Quince vs. Ugg: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Quince offers minimalist, luxury-inspired footwear using materials like Italian leather at highly accessible prices, while Ugg is the iconic brand known for its plush, ultra-comfortable sheepskin boots with a casual aesthetic and a higher price tag. The primary difference is in priorities: Quince focuses on affordable, sustainable, and timeless style, whereas Ugg centers its identity on delivering unparalleled warmth and laid-back comfort.

Let's compare everything you need to know to choose the right footwear for your closet and lifestyle.

Quince: The Affordable Luxury Essentials Brand

Quince is a direct-to-consumer brand that has built a loyal following by offering high-quality essentials - from cashmere sweaters to Italian leather shoes - without the traditional luxury markup. By cutting out the middleman, they provide transparently priced products that focus on sustainable materials and ethical production. Their target customer values classic, timeless design and wants to invest in quality pieces that last without breaking the bank.

• Product mix: Their footwear line emphasizes classic silhouettes like ankle boots, loafers, mules, and sneakers, primarily using premium materials like Italian leather. The brand also offers a wide range of clothing, accessories, and home goods.
• Price point: Quince's footwear is exceptionally well-priced, with most styles falling between $50 and $150. This creates impressive value for shoppers seeking genuine leather and high-end construction.
• Style & Aesthetic: The aesthetic is minimalist, modern, and versatile. Expect clean lines, neutral color palettes, and understated designs that can be easily dressed up or down for work, weekends, and everything in between.
• Quality & Materials: The brand is committed to using premium materials typically found in much more expensive brands, including Italian leather and other sustainable fabrics with a keen eye on craftsmanship and longevity.
• Sustainability & Ethics: Transparency is a core pillar of the Quince brand. They openly share details about their factories and are committed to eco-friendly fabrics and ethical manufacturing practices.
• Sizing/Fit: Quince footwear is known to run true to size, offering a consistent and reliable fit across its various styles.

Quince delivers a sleek, minimalist style with high-end materials and an ethical focus at an impressively low price point, making it a go-to for the modern, conscious consumer.

Shop Quince: www.quince.com

Ugg: The Icon of Casual Comfort

Ugg became a global phenomenon with its signature sheepskin boots, cementing its place as the definitive brand for cozy, comfortable footwear. While its roots are in casual surf culture, the brand now offers a wide range of boots, slippers, sneakers, and sandals that all deliver on its promise of plush warmth and laid-back style. Ugg appeals to a broad audience who prioritize comfort above all else and appreciate a relaxed, practical shoe for everyday life.

• Product mix: While best known for its iconic Classic Boot, Ugg's collection includes slippers, weather-ready boots, sneakers, and sandals. All products prominently feature their signature plush sheepskin, suede, and UGGplush™ wool blend.
• Price point: Ugg positions itself in the mid-range to premium market. Their classic boots typically cost between $100 and $200, reflecting the quality of the materials and the brand's iconic status.
• Style & Aesthetic: The core Ugg look is casual, relaxed, and comfort-driven. While they have introduced more fashion-forward designs and collaborations, the brand's identity is inseparable from its cozy, laid-back vibe.
• Quality & Materials: Ugg's reputation is built on its high-quality sheepskin, which provides natural insulation, moisture-wicking properties, and unmatched softness. The construction is durable, with sturdy soles designed for longevity.
• Sustainability & Ethics: Ugg has made public commitments to improving its sustainability practices, including responsible wool sourcing and using recycled materials, though it is less transparent about its end-to-end supply chain compared to Quince.
• Sizing/Fit: Uggs generally run true to size, however, many customers recommend sizing up a half or full size in their classic boots if they plan to wear thick socks or prefer a roomier fit, as the thick lining can make them feel snug at first.

Ugg is the undisputed leader for iconic, incredibly comfortable footwear that offers warmth and a casual style suitable for everyday, relaxed wear.

Shop Ugg: www.uggaustralia.com

Quince vs. Ugg Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The style chasm between Quince and Ugg is wide and distinct. Quince champions a minimalist, slightly formal aesthetic with footwear that wouldn't look out of place in a modern office or at a chic brunch. Their leather boots, loafers, and mules feature clean lines and timeless designs intended for versatility.

Ugg, in contrast, is the epitome of casual, cozy comfort. Its designs are built for relaxed weekends, chilly days, and moments when you want to feel wrapped in warmth. While new styles like the platform Ultra Mini have become trendy, the brand’s core DNA remains firmly rooted in laid-back, informal wear.

Price Comparison

Financially, Quince offers a much more accessible entry point. With most of their genuine Italian leather shoes priced from $50 to $150, they provide exceptional value and make luxury-grade materials available without the steep designer cost. This pricing strategy is central to their mission of making quality affordable.

