93% matchBrand profile
Koolaburra
Discontinued Deckers-owned budget sister label to UGG, making suede and faux-fur boots and slippers; wound down through 2025.
Santa BarbaraOrigin
UnisexFocus
Minimalist / ContemporaryStyle
$$Price
4 brands like Koolaburra like Ugg, Steve Madden, Dolce Vita →
What to know about Koolaburra
It began as UGG's rival
Founded in Santa Barbara in 1991 to compete with UGG, it lost a 2005 trademark suit to Deckers over use of the word "ug" before Deckers bought it in 2015.
Cheaper materials, same boot shapes
The 2016 relaunch as Koolaburra by UGG sold suede tall and mini boots, moccasins and slippers built from sheepskin blends and faux fur rather than full sheepskin.
The label is being discontinued
Deckers announced the wind-down in January 2025, closed koolaburra.com on March 31, 2025, and spent the rest of the year exiting wholesale accounts.
How Koolaburra fits
Overall fit
true to size
Most wearers find Koolaburra by UGG boots and slippers fit true to size, with a plush lining that feels snug at first and loosens slightly with wear.
Tip: Order your normal shoe size; if you plan to wear thick socks or fall between sizes, consider sizing up a half size.
Medium confidence · based on 15 sources
By category
| Category | Runs | Shape | Size advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boots | true to size | regular width with a moderately roomy toe box | Take your usual size; the fleece lining is snug initially but packs down, so half-size up only if you want room for heavy socks. |
Directional fit consensus summarized from public sources with AI — a starting point, not a guarantee. Confirm with the product's own measurements before buying.
If you like Koolaburra
93% match
70% matchSteve Madden
Mall-price trend boots with far broader shoe range
What changes: Fashion-driven rather than cozy shearling/slipper focus
66% matchDolce Vita
Similar mid-tier boot pricing, more fashion-forward shapes
What changes: Seasonal trend styling, little in the way of cozy/faux-fur
61% matchNine West
Accessible department-store women's boots, licensee-run
What changes: Dressier pumps-and-heels core, no shearling comfort niche
Koolaburra fit questions
Does Koolaburra run big or small?
Koolaburra fits true to size. Order your normal shoe size; if you plan to wear thick socks or fall between sizes, consider sizing up a half size. Most wearers find Koolaburra by UGG boots and slippers fit true to size, with a plush lining that feels snug at first and loosens slightly with wear.
How does Koolaburra fit?
Most wearers find Koolaburra by UGG boots and slippers fit true to size, with a plush lining that feels snug at first and loosens slightly with wear. Overall shape: regular width with a moderately roomy toe box.
How do Koolaburra boots fit?
Koolaburra boots fits true to size. Take your usual size; the fleece lining is snug initially but packs down, so half-size up only if you want room for heavy socks. Shape: regular width with a moderately roomy toe box.
Brand facts
Koolaburra was a sheepskin-look footwear label founded in Santa Barbara, California, in 1991 as a direct rival to UGG, losing a 2005 trademark suit to Deckers over use of "ug." Deckers acquired it in 2015 and relaunched it in 2016 as Koolaburra by UGG, a mid-tier wholesale line of suede boots, tall and mini styles, moccasins and slippers using sheepskin blends and faux fur at lower prices. Deckers announced the wind-down in January 2025, closed koolaburra.com on March 31, 2025, and exited wholesale through 2025.
- Founded
- 1991
- Origin
- Santa Barbara, United States
- Made in
- USA
- Price
- $$
- Focus
- Unisex
- Facts checked
- August 2026
- Styles
- Minimalist / Contemporary, Athleisure / Sportswear, Y2K