New UGGs Today, Ultimate Comfort Tomorrow

UGG boots are known for their comfort, but here’s what no one tells you until it’s too late: that signature softness doesn’t always show up on day one. Brand new sheepskin boots can feel snug or rigid at first, and that “walking on clouds” experience takes a little time (and the right steps) to unlock.

We’ve helped many people break in their UGGs the smart way, no blisters, no boot damage, and no regrets. In this guide, you’ll find simple, tried-and-true tips to make that first wear feel less “ouch” and more “ahhh.”

Ready to break them in without breaking them? Let’s go.

Why New UGGs Can Feel Uncomfortable

But here’s the thing: UGGs are designed to feel slightly firm at first. That’s because most classic UGG styles use genuine sheepskin, which naturally stretches and softens with wear. When you first put them on, the inside lining hasn’t been compressed yet; it’s plush but tightly packed. That’s what makes them feel a bit too snug in those early days.

The outer suede or leather can also feel structured or even restrictive until it starts to mould to your foot shape. It’s a lot like a new pair of jeans, they look great, but they need a few wears before they truly feel like yours.

Buying new UGGs might feel tight or rigid, that doesn’t mean you bought the wrong size (though we’ll discuss this further later). It just means they’re new — and they’re about to get better.

Quick Tips to Break In UGGs Gently

You don’t need to suffer through sore feet or risk ruining your boots. Breaking in your UGGs can be a soft, simple process, if you do it right. Here’s how to ease your way into that signature UGG comfort without the blisters or the frustration.

Wear Thick Socks Around the House

Start by wearing your UGGs with thick socks, even if you usually go barefoot. The socks help stretch the inner lining slightly while also preventing any rubbing or hot spots. Just walk around at home for an hour or two a day. Bonus: it keeps your boots clean while you're breaking them in.

Keep the First Few Outings Short

Resist the urge to wear your new UGGs for a full day straight away. Keep the first few trips short, errands, a coffee run, or a quick school drop-off. Let your feet (and the boots) ease into each other.

Flex Them Gently With Your Hands

Before slipping them on, try bending the sole back and forth in your hands a few times. This helps soften the structure slightly and can reduce that stiff, boxy feel.

Use a Shoe Stretcher (Optional)

If the fit feels too snug across the toe or instep, a shoe stretcher made for suede or sheepskin can help, but use it cautiously. Go slow, and never over-stretch. You want to ease the pressure, not warp the shape.

Let Your Body Heat Do the Work

UGGs are designed to respond to warmth. Your natural body heat softens the sheepskin and helps it mould to your foot shape. That’s why breaking them in gradually, instead of forcing it, works best.

What NOT to Do When Breaking in UGGs

There’s nothing worse than ruining a brand new pair of UGGs before you’ve even had the chance to enjoy them properly. That’s why knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing the right break-in tips. Sheepskin and suede are delicate, natural materials — they need a bit of care, not shortcuts or harsh treatment.

Here are the most common mistakes that can sabotage your boots (and how to avoid them):

Don’t Soak Them in Water

You might come across advice online saying to wet your UGGs to soften them — don’t do it. Water can seriously damage the suede exterior, leaving watermarks, discolouration, and stiffness. Even worse, the plush sheepskin lining can clump and harden, making the inside feel rough and uncomfortable.

UGGs aren’t built to be water shoes. They can handle a little moisture if protected properly, but intentionally soaking them to stretch them out will likely do more harm than good.

What to do instead:
Use gentle methods, like wearing them with socks indoors, to let warmth and movement gradually shape the boot.

Don’t Blast Them with Heat

It’s tempting to grab a hairdryer or put them near a heater to speed things up, especially if they’ve gotten a bit damp. But direct heat can dry out the suede, making it brittle, and it can cause the sheepskin lining to shrink or harden.

UGGs need slow, natural warmth, like your body heat, to soften and mould properly. Artificial heat risks warping them permanently.

What to do instead:
Let them air dry naturally if needed, and rely on short wears around the house to let your body heat do the work.

Don’t Over-Stretch Them

Trying to speed up the process by stuffing your boots full of towels or aggressively cranking a shoe stretcher might sound like a good idea, until your boots lose their shape or feel baggy in all the wrong places.

UGGs are designed to stretch slightly over time, but only in the areas where your feet need it. Over-stretching them can cause loose ankles, a collapsed structure, or even tearing at the seams.

What to do instead:
If you really need to stretch a specific spot, use a proper stretcher slowly and carefully — and only for short periods.

Don’t Assume Pain Means ‘Normal’

There’s a big difference between a snug fit and an uncomfortable one. If your boots are causing pressure points, pinching, or giving you blisters, don’t assume it’s just the “break-in” process. That could be a sign they’re too small or the wrong shape for your foot.

UGGs should feel snug (especially if you’re not wearing socks), but they should never hurt. Discomfort means it’s time to reassess, not push through.

What to do instead:
Try them with thick socks for extra padding, wear them for shorter periods, and pay attention to pressure points. If the pain continues, it may be worth checking your size.

Protecting Your UGGs While Breaking Them In

While you’re breaking in your new UGGs, it’s easy to focus only on comfort. But if you’re not careful, you might end up with scuffs, stains or a misshapen pair before you’ve even had a chance to show them off. The break-in phase is also when your boots are at their most vulnerable, the suede is still fresh, the sheepskin still fluffy, and they haven’t fully moulded to your feet yet.

Here’s how to protect your UGGs while they soften into the cosy pair you were promised.

Use a Suede or Sheepskin Protectant Spray

This step is a game-changer, especially if you live in a place with unpredictable weather. A waterproofing UGG spray made specifically for suede or sheepskin will help guard your UGGs against water damage, stains and general grime.

Apply it before your first proper wear (ideally while you're still wearing them around the house). Make sure to spray evenly, let them dry naturally, and avoid using heat to speed it up.

Pro tip:

Always test the spray on a small hidden patch first, just in case.

Keep Them Dry

Even with protectant spray, your UGGs still aren't made for downpours. Wet suede can stain or stiffen, and wet sheepskin can lose its plush feel for good. If it’s raining or snowing heavily, leave them at home and wear something weatherproof.

If they do get slightly damp, stuff them gently with paper (never newspaper, the ink can transfer) and let them dry away from heat sources. Resist the urge to put them by the heater or under the hairdryer.

Avoid Wearing Them Without Socks Right Away

Lots of people go barefoot in UGGs, and eventually, that’s fine. But while breaking them in, wearing socks can protect the lining from sweat and help preserve the softness as the shape settles.

It also keeps the inside clean and reduces the risk of friction while the sheepskin compresses.

Store Them Properly Between Wears

When you’re not wearing your UGGs, store them somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight. To keep their shape, stuff them with tissue paper or use boot shapers. This prevents slouching or creasing while the materials are still adjusting to your foot.

Your UGGs Will Get Comfy — Just Don’t Rush It

The truth is, breaking in UGGs isn’t about pushing through pain. It’s about easing in, treating your boots with care, and letting the materials adapt naturally to your feet.

Start with socks. Keep outings short. Use protectant spray. And skip the risky hacks that promise fast results but end in regret.

Because once they’re broken in the right way? You’ll have that soft, cloud-like comfort everyone talks about, and your feet will thank you every winter from here on out.

If you haven’t bought your UGGs yet, or you're ready for a new, cosier upgrade, check out the range at UGG Australia Classic. They stock the originals that made the brand famous, with authentic sheepskin, timeless styles, and that unbeatable feel your feet deserve.

Shop the full range of UGGs now at UGG Australia Classic, and start your journey to all-day comfort the right way.