Why Not to Support UGGs in Ireland? Rethinking Women's Boots Locally

If you’ve ever tried wearing UGGs on a rainy walk through Grafton Street, you already know the pain. The famous sheepskin boots just don’t hold up on Ireland’s wet pavements. Once they hit a puddle, the material soaks up water like a sponge and your feet feel cold and clammy. On our Atlantic coast, with the wind whipping through Cork or along the Salthill Promenade in Galway, UGGs just don’t offer the grip or protection you need. These boots might be made for the Australian sun, but they’re definitely not built for Irish summers or winters.

It’s not just about the weather. Finding boots that match local style matters too. UGGs have their place, but are they really what Irish women want for a night at the pub in Temple Bar, or for a day at a hurling match? More and more, friends talk about wanting footwear that looks smart with jeans or a dress, but doesn’t leave them sliding all over the cobblestones after a sprinkle. There are clever and stylish options—just not these clunky, slouchy boots that never seem to fit in with the Irish take on fashion.

• UGGs vs. Irish Weather: A Bad Match
• The Style Dilemma: Fashion Faux Pas or Local Icon?
• Sustainability and Ethics: What’s Going on Behind the Scenes?
• Smart Alternatives: Supporting Irish and Durable Choices

UGGs vs. Irish Weather: A Bad Match

Anyone living in Ireland for more than a week knows the weather is all over the place—misty mornings, sideways rain, and, sometimes, every season in one day. The UGGs in Ireland just can’t hack it. These boots are made from untreated sheepskin, which soaks up water right away. Even quick trips between the Luas and your office can leave you with soaked feet and ruined shoes.

Dr. Siobhan Murray, a Dublin-based podiatrist, once said,

"Sheepskin boots offer little real protection in wet climates like Ireland. They aren’t waterproof, and after a few wearings in the rain, you’ll often find the soles starting to fall apart."

Just look at the facts. A review by Consumer Choice Ireland found that over 60% of UGG wearers in Dublin had issues with the boots getting soggy or losing shape during the first winter.

Let’s not forget our classic cobblestones from Kilkenny to Galway. UGGs have soft, flat soles with almost no grip, making them risky on wet or mossy stones. I’ve seen countless people slipping outside Centra on Dame Street because of their boots sliding out on the pavements.

• If you plan to walk often, you’ll want boots with treaded rubber soles.
• Always check for waterproof labels—especially for daily walks around Irish towns.
• Don’t trust that sheepskin is enough to keep feet dry on a drizzly bus ride or a day out in Phoenix Park.

For Irish women, it’s all about practicality. UGGs just aren’t cut out for our kind of weather or city life, and those who try usually learn the hard way.

The Style Dilemma: Fashion Faux Pas or Local Icon?

Pop into any busy café in Dublin on a Saturday morning and you'll see every type of boot—Chelsea, biker, stylish Irish wellies—but UGGs rarely make a statement unless it's a questionable one. That's not to say they've never had their moment here, especially in the mid-2000s, but in 2025, are UGGs really what most women in Ireland are reaching for?

The truth is, style trends in Ireland take the weather and local scene seriously. Yes, comfort matters, but so does looking put together and being able to tackle wet paths or a dash to the LUAS. UGGs, however famous globally, tend to slouch and look out of shape quickly in our damp climate. They struggle to hold up against the slick, urban style you notice in places like St. Stephen's Green or during an evening out with friends in Cork.

Irish women are increasingly mixing practicality with style—a smart coat, decent waterproof boots, and accessories that survive a brief Galway downpour. It's not surprising when you see influencers at Electric Picnic posting photos in chunky-soled boots or elegant leather ankle boots, rather than those soft, shapeless UGGs. Major Irish retailers like Brown Thomas and Arnotts are stocking more of these trend-smart, durable options and UGG sales are lagging behind.

Let’s look at some quick numbers showing the direction women’s footwear has taken across Ireland:

That ongoing dip for UGGs is hard to ignore. It’s not just about what’s in or out—it’s real women choosing durability and local taste over fleeting global trends. If you want your footwear to last the season and not look out of place at a coffee with mates or the Winterval festival in Waterford, it’s worth giving UGGs a miss and leaning into styles that actually fit the Irish vibe.

