Were UGGs Made for the Beach? When to Wear vs When Not To

A lot of people are asking, Were UGGs made for the beach? Well, not exactly. They were first worn by Australian surfers in the 1960s and 70s to warm up their feet after cold-water surfing, not for walking on sand. The soft sheepskin lining kept toes cozy while surfers relaxed on shore.

But should you wear UGGs when you go to the beach? Well, in this blog, you will learn when to wear them and when not to. Details are interesting.

Continue reading!

Key Takeaways

• UGGs were created for surfers to warm up after cold ocean sessions.

• They were never meant for walking directly on the sand or in water.

• UGGs are perfect for cold, dry weather when you want warmth and comfort.

• They work well for casual outings, indoor comfort, and light errands.

• They should be avoided in rain, snow, slush, and muddy conditions.

• Hot weather can make them uncomfortable and cause sweaty feet.

• They are not waterproof unless specifically treated or labeled as such.

Were UGGs Made for the Beach? Let’s Find Out

Here’s the thing:

UGG boots were not made for walking on sandy beaches. They were first used by Australian surfers in the 1960s and 70s. After surfing in cold waters, surfers would slip them on to warm up their feet quickly. The soft sheepskin trapped heat and felt gentle against bare skin. They were part of beach culture, but only for keeping feet warm after being in the ocean, not for strolling on the sand.

Today, UGG boots are mostly worn in cold and casual settings, far from their original role in surf life.

When to Wear UGGs

UGGs are best for cool, dry conditions when you want warmth and comfort. You can wear them at home or for everyday activities. They are soft and easy to slip on, making them a favorite for casual and relaxed moments.

Cold Weather

The thick sheepskin lining of UGG boots can naturally trap heat, wrapping your feet in cozy warmth. Even without thick socks, your toes will stay comfortable in chilly air. We have worn ours on mornings when frost covered the grass, and our feet stayed warm the entire time.

They also breathe well, so you can keep them indoors without overheating. On clear winter days, UGG boots are perfect for errands or short outdoor walks.

Casual Outings

UGGs make casual days even easier. They slip on quickly, which is perfect when you are heading out for coffee or meeting a friend.

We like wearing ours to a friend’s house for a movie night because they feel like slippers. You will appreciate the comfort if you spend the day running small errands. They are for moments when you want comfort without worrying about looking too dressed up.

Indoor Comfort

There is nothing better than putting on UGGs when you are home on a cold day. The soft sheepskin lining feels like a warm hug for your feet. We keep a pair just for indoors during winter, and they make mornings more bearable when the floors are freezing.

UGGs are perfect for working from home, watching TV, or reading on the couch. Unlike many slippers, they keep their shape and last for years if you care for them.

Dry Conditions

UGGs love dry weather. The suede and sheepskin are not built for rain, mud, or snow slush. When the air is crisp and the ground is dry, they are at their best. We have worn them on cool sunny afternoons when the air felt sharp but the sky was clear. They keep you warm without feeling heavy.

If you live in a place with dry winters, you will probably wear them almost every day. You can also add a weather protection spray to help keep them clean.

When Not to Wear UGGs

UGGs are not right for every situation. They are not made for wet, hot, or rough conditions. Wearing them at the wrong time can damage them or make you uncomfortable.

Rain or Snow Slush

Here’s the deal: UGGs are not waterproof. Rain or snow slush can quickly soak through the suede and leave stains. Once the sheepskin gets wet, it loses its ability to trap heat well. We have seen UGGs warp and stiffen after being caught in heavy rain, and they never felt the same again.

Even if you use a waterproof spray, they can still get damaged in wet weather. If you know it will be rainy or slushy outside, it is better to wear proper waterproof boots.

Hot Weather

UGGs are made to keep you warm, so wearing them in hot weather can be uncomfortable. The sheepskin traps heat and makes your feet sweat quickly when temperatures rise. We once wore ours on a warm spring day, and our feet felt uncomfortably hot within minutes. If you live somewhere with hot summers, you will probably only want to wear them in the cooler months.

Formal or Professional Events

Keep in mind that UGGs are casual shoes. They are perfect for relaxing, but do not work for formal or professional settings. Wearing them with a business suit looks out of place. We have seen people try, and it always feels mismatched.

In formal settings, polished shoes or dress boots look far better. UGGs should be kept for times when you can dress down and be comfortable.

Rough Outdoor Activities

Remember that UGGs are not made for rough outdoor adventures. The suede can tear or scuff easily on rocks, and mud is very hard to clean from sheepskin.

For hiking or muddy terrain, wear proper outdoor boots that are designed for those conditions.

Choosing between UGG and Koolaburra? Here’s everything you need to know: UGG vs. Koolaburra comparison.

Are UGGs Good in Hot Weather?

Straight to the point:

UGGs are not good for hot weather. They are designed to keep your feet warm, not cool. The thick sheepskin lining traps heat, which can quickly make your feet sweaty and uncomfortable in warm conditions. Wearing them in high temperatures can even lead to overheating and skin irritation.

We have tried wearing UGGs during a warm spring afternoon, and within minutes, our feet felt like they were in a sauna. The same sheepskin that makes them perfect for winter becomes too much when the air is hot. Even if you are indoors with air conditioning, UGGs can still feel heavy and overly warm in summer.

If you live in a place with a hot climate, you will probably find yourself putting UGGs away for several months of the year. In these conditions, lighter and more breathable footwear is the way to go.

Why Were UGGs Made for Surfers?

UGGs were made for surfers to keep their feet warm after being in cold ocean water. In Australia during the 1960s and 70s, surfers would spend hours riding waves in chilly conditions. When they came out of the water, their feet were often numb from the cold. Pulling on a pair of sheepskin boots helped them warm up quickly.

We have talked to surfers who remember keeping UGGs in the back of their cars, ready to slip on the moment they stepped out of the waves. The thick sheepskin lining trapped body heat while feeling soft on bare, wet skin. It was a quick, practical way to recover from long surf sessions without having to wait to get home.

If you like the look of UGGs but want something different, here are some great alternatives to UGG boots.

Are UGGs Waterproof? (Let's Find Out)

UGGs are not waterproof. The classic UGG boot is made from suede and sheepskin, both of which can absorb water. When these materials get wet, they can stain and lose their shape. If you wear them in rain or snow slush, moisture can seep in quickly and make your feet cold.

We have seen UGGs ruined after just one walk through wet grass. Even with a waterproof spray, they can only handle light moisture and still risk damage. Sprays help create a protective layer, but they do not make the boots completely resistant to water.

If you live somewhere with wet winters, you will need to be careful. One way to protect your UGGs is to save them for dry days and wear waterproof boots for wet conditions. Another option is to buy styles from UGG that are specifically labeled as waterproof.

Classic UGGs work best in cold, dry weather. Wearing them in wet environments will shorten their lifespan and reduce their comfort. If you want them to last for years, it is better to avoid puddles, damp sidewalks, and muddy ground.

Bottom Line

UGG boots did not start at the beach. In the early 1900s, farmers in Australia wore them to keep their feet warm while working in cold weather. Later, in the 1960s, surfers began using them after leaving the ocean because the soft wool lining warmed their feet quickly.

When surfers brought UGGs to California in the 1970s, the boots became linked with surf culture and soon moved into everyday fashion. Celebrities and students later made them even more popular around the world.