Published 20 May 2026 · Last updated 21 May 2026 · 8 min read
Quick answer: UGG (Deckers) is the US-owned global trademark, premium-priced and made in China or Vietnam. Koolaburra by UGG is Deckers’ budget sub-brand (no real sheepskin). EMU Australia is a long-established Australian brand, partly Aus-made. Australian-trademarked brands like EVERAU and UGG Australian Shepherd are made in Australia from A-Grade sheepskin. Choose UGG for global brand recognition, EMU for environmental ethics, and Australian UGG brands for genuine Aus-made sheepskin.
Why the comparison matters
The word “ugg” means different things in different markets. In Australia and New Zealand it’s a generic style of twin-faced sheepskin boot; in the rest of the world it’s a registered trademark of US-based Deckers Outdoor Corporation. That difference means shoppers see four broadly different products under similar-sounding names. This guide breaks them apart.
Quick comparison table
| Brand | Country of manufacture | Materials | Price (women’s classic) | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGG (Deckers) | China, Vietnam | Twin-faced sheepskin (real) | AU$299–$420 | 1 year (limited) |
| Koolaburra by UGG | China | Faux fur, synthetic suede | AU$110–$180 | 1 year |
| EMU Australia | Australia & China (mixed) | Twin-faced sheepskin (Aus-made line) or merino wool (synthetic blend on imported line) | AU$180–$320 | 1 year |
| EVERAU | Australia (Victoria) | A-Grade Australian twin-faced sheepskin | AU$130–$260 | 90 days (Ever UGG Outlet) |
| UGG Australian Shepherd | Australia | A-Grade Australian/NZ twin-faced sheepskin | AU$120–$280 | 90 days (Ever UGG Outlet) |
Prices reflect typical RRP in May 2026 for the women’s classic short or mid-calf style. Sale pricing varies.
UGG (Deckers Outdoor Corporation)
Deckers’ UGG is the global brand. They legally own the “UGG” trademark in the US, UK, EU and most Asian markets. Their classic boots use genuine twin-faced sheepskin and benefit from huge marketing investment, celebrity endorsements and a dense retail footprint.
Pros: Internationally recognised, real sheepskin, broad style range. Cons: Highest price point, manufactured outside Australia, sometimes confused with cheaper Australian-made alternatives that use the same word generically.
Koolaburra by UGG
Koolaburra is Deckers’ budget brand sold in the same stores as their flagship UGG line. Important to know: Koolaburra does not use real sheepskin. Linings are faux fur, uppers are synthetic suede.
Pros: Lower price, vegan-friendly. Cons: Not twin-faced sheepskin, less warm, shorter lifespan. Avoid if you want the genuine UGG experience.
EMU Australia
EMU is a long-established Australian sheepskin brand founded in the 1990s. Their range includes both Australian-made twin-faced sheepskin boots and lower-priced imported lines using merino wool or synthetics. Their Australian-made line is a credible competitor to the brands we stock.
Pros: Strong heritage, environmental certifications, Australian-made flagship line. Cons: Premium pricing for the Aus-made line; you have to check carefully which range each model belongs to.
EVERAU and UGG Australian Shepherd (the Australian-made specialists)
EVERAU and UGG Australian Shepherd are Australian trademark-registered brands that produce only Australian-made twin-faced sheepskin boots. Both source A-Grade Australian or New Zealand sheepskin and manufacture in Victoria. Pricing is lower than Deckers UGG because the brands invest in product rather than global marketing.
Pros: Genuine Australian-made sheepskin, lower price than Deckers UGG, direct relationship with the manufacturing factory, 90-day warranty when sold through Ever UGG Outlet. Cons: Less international brand recognition; not sold in US or UK stores.
Which brand suits which buyer?
- You want global brand recognition (gifting, fashion): UGG (Deckers)
- You want vegan or budget faux-fur: Koolaburra by UGG
- You want premium Aus-made + brand heritage: EMU Australia (check it’s their Aus-made line)
- You want the best value Aus-made sheepskin: EVERAU or UGG Australian Shepherd via Ever UGG Outlet
Shop genuine Australian UGG brands
Ever UGG Outlet stocks both EVERAU and UGG Australian Shepherd in full women’s, men’s and kids’ size runs. All stock is verified Aus-made and ships from our Melbourne warehouse with 30-day risk-free returns.
Need help picking a brand? Read our how to spot fake UGG boots guide or contact our sizing team via support@uggoutlet.com.au.
Frequently asked questions
Is Koolaburra the same as UGG?
Both brands are owned by Deckers Outdoor Corporation, but they are different products. UGG (Deckers’ flagship) uses genuine twin-faced sheepskin. Koolaburra uses faux fur and synthetic suede and is positioned as a budget alternative.
Is EMU Australia really Australian made?
Partly. EMU produces an Australian-made line manufactured in Australia from genuine sheepskin, and a separate imported line manufactured offshore using merino wool or synthetic blends. Always check the specific model’s country of origin and material list before buying.
Are EVERAU and UGG Australian Shepherd real UGG brands?
Yes. Both are Australian trademark-registered. Inside Australia and New Zealand, “ugg” is a generic style descriptor, so multiple Australian brands legally manufacture and sell UGG boots. Both produce genuine twin-faced Australian sheepskin boots.
Why are Deckers UGG boots so much more expensive?
Deckers’ pricing reflects global marketing investment, retail distribution and brand premium. The sheepskin itself is comparable to Australian-made brands — you’re largely paying for the trademark and the worldwide brand experience.
Which UGG brand has the best warranty?
Warranty is broadly similar across brands (1 year). At Ever UGG Outlet we add a 90-day manufacturer-backed warranty on top of the 30-day risk-free return policy, applied to every pair regardless of brand.