Are UGGs Good for Your Feet? (Review) 5 Pros and 3 Problems

“Are UGGs good for your feet?” is a common query. Hundreds of people have asked us this question, so we decided to write a complete blog on it.

Here’s an overview:

UGGs are super cozy and warm, almost like slippers you can wear outside. But they don’t have much arch or ankle support. If you wear them all day or walk long distances, your feet may ache and even affect your knees. They are perfect for short, casual wear on dry, cold days.

Keep reading, as we discuss UGGs' pros, cons, and podiatrists’ opinions. 

Key Takeaways

• UGGs keep your feet warm, but can get too hot in mild weather.

• They feel comfortable instantly without any break-in period.

• The sheepskin lining helps manage moisture but is not waterproof.

• The roomy fit gives toes space but can reduce stability.

• They are lightweight and easy to wear for short outings.

• Lack of support can cause foot, knee, and back issues.

• Wearing them in snow or heavy rain can damage the suede.

• Adding insoles can make them more supportive and healthier to wear.

Are UGGs Good for Your Feet? Expert Review

UGGs feel soft and warm the moment you put them on, but they do not give you strong foot support. The sheepskin lining keeps heat close to your feet in cold weather. Moreover, the cushioned interior makes each step feel gentle. That’s not all. The shape gives your toes room to move.

Warmth in Cold Weather

The first thing you notice when you wear UGGs in winter is how quickly the warmth spreads. The sheepskin lining holds air in its fibers, keeping heat in and cold out. Even without thick socks, your feet stay warm when the temperature outside drops.

If you have stepped outside on a frosty morning in UGGs, you know the feeling. The heat starts in your toes and slowly reaches your ankles. Cold feet can make your whole body feel colder, so keeping them warm is about more than comfort. It helps you feel better overall.

Immediate Comfort

You do not have to wait to break into UGGs. The moment you put them on, the soft lining shapes itself to your feet. The cushioning spreads out the pressure so you do not feel sore spots. Walking in them feels natural from the start. However, note that UGGs don’t come in half sizes, so you’ll have to be careful.

But this comfort can hide a problem. You are not getting much support for your arches or heels. If you walk in them for long periods, your feet may start to ache. It is better to keep them for short trips or casual use.

Moisture-Wicking Lining

The sheepskin in UGGs does more than keep you warm. It can also help manage sweat. The fibers take in small amounts of moisture and release it into the air, which helps keep your feet dry. This works best if you wear them without socks.

This does not mean they can handle wet weather. If the outer suede gets soaked, the warmth fades fast.

Important Point: Treating them with a water-repellent spray is a good idea if you plan to wear them outside.

Roomy Fit

The rounded shape of UGGs gives your toes plenty of space to move. This can help with circulation and stop your toes from rubbing together. If you have wide feet, you will notice the comfort right away. After wearing them for hours, your toes still feel relaxed instead of cramped. That space is one of the reasons people keep going back to UGGs year after year.

The roomy fit can also make your feet shift around inside the boot. This can feel unstable on uneven ground. But worry not. A thicker sock or an insole can help your feet feel secure.

Lightweight Build

UGGs may look heavy, but they are lighter than most winter boots. The soft materials keep the weight low, so walking in them feels easy. You can wear them for quick errands without feeling weighed down.

The trade-off is that they do not give you the same protection as sturdy boots. They are not made for long hikes or rough ground. They work best in gentle settings where comfort matters most.

What Are the Disadvantages of UGGs

UGGs give you very little arch or ankle support, which can cause foot pain, overpronation, and even posture problems over time. Most styles are not waterproof, so water can damage the suede. The warm lining can also trap moisture, which may lead to odor or fungal infections (if you wear them without socks).

Lack of Support

UGGs feel comfortable at first, but they do not give your feet the structure they need for healthy movement. The flat sole offers almost no arch support, and the soft sides do little to stabilize your ankle. Over time, this can make your feet roll inward, a problem called overpronation.

We have seen people wear UGGs daily for months and end up with lasting discomfort. If you love the style, you can reduce the risk by adding orthotic insoles that match the shape of your arch.

Not Ideal for Wet Conditions

UGGs are made with suede on the outside and sheepskin on the inside. Neither of these materials does well in heavy rain, snow, or slush. Water soaks in quickly, and once the suede gets wet, it can stain.

