Kids’ Boots Similar to Uggs: The 3 Best Affordable Brands
Last updated: October 17, 2026 · By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter
Kids love the look and feel of Uggs, but it’s hard to spend that much on boots they’ll outgrow in a season. The good news is that a few brands make boots that look and feel a lot like Uggs for less. As a certified children’s shoe fitter, I recommend three of them: Emu, Bearpaw, and Koolaburra. Here’s how they compare, and my favorite styles from each.
Why Not Just Buy the Cheapest Ugg Look-Alike?
The cheapest look-alikes often look the part but have a thin lining, a stiff sole, and stitching that comes apart. Kids end up with cold feet, and you end up buying another pair halfway through winter. The three brands below cost less than Uggs but are still warm, soft, and well made.
| Emu | Bearpaw | Koolaburra | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Removable insoles | Zippers, most styles | Closest to the Ugg look |
| Lining | Merino wool | Sheepskin and wool | Faux suede |
| Water | Some waterproof | Some waterproof | Water-resistant |
How Long Should Kids Wear Boots Like Uggs?
Like Uggs, these boots are soft and cozy, but they don’t give much support. I recommend keeping them for cold mornings, short outings, and dressing up, and limiting wear to about 4 hours a day. For school and active play, a supportive sneaker is a better choice.
Disclosure: some links in this post are affiliate links — I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Emu Boots for Kids
Emu is an Australian brand with a merino wool lining, and many styles have removable insoles, so you can add a supportive insole.
Brumby by Emu
A classic waterproof boot in simple colors that go with everything.
- Ideal for wet weather and everyday winter wear
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Waterproof suede upper
- Double-stitched seams for added strength
- Lightweight and flexible
- Removable insoles
- Sizing tip: order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Creatures Character Boots by Emu
Soft, cozy boots with fun animal designs, like the shark and the ladybug.
- Ideal for dry, cold days and kids who love fun designs
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Not waterproof, so best for dry days
- Merino wool lining
- Removable insoles
- Lightweight and flexible
- Rubber sole with good traction
- Sizing tip: order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Bearpaw Boots for Kids
Bearpaw has the most styles of the three brands, including boots with zippers, which make them much easier for kids to get on. Many styles are treated to repel water and stains.
Emma by Bearpaw
A short sheepskin boot with a side zipper, so it’s easy to get on and off.
- Ideal for kids who want to put on their own boots
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Sheepskin upper
- Side zipper
- Flexible, non-marking rubber sole
- Sizing tip: order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Elle by Bearpaw
A tall leather boot with a cozy lining, for cold days.
- Ideal for cold, dry days and kids who like tall boots
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Leather upper
- Flexible, non-marking rubber sole
- Sizing tip: order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Boo by Bearpaw
A fully waterproof pull-on boot with a suede and leather upper, so it can handle slush and snow.
- Ideal for slush and light snow
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Fully waterproof bootie construction
- Suede, leather, and synthetic upper
- Pull-on style
- Flexible, non-marking rubber sole
- Sizing tip: order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Koolaburra Boots for Kids
Koolaburra is made by Ugg, so it’s the closest you’ll get to the real thing for less. The styles look a lot like classic Uggs, with a lighter sole.
Koola by Koolaburra
A short, classic boot that looks a lot like the Ugg Classic Short, at a lower price.
- Ideal for parents who want the Ugg look for less
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Dyed sheepskin upper from Australia
- Faux suede lining
- Flexible TPR rubber sole
- Sizing tip: order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
Victoria by Koolaburra
A suede boot with bows on the side, for dressing up.
- Ideal for dressing up and special occasions
- Order on Amazon
- Fits medium and wide feet
- Suede upper
- Bows on the side
- Flexible sole
- Sizing tip: order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size
How to Get the Right Size
Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size. That leaves room for socks and growth, so the boots last the whole winter. If your child is between sizes, round up.
My guide to measuring your kid’s feet shows you how to find your child’s size, check whether they have narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet, and see whether they have a high instep, at home in two simple steps.
Need a Specific Recommendation?
If you’re not sure which brand, style, or size will work for your child, email me, and I’ll suggest the boots most likely to fit.
FAQ
Emu, Bearpaw, and Koolaburra. All three are warm and soft like Uggs, and cost less.
Yes. Koolaburra is made by Ugg, which is why the styles look so similar.
They’re a good value. They’re warm and cozy, and many styles have zippers that make them easier for kids to get on.
Not when they’re worn occasionally. They don’t give much support, so keep them to about 4 hours a day and choose a supportive sneaker for school and play.
