Bearpaw Boots Vs. UGGs: What Is The Difference?

Finding the right pair of winter boots can be a tedious experience, especially with so many different options. UGGs are usually a safe bet, but they’re pricey boots, and not everyone is willing to pay the premium for a boot they can’t wear when it’s raining.

Bearpaw boots are a budget-friendly option with a design similar to UGG’s, and this detailed comparison explores all the other similarities and differences between Bearpaw and UGG boots!

Build quality, insulation, and waterproofing are just a few of the features examined in this comparison. I’ll tell you everything about the features of Bearpaw and UGG boots, including all the things most people (don’t) like about both brands. Keep reading to find out if your next pair of winter boots should be manufactured by UGG, Bearpaw, or someone else!

Build Quality

Build quality is what makes the most difference between UGG and Bearpaw boots. In my experience, UGGs are near-perfect. There are no frayed seams, no visible glue around the soles, and no shedding of the sheepskin lining. They are expensive boots and the build quality is absolutely what you would expect for $180.

The build quality of Bearpaws is nowhere near as great as that of UGGs, and that’s one of the main reasons why the boots are so much cheaper. Many people have complained about loose stitching, visible glue on the soles, and shedding of the inner liner. Some people had none of these issues, but the build quality of Bearpaw boots varies quite a bit, so it’s best to expect the worst and be pleasantly surprised.

Another thing to note about the build quality of UGGs versus Bearpaws is that UGGs are going to last you longer. Bearpaw might have a better design of the tread of the outsole, but it wears down quicker so the boots won’t last as long.

Also, it’s possible that stitches will start to come apart on the boots or that the outsole will separate because of the cheap glue, so you can expect that you’ll need to repair these boots at some point. I’ve owned a pair of UGGs for about three years, and I’ve had no such issues with them.

Warmth and Insulation

UGG boots are usually lined with sheepskin or wool. They’ve recently started to use a blend of wool and Lyocell to improve their sustainability efforts. Lyocell has similar properties to wool and it’s a sustainable material, so the difference in performance of sheepskin versus wool blend boots is barely existent.

The lining of UGG boots is my favorite thing about them. They are so incredibly warm that you can wear them without socks and still stay warm. Also, because sheepskin and wool have moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties, your feet won’t sweat too much in these boots.

I was talking mostly about the UGG Classic boots just now. You should also know that UGG makes many boots without any lining inside, and those are great for autumn and spring. The brand also has extreme weather boots that are suitable for temperatures as low as -32 degrees Celsius, so let’s just say you’ve got plenty of options in their product range.

Bearpaw is somewhat mysterious about the lining of their boots. They claim that all the insoles are lined with sheepskin, but list wool blend as the liner for the interior of the boot. The issue is that there’s no information on what the wool is blended with, or about percentages.

Is it wool and lyocell, or wool and polyester? Is there at least 50% wool lining in the boot, or more or less? I don’t have answers to any of these questions.

One thing I did notice is that many people complained that the liner was shedding on their socks. The shedding stopped eventually, but it’s something to keep in mind, especially if you tend to wear black socks.

Insoles and Comfort

Bearpaw and UGG boots both feature a non-removable footbed lined with sheepskin. It’s soft and fuzzy, for excellent warmth and comfort. The insole and midsole also provide lots of cushioning in either boot, so walking in UGGs and Bearpaw shoes feels amazing.

However, neither boots are very supportive and I don’t think they’re a good option for people who struggle with flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or similar issues. I would recommend you look into Emu boots instead – they’re extremely similar to UGGs in terms of design and quality but with the benefit of removable insoles.

Grip and Traction

UGGs were never famous for excellent grip and traction. It’s one of the worst features of the classic boots, and I can’t wait for the day when they finally upgrade the outsoles to something more rugged. Don’t get me wrong, UGG boots are perfectly fine for walking on pavement and even on snowy ground, but if there’s even a hint of ice on the surface, you’ll have zero traction in the boots.

They’re slippery and the texture of the outsole is fine for the snow and the streets, but not for rugged terrain and frozen ground. Keep in mind that I’m specifically talking about the Classic UGG boot – the brand offers dozens of other boot styles that have much more rugged outsoles, and in which you could probably run across a field of ice without slipping and falling.

The Bearpaw boots have a different outsole, and I honestly prefer their design of the outsole. It’s got deeper lugs than the outsole of the UGGs, which means that the boots bite into terrain more easily. That inherently means you’ll have better grip and traction, especially on uneven terrain.

However, the rubber of the outsole is still somewhat slippery, and I doubt these boots would perform better than UGGs on icy terrain.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the outsole of the Bearpaw boots is of poorer quality. Lots of people complained about visible glue on the soles, or just them separating from the uppers. The outsole will likely wear out quicker, and you might end up with the dreaded worn-down soles on the sides.

