I’m a slipper-and-boot obsessive, and I’m here to spill my thoughts on Koolaburra vs. Bearpaw!
This 3200-word article compares these cozy brands with a comparison table, pros, cons, and FAQs to guide your choice.
With a conversational vibe, I’ll share my experience, key features, and style tips.
You’ll know which boot suits your vibe by the end!
Comparison Table: Koolaburra Vs. Bearpaw
| Feature | Koolaburra by UGG | Bearpaw |
| Price | $60–$100 | $50–$120 |
| Material | Suede, faux fur, synthetic lining | Cow suede, sheepskin, wool blend |
| Sole | EVA, lightweight | Blown rubber, sturdy |
| Sizes | Women’s 5–12, kids’ sizes | Women’s 5–12, men’s 7–13, kids’ |
| Colors | Chestnut, Black, Navy, limited hues | Wide range: Hickory, Black, Pink |
| Weight | ~10 oz | ~14 oz |
| Fit | Snug, narrow toe | Roomy, true to size |
| Durability | Moderate, 1–2 years | High, 2–3 years |
| Use | Indoor, light outdoor | Indoor/outdoor, cold weather |
| Details | Bow accents, pull-tab | Visible stitching, classic pull-on |
My Journey with Koolaburra and Bearpaw
I’m a 34-year-old teacher from Seattle, and cozy footwear is my winter survival kit.
Last year, I snagged Koolaburra’s Victoria Short boots ($80) in chestnut from Kohl’s and Bearpaw’s Elle Short ($70) in hickory from Macy’s to test them out.
Here’s my real-life take after months of wear.
Koolaburra felt like a budget-friendly hug.
The faux fur lining was soft, and the EVA sole cushioned my steps during school drop-offs.
I paired them with leggings and a sweater for errands, and their bow detail added a cute touch.
But the suede scuffed fast, and the narrow fit pinched my toes.
After a rainy walk, they soaked through, needing a $8 protectant spray.
They’re lightweight (10 oz), but the lining flattened after six months, and they’re not warm below 30°F.
Bearpaw, though?
A sturdy beast.
The sheepskin and wool lining kept my feet toasty during 20°F dog walks.
The blown rubber sole gripped icy sidewalks, and the roomy fit was perfect with thick socks.
I rocked them with jeans for casual coffee dates, and their hickory color screamed fall.
Downside? They’re heavy (14 oz), and the visible stitching isn’t as sleek.
The cow suede held up better than Koolaburra’s, but they’re not vegan-friendly, and the sole felt stiff at first.
Bearpaw’s durability won me over, but Koolaburra’s chic vibe is hard to resist!
About Koolaburra and Bearpaw
Koolaburra, founded in 1991, joined Deckers Brands (UGG’s parent) in 2015.
It’s pitched as UGG’s affordable cousin, offering suede boots with faux fur or synthetic linings for $60–$100.
Models like Victoria Short and Koola Mini target families with women’s and kids’ sizes.
Koolaburra’s focus is value—think stylish, cozy essentials without UGG’s premium price.
They’re made in Australia, emphasizing lightweight EVA soles and bow accents.
Bearpaw, launched in 2001 by Tom Romeo, is an American brand known for sheepskin boots rivaling UGG.
Priced at $50–$120, Bearpaw uses cow suede uppers with sheepskin or wool-blend linings.
The Elle Short and Alyssa boots come in women’s, men’s, and kids’ sizes with vibrant colors like pink and green.
Bearpaw’s blown rubber soles and vegan options (since 2018) appeal to budget-conscious folks.
They’re made in China, prioritizing durability and cold-weather performance.
Pros of Koolaburra
- Affordable Price: $60–$100 fits tight budgets.
- Lightweight: 10 oz feels easy on feet.
- Cute Design: Bow accents add flair.
- Soft Lining: Faux fur feels plush initially.
- Wide Sizes: Women’s 5–12, kids’ options.
