If you’re thinking about treating yourself or someone special to a pair of UGGs, it’s important to watch out for counterfeits. Protect your investment by learning how to spot fake UGG boots and ensure you’re getting the genuine quality you deserve. For detailed tips on identifying authentic products and finding authorized retailers, visit the official UGG Counterfeit Education page.
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. Spot Security Features: Labels, Stickers, and QR Codes
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.
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.
Scanning the QR code on UGG security labels allows you to verify the product’s authenticity directly through their official website (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. Check Where Your UGG Boots Are Made
Surprisingly, UGG boots labeled “Made in China” or “Made in Vietnam” are authentic, as these are official manufacturing locations. However, genuine UGG boots are never shipped directly from these countries to consumers, ensuring they go through authorized distribution channels for quality assurance.
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
Genuine UGG boots are manufactured in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, and the Dominican Republic. Authentic products will also specify one of these approved manufacturing locations on their labels or packaging.
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 never made in Australia or New Zealand; always check the label to ensure they are manufactured in verified locations like China or Vietnam (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.
Since 2016, UGG has rebranded from ‘UGG Australia’ to simply ‘UGG,’ making any label with ‘Australia’ a clear sign of an outdated or counterfeit product (Credit: UGG)
Since the company is no longer called UGG Australia but simply UGG, authentic labels no longer say “UGG Australia.”
3. Identify Packaging Clues for Authenticity
Genuine UGG boots come in a sturdy cardboard box. Some 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.
Authentic UGG boots are packaged in sturdy, high-quality cardboard boxes, while counterfeit boxes are often flimsy, poorly constructed, or incorrectly designed (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.
Counterfeit UGG products are often sold with branded bags or packaging, such as ‘UGG Snow Boots’ bags, which are never used for authentic UGG purchases (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.
Counterfeit UGG products often include hang tags and are made from low-quality materials that lack the durability and comfort of genuine UGG boots (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.
Authentic UGG boxes feature a separate lid with the sun logo and “UGG” branding. Counterfeit packaging may be hinged, bulky, or lack any branding altogether. Genuine UGGs also come wrapped in thick, crinkly paper with “UGG” printed on it, while fakes often use thin, unbranded plastic wrapping. Moreover, real UGG boots do not include hanging tags; their presence clearly indicates counterfeits.
4. Feel the Fur: Sheepskin vs. Synthetic Materials
Authentic UGG boots are made with thick, soft, creamy sheepskin fur. The material should feel fluffy and luxurious. Counterfeit boots, on the other hand, often use synthetic materials that feel thin, rough, or plasticky.
Genuine sheepskin has the fur naturally attached to the suede and does not separate easily. Additionally, authentic UGG soles are flexible and cushioned, while fakes often have rigid soles that are hard to bend.
Authentic UGG boots are made with premium sheepskin, offering a soft, creamy texture, while counterfeits often use synthetic materials that feel rough and inferior (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 fake and not made of real sheepskin.
The sheepskin in counterfeit UGG boots often consists of inferior materials with synthetic layers that separate easily, unlike the seamless, high-grade sheepskin in authentic boots (Credit: UGG)
5. Examine UGG Soles: Flexibility and Traction
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 distinguishing between real and 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.
Authentic UGG boots feature the signature Treadlite sole, known for its flexibility, cushioning, and excellent traction on wet surfaces, while counterfeit soles are often rigid and less durable (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. Get the Right Fit: Sizing and Shape of Authentic UGGs
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.
Authentic UGG boots, like the Bailey Button style, are designed to stretch and mold to the wearer’s feet over time, while counterfeits lack this adaptability and comfort (Credit: UGG)
Also, check the boot opening. 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.
Authentic UGG Classic Tall boots have a specific shaft height of approximately 11¾ inches (29.8 cm). Counterfeit boots may deviate significantly, often up to 2 inches (5.08 cm) taller or shorter. Similarly, the opening width of authentic UGG boots is designed to allow easy folding and rolling down. If the boot’s opening is narrower and doesn’t fold easily, it’s likely a fake.
