20 Jan Why is Koolaburra by Ugg Cheaper?
UGG boots have become synonymous with stylish and comfortable sheepskin footwear. With their signature tan suede and plush interior lining, UGG boots are loved by celebrities and comfort seekers alike. However, their premium quality comes at a hefty price tag. That’s why many consumers are drawn to the more affordable Koolaburra by UGG boots. But why exactly are Koolaburras so much cheaper than regular UGGs?
A Brief History of UGG
To understand the price difference, it helps to first look at the history of the UGG brand. UGG boots originated in Australia and were worn by shepherds and surfers dating back to the 1930s. Their wool interior and weatherproof suede exterior made them ideal for keeping feet warm and dry. Discover what is Koolaburra by UGG vs UGG, and how these two brands differ in terms of style, materials, and pricing.
The boots were introduced to American consumers in the 1970s when Australian surfer Brian Smith brought several pairs with him to California. Seeing their potential, Brian founded the UGG brand and began selling the boots in specialty surf and ski shops.
UGG boots exploded in popularity when celebrities like Kate Hudson and Sarah Jessica Parker were spotted wearing them in the early 2000s. As demand grew, so did the prices. UGG capitalized on their new status as a luxury footwear brand by significantly raising its prices. A style that once retailed for $100 was now priced around $200 or more.
The Introduction of Koolaburra by UGG
Riding on UGG’s newfound popularity, many companies began producing UGG “knockoffs” to capitalize on the trend. Boot brands looked to mimic the UGG style at a lower price point to appeal to more budget-conscious shoppers.
In 1991, an American footwear company called EMU Australia entered into the UGG lookalike market with their “Emu Boots.” After gaining success, EMU decided to create a sister brand specifically for UGG-like boots. This new brand was called Koolaburra and launched in 2005.
Koolaburra boots mirrored the casual, sheepskin look of UGGs. They used similar twin-faced sheepskin and suede exteriors to recreate the UGG feel. However, by selling exclusively online and through major retailers like DSW and Zappos, Koolaburra was able to bypass high markups by third-party stores. This allowed them to retail their boots at around $100, nearly half the price of regular UGG styles.
Why Are Koolaburras Much Cheaper?
There are several key reasons why Koolaburra can produce such similar boots at a lower price point:
More Affordable Materials
The sheepskin and suede used by Koolaburra are still good quality, but not at premium UGG standards. UGG uses only the finest twin-faced sheepskin which goes through rigorous inspection. By using decent, but more affordable materials, Koolaburra can save on production costs.
Lower Labor Expenses
Koolaburra boots are mostly manufactured in China where labor costs are much lower than in the USA or Australia. However, UGG still produces some of its boots domestically or in Australia under stricter labor standards which drives up costs.
Minimal Advertising Budgets
As an established luxury brand, UGG spends significantly on advertising and endorsements to maintain their elite status. Their ads are featured in fashion magazines and on the feet of the trendiest celebrities. Koolaburra does not have this kind of advertising budget and instead relies on social media and word of mouth.
Lower Profit Margins
Part of Koolaburra’s brand strategy is to make stylish boots affordable to the masses. As a result, they operate on slimmer profit margins than UGG. UGG maximizes profits by pricing their boots much higher than production costs.
Lack of Third Party Retailers
Koolaburra primarily sells directly to consumers online through their own website or via major retail chains. UGG boots are sold by countless small boutiques, surf shops, and fashion stores. These third-party vendors drive up the retail price significantly.
By avoiding this third-party markup, Koolaburra can retail its boots at around half the cost of UGG’s retail price. Even the largest retailers like DSW and Zappos sell Koolaburras for at least $100 cheaper.
Are Koolaburras Lower Quality Than Real UGGs?
Despite the lower prices, Koolaburra boots are still made from genuine sheepskin and suede. The materials may not be top shelf, but Koolaburra uses enough quality to maintain the look and feel of UGG boots.
When it comes to quality, here are some notable differences between Koolaburra and UGG:
- UGG sheepskin is thicker and plusher for maximum comfort and warmth. Koolaburras may use thinner sheepskin.
- UGG uses higher density, water-resistant suede whereas Koolaburra uses a lower grade suede.
