DO UGGS STRETCH OVER TIME?

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

Knowing how boots are supposed to fit and finding the right shoes that fit well requires knowing whether that type of shoe will stretch and if so, how much. Which brings us to the point of this article: do UGGs stretch?

While classic UGG boots are known to stretch over time, not every UGG style will stretch—or stretch to the same degree. Understanding which UGG boots naturally give with wear and how much they typically expand can help you choose the right fit. Additionally, knowing the proper way to stretch your classic UGG boots ensures long lasting comfort and a fit that stays perfect season after season.

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:

• Whether the shoe is made from natural or synthetic materials
• The type of stitching method used
• If a shoe is made of leather, the type, where from the animal’s body, and age of that leather

UGGs are one type of shoe that generally 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 just sheepskin. On the other hand, if classic UGGs have additional leather on the sheepskin, the shoe will not stretch as much in comparison to just Sheepskin exterior.
• 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 overtime.

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 and is featured on every product on our online store.
• 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 already are sized 1/2 to one size larger than your typical shoes size and are known to stretch a lot, so you should always size down one size. UGGs with an added leather exterior like suede or cowhide, will stretch but not nearly as much as a twin faced sheepskin will. If they have a synthetic exterior, they typically 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. Or better yet, call any Boot World location for expert advice!

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.

Reviewed By:

Ed Stone brings over 45 years of footwear knowledge and passion to his role as President of Boot World, a family-owned company and an industry leader in safety and occupational footwear. A second-generation "shoe dog," Ed's footwear knowledge is unparalleled, serving as an informal advisor for some of the world's largest footwear brands, including Wolverine, Timberland PRO, and Reebok Works. A lifelong Southern California resident and ardent conservationist, Ed enjoys hiking and open water swimming.

Sources:

• 1. American Orthopedic 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/

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