If you’re planning to get a pair of UGGs as a gift to yourself or someone else, beware of dupes and fakes. Protect your hard-earned money and arm yourself with the knowledge to spot fake UGGs. Also, ensure you know how to take care of your sheepskin boots.
Ugg boots are made with high-quality materials, including genuine sheepskin and suede, while fake Ugg boots are often made with synthetic materials that are lower in quality
Here is a checklist of 10 things that you should do before committing to buying:
1. Look for Security Labels and Stickers to Ensure Authenticity
The unending battle against counterfeits has prompted UGG to install security features on UGG and I Heart UGG products. These special labels and stickers are the quickest and most reliable way to guarantee the authenticity of your purchase.
Since the fall of 2010, UGG has been using security features on its labels and packaging, starting with the holographic sun logo that changes from black to white when rotated 90 degrees.
If the left shoe of your pair of UGG shoes has a sewn-in size/materials label, this security feature should be on the foil strip right behind it. If there is no sew-in-label, a security sticker should be on the left shoe’s sole. The shoebox should also have this same security sticker.
UGG consistently modifies their labels, outsoles, interior tags, and boxes (Credit: UGG)
In the fall of 2013, UGG Australia added a QR code to the sewn-in security label on the left shoe. Scanning the code with any smartphone will take you to UGG’s official website, where you can verify the product’s authenticity.
You can scan the QR code of your UGG product to guarantee authenticity (Credit: UGG)
If you flip this label over and look at its backside, you should see another security feature that has the UGG logo “rolling” over the sun logos with a 3D effect.
UGG has upgraded the security features of its products many times (Credit: UGG)
Some fall 2014 products do not have the holographic sun logo on the sewn-in labels. You can use the QR code if you encounter merchandise without this security feature.
2. Verify the Manufacturing Location
Believe it or not, UGG boots labeled “Made in China” and “Made in Vietnam” are the real deal.
Deckers Outdoor Corporation’s manufacturing map from April 2022 shows that UGG boots are made in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, The Philippines, and The Dominican Republic
For years, authentic UGG products have been manufactured by Deckers Outdoor Corporation, which has factories in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, The Philippines, and The Dominican Republic.
If the label says the shoes are made in New Zealand or Australia, that is a flashing warning sign of a fake. UGG boots are also not made in the USA.
Authentic UGG boots are not made in Australia and New Zealand (Credit: UGG)
The UGG label on the back of the heel should be compared to an authentic one, like the one in the picture below. Fake ones often feature bigger fonts, poor-quality stitching, and off-shade colors.
“UGG Australia” was rebranded to “UGG” in 2016 in response to an investigation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (Credit: UGG)
Since the company is no longer called UGG Australia but simply UGG, authentic labels no longer say “UGG Australia.”
3. Inspect the Packaging and Box Quality
Genuine UGG boots come in a sturdy cardboard box. Some people say the box is one piece with a flip-top lid, but some also report purchasing real UGGs in two-piece boxes with removable lids.
That information is highly contested, but the plastic wrapper is another part of the packaging you can check.
The plastic the boots are wrapped in should be made of thick, crinkly material with “UGG” printed on it. The fake ones use low-grade, thin plastic and almost always do not have anything printed on them.
Also, check the care booklet, authenticity card, and other literature with which the UGG or I Heart UGG merchandise is packaged. They should be printed clearly on thick, high-quality paper using quality ink — they should not be fuzzy, blurry, or appear scanned.
Real UGG boots come in a sturdy box made of solid cardboard material (Credit: UGG)
In June 2007, UGG Australia stopped using white paper for these and switched to printing the UGG boots care booklet and other cards on cream-colored paper.
Authentic UGG boots have shoe inserts inside to prevent them from becoming misshapen when stocked or shipped. Fake ones do not get the same careful handling and often do not come with shoe inserts.
Examples of counterfeit UGG bags (Credit: UGG)
Authentic UGG products will never be shipped in a UGG-printed bag. You will only get a UGG shopping bag if you shop at one of the company’s official stores.
Fake UGG products are made with dubious and inferior materials (Credit: UGG)
The following things do not come packaged with UGG boots:
- A brown dust bag with “Snow Boots” printed on it — real UGGs are never called snow boots.
- Any label that is pinned on or attached to the boots themselves. Real UGG boots from Deckers do not have any tags attached to them.
- An Australian flag is printed anywhere on the packaging materials.
All of these are clear signs that the UGGs are fakes.
4. Examine the Fur Quality and Texture
The fur lining in real UGG boots is rich creamy, and feels thick, fluffy, and soft. Counterfeit boots are grayish-whitish and feel thin, scraggly, and like plastic.
If you have difficulty telling the difference between natural and synthetic fur, one way to tell is by rubbing it. If bits and pieces come off, then that means that the fur is fake. On real UGGs, the fur should not come off easily at all.
