At the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics, all eyes were on the American athletes for a few reasons. Firstly, they scooped 13 medals, placing them in the top 10. But aside from sporting talents, people were also taken with what some of the US Olympic team members were wearing on their feet: fleece-lined, cozy sheepskin boots, otherwise known as Uggs.
After that, and with a little help from Oprah’s Favorite Things list, Australian brand Ugg and its signature boots soared in popularity. It seemed like everyone—from Beyoncé to the now Princess of Wales—wanted to be seen wearing sheepskin on their feet in the 1990s and early aughts. And now, as Y2K nostalgia reigns on the red carpet, they’re officially back in style.
Thanks to a collaboration between Ugg and the New York-based fashion label Collina Strada, vegan Ugg boots hit the scene in 2024. But at the time of writing, they’re no longer available on the Ugg website, and the OG boots are made with several animal-based materials.
But if you’re in the market for that classic Ugg boot look, do not despair. There are plenty of vegan alternatives for cozy, comfy faux sheepskin boot lovers who want the look without the cruelty.
Pawj
1 Pawj’s vegan boots were designed for animal lovers
Animal lovers are safe with PAWJ, because it was created by one of their own: Julee Merrill. In fact, she founded the California-based brand to create more styles that didn’t harm animals. The family-run brand offers a wide range of Ugg-esque styles—like these cute faux suede Tan Mini Boots—as well as slippers, Polar Fleece Boots, and Arctic Fleece Shoes.
2 BearPaw’s comfy vegan boots are made with faux suede
For 20 years, California-based footwear brand BearPaw has made cozy boots for men and women alike. The name was inspired by a real-life bear that the founder, Tom Romeo, saw while sitting on a rock near Lake Tahoe back in 2001. He took the peaceful encounter as a lucky sign to follow his entrepreneurial dreams, and the signature Elle boots were created.
The original Elle style wasn’t vegan, but today the brand offers several comfy vegan boots made from faux suede. They’re just as comfy as the original, and available in multiple styles and colors.
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New Orchard
3 New Orchard’s vegan Ugg-style boots come in every height and style
If you want choice, look no further than New Orchard. This Swiss vegan footwear brand specializes in winter boots, offering an extensive selection of animal-free, UGG-like styles, including tall, mid-height, and short boots, as well as slippers.
Even better? They’re sustainable. Each pair is made with recycled microfibers and insoles crafted from banana waste.
Zette
4 Zette Shoes’ Willow Boots are cozy, warm, and ethically made
Zette Shoes only makes footwear that respects all living things, which is why its boots are 100-percent vegan and made by workers who are treated well and paid fairly.
Based in Melbourne, the shoe line was created in 2014 by Vegan Style, an online store and boutique. Its cozy, warm Willow boots are made of microfiber, a synthetic material. However, it has been tested and certified by Oeko-Tex, a textile safety label that ensures materials do not include harmful substances.
Vegetarian Shoes
5 Vegetarian Shoes’ Snugge Boots combine comfort with sustainability
Founded in the 1990s in Brighton, England, Vegetarian Shoes helped to pioneer the ethical footwear industry. Its commitment to responsible materials has earned it a solid reputation in the vegan fashion world, and the brand now ships its styles worldwide.
These comfy Snugge Boots feature a sole made with rubber and cork (both renewable materials), while the rest of the boot is made with Vegetan Fake Suede. Important note: the latter is designed to be almost identical to the real thing, which means it is not waterproof. So take care on rainy days!
6 Call It Spring’s vegan Vortex Boots were designed for chilly temperatures
Canadian brand Call It Spring boasts PETA approval, so you can confidently browse through the 100 percent vegan catalog. The Vortex boot is the most Ugg-like shoe on offer.
Featuring a chunky, two-inch platform, these boots are waterproof and will keep you warm even when it hits -4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Will’s Vegan Store
7 Will’s Vegan Store’s WVSport Insulated Country Boots will keep you cozy through harsh winter days
Back in 2013, Will’s Vegan Store started its journey in animal-free footwear. Since then, it has continued with its mission to make products that don’t cost animals or the earth and has even received a carbon-neutral certification.
The brand is committed to making durable, comfortable footwear that will last you through multiple seasons. These Insulated Country Boots, for example, offer a step up from regular Ugg boots, providing the same comfort while also withstanding extreme weather, such as rain and snow.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
Here at VegNews, we live and breathe the plant-based lifestyle, and only recommend products we feel make our lives amazing. Occasionally, articles may include links where we might earn a small commission, but in no way does this effect the editorial integrity of VegNews.