Waterproofing

Classic UGG boots are just water-repellent. They are not completely waterproof and you should never wear them in rainy weather because they will get soaked and you’ll end up with water inside the boots.

The boots are treated to repel water and you can reapply that spray every season to maintain the protection throughout the years, but it’s important to keep in mind that the protection only works for snow and not rain.

On the other hand, it’s important to mention that UGG has dozens of other styles of boots that are entirely waterproof. The brand’s product range includes leather boots, rubber boots, and even waterproof suede boots. Plenty of waterproof UGGs are out there, so explore their product range a little more if you’re specifically looking for wet-weather footwear.

It’s the same thing with Bearpaw boots. The classic styles (Elle and Alyssa) are water-resistant but not waterproof, and the brand has a wide variety of other boots that are better suited for use in wet weather. It’s mostly their hiking boots that feature waterproof construction and additional coating, so check out that product range if you’re specifically looking to get boots you can wear in the rain.

Price Point

The cost of the boots is the largest difference between UGG and Bearpaw. UGGs are at least twice the price of Bearpaw boots, and some models are even more expensive. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t want to spend a lot of money on UGG boots, then Bearpaw is the better option for you.

Just keep in mind everything I’ve told you about the quality and performance of the boots. Sure, you’re saving a lot of money, but you’re also settling for boots of a poorer quality that simply don’t perform as well as UGGs, and most likely won’t last you as long.

I personally think that genuine UGG boots are worth the price tag because they’re so well made and they can last you a long time if you take care of them. Yes, it’s a lot of money to spend on a pair of boots you can’t wear when it’s raining, but it’s absolutely worth it in the long run because UGGs can last as long as two, and maybe even three pairs of cheaper knock-offs.

Best Bearpaw Boots

Bearpaw Elle Short

The Elle Short boots are most similar to the classic UGG boots. The feature suede uppers with water-resistant coating, a sheepskin-lined footbed, and wool blend lining inside the boot for warmth and insulation. The outsole has multiple deep lugs and looks sturdier than the outsole of genuine UGGs, but is generally not as durable.

Bearpaw Brock

Brock is a men’s hiking boot and honestly a great option for the money. They feature waterproof suede and mesh uppers, for good breathability and all-weather performance.

The boots have a (removable) memory foam insole that, paired with the EVA midsole, offers plenty of stability and support. There’s also the rugged rubber outsole with lots of multidirectional lugs for good grip and traction on various terrain types.

Bearpaw Desdemona

If you’re looking for rugged and warm winter boots, the Desdemona boots are one of the best options from Bearpaw. These boots feature waterproof uppers with wool blend lining inside that will keep your feet toasty warm even in very cold weather.

The sheepskin footbed is removable and the EVA midsole offers excellent stability and support. The outsole is made from molded rubber and features a wave tread for better grip in snowy conditions.

Best UGG Boots

UGG Classic Short

UGG Classic Short is by far the most famous pair of boots from this brand. At this point, they’re iconic for the design, which has been copied countless times. But the one thing the knock-offs never have is the quality and performance of genuine UGGs, with their suede uppers and sheepskin lining.

Genuine UGGs also boast Treadlite soles that offer some grip and traction on snow and pavement, but not on slippery surfaces.

UGG Adirondack

I’ve been debating whether I should get these boots for a couple of years now. They’re completely waterproof, insanely warm, and feature rugged outsoles with a lot of grip and traction. These boots are good for everything from running to the store around the corner to hikes on snow-covered mountains.

I’m on the fence about them simply because they have a thermal rating of -32 degrees Celsius, and I genuinely don’t need boots that are that warm. But if you do need boots that are warm, waterproof, and outright amazing, the Adirondack is by far the best option.

UGG Emmet Duck

The Emmet Duck men’s boots are excellent all-weather boots with a thermal rating of -32°C. The boots feature a waterproof seam-sealed construction with special coating, but UGG states that they’re not suitable for heavy rain.

These boots have a Treadlite by UGG outsole made from white spider rubber, which features deep lugs for great grip and traction. The Emmet Duck boots are very versatile and suitable for all environments from city streets to mountain ridges.

Bearpaw Vs. UGGs: What’s Better For You?

What’s the verdict – should you get yourself a pair of Bearpaws or UGGs?

In terms of build quality and performance, UGG boots are better. They are much higher quality than Bearpaw boots, and that’s why they’re so much more expensive.

If you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford to buy UGG boots at the moment, then, by all means, get yourself a pair of Bearpaws. They’re still decent boots and you will get a level of warmth and comfort very similar to that of UGGs, it’s just that the boots are not as well-made and don’t last quite as long. But they’re half the price of UGGs, so I think that’s acceptable.

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