UGG uses only the highest-grade sheepskin available (Credit: UGG)
Genuine sheepskin has the fur side naturally adhered to the suede side (the fur is not just lining), so they should never pull apart.
If you can separate the outside material from the fur inside the boots, like in the picture below, that is an obvious sign that the shoes are not made of real sheepskin and are fake.
The sheepskin used in fake UGG boots is usually of lesser quality material (Credit: UGG)
5. Assess the Sole’s Flexibility and Design
In real UGG boots, the soles are flexible with comfortable cushioning, so it feels like you’re walking on clouds. Knock-off boots and dupes have rigid soles that are very hard to bend.
Authentic UGG boots also have half-inch thick soles. Fake UGG boots and dupes have thinner soles, having only quarter-inch thick soles.
Genuine UGGs have the registered R in a circle next to the “UGG” on the bottom of the soles. This was a straightforward way of telling apart the real and the fake UGGs. However, counterfeiters have wised up to this and added this detail to fake and knock-off UGGs.
The company also changed the tread pattern on the soles of their boots from zigzag to the sun logo. Although not the most surefire way of guaranteeing authenticity, genuine UGG boots should have the sun and the logo at the center of the boot’s sole in the correct typeface.
UGG’s signature Treadlite sole provides extra cushioning and traction on wet surfaces (Credit: UGG)
As you can see from the following video, it’s not always easy to see whether or not your UGG boots are genuine or not. The only way to be 100 percent sure is to scan the QR code to verify that your boots are genuine.
6. Confirm the Sizing and Fit
Those who have ever bought or owned UGG boots for themselves know that they run large. It is common knowledge that if you’re buying a pair of UGGs, the best thing to do is get a smaller size.
Real UGG boots will stretch and mold to the wearer’s feet over time. If a pair of UGGs in your real shoe size feels snug, then chances are they are fake.
Real UGG boots will stretch and mold to the wearer’s feet over time (Credit: UGG)
Also, check the opening of the boot. It should be large and roomy enough to fold them down or tuck them in your jeans. The fake ones have a narrower opening and do not roll down as easily as the real UGGs.
Some fake UGGs are shorter or taller than real UGGs. Find the correct height for an ultra-short, tall, and ultra-tall UGG boot first and compare before purchasing.
7. Smell for Signs of Low-Quality Materials
Counterfeiters use cheap glue, faux sheepskin, and other low-quality materials to lure you in with unbelievably low prices to make knockoff UGG boots.
This gives the fakes a weird chemical, plasticky, and synthetic scent. The smell of the dye or paint used on the fake sheepskin alone is already a dead giveaway of a counterfeit.
Authentic UGG and I Heart UGG products should not smell of anything at all.
8. Inspect the Boots for Overall Quality and Craftsmanship
When purchasing footwear that costs $200, you’d want to set aside ample shopping time to inspect them thoroughly. Here are the things to check for in scrutinizing the overall quality of UGG boots:
- Check the width of the boots. Fake Ugg boots are often narrower than real ones.
- Inspect the stitching. Make sure that it is even and that no threads are unraveling.
The stitching should be very consistent and of high quality (Credit: UGG)
- Inspect the suede and leather. They should be smooth, made of quality material, and not have any unnecessary markings on them.
- Note the heel of the boot. They should gently taper towards the rest of the shoe and should not be in any way crooked.
- Note the tip of the boot. A genuine boot gradually slopes downward, while a fake one has a pointier toe.
Fake UGG boots often feature inconsistencies and uneven workmanship (Credit: UGG)
9. Consider Price as an Authenticity Indicator
Real UGG and I Heart UGG products are made of quality materials, and quality comes with a price. If a pair of UGG boots sells for an absurdly too-good-to-be-true price, that alone should be a warning sign that they are fake.
The trendy, classic UGG boots have been manufactured since 1978. Some of the most popular colors seldom go on sale.
UGG Classic Short Boot, $179.95 at Zappos
One of the most expensive UGG boots is the UGG Adirondack III Waterproof Tall Boot, which retails for $325. This versatile and stylish boot is perfect for winter weather. It has a waterproof leather upper and plush UGGpure lining for cozy comfort.
10. Buy Only from Authorized Retailers
Lastly, UGG only sells boots through its flagship stores, official website, and authorized retailers. If you are in the U.S., you may prefer to buy from Amazon and Nordstrom. Use the UGG store locator to find an authorized retailer nearest you for other locations.
Remember, authorized retailers are not allowed to sell UGG products on eBay. A significant percentage of UGGs sold on eBay are fakes and knock-offs. Even Deckers Outdoors Corporation cannot sell products straight from the shoe factory.
If a seller claims the UGG boots are cheap because they are “straight from the factory,” they are likely counterfeit. Please see our eBay shopping guide for details.
