Are Ugg Boots Still in Style? Modern Trends and Real-Life Wearers

There's something kind of wild about watching shoes go from the height of cool to the butt of every fashion joke, and somewhere in that hilarious, confusing mess, you’ll find Ugg boots. Remember 2005? You couldn’t step into a Starbucks or turn on MTV without spotting fur-trimmed Uggs—on celebrities, college students, the girl next door, maybe even your aunt. Fast forward to today, and you might wonder: do people actually wear Uggs anymore, or are they relics shoved in the back of the closet, right next to Juicy Couture tracksuits?

The Rise, Fall, and Wobbly Comeback of Ugg Boots

If you tried to sum up the early 2000s in a shoe, Ugg boots probably take the cake. Oprah put them on her coveted “Favorite Things” list in 2003. That same year, Paris Hilton was papped in them pretty much daily, adding to the FOMO for anyone without a pair. It’s no secret why they got so popular—they’re soft and warm, comfort food for your feet, basically a snuggie in boot form. In fact, Ugg’s Australian roots go way back, originally designed to keep surfers’ toes warm after catching waves in chilly waters. Bet you didn’t know they started as post-surf attire before taking over Hollywood.

Of course, for every boom, there’s a bust. Once the world had seen enough megastars and regular folks strutting around in chunky boots that make your feet look a little like potatoes, the backlash started. Articles with headlines like “Burn Your Uggs!” started popping up around 2010. Trendsetters spun toward Chelsea boots and sneakers, and Uggs seemed destined for thrift stores and nostalgia-themed meme pages.

But here’s the twist—much like low-rise jeans and neon eyeliner, Ugg boots never fully went away. Even at their lowest, you’d spot them on college campuses during finals week or on anyone who just needed to grab the mail. They’re the quiet foot soldiers of comfort, still kicking around while Instagram was obsessed with minimalist white sneakers. As lockdowns hit around 2020, with so many people ditching heels for slippers, guess what started trending again? Cozy, easy-to-slip-on shoes—Ugg boots included.

The brand’s sales figures tell the story. In 2021, Ugg’s parent company, Deckers, announced record sales, and some classic models were selling out. Fashion houses started collaborating—think Y/Project and Ugg’s bizarre thigh-high version, or Telfar’s sell-out mini collection. Bella Hadid wore her Mini Uggs with baggy jeans in SoHo, and suddenly, TikTok teens were unboxing the same shoe their moms wore to Pilates class in 2006. It’s rare for a style to see two waves of ironic embrace, but Ugg boots seem to have pulled it off.

Who’s Actually Wearing Ugg Boots in 2025?

You might be half-expecting Ugg boots to show up only on your Aunt Linda or the girl sprinting to her 8 AM class. The reality? The wearer crowd is way wider. Teenagers on TikTok film “day in my life” vlogs in oversized hoodies and Uggs. Fashion editors admit to slipping into them around the house, and yes, even plenty of guys have quietly adopted Ugg’s men’s line. NBA players are spotted before games looking relaxed in Ugg Tasman slippers and joggers. That Australian beach heritage is still kicking around, too. Surfers dig the light, woolly warmth after a dawn session—no awkward laces required, just stomp and go.

Here’s something people forget: Ugg has quietly expanded its line far beyond the original boot. You've got Tazz platform slippers, Fluff Yeah slides, platform Minis, even weatherproof versions with chunky soles for slushy days. The classic tan boot might not be at the cutting edge of street style, but look closer: ballet-core fans are pairing Mini Uggs with leg warmers, and normcore types just shrug and admit there’s nothing cozier for walking the dog or making a coffee run at dawn.

What about the hate? If you scroll through fashion forums or Reddit, there’s still spirited debate. Some style purists argue Uggs are still a fashion disaster, but others counter that authenticity and comfort have their place—especially when your schedule’s packed and your feet are tired. And for those who care about being eco-friendly, Ugg’s recent shift toward plant-based and recycled materials is worth noting. They launched their “Plant Power” collection using materials like sugarcane and Tencel lyocell from sustainably harvested trees. The wool itself is now sourced with stricter animal welfare standards than ever before.

