UGG® weather boots: waterproof and winter styles

Why a Classic boot is not a snow boot

The sheepskin Classic is a cold-weather boot, not a wet-weather one. When UGG relaunched the line as the Classic II in 2016, it pretreated the sheepskin upper for water and stain resistance (Deckers announcement), though UGG notes that not every Classic style gets that treatment. UGG's own Classic II guidance is clear that the boots are not waterproof: a few flakes or a quick dash to the car are fine, but for rain or deep snow it points you to a waterproof style. The repellent also wears off, so UGG recommends re-treating with its protector spray (see our care guide).

Weather boots work differently. They pair waterproof leather or suede with construction that keeps water out of the seams and the tongue opening, and they swap the Classic's lightweight foam sole for lugged rubber outsoles chosen for grip. Many also replace the sheepskin with wool-blend linings and added insulation; our materials guide explains sheepskin, UGGplush™ and UGG's other linings.

Waterproof vs water-resistant: how UGG uses the terms

UGG's product pages use a consistent vocabulary for weather protection:

• Water-resistant or water-repellent: a finish applied to the surface of the suede or sheepskin (spec sheets call it a post-applied or topically applied treatment). Light moisture beads up and stains are less likely, but it is not a barrier and it fades with wear. Pretreated Classic II boots fall into this group.
• Waterproof leather or suede: the upper material itself resists water, but on its own it cannot stop water coming in through stitching or around the tongue.
• Seam-sealed construction: the seams are sealed so water cannot seep through the needle holes. Many UGG listings specify seam sealing below the ankle, which means the sealing stops there; step into anything deeper and water can get in through the shaft.
• Waterproof membrane bootie: a sock-shaped waterproof layer built in between the upper and the lining. Some listings name a DryTech membrane; the GTX models use GORE-TEX.
• Gusseted tongue: the tongue is joined to the sides of the boot, so slush cannot slip in around the laces. UGG often adds a water-repellent coating.

Pages also carry a "best for" line naming the conditions a style is designed for, from light or moderate rain up to heavy snow, and it often tells you more than the word waterproof.

What the cold-weather ratings mean

Some UGG weather boots carry a published cold-weather rating. Among the models below, the Adirondack III, Adirondack Boot XXV and Yose Fluff are listed at -32°C (-25.6°F), and the Butte and Classic Mini GTX at -20°C (-4°F). We found no published rating for Classic sheepskin boots, the Classic Weather Short or the MetroTrek Hiker.

Use the numbers to compare UGG models rather than as a promise. The listings we checked do not say how the figure is measured, and how warm a boot feels depends on how active you are, your socks, wind, damp feet and time outside. Ratings can also differ between versions and regional sites: UGG's US page gives the Butte -20°C, while a few variant and regional Butte pages show -32°C. Some retailers add their own temperature ranges too; we use the figure on UGG's product page.

Weather boot comparison

Heights are UGG's listed shaft measurements where one is published; versions of the same model can differ.

The main weather models

Adirondack III

The Adirondack has been part of UGG's winter lineup for 25 years, an anniversary the brand marked with the Boot XXV below. The Adirondack III is a women's lace-up with a 7 in (about 18 cm) shaft that can be cuffed down, made from waterproof leather and suede over a membrane bootie, with a gusseted tongue. Spec sheets list a 17 mm UGGpure™ wool lining and insole, a sherpa layer and 200 g of insulation. The White Spider Rubber outsole is a non-marking compound that UGG says grips on wet and dry ground and stays flexible in freezing weather. UGG rates the boot to -32°C (-25.6°F).

An Adirondack III Tall reaches 12 in (about 30 cm), and there have been Tipped and Hiker versions too. Expect a structured boot for shoveling, dog walks and snowy commutes rather than a slipper-soft one.

Read owner reviews of the Adirondack III · Review yours

Adirondack Boot XXV

UGG introduced the Adirondack Boot XXV for the Adirondack's 25th anniversary, describing it as a combination of the Adirondack and the men's Butte. It comes in women's and men's versions, plus kids' versions and a women's Tall. The upper is waterproof leather and suede over a membrane bootie, with a taller tongue and a cuffable shaft. Warmth comes from 3M Xerogel insulation and a curly UGGplush lining, and the sole is a Vibram outsole with an Icetrek rubber compound over a sugarcane-based EVA midsole. UGG rates it to -32°C (-25.6°F) and lists the women's shaft at 7.5 in (about 19 cm).

Retail listings show half sizes, and an extra pair of laces comes in the box. Early fit feedback is mixed: some owners went down half a size, others up for thick socks.

