Are Ugg Boots Waterproof? Simple Steps to Avoid Water Damage

After buying a new pair, you might wonder, are Ugg boots waterproof? This guide dives into this dilemma, along with tips on how to keep your Ugg boots looking their best.

Ugg boots are an Australian icon, and the term “ugg” is Australian slang used to describe sheepskin boots and were first worn by farmers in Australia and New Zealand in the early 1900s. The cosy concept soon caught on and has been popular with the surfing community to keep their feet warm between waves, and there are still many Ugg manufacturers in Australia.

Ugg boots gained a global audience after Aussie surfers Brian Smith and Doug Jenson introduced them to the US market, where they founded the UGG brand in 1978, which today holds the majority of the global Ugg boot market.

Ugg boots became a Y2K staple after celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Kate Moss, and Beyoncé wore them. They became so popular that customers had to be put on waiting lists to snag a pair. The trend fizzled out for a while, but new designs reignited the flame, and you would have to have been hiding under a rock to have missed the UGG ultra-mini boot craze in 2020. 

An authentic pair of Ugg boots are not cheap, so the last you want to do is damage them. As many of us live in countries with unpredictable weather conditions, a frequent question is, are Ugg boots waterproof? This article answers that query and provides cleaning and care tips to keep your Ugg boots looking their best.

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Are Ugg Boots Waterproof? How to Know

Ugg boots keep feet toasty warm and make a great choice in cold weather, but they are not a replacement for winter boots. In the chillier seasons, rain and snowy weather conditions are common, so you will want to know, are Ugg boots waterproof? And can you wear them all year round?

If you are referring to the classic Ugg boots made with a sheepskin exterior and lined with wool, the answer is no! Classic Ugg boots are not meant to get wet, but don’t worry; you can take simple steps to make your Ugg boots more resilient to rain and snow.

Whether you can wear your Ugg boots all year round depends on the weather, as classic Ugg boots are not waterproof when you purchase them. A good care routine, including a waterproofing spray will make your boots last longer, but avoid wearing them in rain, sleet and snow.

If you are looking for a pair of waterproof boots for wet weather and outdoor activities, UGG has a range of waterproof boots with durable rubber soles. The Drizlita boot is a modern twist on Wellington boots, and its sleek design comes in a variety of colours.

What Material are Ugg Boots Made Of?

Traditional Ugg boots use twin-faced sheepskin and a soft wool lining. The use of premium materials and some manufacturers hand-making their boots is why they retail at a higher price point.

Over the years, counterfeit Ugg boots have flooded the market, and although they may look similar to the real thing, they use cheap materials that will quickly fall apart. This article is a helpful guide on how to spot a fake, but always buy from trusted retailers so you can resolve any issues directly.

What is the Best Way to Waterproof Ugg Boots?

Let’s face it; Uggs are not cheap, but the lifespan of a pair of Ugg boots can be 5-20 years, depending on how you look after them, so taking protective steps before wearing them is recommended.

Although you cannot fully waterproof classic Ugg boots, you can take simple steps to protect them from water damage. There are lots of products on the market to waterproof your Ugg boots, such as the care kit by UGG that includes:

If you don’t want to use the UGG Cleaning Kit, there are alternative brands on the market. 

How to Waterproof New Ugg Boots

If your boots are new, use the UGG Protector spray (or any waterproofing spray you wish) before wearing them outside. This article by Living in Yellow tests and reviews the best waterproofing spray for Ugg boots.

The protector spray adds a layer to your boots that repels water and stains caused by wet conditions; reapply the protector spray every six weeks or after your Ugg boots have been out in the rain.

If you have already worn your Ugg boots, that is not an issue, but you need to clean and dry them before applying a waterproofing spray. Below are instructions on how to clean Ugg boots. 

How to Clean Ugg Boots in 7 Simple Steps 

It is important to remember that Ugg boots need to be clean and dry before applying a waterproofing spray. If you use a water-protector spray on dirty boots, it will seal in any marks or dirt.

What Happens if Ugg Boots Get Water on Them?

A bit of light rain is not the end of the world, but the most important thing to do when you get a new pair of Ugg boots is to pre-treat your boots with a water-resistant spray/suede protector and reapply it every few months. 

The spray will repel the moisture when caused by rain or stepping in a puddle and protect against staining and water damage.

If your boots incur some stubborn staining, there are some fantastic cleaning kits on the market, and PureWow breaks down here how to remove all types of stains from your Ugg boots. 

If your boots get wet, Australian Ugg manufacturer Ugg Since 1974 advises pulling out the innersoles, hanging the boots upside down, allowing them to dry naturally and brush with a suede sponge.

Can I put Ugg Boots in the Washing Machine?

We have ascertained that Ugg boots are not good with water, so exposing them to excessive moisture in a washing machine is not a good idea. 

Other risks of putting your Ugg boots in the washing machine include discolouration, patchy water stains, and damaging your boots beyond repair. Laundry detergent contains chemicals that are too harsh for sheepskin, so the safer option is to use products specific to cleaning sheepskin.

Todd Watts, one of the owners of Ugg Since 1974, weighed in on the risks in an interview with CHOICE and explained, “Putting your Uggs in the washing machine will permanently damage the inners, knotting the wool and removing the natural lanolin that keeps them feeling soft and comfortable.” 

As convenient as it may seem to pop your Ugg boots in the washing machine, don’t risk it.

Can I Put My Wet Ugg Boots in the Dryer?

No! Don’t put your Ugg boots in the dryer, as the sheepskin can get damaged by the high heat, causing them to lose colour and shape. 

Always air dry Ugg boots at room temperature, in a dry place and away from direct sunlight for 24-48 hours.

Whether you own a pair of Ugg boots or want to buy some, use this article as your go-to guide to avoid soggy stained boots and keep your Ugg boots looking their best for as long as possible.

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