Kim Kardashian is seen wearing Ugg boots and a Hermes Birkin bag as she headed to a studio in Culver City on December 28, 2010 / Jennifer Lopez filming reshoots in Los Angeles for her upcoming movie “The Boy Next Door” on June 23, 2014 / Miley Cyrus leaving her hotel via the back door and heading for the M.E.N Arena. in Manchester on December 28, 2009 / Britney Spears shopping at Planet Blue’s flagship store in Malibu on March 10, 2014 (Credit: WENN / Cousart / JFXimages / Revolutionpix)
Also, please stay away from scam websites that are only out to deceive buyers with their fake imitation UGG products and dupes. These websites often use phrases like “cheap UGGs” and misspellings like “ugh boots.”
13 UGG Questions and Answers
1. What does UGG stand for?
The history of the term is disputed. Originating in Australia and New Zealand, it is a generic term used to market fleece and sheepskin footwear.
2. What is Koolaburra by Ugg?
Koolaburra was an importer of authentic sheepskin footwear founded in 1991. Based in Santa Barbara, California, it lost a lawsuit with Deckers Outdoor Corporation in 2005 over using the terms “ugg” and “ug” to describe Australian sheepskin boots.
Ten years later, in 2015, Deckers Brands acquired the Koolaburra brand and now owns it. Deckers’ portfolio of brands also includes UGG, Teva, Sanuk, Hoka One One, and Ahnu. In other words, Koolaburra and UGG are owned by the same company.
3. Are Koolaburra UGGs real?
According to Jennifer Somer, vice president of Ugg women’s and Koolaburra, Koolaburra by Ugg is “a little bit more fashion-forward.” While Ugg is positioned as a luxury product, Koolaburra by Ugg boots usually sell for under $100.
4. Do real Uggs say Ugg Australia?
New UGG boots do not say Australia on the label, just UGG. Deckers bought UGG Australia in 1995 but dropped “Australia” in 2016. The Deckers-owned brand is now called UGG.
5. Who is the owner of Ugg?
UGG (formerly UGG Australia) is an American footwear company and a division of Deckers Brands.
6. Does Amazon sell fake Uggs?
Amazon is an authorized reseller of UGG products. However, ensure that the boots you buy are sold and shipped by Amazon, not by a third-party seller operating a storefront on Amazon.
7. How do you clean Ugg boots?
Please see our guide showing how to clean Uggs at home.
8. Does Nordstrom sell authentic Ugg snow boots?
Yes, Nordstrom does sell authentic UGG snow boots. You can also find UGG boots on clearance at Nordstrom Rack.
9. Does Zappos sell fake Uggs?
No, Zappos is a legitimate website owned by Amazon. It is an authorized retailer of UGG products and does not sell fake products.
10. Can you wear socks with UGGs?
Wearing socks with your boots is a good way to prevent odors from developing.
11. Are sheep skinned alive for UGG boots?
No, UGG does not raise sheep and only uses sheepskin from sheep raised for food.
For a list of scam websites selling fake shoes, don’t miss our guide showing how to tell if a shopping website is fake at first glance.
12. How do you say the word Adirondack?
One of the most popular UGG boots, Adirondack is pronounced ad-uh-ron-dak.
13. What are Ugg boots made of?
While the most famous styles are made from ethically sourced sheepskin and other types of leather, you can also buy vegan-friendly UGG boots made from plant-based reclaimed materials.
Whether you love or hate them, it’s hard to argue with the popularity of UGG boots. They are some of the bestselling shoes at Nordstrom and Zappos, account for about 50 percent of the $2 billion sales revenue for its parent company Deckers Brands, and have an almost cult-like fan base.
Even though the shoes have been nicknamed “ugg-ly” footwear, with wearers denied access to airline lounges and hounded by animal abuse accusations, the brand’s popularity continues to be so strong that many entrepreneurial individuals want to cash in.
Unfortunately, this includes sellers who don’t have the best intentions and are only out to scam people with fake UGGs.
The best way to ensure that you are buying authentic Ugg boots is to buy them from an authorized retailer (Credit: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock)
In October 2019, The New York Post reported that Hai Long Huang had been arrested in New York City with nearly $5 million in fake Timberlands and UGG boots.
In August 2021, it was revealed that seven defendants had been charged with importing $130 million worth of fake UGG boots, Nike Air Jordan sneakers, Timberland boots, and Beats headphones.
According to the US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, the defendants “imported generic goods into the United States from China, applied brand labels to those goods in workshops, some of which were controlled by the defendants, and then sold those counterfeit-branded goods to retail and wholesale purchasers.”
Many street markets are famous for selling counterfeit shoes and fake UGG boot knockoffs (Credit: MRicart_Photography / Shutterstock)
While California-based brand UGG — previously known as “UGG Australia” — is cracking down on these counterfeiters, buying UGG boots from authorized retailers is the easiest way to ensure you get the real deal.