Back in the early 2010s, Ugg boots regained popularity as a fashion item after last being ‘on trend’ in the 1970s. These furry, snuggly boots are a combination of sheer comfort and a style statement. It’s no wonder that so many people have fallen in love with them. In fact, I’d bet that most of you reading this would have a pair stashed away in their shoe collection for those cold winter days.
But are Uggs a functional boot or are they designed purely for looking good? The truth is a bit of both. Authentic Uggs are designed to keep the feet warm and in their country of origin, Australia, they’re actually seen as anything but fashionable. However, in many other parts of the world, these boots are a fashion accessory and people wear them because of how they look.
But if they’re so good at keeping your feet warm, then they must be perfect for use in the snow, right?
Uggs might be great at keeping in warmth, but since they’re not waterproof, they’re not the footwear you should choose when heading out in snow. Moreover, they are made from suede which will quickly become ruined should you get it wet.
While Uggs might initially seem like the perfect winter shoe, it’s evident that there are limitations. In this guide, we’ll tell you exactly how and when to wear your Uggs and when to go for something different.
How To Wear Uggs
As we have mentioned, in Australia, where Uggs originated, people tend to wear them purely to keep warm. In fact, you’ll often see them being used as a slipper more than an outdoor shoe. There is something of a stereotype attached to Uggs Down Under and many people associate them with the bogan lifestyle.
Don’t let that put you off though, that’s just in one corner of the world. If you’re looking for a shoe that’s going to keep your feet warm and look super cute, Uggs are a great choice. They are primarily designed for cold weather and days where it’s a little chillier. Not only this but with a cushioned sole, they’re an incredibly comfortable type of footwear that are ideal for running daily errands.
The inside of the boots is lined with sheepskin while the outer part is made from suede. Some people choose to wear socks with the Uggs, but there’s really no need. If you want to wear them how the manufacturer intended, we’d say ditch the socks. There are a couple of reasons for this.
For starters, authentic Uggs are made with a merino wool lining. This is a naturally breathable material as well as being incredibly insulating. These factors combined help to regulate your body temperature and keep your feeling toasty when it’s cold out. What’s more, the inner sheepskin lining is moisture wicking. Adding socks into the mix messes with this balance because the merino wool needs to be in direct contact with your skin for the best effect.
In addition to this, those thick fibres within the boots allow your Uggs to provide you with just the right amount of support as they will literally mould to the shape of your feet. This means great weight distribution and less pressure on your tootsies. Again, wearing socks will prevent this from being able to happen so you’ll lessen the comfort of your boots.
Wearing Ugg Boots In Snow
So, back to the question on everybody’s lips; can you wear Uggs in the snow? The short answer is no but let us elaborate on this a little. Ugg boots are designed for cold weather but they are made from suede which is not waterproof (more on this later) which means that wearing them in the snow is a huge mistake.
Not only will your feet get wet and soggy, but this moisture will quickly cause you to lose body heat, leaving you with cold feet. I have made this mistake myself and I promise it is not something I will ever repeat!
You also have to keep in mind that if you allow your Uggs to get wet, the material will degrade and won’t look as good. Nobody wants to walk around in a pair of Uggs that look tattered and worn. But that’s exactly what snow will do to them. Moreover, Uggs that are dyed will lose a lot of their colour so they won’t look as vibrant. Since authentic Uggs do cost quite a bit of money, you won’t want to have to fork out for a new pair unnecessarily.
Are Uggs Waterproof?
Let’s look back at the reason Uggs were invented in the first place. While they’re now associated with cold weather, they were actually invented for use on the beach! Yes, that’s right. The Aussie who cooked up the idea of Uggs wanted something to keep his feet warm after a surf session and so these boots were born.
We have already learned that Ugg boots are made from suede and sheepskin and neither of these things are waterproof. This reiterates the fact that these boots are made for cold weather but not snow or rain.
As with anything, wearing them in wet conditions will keep your feet dry for a short amount of time as it takes a little while for water to seep through. But with non-waterproof materials like these, it doesn’t take long.
That said, the manufacturer has come a long way since those early days and modern consumers do have options when it comes to these boots. For example, there are some boots made by Ugg that are waterproof, but this doesn’t apply to the classic design.
These boots are made with waterproof materials like PVC and leather as well as having features like sealed seams and water resistant treatments. They’re ideal for snow and wet days and while you might not have the classic Ugg look, your feet will stay warm and dry. Depending on the design you choose, there are some boots from Ugg with improved traction that are great for hitting the trails or walking over rugged terrain.
What’s more, the lining is still as cosy with sheepskin and merino so you’re not missing out on these essential features. You’ll see these boots advertised as snow boots so you know exactly what they’re designed for.
Improving The Waterproofing Of Ugg Boots
Just because classic Ugg boots are not designed for use in the snow or rain, that doesn’t mean that you cannot give your footwear a bit of extra protection. Let’s make it abundantly clear from the off that waterproofing your Uggs won’t suddenly make them suitable for going on a snowy hike. But it will ensure that, if you get caught in a shower or have to walk from your house to the car in the snow, that the boots will be more resistant.
Moreover, waterproofing your Uggs will ensure that they do not stain or mark when they’re exposed to moisture which will keep them looking new as long as possible.
The best way to treat your Uggs is to use a waterproofing spray along with a suede brush. There are lots of brands to choose from and Ugg even makes a waterproofing kit themselves. Just make sure that whichever brand you choose, you give your boots a good clean with the suede brush first to get rid of any dust or debris. You can then apply an even coat of spray all over the outer surface.
Once you have waterproofed your Ugg boots, you won’t be able to wear them immediately. You’ll need to leave them to dry for at least 24 hours. The best place to leave them is somewhere with good airflow but out of direct sunlight.
Conclusion
Ugg boots are a popular choice for cold weather but they’re not designed for use in the snow. These boots are made from materials like suede and sheepskin which are not waterproof. Wearing them in the snow will only serve to leave you with cold feet and ruined boots. However, Ugg does make a range of snow boots that have all the features you would expect including being waterproof.
