearing them for a long time, but it does make them extra soft and will be a welcome relief for anybody with wider feet or women who might need a break from heels.
FIT
Both brands offer boots to sit at different heights on the leg – they range from below the ankle to just below the knees. EMU boots often have a little more structure to them and a sturdier sole, whereas UGG boots have a squishier and softer feel to them. The UGG website has a handy tool on each page to let you know what previous shoppers had thought of the fit, and it will easily show you if they come up narrow or wide for most.
UGG's sizing for women's shoes goes from 3-10, and EMU offer their boots in sizes 3-9. It's worth remembering that the sheepskin styles from both brands will stretch out a little over time, compared to firmer leather shoes, so you'll want to find a size that fits snuggly when you first try them on to allow for this.
PRODUCT RANGE
The range from both UGG and EMU contains a wide range of styles, colours and shapes that have inspired countless high street UGG boot alternatives. UGG has a wider range that now includes clothing and accessories, and their footwear has lots of fashion-forward details like bows, bright colours and flatform soles.
EMU covers lots of styles, but they can often be slightly simpler and pared back in design. Their sheepskin boots tend to have a more traditional feel, and, as well as shoes, they also cover accessories.
PRICING
Out of the two, overall EMU is slightly more affordable, with prices starting from just £99. Both brands come with a higher price tag than some other copy-cat sheepskin boot styles, but both offer very high-quality fabrics and designs that will last for years, and will keep going for as long as some of the best winter boots.
Why are Uggs and EMU boots so popular?
There are a few reasons why UGG and EMU boots are so covetable, but it's mainly down to the comfort factor. woman&home Digital Editor Kerrie Hughes has a pair of UGG Classic Short Boots and the EMU Sharky Micro - which she initially bought by accident, thinking they were UGGs - and has positive things to say about both: “What do I love the most? This is probably obvious, but the comfort and warmth. I also love their versatility - I wear them for everything from around the house as slippers to the school run or casual days out. I basically just live in them from November until March.
"The EMUs I love for the shorter length, and so far have been really impressed with the quality. The quality of UGGs (which I bought 20 years ago) is undeniable. They may be expensive initially, but the amount of wear I have got out of them over the last couple of decades has more than paid for them. I really like the shorter length EMUs as they feel like they are more flattering/don't cut my leg off at a wide point. They also fit really nicely under wide-leg trousers”
Are there any downsides?
Kerrie goes on to explain: “ The biggest downside is them being fair-weather shoes. I have used suede protector on mine, which has made a huge difference to my UGGs' longevity, but I also rarely wear them in wet weather. I have been caught in the rain a couple of times wearing my UGGs, and I remember after the first time they got completely soaked, they never really looked the same again. So I tend not to wear them if it's wet, despite really wanting to in the colder months.”
UGG vs EMU Verdict: Which is better?
This is a tricky one to answer as both brands offer quite similar boots with materials and styles that are very alike. Whether you're on the hunt for sheepskin boots as slippers or for outdoor use, both brands are a safe bet and will last you for years and years.
UGG has reigned supreme with the style crowd for a long time, but their boots haven't always been the most practical in the rain, and their price tags are quite hefty. They offer a wide range of shapes and styles, which now include some newer designs that are stain and splash-proof, and there's an impressive choice of colours to choose from.
EMU have a slightly smaller range and simpler designs, but their boots are all stain and water-resistant, and are still designed and mostly made in Australia using sustainable fabrics. Despite this, their prices have stayed lower than UGG, and it makes them a little more accessible for most.
Taking the price, quality of fabrics and designs into account, EMU probably comes out on top over UGG when it comes to best boot buys, but in all honesty, whichever you go for, your feet will be toastie, happy and looking seriously chic for years to come.
FAQs
How to wash your sheepskin boots?
Because of the natural sheepskin fabrics, both brands strongly advise against machine-washing their products, so be cautious and follow our guide on how to clean UGGs. It's recommended to use a damp cloth to gently buff out any marks or a soft brush to buff away dried mud. Both UGG and EMU sell cleaning kits, which are designed to be gentle yet effective on their products, too.
Kerrie is the editor of woman&home (digital). For seven years previously she was editor of Future’s world-leading design title Creative Bloq, and has written for titles including T3, Coach and Fit&Well on a wide range of lifestyle topics.
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