
Few brands of shoes are as well known for their comfort as Ugg. Founded in 1978, the Australian sheepskin shoe brand was once most popular with surfers, who would wear wool-lined shoes after spending time on the water.
While the brand known for its round toe has been derided for years as a “basic fashion” staple (probably worn by a woman in a North Face jacket and black leggings, probably holding a Starbucks cup), Ugg has since returned to fashion. Fashion tech company and premium shopping app Lyst announced the Ugg Taz slippers as one of the hottest items of 2022. This year, celebrities like Dua Lipa and Kendall Jenner are also proudly wearing the brand’s sheepskin shoes. Recently, Ugg updated its classic look by adding a high, thick sole to its “mini” Ugg boot – literally elevating its look for today’s fashion lovers.
However, while the brand may be enjoying another round of popularity, there is one question: Do these shoes, which lack structural support, really fit your feet?
Yolanda Ragland, a podiatrist in New York City and the founder and CEO of FixYourFeet.com, told Yahoo Lifestyle that she recommends the fluffy, wool-lined shoes to post-op patients.
“Ugg boots have a wide, high toe, are soft and plush inside, and they are flexible or stretchable, making them great transition shoes for people who have just had elective foot surgery and need a shoe or boot. Bear wearing them until the discomfort caused by swelling goes away,” she explains.
However, while they may be ideal for post-surgery, she cautions people “not to wear them all day, every day.
“They don’t have arch support, and because they are so soft, the boots don’t provide adequate ankle stability,” she explains. “However, they’re great for cold, dry days when you want to look a little cozy and cool.”
Ragland also cautions against wearing thick-soled Uggs.
“The uniformity of the height or platform, while aesthetically pleasing, can lead to foot and ankle injuries and dysfunction. I’d rather see a slightly angled heel or even just an arch support boot on the insole,” she says.
Emily Sprichard, a functional podiatrist in Arizona, adds that Uggs don’t have an “element of control,” which can be important for certain foot types.
“I’ve seen people walk on the inside of their feet …… like they’re slipping off the bottom of their Ugg boots,” she says. “That said, I’m not a huge proponent of arch support in every shoe, as many foot types have the ability to control themselves mechanically and don’t need unnecessary arch support.”
However, she notes that adding a platform to Uggs increases the risk for everyone, adding, “Anything that gets you further off the ground, like a platform, increases instability because you’re further away from your base of support, so I, for one, am not a fan.”
In addition to construction, another factor to consider with Uggs is the potential for the shoe to harbor bacteria in the soft insole. This is especially true since Uggs are not typically worn with socks due to the wool lining.
“If your feet are sweating in an enclosed environment, that’s where you start getting bacteria – it can promote fungal infections. If you don’t wash your boots, you’re going to get into bacterial and fungal infections. I would make sure Uggs are cleaned properly – at the beginning of the season, you can clean the inside of the boots or use an antifungal spray or powder,” Splichal says.
Ugg sells its own product, called Ugg Shoe Renewal, a deodorizing insole. For sheepskin products, the brand recommends spraying each shoe to prevent odors, while shoes without sheepskin insoles should be wiped down with the product before wearing.
However, there are ways to combat any germ problems while wearing Uggs. Splichal admits she often wears her Uggs without socks because they’re comfortable enough, but notes, “If you wear merino wool socks that are really good at wicking sweat and moisture, you can combat it. Then you can keep [bacteria] out of your boots by just washing your socks.”