If you have stepped into a puddle while wearing UGGs, you know the feeling. The warmth disappears fast, and your feet stay damp until you change into dry shoes. Wet boots are also more likely to lose their shape and wear out faster.

You can make them last longer by only wearing them in dry, cold weather.

Hygiene Concerns

The sheepskin lining in UGGs is soft and warm, but it can also trap sweat and moisture. When you wear them without socks, your feet are in direct contact with the lining. This can make it easier for bacteria or fungi to grow, especially if you wear them for hours at a time.

You might notice an odor building up after weeks of use. This happens because the moisture and warmth create an ideal environment for germs. If left unchecked, it can lead to athlete’s foot or other skin issues.

Do Podiatrists Recommend UGGs

Most podiatrists do not recommend UGGs for daily wear because of their lack of structure and support. Dr. Emily Splichal, a New York–based functional podiatrist, explains that UGGs “offer no element of control” and do not give your feet the stability they need for healthy movement. Without that stability, your feet can roll inward and place strain on your joints.

Dr. Philip Vasyli warns that the flat, unsupportive design can cause overpronation. Problems can build slowly, so you may not notice them until they become persistent pain.

Dr. Ian Drysdale, head of the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, adds that wearing UGGs for long periods may lead to lasting foot issues. He explains that “your foot is not supported where it needs to be,” which can change the way you walk.

When Should You Not Wear UGGs

You should avoid wearing UGGs in wet or muddy conditions because the suede can soak up water and lose its softness. They are not the right choice for long walks, sports, or any activity where you need strong arch and ankle support. You should also skip them in warm weather because the heat from the lining can make your feet sweat.

Here are all the situations when you should not wear UGGs:

Are UGG Boots Good for Plantar Fasciitis

If you have plantar fasciitis, UGG boots are not the best shoes for you. This condition happens when the band of tissue on the bottom of your foot becomes irritated. To help your foot heal, you need strong arch support and a sole that keeps your foot stable.

UGGs feel soft when you put them on, but they have a flat sole and almost no structure. The plush lining might feel nice at first, but it does not stop your arch from flattening. When that happens, the plantar fascia stretches more with each step, which adds strain.

In our opinion, UGGs can be fine for short wear if you have plantar fasciitis, but for daily use, it is better to choose another footwear.

Are UGGs Bad for Your Back

UGGs can affect your back if you wear them for long hours. Your feet are the base for your posture, so if they are not supported, the rest of your body can feel it.

When you spend a day in UGGs, the lack of arch support can make your feet roll inward. This changes how your legs and hips move, which puts more stress on your lower back. Over time, that can lead to stiffness or pain.

Are UGGs Comfortable to Walk in All Day

UGGs are cozy and soft, but they are not made for walking all day. If you walk in them all day, the lack of support can make your arches drop. This can lead to sore legs, tired arches, and even lower back pain. The roomy fit can also let your feet slide around, which makes walking less stable.

If you want to use them for longer walks, adding a good insole can help. Otherwise, they are better for short trips, relaxed days, or wearing indoors.

Boots Like UGGs With Arch Support

If you want the style and warmth of UGGs but also need arch support, you do have options. EMU Australia makes boots with firmer soles. Bearpaw styles have cushioned footbeds that give more support than a standard UGG. Skechers also offers winter boots with memory foam.

When you shop for any type of boot, check the shape of the insole and the heel area. If you cannot find enough built-in support, you can add a quality orthotic insole to any pair you like. For more options, you can check out this guide - Shoes that are like UGGs but better.

Are UGGs Good for Snow

UGGs keep you warm, but they are not the best for snowy conditions. The suede on the outside is not waterproof, so snow can melt into it and leave stains. Once wet, they lose their warmth and can take a long time to dry.

If you have worn them in snow before, you know the warmth fades quickly once moisture gets inside. Wet sheepskin can also trap odors and may even grow mold if it stays damp for too long.

You can protect them with a water-repellent spray, but that will not make them fully waterproof. Even with treatment, they work best on dry, cold days.

For heavy snow, you are better off with fully waterproof boots. You can then switch to your UGGs indoors or when the weather clears. This keeps your feet warm and your boots in good shape.

Conclusion

UGGs can be a great choice when you want warmth and comfort, but they are not the kind of boots you should live in every day. Knowing when and how to wear them makes all the difference. If you use them for short trips, and with proper insoles, you can enjoy them without hurting your feet. With the right balance, you get both style and comfort all season long.