UGG® Frequently Asked Questions

Brand & history

Who makes UGG boots?

UGG® is owned by Deckers Brands (legally Deckers Outdoor Corporation), a footwear company headquartered in Goleta, California, which bought the business in 1995. Deckers also owns other brands, including HOKA and Teva. Read more in The UGG brand today.

Are UGG boots Australian?

The style is: sheepskin boots were part of Australian life, and of its surf culture, long before the brand existed. The UGG brand itself was started in Southern California in 1978 by Australian surfer Brian Smith and has been owned by the US company Deckers since 1995. Today Deckers says much of its sheepskin comes primarily from Australia, while finished products are made by independent manufacturers, mostly in Southeast Asia. Our history guide tells the full story.

Is "ugg" a brand or a type of boot?

Both, depending on where you are. In Australia, "ugg boot" is a common name for sheepskin boots made by many companies. In the United States and many other countries, UGG is a registered trademark of Deckers. Our trademark guide explains how that happened.

Why did "UGG Australia" become just "UGG"?

The brand dropped "Australia" from its name in the mid-2010s: a 2018 US court opinion dates the rebrand to 2015, and the change was visible in the brand’s communications by 2016. Deckers’ annual reports from that period mention claims that "UGG Australia" was geographically deceptive. Older pairs often carry the "UGG Australia" name. See our history guide.

Buying & authenticity

How can I tell if my UGG boots are real?

Start with where you bought them, then check the security label sewn into the left shoe or boot. UGG says labels on products from fall 2013 onward carry a QR code that leads to a verification page on ugg.com. Also compare the lining, stitching, sole and logos with official photos. Our authenticity guide has the full checklist.

Where is it safe to buy UGG products?

From UGG itself (ugg.com and UGG stores) or from established retailers that carry the brand. Be wary of websites that put "ugg" in their address, steep discounts on in-demand styles and sellers who want payment outside a platform. See where to buy safely.

Are Australian-made ugg boots fake UGGs?

No. Sheepskin boots sold under other brand names are different products, not counterfeits, and many are made of genuine sheepskin. Selling them as "ugg boots" can raise trademark issues in countries where UGG is registered, which is a separate question covered in our trademark guide.

What should I do if I bought fake UGG boots?

Keep the evidence, ask the seller for a refund, use the marketplace’s buyer protection and dispute the charge with your card issuer if needed. Report the website to UGG at [email protected], report the listing to the marketplace, and warn others with a community alert. Details are in our authenticity guide.

Fit & care

How should UGG boots fit?

Sizing varies by style, and sheepskin linings tend to compress with wear, so a pair that feels snug at first may loosen. Start with the brand’s size chart for the exact style, then read owners’ fit notes in reviews and our sizing guide.

Are UGG boots waterproof?

Classic suede-and-sheepskin styles are not waterproof boots, and wet suede can stain or stiffen. If you need boots for rain, slush or snow, look for styles sold as waterproof, which we cover in weather boots, and see our care guide for protecting suede.

How do I clean UGG boots?

Gently, and without a washing machine unless the product’s care instructions say otherwise. Brush suede when dry, treat stains with a cleaner made for suede and sheepskin, and let boots dry slowly away from direct heat. Our care guide walks through each step.

What is the fuzzy lining made of?

Classic styles are lined with genuine sheepskin (twin-face sheepskin has fleece on one side and suede on the other), while some styles use textile linings such as UGGplush. Our materials guide explains each material and how to tell real sheepskin from synthetic fleece.

Using this site

Is UGG Review the official UGG website?

No. UGG Review is an independent community site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Deckers Brands, and we do not sell products. For orders, returns or warranty questions, contact UGG or the store you bought from. Learn more about us.

How are reviews moderated?

Reviews and comments are published when they are posted, and moderators remove personal information and anything that breaks our Community Guidelines. We never change ratings or opinions, nobody pays us to publish or remove reviews, and we do not use affiliate links.

How do I report a fake on UGG Review?

Use the report form to describe what you saw, link the listing or website and add your own screenshots. A moderator reviews every report before it appears in our community alerts. Please also report it to the marketplace and to UGG.

Can I delete my post?

Yes. You can delete your own review, comment or report from the same browser you used to post it. If that is not possible, email [email protected] with a link to the post and we will remove it.