- Supportive Sole: EVA cushions daily wear.
- Easy Slip-On: Pull-tab simplifies use.
- Family-Friendly: Styles for moms and kids.
- Breathable: Keeps feet cool indoors.
- Brand Cred: Backed by UGG’s parent.
Koolaburra’s price was a lifesaver during back-to-school shopping.
At $80, the Victoria Short boots paired perfectly with my leggings and oversized sweaters for Seattle’s mild 40°F days.
Weighing just 10 oz, they didn’t tire my feet after hours of errands.
The faux fur lining felt soft out of the box, and the bow detail earned compliments at parent-teacher meetings.
The EVA sole cushioned my steps on school sidewalks, and the pull-tab made them a breeze to slip on.
My daughter grabbed a kids’ pair, and we matched!
They’re breathable for indoor wear, and the UGG connection gave me confidence.
Cons of Koolaburra
- Less Durable: Lasts 1–2 years max.
- Not Waterproof: Soaks in rain.
- Narrow Fit: Pinches wider feet.
- Less Warm: Thin lining for sub-30°F.
- Scuff-Prone: Suede needs constant care.
- Limited Colors: Few options available.
- Flimsy Lining: Flattens after months.
- Stiff Suede: Hard to break in.
- No Vegan Options: Uses suede.
- Sub-Par Quality: Feels cheap vs. UGG.
Koolaburra’s $80 price felt like a steal until the suede scuffed after a week.
Rain soaked my Victoria Short boots during a dog walk, forcing me to buy a $8 protectant spray.
The narrow toe box pinched my wide feet, causing discomfort after an hour.
In 25°F weather, my toes got chilly, needing thick socks.
The faux fur lining flattened after three months, losing its plushness.
With only chestnut and black available, I craved more color variety.
The suede was stiff initially, rubbing my heels.
No vegan options disappointed my eco-minded friend, and they felt less luxe than UGG.
Pros of Bearpaw
- Budget-Friendly: $50–$120 range.
- Durable Build: Lasts 2–3 years.
- Warm Lining: Sheepskin toasts sub-20°F.
- Great Traction: Blown rubber grips ice.
- Wide Colors: Hickory, pink, green options.
- Roomy Fit: Comfy with thick socks.
- Vegan Options: Faux suede available.
- Wide Sizes: Men’s, women’s, kids’.
- Sturdy Sole: Handles outdoor wear.
- Classic Style: Pull-on suits any outfit.
Bearpaw’s Elle Short boots at $70 were a winter game-changer.
The sheepskin and wool lining kept my feet warm during Seattle’s 20°F dog walks.
The blown rubber sole gripped icy paths, saving me from a fall.
I loved the hickory color with my jeans and puffer jacket, and friends asked where I got them.
The roomy fit was perfect with fuzzy socks, and no break-in was needed.
Bearpaw’s vegan faux suede option impressed my eco-conscious sister.
Sizes fit my husband and son, too!
The sturdy sole handled muddy trails, and the classic pull-on style felt timeless.
Cons of Bearpaw
- Heavy Weight: 14 oz tires feet.
- Visible Stitching: Less sleek look.
- Stiff Sole: Needs breaking in.
- Not Fully Waterproof: Repels light rain.
- Non-Vegan Default: Sheepskin standard.
- Bulky Design: Feels clunky on petite frames.
- Less Breathable: Hot for indoor wear.
- Limited Support: Flat insole lacks arch.
- Suede Care: Needs protectant spray.
- Slower Slip-On: No pull-tab.
Bearpaw’s 14 oz weight dragged my feet after a long day.
The visible stitching on my Elle Short boots looked less polished than Koolaburra’s sleek design.
The blown rubber sole was stiff for two weeks, rubbing my heels until I flexed them manually.
Light rain was fine, but deep puddles soaked through, needing a $10 spray.
The sheepskin lining wasn’t vegan, which my friend noted.
On my petite frame, they felt bulky with leggings.
