UGG Waterproof
UGG boots are made from sheepskin suede — a material that is warm, comfortable, and soft, but not naturally waterproof. Untreated UGG suede will absorb water, stain in rain, and potentially shrink or harden if it gets very wet and dries incorrectly.
The good news is that protecting UGG boots is straightforward. A water and stain repellent spray applied before first wear — and reapplied periodically — provides significant protection without altering the look, feel, or comfort of the boot.
This guide covers exactly how to do it, how often to repeat it, and what to do if your UGGs get wet despite protection.
1 | Why UGGs Are Not Waterproof
UGG boots are constructed from twin-face sheepskin — a material where the outer surface is suede (the skin side of the sheepskin) and the inner surface is the fleece (the wool side). Both materials are natural and porous.
Suede is leather that has been sanded to create a soft, napped surface. This nap is what makes suede feel distinctive — but it also means the surface is open and absorbent. Without treatment, water penetrates the suede surface quickly, causing water marks, colour change, and in severe cases, structural damage as the leather dries stiff.
What Happens When Untreated UGGs Get Wet
- Water marks: The suede darkens where water penetrates and dries with a tide-mark edge
- Staining: Muddy water causes permanent discolouration on untreated suede
- Stiffening: Suede that gets very wet and dries without stuffing can become stiff and lose its shape
- Shrinkage: In extreme cases, prolonged soaking can cause the sheepskin to shrink and distort
None of this happens if you apply a protector spray before the first wear and maintain it seasonally. This is the single most important step in UGG care and takes less than five minutes.
2 | Choosing a Protector Spray
UGG's own sheepskin protector spray is the recommended product — it is formulated specifically for their materials and will not affect the colour, texture, or breathability of the boot. It is available from the UGG brand directly and from authorised stockists including OD's.
If you use a third-party product, choose a spray that is:
- Designed specifically for suede and nubuck — not a general leather protector
- Water-based or fluoropolymer-based — not solvent-based, which can damage the suede nap
- Colourless — dye-based protectors can alter the colour of pale suede
Brand Recommendation
UGG's own Sheepskin Protector spray is the safest choice. It is tested on their specific materials and will not affect the sheepskin lining or the appearance of the upper. If unavailable, Crep Protect spray for suede is a widely used alternative — but test on a small hidden area first before applying to the full boot.
3 | How to Apply the Spray
Applying protector spray to UGG boots is a straightforward process. The key is to do it before the first wear — once a water mark has formed, protecting the boot prevents further marks but cannot remove existing ones.
- Start with clean, dry boots. New boots from the box are ready to spray immediately. If boots have been worn, clean any surface dirt with a soft dry brush first and allow to dry fully.
- Hold the spray can 15–20 cm from the boot surface. Too close and the spray pools; too far and coverage is uneven.
- Apply in a slow, even sweep across the entire upper surface. Include the collar and the area where the upper meets the sole. Work in consistent horizontal passes.
- Apply two coats. Allow the first coat to dry for 2–3 minutes before applying the second. Two thin coats provide better protection than one heavy coat.
- Allow to dry fully before wearing — at least 24 hours in normal room temperature. Do not apply heat to speed drying.
- Once dry, buff lightly with a soft suede brush to restore the nap and even out the surface finish.
Step-by-Step Summary
- Clean and dry the boots before spraying
- Hold spray 15–20 cm from the surface
- Apply two thin, even coats
- Allow 2–3 minutes between coats
- Allow 24 hours to dry fully before wearing
- Buff lightly with a suede brush after drying
4 | How Often to Reapply
The protection provided by a suede protector spray is not permanent. It degrades with wear, exposure to rain, and cleaning. The frequency of reapplication depends on how often and in what conditions the boots are worn.
Regular Wear (2–3 times per week)
Reapply every 6–8 weeks during the main wearing season. If the boots are worn heavily through autumn and winter, two to three applications per season is a reasonable cadence.
Occasional Wear
Reapply at the start of each season before the boots are worn. If they have been stored for the summer, apply a fresh coat before the first autumn wear.
After Cleaning
Always reapply protector spray after cleaning the boots — the cleaning process removes the existing protection along with any dirt.
After Getting Very Wet
If the boots get thoroughly wet despite protection, reapply after they have dried completely. Heavy rain saturation degrades the spray more quickly than normal exposure.
A simple rule: when water stops beading on the surface and starts to soak in instead of sitting on top, it is time to reapply.
