Published 20 May 2026 · Last updated 21 May 2026 · 5 min read
Important: Ever UGG boots and slippers are water-resistant only. No spray, treatment or accessory makes genuine sheepskin truly waterproof — that applies to our boots and any other UGG-style sheepskin footwear on the market. The steps below maximise water resistance; for genuinely waterproof footwear, choose gumboots or properly labelled waterproof leather boots instead.
Quick answer: Genuine sheepskin UGG boots are water-resistant, not waterproof. They handle light rain, dewy grass and quick crossings fine, especially after a sheepskin protector spray. They are not designed for heavy rain, puddles, snow or sustained wet conditions — the sheepskin will absorb water, stiffen and stain.
Why sheepskin is water-resistant but not waterproof
Twin-faced sheepskin has natural lanolin oil that gives some water resistance — droplets bead and roll off before soaking. But the suede outer is a porous natural material. Under sustained water exposure, sheepskin absorbs moisture, swells, and once dry can shrink, stiffen or develop salt rings.
A sheepskin or suede protector spray increases resistance significantly but does not make the boot waterproof. Think of it as the difference between a light raincoat and a wetsuit.
When UGG boots are fine in light rain
- Drizzle and light showers — a 10–30 minute walk to the car or train is usually safe, especially after protector spray.
- Dewy grass or damp footpaths — moisture beads on the surface and brushes off.
- Light snow flurries (rare in most of Australia) — brush off before it melts.
- Quick puddle crossings — if the water doesn’t come over the sole edge, the boot is fine.
When to skip UGG boots
- Heavy or sustained rain
- Standing or walking in puddles or wet grass for more than a few minutes
- Slushy snow
- Beach walks at low tide (saltwater is especially damaging)
- Mud or wet construction sites
Improving your UGG boots’ water resistance (the closest you can get)
Reminder: these steps significantly improve water resistance and stain protection. They do not make the boot waterproof.
- Buy a sheepskin/suede protector spray from a footwear store or our care kit. Fluoropolymer-based sprays are the most effective.
- Apply two light coats before first wear, 15 minutes apart, in a ventilated area. Hold the spray about 20 cm from the boot and apply in even passes. Let dry overnight before wearing.
- Re-apply every 4–8 weeks during winter, or sooner if water stops beading on the surface.
This routine roughly doubles the wet-weather safety margin and significantly reduces stain risk — but the boots remain a water-resistant product.
What to do if your UGG boots get caught in heavy rain
- Blot wet spots with a dry towel immediately — don’t rub.
- Stuff the boots with white paper to hold their shape (newspaper ink can transfer).
- Air dry slowly at room temperature, away from heaters, hair dryers and direct sunlight. Drying takes 12–24 hours.
- Once dry, brush the suede in one direction with a sheepskin brush to lift the nap.
- If salt rings or watermarks appear, lightly dampen the entire boot evenly with a clean wet cloth then re-dry — this helps the watermarks blend out.
- Re-apply protector spray.
For the full cleaning method see our UGG care guide.
Better-for-wet-weather UGG styles
Some styles handle damp conditions better than others (none are waterproof):
- Lace-up UGGs with sealed seams — the tighter construction repels water longer than slip-on ankle boots.
- UGG boots with leather uppers (instead of suede) — the leather face is more water-resistant when treated.
- Platform UGGs — the thicker sole keeps water away from the upper longer than flat boots.
- Indoor-only slippers — not for outdoor wet wear at all.
If you genuinely need waterproof footwear, browse our dedicated waterproof shoes collection instead of sheepskin UGGs.
Frequently asked questions
Are UGG boots waterproof?
No. Sheepskin UGG boots are water-resistant, not waterproof. They handle light rain and damp surfaces, especially after sheepskin protector spray, but they should not be worn in heavy rain, snow or puddles for extended periods. No treatment makes sheepskin fully waterproof.
Can I wear UGG boots in the rain?
Yes for light rain or short trips. Apply a sheepskin protector spray before wearing in any wet weather, and dry the boots properly afterwards. Avoid sustained heavy rain or standing water.
Can I waterproof my UGG boots with spray?
No — sheepskin cannot be made fully waterproof. Applying two light coats of sheepskin or suede protector spray before first wear (15 minutes apart) significantly improves water resistance and stain protection, but the boot remains a water-resistant product. Re-apply every 4–8 weeks during winter.
What do I do if my UGG boots get soaked?
Blot with a dry towel, stuff with white paper, air dry slowly at room temperature away from heat sources. Brush the suede when dry and re-apply protector spray.
Will salt or rain stain my UGG boots permanently?
Visible salt rings or watermarks can usually be blended out by evenly dampening the whole boot with a clean wet cloth then air drying. Apply protector spray after to prevent recurrence.
If I need genuinely waterproof footwear, what should I buy?
Choose gumboots, rubber rain boots or specifically labelled waterproof leather boots. Sheepskin UGGs are an indoor-to-light-outdoor product and will always be water-resistant only. See our waterproof shoes collection for proper wet-weather options.