If you see someone in Ugg boots today, chances are they’re prioritizing comfort, but don’t be fooled—they might also be absolutely aware that they’re making a statement, thumbing their nose at tradition. Even Whiskers, my cat, gives me an approving head-butt when I pad into the kitchen in my own battered pair.

Tips for Styling Ugg Boots Without Looking Stuck in 2008

Nostalgia hits hard, but nobody wants to look like they accidentally fell out of a Myspace profile pic from middle school. Good news: you can absolutely wear Ugg boots and look modern—even cool—if you get a little creative. Here are some ways folks in 2025 are making Uggs look fresh:

• Neutral minis are your secret weapon. The Mini Ugg is popping up all over street style posts because it’s got a lower profile, meaning less foot-muff energy. Pair them with straight-leg jeans cropped at the ankle, or a flowy midi skirt and a boxy sweater. Chunky crew socks peeking over the top add an “I didn’t try too hard” vibe.
• Go monochromatic. Matching your Ugg boots to your outfit—think cream boots with an oatmeal knit set, or black boots with black leggings—looks modern and intentional. Plenty of celebs and influencers are styling this way in winter snapshots.
• Lean into athleisure. Uggs aren’t fighting for space with heels—they’re part of the comfort revolution. Wear them with wide-leg yoga pants, fleece sweats, or even tailored joggers. It's cozy without looking lazy.
• Mix textures. Ugg boots get interesting when set against a backdrop of unexpected fabrics. Try faux leather leggings, ribbed socks, shearling jackets, or even a slick trench coat with your boots—it’s all about contrast.
• Dress them up (kind of). Elevated loungewear is a thing now, so if you love your slip dresses or silk skirts, throw a long cardigan on top and slide into your Uggs. Add a bold tote or chunky jewelry and it’ll feel deliberate, not thrown together.
• Weather-proof wisely. If you live in a place where winter means actual snow, spray your boots with a quality protector before heading out. Ugg now offers waterproof styles too, and they hold up far better to salt and slush than the originals.
• Get creative with socks. If you want a pop of color or a playful detail, pair Ugg boots with scrunched pastel socks or patterned tights. Some folks swap out the classic sheepskin footbeds for faux-fur insoles in wild colors for that little spark of fun when you kick them off at someone’s door.

The trick is to avoid the skin-tight leggings + North Face jacket + Uggs combo unless you’re truly loving the throwback. Today’s Ugg-wearers have an eye for balance and, more than anything, wear them because they want to, not because everyone else is.

Should You Buy Ugg Boots in 2025? How to Decide

So, now that you know Ugg boots never really left and people are still styling them in cool new ways, you’re probably wondering—should you invest in a new pair, dig your old ones out, or pass entirely? It comes down to a few things: your lifestyle, your wardrobe, and how much you value both comfort and statement-making. Here’s what to think through:

• If you’re usually running errands, walking the dog, or commuting in chilly weather, Ugg’s classic insulation and slip-on factor can’t really be beat. Even if you’re hit with an unexpected snow day or a roommate who cranks up the AC, you’ll be grateful to have a pair.
• Looking for sustainable fashion? The brand’s pivot toward eco-conscious materials means buying from Ugg isn’t what it was a decade ago. Check out their “SugarSole” foam and the new Eco Classic boots.
• Can Uggs be worn in the office? It depends. In creative fields or startups, Mini Uggs with cropped trousers and a tailored coat have definitely passed the vibe check. If your workplace is conservative, maybe stick to a smart loafer instead.
• Resale value is surprisingly good, especially for classic colors and limited editions. If you treat them well, you’ll probably get most of your investment back if you ever want to sell.

One last tip: if you already have Ugg boots in the closet, but they’re looking a bit unloved, try a gentle wash. Most Uggs bounce back beautifully after a wipe-down with a damp cloth, a dedicated suede brush, and clearing out old fluff balls inside. Dry them away from direct sunlight or heaters, and stuff them with clean socks to keep the shape (no, not Whiskers, even if he insists).

If you ask me whether Ugg boots are still a thing, I’d say—yes, but with a wink. They’re worn by people who value comfort, appreciate nostalgia, or know they can break fashion rules and look cool while doing it. If you’re on the fence, try them out for yourself. Just don’t let Whiskers nap in them—you might never get them back.