5 | What to Do If They Get Wet
If your UGG boots get wet — whether from rain, puddles, or snow — act quickly. The key is to dry them correctly rather than quickly. Speed drying causes more damage than the wet itself.
- Remove any excess surface water with a clean dry cloth. Pat gently — do not rub, as rubbing wet suede can lift the nap unevenly.
- Stuff the boots with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture from the inside and help the boot retain its shape as it dries. Remove and replace the paper every few hours if the boots are very wet.
- Place in a well-ventilated room at room temperature. A location away from direct sunlight or artificial heat is ideal.
- Allow to dry naturally. This typically takes 12–24 hours depending on how wet the boots became.
- Once fully dry, brush gently with a suede brush to restore the nap — the suede may feel slightly stiff or matted after drying. Brushing in one direction restores the surface.
- Reapply protector spray before wearing again.
What NOT to Do
Never place wet UGG boots on or near a radiator, in a tumble dryer, or in direct sunlight. Heat causes sheepskin to shrink, harden, and distort — damage that is very difficult to reverse. Patience is the correct approach: slow drying at room temperature will preserve the boots. Fast drying with heat will damage them.
6 | Drying UGG Boots Correctly
Correct drying is the single most important factor in maintaining UGG boot condition. This section covers the full drying process in detail.
Step 1: Remove Insoles (If Removable)
Some UGG models have removable insoles. If yours does, remove them and dry separately. The insole absorbs moisture from the sheepskin lining and will dry faster when removed.
Step 2: Stuff with Paper
Stuff the boots firmly with scrunched newspaper or paper towels. The paper absorbs moisture from inside the boot and, crucially, helps the boot retain its shape as it dries. A boot stuffed with paper will dry in a more natural shape than one left empty, which can crease and collapse as the wet suede softens.
Step 3: Position Correctly
Stand the boots upright or, for shorter styles, lay on their side. The goal is to allow air to circulate around the entire boot. Do not store them in a bag or box while drying.
Step 4: Dry at Room Temperature
Room temperature with reasonable air circulation is the correct drying environment. 18–22°C is ideal. Do not accelerate drying with any heat source — not a radiator, not a hair dryer, not direct sunlight, not a heated airing cupboard.
Step 5: Check and Replace Paper
After 6–8 hours, remove the paper and check if it is saturated. If yes, replace with fresh paper and continue. Most boots will be surface-dry within 12 hours and fully dry within 24 hours.
Step 6: Brush the Suede
Once fully dry, use a suede brush to restore the nap. Brush in one direction with light pressure. This step is important — dried suede can develop a slightly matted or uneven texture that brushing corrects.
7 | Stain Removal
Stain removal on suede requires the right approach. Suede is more delicate than smooth leather — rubbing aggressively, using the wrong cleaner, or applying too much moisture can cause more damage than the original stain.
Dry Stains (Mud, Dust)
Allow to dry completely before attempting removal. Trying to clean wet mud spreads it and pushes it deeper into the nap. Once dry, brush away the loose material with a suede brush, using short strokes in one direction. A suede eraser (a specialist block, similar in texture to a rubber eraser) can then be used to remove the remaining residue with gentle, even pressure.
Water Marks
Water marks on suede form when water dries with a visible edge. The fix is counterintuitive: lightly dampen the entire affected area with cold water, then stuff the boot with paper and allow to dry naturally. Wetting the whole panel evens out the drying and prevents the tide-mark edge from forming. Once dry, brush to restore the nap.
Salt Stains (Winter)
Road salt from winter conditions is one of the most damaging substances for suede. Apply a solution of equal parts cold water and white vinegar to the affected area with a clean cloth, blotting gently. Do not rub. Allow to dry naturally, then brush. Reapply protector spray after drying.
Grease Stains
Apply a small amount of cornstarch or talcum powder directly onto the grease stain. Leave for several hours — the powder absorbs the grease. Brush off gently with a suede brush. Repeat if necessary. For persistent grease stains, a specialist suede degreaser may be required.
What NOT to Use on UGG Suede
- No household cleaning sprays or detergents — damage the suede surface and lining
- No machine washing — strips the sheepskin lining and distorts the boot shape
- No warm or hot water — can cause shrinkage and colour change
- No bleach or ammonia-based products — permanently damage both suede and sheepskin
Shop UGG at OD's
Every piece below is in stock at OD's Designer Clothing — authorised UK stockist.