The Ultimate Guide on How to Waterproof and Care Ugg Boots

Have you treated yourself to a nice new pair of Ugg boots ready for winter? Are you wondering whether they are waterproof and, if not, how to waterproof Ugg boots?

Uggs are iconic boots that adorn many shoe wardrobes. Warm and toasty on your feet, you can dress them up or dress them down. The question is, how do they stand up to wet weather?

Are they naturally waterproof or will they need to be treated?

Let’s learn Ugg boots waterproofing and how to care for them to keep them looking their best.

Are Uggs Waterproof for Rain or Snow?

The answer is yes and no.

Some styles, such as Ugg rain boots, and some snow or winter boots are waterproof.

However, the classic suede design Ugg boots are not waterproof for rain and snow.

When you have invested in a pair of these boots, you don’t want them looking like they have been through the wringer after just one season.

Waterproofing them straight out of the box will help keep them looking good.

What Are Ugg Boots Made From?

Classic Ugg boots have a suede outer and a sheepskin lining. They are designed for comfort and warmth in cold weather.

The synthetic or rubber soles are sturdy, helping to protect your feet from the elements, and giving you some grip when the ground is slippery.

Ugg Boots Waterproofing

Suede is a form of leather—it is the underside rather than the outer layer of an animal hide. It’s sanded and rubbed to raise the nap or fibers. While smooth and pliable, it is softer than other forms of leather and can easily be stained or marked by water.

Waterproofing Uggs will help prevent staining and keep them looking good.

We have mentioned you should waterproof Uggs as soon as you get them. If you haven’t done so and have already worn them, then they need to be cleaned before waterproofing.

You can buy kits which include all you need to clean and waterproof Ugg boots.

How to Clean Ugg Boots Using a Suede Brush

You can remove dirt and debris from the outside of your boots, using a suede brush.

What to Do

• Make sure the boots are dry.
• Gently brush in one direction, to remove dirt from the surface.
• Remove scuffs by brushing back and forth vigorously

Pro Tip

Brush your boots on a regular basis to keep dirt and debris at a minimum.

Cleaning Marks and Stains with a Suede Cleaner

What You Need

• Suede brush.
• Clean cotton cloth.
• Cold water.
• Suede cleaner.
• A sponge.

What to Do

• Brush your boots (see above) to get rid of debris and dirt on the surface.
• Soak the clean cotton cloth in cold water and wring out excess water.
• Gently wipe outside the boots with the wet cloth.
• Make sure the whole surface is evenly wet.
• Dampen the sponge in cold water.
• Apply a small amount of suede cleaner onto the sponge.
• Apply the cleaner over the outside of the boot and work it into the suede, from top to bottom.
• Don’t rub too hard, or you may damage the suede.
• Cover the whole of the outer layer, if you miss parts, you may get water marks.
• Use some cold water or a wet cloth to remove any cleaner residue, making sure not to get the boots too wet.
• Stuff the boots with newspaper or kitchen paper, to hold their shape as they dry.
• Leave them to air dry, away from direct heat or sunlight, for 48 hours.
• Once the boots are dry, restore the nap with the suede brush.

Pro Tips

• Keep the sponge clean when applying the cleaner. You don’t want to spread dirt all over the boots.
• Silica gel sachets placed in the boots can help them dry, by soaking up moisture.
• If you have stubborn stains, use a suede eraser to remove them. Try one like this from Sapphir. This video shows you how to use it.

Waterproofing and Conditioning

Now your boots are clean and dry, or if they’re new, you can waterproof them to protect them from stains and watermarks.

What You Need

• Water and stain repellent spray.
• Suede brush.

What You Do

• Brush your boots with the suede brush to remove any dirt or dust.
• Evenly spray the entire outside of the boots, from a distance of between 6 and 8 inches.
• The boots should be wet with the spray, but not soaked.
• Allow the boots to dry in a well-ventilated area.
• Do not put them near direct heat or sunligh
• Check them after 24 hours, they should be completely dry.
• Lightly brush the boots with the suede brush, in one direction, to restore the nap.

Pro Tips

• You can use the Ugg stain and water repellent that comes in the kit we mentioned earlier, or another water repellent, like this one from Gear Aid. It also comes in a kit with a cleaner, suede eraser, and suede brush.
• When applying the waterproof spray, do so in a well-ventilated area.
• First of all, carry out a patch test on a small area which can’t be seen, to make sure it doesn’t change the color of your boots.
• Cover any embellishments or jewelry on the boots, as the spray might damage them.

This video from Ugg shows you how to clean and waterproof Ugg boots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Ugg Boots Get Ruined By Rain?

It’s a little ironic that Uggs are winter footwear but not good in snow or rain. If your Uggs do get soaked, dry them thoroughly, then follow the cleaning and waterproofing instructions above. Otherwise, there’s a possibility they could be damaged.

Waterproofing them before wear and at least on an annual basis after that, will help protect them if you’re caught out in a shower.

Can You Get Water Stains Out of Ugg Boots?

A suede eraser can be used to remove water stains from Ugg boots. Rub the mark, using medium-to-hard pressure, and then brush with a suede brush. You might have to repeat this a few times until the stain is completely removed.

If the stains are new, you may be able to remove them by rubbing suede on suede. Take another suede part of the boot, bend it over and gently rub it against the watermark.

Do I Need to Waterproof Leather Ugg Snow Boots?

These types of boots are usually treated to be waterproof when they’re first made. Over time, and with wear, that waterproofing can begin to diminish. Just as you should with any leather footwear, it’s a good idea to recondition and waterproof them from time to time.

You can read our guide on how to waterproof leather boots here.

Winding It Up

Ugg boots have become the preferred winter footwear for many in recent years. They’re worn by celebrities, fashionistas, and Jane and John Doe on the street.

While they are cold weather footwear, they don’t necessarily stand up too well to rain and snow. They can be cleaned and waterproofed to provide more protection. However, that doesn’t mean they’ll withstand you jumping in puddles or clearing the snow from your driveway.

To keep them looking their best, you should waterproof Ugg boots while they’re new, and clean them regularly. Keep waterproofing them at least once a year, to get the best out of them.

We hope you found this guide on how to waterproof Ugg boots useful and picked up some handy tips. Please leave us a comment with any tips or insights you might have—and don’t forget to share.