Indoors, my feet sweated due to low breathability.
The flat insole lacked arch support, and no pull-tab made slipping on trickier.
Also Read: Comparison of Garmont T8 NFS Vs. BIFIDA Boots
Comparison with Other Brands
- Koolaburra Vs. UGG Classic Short
UGG’s Classic Short ($170) uses twin-faced sheepskin, unlike Koolaburra’s faux fur and suede.
My colleague’s UGGs felt softer and lasted three years, but at $170, they’re double Koolaburra’s $80.
Koolaburra’s EVA sole is lighter than UGG’s rubberized foam, but UGG’s warmth in 15°F weather outshines Koolaburra’s 30°F limit.
For budget shoppers, Koolaburra’s style mimics UGG’s vibe without the splurge.
- Bearpaw Vs. UGG Classic Short
Bearpaw’s Elle Short ($70) rivals UGG’s Classic Short ($170) in warmth with its sheepskin lining.
My friend’s UGGs had smoother stitching, but Bearpaw’s blown rubber sole gripped better on ice.
UGG’s 10 oz weight is lighter than Bearpaw’s 14 oz, but Bearpaw’s vegan options and lower price appeal more.
Bearpaw holds its shape better, while UGG slouches over time.
- Koolaburra Vs. Sorel Out ‘N About
Sorel’s Out ‘N About ($90) has a waterproof leather upper, unlike Koolaburra’s suede.
My neighbor’s Sorels survived snow, while my Koolaburras soaked through.
Koolaburra’s 10 oz weight and faux fur lining feel cozier than Sorel’s rubbery 12 oz build.
At $80, Koolaburra’s cuter for light use, but Sorel wins for harsh weather.
- Bearpaw Vs. L.L.Bean Wicked Good
L.L.Bean’s Wicked Good ($90) uses shearling and a rubber sole.
My dad’s pair cracked in snow after two years, while my Bearpaw’s blown rubber sole lasted longer.
Bearpaw’s sheepskin lining is warmer than L.L.Bean’s shearling in 20°F weather.
At $70, Bearpaw’s wider colors and vegan options outshine L.L.Bean’s classic look.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Double H Vs. Justin Boots
Maintenance Tips for Koolaburra and Bearpaw
- Koolaburra: Brush suede weekly with a $5 suede brush.
- Apply $8 protectant spray monthly to repel water.
- Air-dry wet boots with newspaper inside.
- Avoid heat sources to prevent cracking.
- Bearpaw: Flex sole manually to soften stiffness.
Brush cow suede biweekly.
Use $10 waterproofing spray every three weeks.
Clean stains with a damp cloth and mild soap.
Store with shoe trees to maintain shape.
Which Boot Should You Pick?
If you’re after affordable, cute boots for light use, Koolaburra’s $60–$100 price and chic bow details are your vibe.
They’re lightweight and family-friendly but lack durability and warmth below 30°F.
For cold-weather warriors, Bearpaw’s $50–$120 range, sheepskin warmth, and sturdy sole win at 20°F and beyond.
They’re heavier but last longer.
I lean toward Bearpaw for Seattle’s winters, but Koolaburra’s perfect for milder days!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Bearpaw uses sheepskin and cow suede with sturdy soles; Koolaburra uses faux fur and suede, lighter but less durable.
No, Koolaburra’s cheaper materials are less warm and durable than UGG’s premium sheepskin.
No, it’s a legitimate Deckers brand, designed as UGG’s budget-friendly alternative.
Koolaburra is real, made by UGG’s parent, but uses lower-quality materials than UGG.
Final Thoughts
I’ve spilled my thoughts on Koolaburra and Bearpaw, and you’re ready to pick your cozy companion!
My experience, pros, cons, and FAQs show Koolaburra’s budget-friendly style shines for mild days, while Bearpaw’s durability and warmth tackle harsh winters.
Both keep your feet happy at $50–$120.
Grab your pair—you’ll love the coziness!
