UGG boots have long held a unique place in fashion, equal parts comfort essential and cultural icon. Originally designed as practical footwear for surfers to warm their feet after being in the cold ocean, UGGs went mainstream in the early 2000s. Their sheepskin lining, soft silhouette, and effortless slip-on design quickly made them a favourite for celebrities and the public alike. For a time, they were everywhere. from red carpets to grocery stores, worn with everything from denim minis to velour tracksuits.
As fashion moved forward and trends shifted toward more minimal, structured, or high-concept styles, UGGs fell out of favour with the mainstream fashion crowd. They became associated with a “basic” look, comfortable but unstylish, cosy but unrefined. Over time, they were pushed to the background, viewed more as functional cold-weather wear than a stylish statement. For a while, it seemed like their moment had passed.
However, fashion is rarely linear, and UGGs have slowly found their way back into relevance. Their resurgence is less about ironic nostalgia and more about a larger shift in how we define style. In a post-pandemic world where comfort, ease, and practicality are prioritised more than ever, UGGs fit naturally into the modern wardrobe. The rise of athleisure, oversized silhouettes, and everyday luxury has opened the door for pieces like UGGs to be embraced in new ways, often paired with elevated basics or edgy streetwear.
The brand has also responded to changing tastes. Instead of sticking only with the original tall and classic boots, UGG has introduced modernised versions, platform soles, ultra-minis, and slipper styles that appeal to a younger, trend-conscious audience. Influencers and celebrities have helped fuel this new wave, styling them with fashion-forward outfits that feel far from the early-2000s aesthetic they were once tied to.
So, are UGGs still cool? It depends on how you define “cool.” In today’s fashion climate, authenticity and individuality matter more than blindly following trends. UGGs may not dominate high fashion runways, but they’ve become a symbol of comfort-driven style, and that holds serious value. For many, they’re not just boots; they’re a form of self-expression that doesn’t sacrifice ease for approval.
Ultimately, UGGs are cool again, but not because they’re trendy in the traditional sense. They’ve evolved into a timeless comfort piece, reimagined through the lens of modern personal style. If you feel good in them and wear them with confidence, that’s what truly makes them stylish today.