It’s hard to overstate the importance of wearing shoes that fit your feet correctly, and this applies to popular choices like the UGG Disquette slipper. Shoes that fit poorly can cause you pain, as well as foot problems like bunions, corns, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, and even stress fractures.¹

Knowing how boots are supposed to fit and finding the right shoes that fit well requires knowing whether or not that type of shoe will stretch. Which brings us to the point of this article: do UGGs stretch?

While the classic UGG boot can stretch, it's important to note that not all UGG footwear products, including the women's ultra mini UGGS, offer the same level of stretch. Knowing which UGG boots stretch, as well as how to stretch out your classic UGG boots properly, can help you select shoes that will fit you impeccably and keep you comfortable all year long.

How to Tell Which UGGs Can Stretch

When browsing for footwear, many of us expect our new shoes to retain the same fit as they did when we first purchased them.

However, many styles of shoes will naturally change their fit by stretching out with time and wear. Whether or not a shoe stretches can depend on factors like:²

• Whether the shoe is made from natural or synthetic materials

• The type of stitching used

• If a shoe is made of leather, the type and age of that leather

UGGs are one type of shoe that adapts its shape as you wear it. This can occur for 2 main reasons:

• Exterior material – Classic UGGs can stretch out up to one size because they’re made of sheepskin. On the other hand, if classic UGGs have additional leather on the sheepskin, the shoe will note stretch as much in comparison to just Sheepskin exterior. Additionally, UGG boots made with alternative exterior fabrics—like the water-proof Classic Clear Mini Boot—won’t stretch.

• Lining – If your real UGG boots are lined with fur, you may notice the lining compresses as you wear them. This can make the inside of your boots feel looser.

Generally speaking, any UGGs made with leather exteriors will stretch, but UGGs with synthetic exteriors won’t. And don’t forget to learn how to clean your UGG boots properly, where we share tips and tricks in our recent blog article, to make them last year round!

How to Stretch Out UGG Boots

If you’ve already purchased a pair of fresh UGGs and need to stretch them to achieve a better fit, there are techniques for doing so without damaging the material or integrity of the boot.

Here’s how to stretch UGG boots, three ways:

• General break-in —To stretch your fresh UGGs without damaging the leather, we recommend simply wearing them. After about 14 days of wear, they’ll feel sufficiently stretched. A word of caution: some people dampen their boots with water to break them in. While that can expedite the break-in process, we don’t advise this practice for UGGs unless they’re moisture-resistant.

• Stretching the toe-box – If you’ve broken in your UGGs and still need more room around the toes, try wedging one or two golf balls side by side into the toes of your boot. Leave them there for up to three days. The next day you try your authentic UGGs on, they should feel roomier.

• Stretching the calves – If you need to stretch the calves of your UGGs, you can use a boot-stretcher to stretch the calf area. For leather UGGs, consider applying a leather stretching spray to the boots, then walking around in them for a few hours while wearing thick socks.

How to Choose UGGs That Will Fit You

While certain styles of UGG footwear are designed to stretch over time, ideally, you’ll pick a boot that fits you, whether it’s the day you purchased them, or the day you trade them in for a new pair. 

To that end, let’s review three basic guidelines for finding your ideal UGG fit:

• Find your boot size – You can shop for boots using your normal shoe size, but we recommend using Boot World’s custom sizing scale to determine your true boot size. This tool accounts for your heel, arch, ball, and toes so that you can achieve a comprehensive fit.

• Determine whether to size down – You may have wondered, do ugg boots run big or small? Once you know your size and the UGG boot you plan to buy, determine whether or not the shoe will stretch. Classic sheepskin UGGs are known to stretch, so you should always size down one size. UGGs with synthetic exteriors tend to run true to size and are unlikely to stretch with wear. When purchasing online, always read the “fit” portion of the product description to find your sizing recommendations.

• Consult a knowledgeable salesperson – If you’re buying a new brand of shoes for the first time, we recommend shopping in person so you can consult on your options with knowledgeable staff. If you’re buying online, you can still reach out via email or social media if you have further questions regarding fit.

Find UGGs That Fit You Perfectly at Boot World

Whether you’re buying your first pair of UGGs or your tenth, Boot World has the selection to guide you towards your perfect fit. Founded and family-run since 1975, our 50 years of experience and an expertly-trained staff can help you find the shoe that fits today and tomorrow, through thick and thin.

Whether you’re on the hunt for occupational and safety footwear to your next perfectly-fitted pair of UGGs, we believe that your history is our history. And that shared journey starts with finding you the right pair of boots.

Sources: 

1. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. HOW DO YOU FIND THE RIGHT SHOES? https://www.footcaremd.org/resources/how-to-help/10-points-of-proper-shoe-fit 
2. Shoegazing. In-depth – What affects how shoes are stretched? https://shoegazing.com/2021/05/02/in-depth-what-affect-how-shoes-are-stretched/