Ugg operates in the mid-range and premium space, with their popular boots ranging from $100 to over $200. The price reflects their specialized, high-quality sheepskin materials, established brand recognition, and durable construction designed to last for years. While Ugg offers significant value in terms of comfort and longevity, Quince is the clear winner for shoppers on a tighter budget.

Quality & Materials

Both brands prioritize quality materials, but they choose different ones to reflect their aesthetic goals. Quince focuses on supple, high-grade Italian leather and suede, mirroring what you’d find in traditional luxury footwear. The craftsmanship is geared toward producing a shoe that looks and feels refined and polished.

Ugg’s claim to fame is its genuine sheepskin and suede. This natural material offers superior softness, breathability, and temperature regulation, keeping your feet warm in the cold and comfortable in the heat. Their construction is rugged and built for durability, with outsoles designed for walking and everyday wear.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally offer a reliable, true-to-size fit. Quince’s sizing is straightforward across its collections of loafers, boots, and heels, adhering to standard footwear measurements common in the industry.

Ugg’s sizing can be slightly more nuanced, specifically regarding their classic sheepskin-lined boots. The plush lining can initially feel tight, so some shoppers prefer to size up a half size for immediate comfort, especially when wearing thicker socks. Over time, the lining will mold to the foot for a custom fit.

Sustainability & Ethics

For the eco-conscious shopper, Quince has a more compelling story. The brand is built on a foundation of transparency, providing clear information about its ethical manufacturing processes and commitment to using sustainable materials. This is a core part of their identity and marketing.

Ugg has been taking steps to address sustainability, launching programs like its Koolaburra line made with recycled materials and emphasizing responsible wool sourcing. However, as an established global brand, its move towards full supply chain transparency is a slower process, making Quince the more demonstrably sustainable option.

Which One Should You Choose?

Frankly, both brands excel at what they do, but they're aimed at very different shoppers and occasions.

Choose Quince if:

• You're looking for luxury styles, like leather boots and loafers, at a budget-friendly price.
• You value a minimalist, versatile aesthetic that works for both office and casual settings.
• Ethical manufacturing and supply chain transparency are deciding factors for you.
• Your wardrobe is built around classic, long-lasting pieces rather than trendy items.

Choose Ugg if:

• Your number one priority for footwear is exceptional comfort, coziness, and warmth.
• You're looking for durable, casual footwear for cold weather, running errands, or lounging at home.
• You appreciate the iconic status of the brand and its signature sheepskin boots.
• You live a relaxed lifestyle and want your footwear to reflect that easygoing vibe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Quince or Ugg cheaper?

Quince is significantly cheaper than Ugg. With most footwear priced between $50 and $150, Quince offers high-end materials like Italian leather for a fraction of what traditional luxury brands charge. Ugg's boots and shoes typically start around $100 and can go well over $200.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands offer excellent quality, but their focus differs. Quince focuses on luxury material quality, using Italian leather that feels premium and is constructed for durability. Ugg's quality lies in its signature sheepskin and rugged construction, designed for ultimate comfort and longevity in casual wear.

Is Ugg or Quince more comfortable?

Ugg is widely considered one of the most comfortable footwear brands in the world due to its plush sheepskin lining that provides softness and warmth. While Quince's leather shoes are comfortable for all-day wear and feature good construction, they don't offer the unique, slipper-like comfort that defines the Ugg experience.

Does Quince footwear run true to size?

Yes, Quince's shoes generally run true to size. They provide consistent sizing across their product line, so you can confidently order your usual size.

Is Ugg sizing accurate?

Ugg sizing is also generally accurate. However, due to the thick sheepskin lining, many people find their boots feel snug at first. It's often recommended to stick with your true size, as the lining will pack down and mold to your feet over time. If you are between sizes or prefer wearing thick socks, sizing up by a half size is a safe bet.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Quince has a stronger and more central focus on sustainability and ethics. The brand is highly transparent about its direct-to-consumer model, ethical factories, and use of eco-friendly materials from the start. While Ugg has sustainability initiatives, Quince's business model is fundamentally built around it.

What is the distinct style difference between Ugg and Quince?

The main style difference is minimalist chic versus casual comfort. Quince offers sophisticated, timeless footwear like structured leather boots and loafers that can be styled for professional and polished looks. Ugg’s style is relaxed, laid-back, and synonymous with cozy, casual lifestyles.

Can I wear Quince boots in the snow?

Quince's leather boots are not typically designed for heavy snow or wet conditions without prior treatment. You would need to apply a waterproof spray to protect the leather from water damage. Ugg, on the other hand, offers many pre-treated, weather-resistant styles specifically designed for cold and light snowy conditions.