EMU Australia Real vs. Fake: How to Spot Counterfeit Sheepskin Boots

EMU Australia boots are very popular among fashionistas and celebrities. Featuring 100% sheepskin lining, these boots offer optimal comfort and insulation, making them the choice footwear during cold seasons.

You can find the latest EMU Australia styles on EMU Australia and Amazon.

Beloved for their plush comfort and cold-weather appeal, EMU Australia boots have—unfortunately—also attracted counterfeiters. Spotting an authentic pair isn’t always easy, especially when shopping online.

Sheepskin boots are a longtime celebrity off-duty staple, and EMU Australia is widely regarded as a popular alternative to UGG (Credit: Cousart / JFXimages / WENN)

According to EMU Australia, it’s important to stay alert to fake products. If an offer looks unusually cheap or feels too good to be true, it often is. To ensure you’re purchasing genuine EMU footwear, the brand recommends ordering directly from emuaustralia.com or through trusted, authorized retailers.

Counterfeit sites can be particularly deceptive, sometimes taking payment without ever delivering a product. If you have any doubts about a listing or a retailer, EMU Australia advises contacting the retailer’s customer service team before placing an order.

1. Inspect the Box, Branding & Exterior Labels

Authentic EMU Australia boots are packaged in a sleek, typically black box with a subtle glossy finish and the brand’s logo printed on the front and sides.

Many original styles also feature a pull tab at the back of the shaft, stamped with “Made in Australia” or “Waterproof,” depending on the collection.

A round silver EMU logo is positioned at the back ankle, a signature branding detail found on authentic EMU Australia boots

There’s also a round-shaped silver EMU logo placed on the back of the ankle. The logo’s appearance and color may vary by collection, but it remains in the same position.

2. Examine the Sheepskin Lining Quality

EMU boots are known for their high-quality sheepskin lining. Genuine EMU boots feature a super-soft 100% Australian sheepskin lining that’s thick, plush, and water-resistant.

Genuine EMU Australia boots feature a thick, plush sheepskin lining that delivers natural warmth, softness, and insulation

This is evident when you look inside the boots and when you touch them. Imitations have synthetic (or foam) linings and feel a little prickly to the touch. Additionally, the inner linings of fake boots are not as thick or plush as those of the originals.

3. Verify the Outsoles & Rubber Construction

Authentic EMU Australia boots feature outsoles embossed with the EMU logo throughout, crafted from durable natural rubber that provides reliable traction and insulation from cold ground.

The outsoles of authentic EMU Australia boots feature the EMU logo embossed throughout, providing traction and a clear branding detail

Fake boots are made of low-grade rubber, and the embossed EMU brand can look uneven and cheap. Others may not have any brand stamps on the outsoles.

Additionally, fakes usually have soles that are inflexible. Real high-grade rubber soles are noticeably thick but still pliable.

4. Look Closely at the Stitching & Craftsmanship

The stitching should be even throughout, with threads matching the color of the boots.

All genuine EMU boots have superior double-stitched seams for added strength. Fake ones have uneven stitches and poorly dyed threads.

5. Buy From Authorized Retailers Only

There are countless online stores selling sheepskin boots, but not all offer genuine EMU boots. Some are steals (or look-a-likes), and some are knockoffs.

Also, be mindful of the styles and new collections released. Illegal sellers and manufacturers often create styles that differ significantly from those displayed on the website.

Original EMU boots are priced at around $150–$180. Those sold at extremely low prices are most likely counterfeit.

6. Understand Where EMU Australia Boots Are Made

EMU Australia is an Australian-owned brand headquartered in South Geelong, Victoria. The company operates a factory in Geelong where its Platinum Sheepskin collection—including styles such as the Platinum Stingers, Outbacks, and Slippers—is proudly made.

Other EMU Australia fashion styles and children’s footwear are designed in the USA, the UK, and Australia and manufactured in China using high-quality natural materials.

If you’re specifically looking for EMU boots made in Australia, check the product details for the Platinum designation.

EMU Australia: Frequently Asked Questions

EMU Australia vs. UGG: How Do Sheepskin Boots Compare?

It ultimately comes down to personal preference. Both EMU Australia and UGG (formerly UGG Australia) specialize in classic sheepskin boots—featuring cozy mini, ankle, and tall silhouettes lined with plush Merino wool for warmth and comfort.

The styles are visually very similar, rooted in the same laid-back, winter-ready aesthetic that has made shearling-lined boots a cold-weather staple.

Where the two often differ is price: EMU Australia boots are generally more affordable—typically 20–50% less than comparable UGG styles—making them a popular choice for shoppers seeking high-quality Australian sheepskin without the higher price tag. As a result, the brands are often viewed as direct competitors in the cozy footwear category.

Where Are EMU Australia Boots Made?

All EMU Australia Stinger boots are crafted from premium Australian sheepskin and are naturally water-resistant. The key difference lies in where they’re made.

The Platinum Collection is produced in Australia at EMU Australia’s factory in Geelong, Victoria. Other Stinger styles and boot collections are made overseas using high-quality Australian sheepskin.

If buying Australian-made footwear is important to you, look for the Platinum designation—it’s the clearest way to identify boots made in Australia.

Water Resistance, Fit & Warranty: What to Know Before Buying EMU Australia Boots

Sheepskin boots are naturally water-resistant, not waterproof, and EMU Australia recommends keeping care simple. If your boots get dirty, allow the dirt to dry completely, then gently brush it away. Avoid washing your boots or placing them in the washing machine, as excess water can damage the natural sheepskin.

EMU Australia provides a 12-month manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship from the date of purchase. If you purchased your boots from a retail store or a third-party website, warranty claims should be handled directly with the retailer. Purchases made via EMU Australia’s official online store can be addressed by contacting the brand’s customer service team with your order details and supporting photos.

Regarding fit, EMU Australia notes that sheepskin boots naturally stretch with wear. Because sheepskin is a natural material, boots should feel snug but still comfortable when new. If you’re unsure about sizing, it’s best to consult the brand’s size guide before purchasing.

Keep in mind that some fashion-forward EMU styles may not stretch as much as traditional sheepskin boots, so choose a size that feels comfortable from the start when shopping for those designs.

For additional care tips, see our guide on what to do if your sheepskin boots get wet. To learn how EMU Australia boots are made, watch the video below.

Explore More Celebrity-Approved Sheepskin & UGG Boot Styles

From authenticating EMU Australia boots to understanding how sheepskin footwear fits into everyday celebrity style, these related features dive deeper into the cozy, cold-weather boots worn by stars—along with expert tips on styling, shopping, and spotting the real thing.