UGGs have, for over four decades, established themselves as a staple in the footwear industry due to their cozy, comfortable, and functional design.
However, one question that keeps popping up among UGG lovers is whether these trendy boots stretch. I did some research, and this is what I discovered!
Do UGGs Stretch In 2024?
Genuine UGGs stretch about half their size over time, since they’re made from sheepskin leather. Thus, it would be ideal to buy UGGs that are snug and cozy when you first try them so that they can fit to your size. Nonetheless, while the upper part of UGGs stretches, it’s worth noting that no amount of stretching can lengthen UGGs’ outsoles.
To learn more about whether UGGs stretch, why the sheepskin boots stretch, and what you can do to stretch your UGGs, keep on reading!
Do All UGGs Stretch?
All genuine UGG boots stretch over time.
Most genuine UGGs are made from Grade A Merino sheepskin which, like any other leather, can stretch when pressure is applied on it.
UGG hardly manufactures half-sized sheepskin boots to give the leather the space to approximately stretch half their size, as the boots’ wool molds around your feet.
Therefore, as long as your pair of UGGs are made from genuine sheepskin, they will, in one way or the other, stretch as they age.
Why Do UGGs Stretch?
Since UGGs are made from Grade A merino sheepskin with an average thickness of 16 to 18mm, the sheepskin compresses on the front and rear with at least 5mm, half their size.
However, it’s advisable to pick your normal shoe size when choosing the pair of UGGs to purchase instead of sizing up or down.
Unfortunately, many non-genuine UGG boots in the fashion industry recommend sizing up, but that’s not a good option.
If you buy a pair of UGGs that are larger than your standard shoe size, the boots will stretch over time and leave you with shoes that are far too large for your feet.
How Much Do UGGs Stretch?
Surprisingly, UGGs can stretch and expand reasonably if done right.
UGG boots’ toe box can even be stretched wider if your sheepskin shoes feel uncomfortable and tight to walk in.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that UGGs’ leather outer can easily break if stretched to the maximum, thus permanently damaging your chic boots.
Therefore, it’s essential to apply the right amount of pressure when stretching your UGGs to prevent breaking their delicate outer.
How Do You Stretch UGG Boots?
While there is a wide range of eye-catching UGG boots in the market, you only have two feet to sport them.
Therefore, the chances are that you’ll, at one time or the other, find some UGG shoes a bit tight or too small for your feet.
Luckily, there are effective ways to stretch or widen your pair of UGGs to ensure they fit your wide or big feet; they include:
1. Wear a Pair of Thick Socks
Wearing your UGGs with a pair of thick socks is one of the first things you should do when you find out that your boots are tight.
Although wearing UGGs with socks won’t stretch the boots to their full length, it works magic in eventually stretching the shoes to conform to your feet’ size and shape.
Sporting the UGGs with a pair of thick socks and walking around your estate will go a long way in stretching the footwear.
Nevertheless, using a thick pair of socks to stretch your UGGs takes time to be effective.
2. Stuff the Boots with Frozen Water
Liquid water expands when frozen at a temperature of – 4 Degrees Celsius. Thus, the frozen water will automatically stretch the shoes if applied to the sheepskin boots.
To stretch your UGGs with frozen water, get a zipped plastic bag full of water and strategically stuff the bags in the toe box area you want your boots to stretch.
Consequently, carefully place the boots in a freezer and let them sit there overnight or for seven to thirteen hours.
As the water in zipped bags freezes, it will expand, pushing your boots outward and creating an extra toe box area.
After the UGG boots have sat in the freezer overnight, remove them from the freezer, let the water in the zipped bags melt, and then remove the bags from the shoes.
3. Use Wooden Shoes Stretchers
Using the right type of wooden shoe stretcher is one of the most effective ways of getting a significant stretch to your UGG boots.
Though optional, you can apply stretching fluid on your UGGs before inserting the wooden shoe stretcher to make the process easier and seamless.
Wooden shoe stretchers come in a wide range of types.
For instance, there are some shoe stretchers designed to stretch the boot’s length and width, some lift the toe box higher, while others widen the calf area.
To use wooden shoe stretchers to widen your UGG boots, turn the handle in an anticlockwise direction two to three times and let the shoes rest for about six to eight hours.
Alternatively, to effectively stretch your UGGs using a shoe stretcher, remove the shoe stretcher and test the boots as to whether they are stretching.
Then return the stretcher in place again, and turn its handle in an anticlockwise direction.
Conclusion
In retrospect, all genuine sheepskin UGG boots can stretch when the right amount of pressure is applied to them over time.
Therefore, if you find your UGGs shoe box too tight or uncomfortable for your feet, you just need to apply the right amount of pressure on the right area to correct them.