- UGG boots have sturdier rubber soles compared to Koolaburra’s thinner EVA soles.
- UGG offers a 1 year warranty on manufacturing defects. Koolaburra has a shorter 6 month warranty period.
- UGG boots tend to hold up better over time with less pilling of the sheepskin. Koolaburras may show wear sooner.
While UGGs have superior materials and construction, Koolaburras are likely to look and feel quite similar when new. The differences become more obvious over time as Koolaburras may develop signs of wear sooner. But those looking for UGG’s iconic style without the luxury price tag will find that Koolaburra boots fit the bill.
Are There Other Affordable Alternatives to UGGs?
For shoppers insisting on genuine UGG boots, Koolaburra is the most affordable option before prices jump up near $200. However, here are a few other brands that offer lower priced alternatives:
- Bearpaw – Nearly identical to UGGs, Bearpaw boots retail for $70-$120 for similar Twinface sheepskin boots.
- Skechers UGG Booties – These imitation UGGs sell for around $60 and feature a Faux Fur lining.
- Minnetonka Boots – Known for their moccasins, Minnetonka makes UGG lookalikes from $50-$80.
- Steve Madden Faux Shearling Boots – Steve Madden is great for fashionable boots like UGGs under $100.
While boots from these brands won’t have the prestige of the UGG name, their affordable prices make them enticing to budget shoppers. Koolaburra still remains the closest replica to UGG construction and quality while keeping prices low.
Should You Buy Genuine UGGs or Koolaburras?
When deciding between splurging on real UGGs versus saving with Koolaburras, here are some considerations:
- How often will you wear them? The UGG investment pays off if worn frequently.
- Do you need boots to hold up in cold or wet weather? UGGs are warmer and more water resistant.
- Is having the genuine UGG brand name important to you? Koolaburras are identical in look, but not name.
- Can you find UGGs on sale vs. normal Koolaburra prices? Sale prices could make them closer in cost.
- Do you have a set budget for new boots? Koolaburras give you the UGG style at an affordable price.
For many shoppers, paying $200+ for a pair of UGG boots is just too much of a stretch. Koolaburra boots look nearly identical and feel wonderfully cozy at half the price or less. While they may lack some of the premium quality, Koolaburras remain a terrific value for the stylish comfort that UGG is famous for.
FAQs
1. Is Koolaburra the same company as UGG?
No, Koolaburra is actually a sister company of EMU Australia. They design UGG-like boots at a more affordable price point than the premium UGG brand.
2. Where are Koolaburra boots made?
Most Koolaburra boots are manufactured in China to keep production costs low. Some UGG boots are still produced in the USA or Australia.
3. How can Koolaburra copy UGG boots without consequences?
Koolaburra copies the look and feel of UGG boots but with lower quality materials. UGG’s patented tread patterns are also slightly different from Koolaburras. As long as they don’t counterfeit UGG’s trademarked logos, Koolaburra boots are legal.
4. Does Koolaburra use real sheepskin?
Yes, Koolaburra boots are made from genuine sheepskin. However, Koolaburra uses lower quality sheepskin that is not as plush or thick as UGG twin-faced sheepskin.
5. Why are some styles cheaper than others?
Some Koolaburra boots like the shorter styles are cheaper to produce than the tall boots. The amount of materials needed impacts the pricing. Simple suede boots with less frills also cost less than Uggs with bows, buttons, or added decorations.
Conclusion
UGG set the standard for premium sheepskin boots that keep your feet luxuriously warm and cozy. Their quality materials and construction come at quite the luxury price tag though. For shoppers who want that same UGG look and feel without breaking the bank, Koolaburra by UGG boots provide the perfect budget-friendly alternative.
While Koolaburra may cut some corners with cheaper materials and manufacturing, their boots capture the casual comfort of UGG boots at a fraction of the cost. The average buyer would be hard-pressed to notice much of a difference in style and fit for over $100 in savings.
Some die-hard UGG fans will always insist that the premium quality is worth paying extra. For many consumers, Koolaburra boots provide an almost identical experience while being easier on your wallet. Wondering how cholos dress today? Dive into contemporary street fashion vibes! So while no boot can fully match the prestige of those iconic UGG letters, Koolaburra gives you nearly the same coveted style at prices us average folks can better afford.