We’ve all been there: it’s a grey, miserable morning, and all you want is the cosy comfort of your UGGs, but the forecast is threatening rain. It’s the ultimate comfort dilemma. So, let’s get straight to it: can you wear UGG boots in the rain?

The short answer is a definite no—at least, not without a bit of prep work. Your classic UGGs are just not built for a downpour. Their signature, buttery-soft materials can be easily damaged by water, leading to dreaded stains and a sad, droopy loss of shape.

Why UGGs and Rain Just Don't Mix

That feeling of sinking your feet into a pair of warm, sheepskin boots is pure bliss, especially as the seasons shift and a chill enters the air. For so many women, UGGs are more than just boots; they’re a trusted companion for the school run, a quick coffee catch-up, or just decompressing at home after a long day juggling work and family. But the very materials that give us that unmatched cosiness are also naturally vulnerable to moisture.

The outside of a classic UGG boot is made from suede, which is a beautifully soft but porous type of leather. Unlike treated, waterproof leathers that shrug off raindrops, suede acts more like a sponge. When it gets wet, a few things can happen, and none of them are good:

• Unsightly Water Stains: As water dries on suede, it often leaves behind distinct marks and discolouration, ruining that lovely, even texture.
• Loss of Shape: Once saturated, the delicate suede can stretch and sag, leaving your once-structured boots looking slumped and misshapen.
• Reduced Insulation: The iconic inner sheepskin lining that keeps your feet so toasty loses its fluffiness and insulating power when it gets damp. Cold, wet feet in UGGs? No, thank you.

The Challenge of Unpredictable Weather

This is a real problem no matter where you live, from London's sudden showers to a surprise downpour in Sydney. With climate patterns becoming more erratic globally, being prepared for unexpected rain is just part of a modern woman's life. Trying to wear unprotected UGGs when a sunny morning can turn into a damp afternoon is a risky game.

To make it crystal clear, here’s a quick rundown of why your UGGs need a little TLC before they can even think about facing a puddle.

UGG Boots vs Rain: A Quick Guide

Essentially, the very things that make UGGs feel so amazing are what make them so defenceless against the wet.

The core materials that make UGGs so comfortable are precisely what make them susceptible to rain. Understanding what UGG boots are made of is the first step to protecting them properly and ensuring they last for many seasons to come.

But don't despair! This doesn’t mean you have to banish your favourite boots to the back of the wardrobe at the first sign of a grey cloud. It just means they need a bit of love and preparation before they’re ready to face a damp day. In the next sections, we’ll walk you through exactly how to protect, clean, and bring your UGGs back to life.

How to Properly Waterproof Your UGGs

Investing in a pair of UGGs is a serious commitment to comfort—a little self-care for your feet. To make that investment last, especially with today's unpredictable weather patterns, a little preventative care goes a long way. Waterproofing your boots is the single best thing you can do to get them ready for anything, from a misty morning commute to an unexpected downpour on a weekend stroll with the family.

The process itself is surprisingly simple but absolutely crucial. It creates an invisible shield over the delicate suede, helping it repel moisture instead of soaking it up like a sponge. This doesn't just prevent those dreaded water stains; it helps maintain the boot's shape and the glorious fluffiness of the inner lining. Think of it as a personal weather-proof bubble for your favourite footwear, ensuring they’re always ready when you need that touch of comfort in your busy life.

Choosing and Applying a Protector Spray

The most effective way to guard your UGGs is with a specialised suede and sheepskin protector spray. While UGG has its own formula, plenty of other reputable brands make sprays designed for these delicate materials. The golden rule is to choose a product that explicitly states it's safe for sheepskin to avoid any risk of discolouration or damage.

For an application that truly protects your boots, just follow these simple guidelines:

• Start with a Clean Slate: Before you even think about spraying, make sure your boots are clean and bone dry. A quick once-over with a suede brush will get rid of any dust or dirt.
• Get Some Fresh Air: Always apply the protector spray outdoors or in a well-ventilated room. You don't want to be breathing in the fumes.
• Keep Your Distance: Hold the can about 15-20 centimetres away from the boot. This stops you from oversaturating the suede and ensures a light, even coat.
• Cover Every Angle: Spray the entire boot until it looks damp but not completely soaked. Pay special attention to the seams, as that's where water loves to sneak in.

