Our footwear expert dishes on why Uggs are so popular

Comfy, cozy, and instantly recognizable, Ugg boots have been a fixture in American footwear since their surf-culture debut in the 1970s. The sheepskin leather-and-wool-fleece boots have seen massive waves of popularity over the years—when Oprah put the style on her 2003 Favorite Things list it cemented its place in the pop culture firmament—but while trends come and go, Ugg boots have continued to win over new fans and delight old ones.

Today, Gen Z shoppers obsessed with Y2K style are fueling growth with new wearers discovering the style, but fans know: Ugg have never gone away.

Our testers have checked out past versions of Ugg boots, but here we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the sheepskin icon.

What are Uggs?

Ugg boots historically have referred to mid-height sheepskin boots lined with the hide’s wool fleece that originated in Australia. They were popularized by Australian surfers in the 1960s, and by the 1970s, the boots had made their way to the American surf scene. Cozy and easy to slip on after getting out of the water, the boots gained a cult following.

In 1978, Brian Smith founded Ugg in California, and the Ugg name continued to grow—in 1994, the U.S. Olympic team wore the boots for the Lillehammer Olympic Games—and in 1995, the company was bought by outdoor company Deckers.

Today, Deckers manufactures and distributes Ugg boots in the U.S. and globally, except for Australia and New Zealand, where other manufacturers use the term for their style of the boot.

What makes Ugg boots?

Ugg boots are near synonymous with sheepskin, the material responsible for both the style’s smooth suede-like exterior and the soft wool fleece interior. While the brand’s product line has grown to encompass sneakers, slippers, and leather all-weather boots, the consistent connection is the signature soft fleece lining, made either from natural wool (as in the Classic Short II style) or from a wool blend.

How Uggs fit

Boots in Ugg’s Classic collection—which include both the iconic Classic Short boot but also encompasses slippers, platform styles, and some all-weather boots—should fit snugly but not tightly. They’re designed to be worn barefoot, so your feet get the benefit of contact with the ultra-soft and warm wooly fleece, so keep that in mind as you try on your shoes.

How do Uggs make their shoes

Ugg boots are traditionally made from sheepskin hides with fleeces attached (byproducts of the meat industry) that are tanned and then reversed so that the tanned hide is on the exterior of the boot and the soft fleece is on the interior.

How to clean Uggs shoes

While there are several materials used across the Ugg line, including leather and textile, Ugg’s best-known boots and slippers are made with sheepskin leather and lined with natural fleece.

According to Ugg, to clean sheepskin leather, start by brushing off any loose or visible dirt from the surface. (Follow the nap of the leather from top to bottom.) Using a small amount of cool water, dampen the surface of the boot—you don’t want it to soak through, but you do want to moisten the surface.

Take a soft cloth or a paper towel and then, using either a dedicated suede cleaner or suede shampoo (or a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water) make small circular motions across the material. When you’ve cleaned the whole surface, go back and wipe it down with a clean, damp cloth. For best results, apply a suede conditioner afterward. Let the boots dry in a well-ventilated place for a day or two.

To clean the interior, dampen a cloth with soapy water and make the same circular scrubbing motions as on the exterior. When you’ve cleaned the entire interior, go back over it with a damp cloth. Let it dry for a day or two. Nordstrom recommends that you sprinkle baking soda in the interiors, then shake it or vacuum to remove any odors.

While the official Ugg site specifically recommends that sheepskin products not be machine washed, our writer tried washing two pairs of Ugg boots on the delicate cycle of her washing machine and swears by the results. (Do not put them in the dryer, though; air drying is the way to go.)

Why are Ugg boots so good?

The unique construction technique used for Ugg boots means that they’re incredibly comfortable to wear, with thick wool fleece lining the interior that wicks moisture and regulates heat, keeping feet warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. They’re also super soft, and since they’re designed to be worn barefoot, it’s a uniquely cozy feel.

The slip-on style of the boots makes them an easy-to-wear choice, too. (It’s no accident they’re so popular on outdoor film sets, where actors can stay warm and comfy while they wait to shoot their scenes but have their feet be camera-ready with a moment’s notice.) Pair that slipper-like comfort with a rugged outsole that’s made to go outdoors, and you’ve got a total package that’s hard to resist.

Who’s wearing Uggs?

You don’t have to look far to find Ugg boots or other styles—the brand has had a chokehold on not just everyday women, men, teens, and kids but also celebrity wearers.

The early 2000s saw Ugg truly gain popularity with famous fans like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. Whether it’s Ugg Classic Short styles worn on set between takes or weatherproof boots out and about, the cozy sheepskin leather styles are an A-list favorite: Pete Davidson, Chrissy Teigen, and Post Malone have all been spotted in the styles, among many others.

The brand has also been a frequent collaboration subject for designers—the fall 2025 runways saw Ugg collaborations with Japanese luxury label sacai and London-based menswear designer Feng Chen Wang, among others. Past collaborators have included Jeremy Scott in 2017, as well as a 2010 project with Jimmy Choo.

What types of Uggs are there?

While Ugg may still be best known for the Classic Short II boot (which now comes in a variety of heights from ankle to tall), the brand covers the footwear spectrum.

Ugg’s full lineup has styles for men, women, children, toddlers, and babies, and includes performance winter boots like the Adirondak Meridian, slippers like the Tasman, sneakers like the RetroFi Lo, and even sandals like the Seaside II Flip. Many of the styles leverage the brand’s signature fleece lining and sheepskin uppers, but not all.

In addition to footwear, Ugg produces coats and jackets, robes and loungewear, and apparel, as well as home goods like throws, bedding and blankets, pillows, and sheepskin rugs.

What shoe stores carry Uggs?

Ugg boots, slippers, and shoes are carried in a wide variety of retailers—in addition to Ugg’s own brick and mortar stores and e-commerce site, you can find Ugg at department stores like Nordstrom, sporting good retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, and online retailers, including Zappos and Amazon. You can also find them in independent boutiques and shops.