Read owner reviews of the Adirondack Boot XXV · Review yours

Butte

The Butte is a men's lace-up winter boot and the other half of the Boot XXV's design. The classic version uses waterproof full-grain leather with ballistic nylon inserts, a membrane bootie and a gusseted tongue with a water-repellent coating. The standard version is listed with a 7.5 in (about 19 cm) shaft, though some variants are taller. It is lined with UGGpure wool, has a removable wool insole and sits on a Vibram outsole, with Vibram's TC1 wet and snow compound on the classic version. UGG's US page rates it to -20°C (-4°F).

Variants have included Quilted, Logo and Distressed versions and the City Butte, which UGG positions for light or moderate rain and light snow. For more men's options, see our men's guide.

Read owner reviews of the Butte · Review yours

Classic Mini GTX

The Classic Mini GTX brings weather-boot construction to the familiar Classic Mini shape. Launched for winter 2025 in women's and men's versions, it pairs waterproof suede with an internal GORE-TEX membrane bootie, uses a 17 mm UGGplush lining and insole instead of sheepskin, and adds a sugarcane-based EVA midsole with a Vibram outsole. UGG rates it to -20°C (-4°F).

It suits Classic fans with wet winters, handling slush and rain that would mark a standard pair. Retail listings show whole sizes only. A low-cut sibling, the Tasman GTX, applies the same idea to the Tasman, which our slippers guide covers; the standard Classic Mini is in the Classic boots guide.

Read owner reviews of the Classic Mini GTX · Review yours

Classic Weather Short

The Classic Weather Short is a women's pull-on with an 8 in (about 20 cm) shaft, a waterproof leather upper with seams sealed below the ankle, a Treadlite by UGG™ midsole, a White Spider Rubber outsole for wet and icy ground and an UGGplush wool-blend lining. UGG positions it for light or moderate rain, not heavy precipitation, and we found no published temperature rating. A shorter Classic Weather Mini has also been sold, as have waterproof Classics under names such as Classic Short Waterproof, so check the exact name and features when buying secondhand.

Read owner reviews of the Classic Weather Short · Review yours

Yose Fluff

The Yose Fluff is a women's lace-up winter boot with a plush faux fur collar; despite the look, the collar is synthetic, not sheepskin. The rest is built for weather: waterproof leather over a membrane bootie, a gusseted tongue with a water-repellent finish, 200 g of insulation, a wool-blend UGGplush insole, a Treadlite by UGG midsole and a White Spider Rubber outsole. UGG rates it to -32°C (-25.6°F). Versions include the Yose Fluff V2 with a ballistic nylon shaft and the taller Yose Tall Fluff, and heights differ between them. Retail-site reviewers often mention a snug fit, especially at the opening.

Read owner reviews of the Yose Fluff · Review yours

MetroTrek Hiker

The MetroTrek Hiker is a women's hiking-style shoe that UGG sells alongside its cold-weather boots. It looks like a sneaker but is built like a weather boot: waterproof leather with an internal GORE-TEX membrane bootie, a Vibram outsole with an Icetrek compound and Vibram's Traction Lug design, metal speed-lace eyelets and a curly UGGplush lining. With no published temperature rating and a low cut, it is a waterproof everyday shoe for wet, cold city days rather than a snow boot.

Read owner reviews of the MetroTrek Hiker · Review yours

Which weather boot should you choose?

• Deep cold and snow: the Adirondack III or Adirondack Boot XXV for women; the Butte or the men's Boot XXV for men.
• Slushy city winters with a Classic look: the Classic Mini GTX.
• Rain more than snow: the Classic Weather Short, or the MetroTrek Hiker if you prefer a laced shoe.
• Dry cold: a regular Classic is still fine if you avoid puddles and re-treat it; see the Classic boots guide.
• Kids: several weather styles come in kids' sizes; see our kids' guide.

Fit, socks and care

UGG's advice to consider sizing down is aimed at its Classic collection, where a thick sheepskin lining molds to your foot over time. Laced, insulated weather boots have less give, and you will often wear them with thicker socks. Start from your usual size, try boots on later in the day with the socks you plan to wear, and leave a little room for your toes, since a tight boot squeezes the lining and insulation that keep you warm. Our sizing guide covers measuring and half sizes.

Care is mostly about drying and salt. After a wet day, wipe off salt and grit, take out the insole if it is removable, stuff the boots with paper and let them dry at room temperature away from radiators, heaters and direct sun. Brush suede once dry and re-treat suede and leather with a protector spray each season. The full routine is in our care guide.

Tell other owners how yours held up

Long-term reviews matter most for weather boots, so write a review of yours after a winter or two. If a so-called UGG weather boot turned out to be counterfeit, report it; our authenticity guide explains what to check.