Here's a closer look at the unique material you're working so hard to protect.

It’s this dual-faced nature of sheepskin that gives UGGs their signature warmth and soft exterior, which is exactly why a proper protective barrier is so essential.

The Importance of Drying Time

After you’ve applied the spray, patience is your best friend. You need to let your UGGs air dry naturally for at least 24 hours. Never, ever be tempted to speed things up by putting them near a radiator, in front of a fire, or using a hairdryer. Direct heat can ruin the suede and melt the adhesives holding your beloved boots together.

Once they're completely dry, you can give them a gentle brush with a suede brush. This will restore that velvety soft texture, known as the nap. This whole process has become even more important lately, as shifting rainfall patterns worldwide mean we're seeing more frequent and intense downpours. For boots that aren't naturally waterproof, that's a recipe for disaster, making protector sprays a must-have for keeping them in good nick.

Taking just a few minutes to apply a waterproofing spray isn't just about cleaning your boots; it's about actively preserving them for many cosy seasons ahead. For a deeper dive, check out this complete guide to waterproof spray for UGGs.

What to Do When Your UGGs Get Wet

It happens to the best of us. You’re navigating a busy high street, running errands, or doing the school run, and a sudden downpour catches you completely off guard. That heart-sinking moment when you look down at your soaked UGGs is a feeling every owner dreads.

But don't panic! A little bit of rain doesn’t have to spell disaster if you act quickly.

Your first instinct might be to furiously rub the water off, but that’s the worst thing you can do. Rubbing can push the moisture deeper into the suede and create lasting marks. Instead, the moment you get inside, gently blot the outside of your boots with a clean, dry microfibre cloth or paper towel. The goal here is just to absorb as much surface water as possible without scrubbing.

The Drying Process: An Act of Patience

Once you've blotted the outside, it's time to deal with the inside. The key here is to help your boots keep their iconic shape while they dry.

• Stuff them properly: Grab some plain paper towels, old newspapers, or even a rolled-up tea towel and loosely stuff them inside each boot. This helps absorb moisture from the inside out and stops them from slumping over and losing their shape.
• Change the stuffing: If your boots were seriously soaked, you’ll probably need to swap out the damp paper for a fresh, dry batch after a few hours.

The most crucial rule for saving wet UGGs is to avoid direct heat at all costs. Never, ever place them near a radiator, in front of a fire, or blast them with a hairdryer. This kind of intense, direct heat is the fastest way to ruin them—it can cause the delicate suede to crack and shrink, and can even melt the glue holding the soles on.

Let them air dry naturally in a cool, well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight. I know it’s tempting to speed things up, but this slow and steady method is the only way to preserve their soft texture and shape. It might take a day or two, but your patience will be rewarded.

Once they’re completely dry, you might notice some water marks have appeared. For guidance on tackling those, you can learn more about how to clean water-stained UGGs and restore them to their former glory.

A Guide to Cleaning Rain Stains from UGGs

Even with the best intentions and a waterproofing spray, a sudden downpour can leave those dreaded water spots on your precious UGGs. Don't panic! A few rain stains don't mean your favourite boots are ruined forever. With a little care, you can bring them right back to their cosy, pristine glory.

The secret to successfully removing rain stains lies in having the right tools and using a gentle touch. You'll need a specialised suede cleaner and a soft-bristled suede brush.

The biggest trick? Treat the entire boot, not just the stain. This prevents you from creating a new, larger water ring. Start by lightly dampening the whole surface of both boots with a clean sponge and cool water. This ensures a uniform finish once you're done.

The Cleaning and Restoring Process

Once the boots are evenly damp, dab a small amount of suede cleaner onto your sponge. Work it into the suede using gentle, circular motions across the entire boot, paying a little extra attention to the rain-stained areas.