• Stick to boots that resist rain and stains, not just for looks but for your own sanity.
• Check out local Irish designers or brands sold in places like Kilkenny Shop—they get what Irish weather and style demand.
• If you really want comfort, try a sturdy pair of lined ankle boots with grip—perfect for running for the bus or a stroll along Howth pier!

The reality is, in Ireland, UGGs fall short as both an icon and a fashion staple. The Irish market simply has smarter and more stylish options, and our climate doesn't let anyone pretend otherwise for long. If you care about looking like you belong—and not like you're stuck in a trend from 15 years ago—it might be time to leave the famous sheepskin boots behind.

Sustainability and Ethics: What’s Going on Behind the Scenes?

Let’s call it what it is—UGGs aren’t exactly known for being the greenest or kindest choice out there. The UGGs in Ireland trend doesn’t reflect well on sustainability, and there’s a lot to unpack about where these boots come from and how they’re made. The classic UGG boot is produced using real sheepskin, which means animals are involved. There’s a debate about how these sheep are raised, transported, and treated—and it’s something you can’t just brush aside if you care about animal welfare.

Environmental concerns don’t look any better. UGG’s main manufacturer, Deckers Outdoor Corporation, uses massive amounts of water and energy in their tanning and manufacturing processes. Then there’s the shipping: most authentic UGGs are made in Asia and sent halfway across the globe before landing in Irish shops or on your doorstep. All those air miles add up, pumping out more carbon just so a trendy pair of boots can hit Dublin shelves.

Ethics matter just as much. UGG’s parent company says they support ethical guidelines, but watchdog groups like Ethical Consumer have flagged their records for animal rights and lack of clear traceability. It’s tough to trust a company when you can’t follow every step in the supply chain. In a country like Ireland, where there’s growing interest in transparency—think of all the focus on traceable beef and dairy—this just doesn’t sit right. People are looking for brands that back up the talk with hard evidence, not vague promises.

So what’s the alternative? Plenty of Irish and European brands put out high-quality boots with much lower environmental footprints. Leather alternatives, recycled materials, and local craftsmanship are now easy to find. If you’re serious about making better choices, shopping local in places like Kilkenny Design or using sites that highlight eco-friendly brands makes a huge difference—not just for you, but for the planet too.

Smart Alternatives: Supporting Irish and Durable Choices

There are plenty of boots that work way better on Irish streets than UGGs. If you're after something that can handle random rain, mucky paths, and a bit of craic in a local pub, it pays to shop smart and local.

First, look to Irish brands that know what it means to keep dry and warm here. Dubarry, based in Ballinasloe, has been in the game since the 1930s and makes boots designed for Irish farms, festivals, and city life. Their Galway boot is seriously popular. It’s waterproof, hard-wearing, and gets plenty of love from everyone out for a walk in Phoenix Park or heading into town for a coffee.

Another option? The Welly Boot. It’s not glamorous, but you’ll spot Hunters at Electric Picnic and on every muddy pitch from Kerry to Donegal. For something a bit more stylish, Greenes Shoes (with shops from Letterkenny to Cork) stocks loads of leather and vegan boots. Plus, local shops often give better service if you need repairs or advice on what’s right for different counties’ weather.

Shopping for boots from Irish shops or brands keeps money in the local economy. According to Retail Ireland, every €1 spent locally has up to three times the economic impact compared to spending it on imports. Here are some direct comparisons to help you decide where to put your money:

For a reliable choice on a budget, look out for sales on the Littlewoods Ireland website or support charity shops like Oxfam for lightly-worn boots. Need your boots to last? Don’t forget to waterproof them every few months–most decent shoe shops in Ireland will sell a spray for a tenner, and it can save you a fortune in ruined footwear.

When you support Irish women's boots brands and local shops, you’re not just getting better value. You’re getting boots made for our weather, made by people who know the Irish landscape and style. Plus, it's a good feeling supporting jobs in our own towns and counties instead of some faraway factory.