Ugg boots have made a name for themselves all over the globe as a unique fashion piece among winter footwear.
However, the real question that keeps popping up among Ugg boots lovers’ is, what are these chic boots made of and whether they are ethically good for animal rights. I did some research, and this is what I discovered!
What Are UGG Boots Made Of In 2024?
Most Ugg boots are made of sheepskins sourced as a by-product from the meat industry. The sheepskins are used with their fleece still attached to give the footwear their signature warm, cozy design. Their outer surface is then tanned into the leather and manufactured with an inner fleece lining. The boots are then sewn on synthetic Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate outsoles.
To find out more about what Ugg boots are made of and whether they are good for the environment and animal rights, keep on reading!
What Materials Are UGG Boots Made Of?
Ugg boots are sheepskin boots with thick faux and rubber outsoles.
As their name suggests, the majority of Ugg boots are made of twin-faced sheepskin for air circulation and natural wicking.
Before manufacturing the boots, the sheepskin is tanned to leather, cleaned, dried, conditioned, clipped, and cut based on the boot’s intended design.
After the sheepskin is cut into shape, it is sewn together into an Ugg boot and a leather heel counter attached to the shoes for heel support.
Consequently, the outsoles are glued, and the boot shaft is attached to the rubber or synthetic sole. After which, the insoles are attached.
Therefore, the materials used to make Ugg boots include sheepskin, leather, cotton, suede, wool, down, hemp, and rubber or EVA.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that UGG has a vegan shoe line in its collection made of TENCEL Lyocell, Hevea rubber soles, and sugarcane and hemp plant.
What Animal are UGG Boots Made From?
Essentially, Ugg boots are made from sheep.
The sheepskin used to manufacture Uggs comes from sheep farmers who rear sheep primarily to sell them as food to the meat industry.
Once the meat industry purchases the sheep from the farmers and slaughters them for food, the tanneries buy the sheep hides as a by-product from the meat processing facilities.
Therefore, the sheep farmer derives 98% of their sheep’s total value from selling the meat, while they derive the remaining 2% from selling the sheepskin.
According to UGG’s Animal Welfare FAQ, the shoe company buys hides from tanneries that are Leather Working Group certified and those that comply with the animal welfare policies.
Are UGG Boots Made of Real Sheepskin?
Ugg boots are made of real sheepskin.
UGG itself confirmed openly via its product description that it uses real and natural animal products when manufacturing footwear.
However, this doesn’t mean that all the animal cruelty rumors that have dogged these chic boots from animal welfare crusaders are true.
UGG claim to buy sheepskin as a by-product of the meat industry, since it buys sheepskins from farmers who rear their sheep for food.
In addition, UGG isn’t involved in illegal practices when sourcing raw materials.
UGG buys its sheepskin from countries with animal welfare regulations like Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
So, if you’re an animal welfare crusader, and you have your reservations about using animal skins to make footwear, the normal Ugg boots aren’t your cup of tea.
That said, while the majority of Uggs are made of real sheepskin, it’s crucial to note that not all Ugg boots are made of real sheepskin and other animal products.
UGG has a vegan shoe line that uses sustainable, carbon-friendly, and natural materials to cater to vegan Ugg lovers’ needs.
What Are UGG Boots’ Soles Made Of?
As stated earlier, Ugg boots’ soles are made of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) synthetic material or rubber.
EVA is a naturally stretchy polymer made by mixing vinyl acetate and ethylene to produce rubber-like material in flexibility and softness.
UGG uses Ethyl-Vinyl Acetate in its form-like, bouncy state to mold the outsoles to their required design, and then attach them to the sheepskin shaft.
One good thing about EVA soles is that they are lightweight, water-resistant, and comfortable. They can also be made solid and stiff or flexible and foam-like.
In addition, EVA soles don’t conduct heat, enabling your feet to stay warmer. They also absorb your step impact and, thus, relieve stress on your joints.
More so, they are durable, since they last longer than other outsoles.
However, EVA soles tend to lack the traction needed, especially while walking on slippery, snowy, and icy surfaces.
What Are UGG Slippers Made Of?
Like Ugg boots, Ugg slippers’ outer surfaces are made from sheepskins that are tanned into leather.
Their inner lining is, in turn, made of sheepskin shearling to keep your feet warm during the cold, chilly autumn and winter seasons.
Consequently, the outer shaft of Ugg slippers is then attached to the rubber-like and foam-like synthetic EVA outsoles.
It’s ideal to note that not all Ugg slippers are made of sheepskins., since some of them are made of sustainable, plant-based, and carbon-neutral materials.
Vegan Ugg slippers are made of wood pulp TENCEL Lyocell material to replace the sheepskin fleece and rubber soles sourced from the Hevea rubber trees.
What Are the Inside of UGGs Made Of?
Generally speaking, the inside of Ugg boots is made of sheepskin shearling or fleece designed to insulate your feet from the cold weather.
UGG uses an inner lining of sheepskin fleece, since its thermostatic quality regulates your body temperature, making the chic boots appropriate footwear all year round.
Additionally, Ugg boots’ inner lining is made of natural fleece, since natural sheepskin fleece is soft, cozy, warm, and comfortable, as opposed to synthetic fleece.
Glued on the inside of Ugg boots are the insoles that have the fluffy feel of the inner fleece lining for warmth, moisture-wicking, and comfort.
Luckily, since Ugg insoles wear out with time, they can be replaced as often and as is necessary.
There’s no need to buy new Ugg boots once your inner soles wear out, since these chic boots can last up to five years if well maintained.
Conclusion
To sum up, most Ugg boots are made of real sheepskin, leather, suede, wool, and fur sourced from sheep from different countries with laid down animal welfare regulations.
Thus, while these popular winter boots are an irresistible fashion staple, the decision to purchase and use Ugg boots to keep your feet warm during the cold weather squarely lies on you.