UGGs in Ireland: Why These Boots Dominate Winter Footwear

When it comes to winter boots in Ireland, UGGs, a type of sheepskin boot originally designed for warmth and comfort. Also known as sheepskin boots, they’re not just a fashion choice—they’re a survival tool for Irish winters. You won’t find many people wearing leather ankle boots or thin-soled sneakers when the rain hits Galway or the wind rolls in from the Atlantic. Instead, you’ll see UGGs—on teachers, nurses, farmers, and grandmas. Why? Because they work.

UGGs in Ireland aren’t just about soft lining and fluffy interiors. They’re built for damp floors, muddy paths, and sudden downpours. The wool inside traps heat like a blanket, while the rubber soles grip wet pavement better than most hiking boots. Unlike other boots that soak through after three days of rain, a good pair of UGGs stay dry inside—even when you’re walking from the bus stop to the grocery store in Dublin. And they’re not just for cold weather. Many Irish families wear them year-round indoors because they’re quiet, cushioned, and kind to tired feet after standing all day.

What does UGG actually stand for? It’s not an acronym—it’s just a word that stuck. Originally used by Australian surfers in the 1970s to describe their sheepskin boots, the name made its way to Ireland through travel, TV, and word of mouth. Here, it’s not branded as luxury—it’s branded as practical. You’ll find them in local pharmacies, discount stores, and even second-hand shops in Cork. People don’t buy them because they’re expensive. They buy them because they last. One pair can see you through five winters if you treat them right: dry them slowly, brush off the mud, and avoid standing in puddles for hours.

Related to UGGs are other winter essentials like waterproof walking shoes and wide-fit boots for Irish women with narrow heels. But none of those match the simple, no-fuss comfort of UGGs. You won’t find a single Irish person who regrets buying a pair. Not because they’re stylish (though they’ve gotten sleeker), but because they solve a real problem: cold, wet feet. And in a country where rain falls 200 days a year, that’s worth more than any trend.

Below, you’ll find real stories from Irish buyers—how they picked their first pair, what they learned about sizing, why they stopped buying other boots, and how to clean them without ruining them. Whether you’re new to Ireland or just tired of soggy socks, this collection has what you need to make UGGs work for you—not the other way around.