No matter how important fashionable footwear is to you, when that first snow of the season hits most of us want to strike a balance between style and warm, dry, cozy feet. 

So if you’re a fan of the popular UGG boot, including options like women's ultra mini UGGs, you may wonder: Can you wear UGGs in the snow?

In short, it depends. Classic UGG boots are famous for their warmth, but some UGGs can sustain moisture damage if they’re not treated with a water-repellant spray.

Below, we’ll touch on how to ensure your traditional UGG boots are prepared for winter weather, as well as a quick guide to choosing a good-looking and effective winter boot.

Are UGGs Good For Snow? It Depends.

Want to know how to keep your feet warm in winter? The original UGG boot—the light-brown sheepskin boots that gained popularity in the early 2000s—was designed to keep feet warm in cold, dry weather.¹

In other words, classic UGGs were not designed to be snow- or moisture-proof. While UGGs’ rubber tread offers minimal traction, the EVA outsole can tend to be slippery on wet and icy surfaces. Slip resistant UGG boots and Fall winter boots are a much better choice for wintertime.

That said, there are two ways to ensure your UGGs withstand winter weather: by treating them with a water-repellant boot spray, or by choosing an UGG style designed to withstand snowy conditions.

How to Make Classic UGGs More Snow Resistant

A classic sheepskin UGG can only hold its own in very light snowy conditions. If snowfall measures 1 inch or less, UGGs’ 1-inch sole ensures the sheepskin won’t be overexposed to moisture.

However, you will want to know how to waterproof UGG boots, and which water-repellant boot spray to use before you wear them to protect the soft leather. This can help them stand up to a light dusting or a stroll down shoveled sidewalks.

To prepare your UGGs for light snow, follow these steps:

1. Brush your traditional UGG boots, so they are free of any mud, dirt, or debris. To eliminate water spots, try brushing them against the grain.

2. If you have it, apply the UGG cleaner and conditioner to give your boots a deeper clean and keep them looking their best.

3. Find a well-ventilated area and apply a light coat of your water-repellent spray, aiming the stream 6” away from the boot. Two light coats are recommended and you will want to wait until dry before wearing.

 The UGG Sheepskin Care Kit is an excellent option for brushing, conditioning, and weather-proofing your shoes with a single bundle.

How to Choose A Snow-Proof UGG

If you want a winter UGG boot that can be worn in all sorts of weather conditions, your best option is to choose a style designed for them.

We recommend two alternatives to the classic UGG boot:

• UGG Sienna Matte Rain Boot – The Sienna Matte’s waterproof construction keeps your feet dry. This style also comes with 7mm of sheepskin on top of the insole to help insulate your feet, as well as PVC slip-resistant outsoles to reduce your risk of slipping in the snow.

• UGG Classic Clear Mini Boot – The translucent waterproof TPU Upper is designed to keep your feet moisture-free. This mini boot features a 5.5” shaft height to keep your ankles warm, as well as 7mm of UGGpure™ Wool lining to keep your feet insulated.

The UGG Sienna Matte Rain Boot offers you more protection, while the UGG Classic Clear Mini Boot offers the iconic short silhouette UGG customers love. Both can work well, depending on your snow-day needs.

What to Look for in a Winter Boot

UGGs are undoubtedly a stylish option, but if you’re looking for the best winter work boots to help you stomp through all sorts of winter conditions, it’s crucial to know what qualities to look out for.

An excellent winter boot will keep your feet warm and dry in cold weather while helping you tread stably over snow or ice. To find a boot that does that, keep an eye out for the following design features:

• Tread – Freezing temperatures can increase the odds of you slipping on snow or ice. Winter Boots with a thick rubber sole and a patterned tread provide more traction to reduce your odds of slipping.² When browsing, look for certified slip-resistant boots with PVC Slip-Resistant Outsoles.

• Water-Proofing – In cold weather, wet feet feel uncomfortable and can even increase the risk of frostbite. Many waterproof boots are designed with synthetic uppers, allowing winter boots to dry faster than natural materials like leather. If you do opt for leather, be sure to treat your perfect boots with a water-repellant spray.³

• Lining – The fabric lining of your boot should provide insulation to keep your feet dry and warm.² Some of the most effective lining textiles are wool or sheepskin.

• Shaft height – At minimum, your snow boots should be tall enough to completely cover your ankles.²

• Fit – The winter boot you choose should offer enough space for you to wear thick winter socks, which provide an extra layer of warmth.²

By knowing what to look for in a winter boot—whether UGGs or another cozy design—you’ll ensure your feet stay dry and protected in all kinds of weather.

Prepare for Your Winter Adventure with Boot World

No matter the season, your footwear should keep your feet comfortable so you can fully enjoy your time outdoors. 

At Boot World, we’ve been helping customers make the best choices for their feet for 50 years. From blizzard-ready UGG care bundles to hiking footwear for your next trek, our knowledgeable staff can help you find high-quality, beautifully designed footwear to keep you protected while you’re on the go.

Browse our selections online or stop into a store to find the perfect fit for every occasion.

Sources: 

1. The New York Times. The Highly Unlikely Yet Totally Predictable Return of UGGs. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/10/fashion/the-highly-unlikely-yet-totally-predictable-return-of-UGGs.html 
2. PSWCTUP. Proper Footwear and Winter Walking. https://pswctup.org/proper-footwear-and-winter-walking/ 
3. Snowshoe Magazine. Snowshoeing Footwear: Tips For Choosing Your Boot.  https://www.snowshoemag.com/snowshoeing-footwear/