After cleaning, carefully rinse the surface with your damp sponge, making sure to wipe away all the cleaner residue. Now, it's back to the drying steps we covered earlier: stuff your boots with paper to hold their shape and let them air dry completely, well away from any direct heat.

After they are completely bone dry, it's time to bring that lovely suede back to life. Grab your dry suede brush and gently buff the boots in one direction. This lifts the nap—those soft, velvety fibres—and restores that signature UGG texture.

For really stubborn rain stains or significant damage to the suede, sometimes it's best to call in the experts. Specialised professional leather dry cleaning services have the tools and know-how to tackle the toughest jobs.

This process is about more than just cleaning; it's about looking after an item you love so it lasts for years to come. For more detailed tips, check out our full guide on https://snuggyz.com.au/blogs/news/how-to-get-water-stains-out-of-snuggyz-uggs.

Let's Talk Weather-Ready UGGs

If you love your UGGs but hate the idea of constantly waterproofing them, I've got fantastic news for you. UGG has brilliantly stepped up its game, realising that a bit of drizzle shouldn't get in the way of a busy woman’s day. The brand now offers a whole range of weather-ready styles designed specifically for those damp, grey days.

These aren't the classic boots you might be picturing; think of them as a stylishly rugged upgrade. Many of these newer designs are crafted with materials like waterproof leather and feature sealed seams to physically block moisture from seeping in. That means you can finally step out the door with confidence, without one eye always on the sky.

Built for Modern Life

It's not just about keeping your feet dry, either. These specialised models often come with much more durable outsoles. They're designed with deeper tread patterns that give you far better grip on slick city pavements and slippery autumn leaves, making them a much safer choice for a rainy commute or a weekend family walk. It’s the perfect blend of that iconic UGG comfort with genuine, all-weather practicality.

Choosing a weather-rated UGG boot means you get the cosy sheepskin lining you know and love, but with an exterior built to handle the reality of a wet winter, no matter where you are in the world. You don’t have to sacrifice style for practicality.

For any woman who needs a reliable, go-to winter boot that combines that classic look with serious protection, checking out these options is a must. For example, styles like the Explorer Waterproof Mini Boots are a great place to start, offering that perfect balance of comfort and resilience. Investing in a pair designed to face the elements from the get-go makes the whole "can you wear UGG boots in the rain" question an easy yes.

Your Questions on UGG Boot Care Answered

Even when you take the best care of your UGGs, life happens. From mums on the school run to students navigating a rainy campus, we all have questions about keeping our favourite boots looking their best. Here are some quick, clear answers to the most common dilemmas.

How Often Should I Re-apply Waterproofing Spray to My UGGs?

If you’re wearing your UGGs regularly through a damp autumn and winter, a good rule of thumb is to give them a fresh coat of protector spray every 2-3 months.

However, if you get caught in a proper downpour or you've just given them a clean, you should always re-apply the spray. Just make sure they are completely dry first to restore that essential protective barrier.

Can I Put My UGG Boots in the Washing Machine?

Please, don't do it! A washing machine will cause permanent damage to the delicate sheepskin, completely ruin the boot's shape, and weaken the glue holding everything together. The harsh tumbling action is just far too aggressive.

Always stick to gentle, hand-cleaning methods with products specifically designed for suede and sheepskin.

Never use a washing machine on your UGGs. It's one of the fastest ways to destroy them, turning your cosy investment into a misshapen mess. Gentle hand care is the only way to go.

My UGGs Smell a Bit Damp After Getting Wet – What Can I Do?

That musty smell usually means the moisture dried a bit too slowly. The first step is to make sure they are bone dry. Stuff them with newspaper and change it every day until all the dampness is drawn out.

If a slight odour hangs around, try this simple trick:

• Sprinkle a little bit of baking soda inside each boot.
• Leave it to sit overnight to absorb any lingering smells.
• The next day, just vacuum it out thoroughly before you pop them on.

This should leave them feeling fresh and ready for your next cosy adventure.

For boots that bring a smile to your face and keep your feet wonderfully warm, explore the authentic Australian-made collection at Snuggyz Australia. Find your perfect pair today!