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. Avoid Counterfeits with a Simple Smell Test
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 Overall Craftsmanship: Stitching and Suede
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.
Authentic UGG boots feature precise and consistent stitching, while counterfeit versions often have uneven, sloppy, or frayed stitching that lacks durability (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.
Authentic UGG boots have a smooth and gradual slope in their design, while fake versions often display inconsistencies, uneven shapes, and poor workmanship (Credit: UGG)
Pay close attention to the label on the heel, often called “The License Plate.” Authentic UGG labels feature precise fonts and immaculate stitching. Counterfeit boots often have larger fonts, uneven stitching, or incorrect shading on the label. Additionally, UGG removed “Australia” from its branding in 2016. If the label says “UGG Australia,” it’s likely a fake or an outdated product.
9. Let Price Guide You: Real UGGs vs. Too-Good-to-Be-True Deals
Genuine UGG boots have a premium price tag, reflecting their high-quality materials and craftsmanship. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of heavily discounted UGG products, as these often turn out to be counterfeits.
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. Shop Smart: Stick to 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. 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.
Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus, and Britney Spears have all been spotted rocking UGG boots, showcasing their versatile style and comfort (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” Really Mean? A Look Into Its History
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? A Stylish Alternative Explained
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 Authentic? Here’s What You Should Know
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 Genuine UGGs Still 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 Owns UGG? Unpacking the Brand’s Ownership
UGG (formerly UGG Australia) is an American footwear company and a division of Deckers Brands.
6. Can You Trust Amazon for Authentic UGG Boots?
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 to Clean UGG Boots: A Step-by-Step Guide
Please see our guide showing how to clean Uggs at home.
8. Does Nordstrom Carry Authentic UGG Snow Boots?
Yes, Nordstrom does sell authentic UGG snow boots. You can also find UGG boots on clearance at Nordstrom Rack.
9. Is Zappos a Safe Place to Buy Real UGG Boots?
Yes, Zappos is a legitimate website owned by Amazon. It is an authorized retailer of UGG products and does not sell fake products.
10. Should You Wear Socks With UGG Boots? The Debate Explained
The natural sheepskin lining of UGG boots is designed to create a custom fit by conforming to the unique shape of your feet. This process works best when barefoot, as the sheepskin wicks away moisture and provides optimal warmth and comfort without the need for socks. However, wearing socks can interfere with this natural molding process, potentially limiting the snug, personalized fit that UGGs are known for.
That said, socks can still have a place in your UGG experience. Wearing thin, breathable socks can help reduce odor buildup, especially during extended wear or in warmer climates. Ultimately, whether or not to wear socks comes down to personal preference. If comfort and a custom fit are your priority, go barefoot. If you want to keep your boots fresh and odor-free, opt for a lightweight sock designed for sheepskin footwear.
11. Are Sheep Harmed to Make UGG Boots? Addressing Ethical Concerns
No, UGG does not raise sheep and only uses sheepskin from sheep raised for food.
12. How Do You Pronounce UGG’s Adirondack?
One of the most popular UGG boots, Adirondack is pronounced ad-uh-ron-dak.
13. What Are UGG Boots Made Of? Materials Explained
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)
Counterfeit Crackdowns: Multi-Million Dollar Fake UGG Boot Schemes Exposed
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.”
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.
Many street markets are famous for selling counterfeit shoes and fake UGG boot knockoffs (Credit: MRicart_Photography / Shutterstock)
For readers interested in exploring more about UGG boots, our guide on cleaning UGG boots at home provides step-by-step instructions to maintain their pristine condition.
For those curious about the ethical aspects of UGG production, our discussion on whether UGGs involve harming sheep delves into the brand’s sourcing practices. Lastly, to ensure the longevity of your footwear, our article on protecting and caring for UGG boots offers valuable tips and recommendations.
UGG on the Stars: Celebrities Who Rock the Iconic Boots
UGG boots have become a favorite among celebrities for their unmatched comfort and effortless style. Here are some of the most iconic celebrity moments featuring UGGs:
- Kim Kardashian: Spotted on multiple occasions, Kim loves pairing her classic UGG boots with casual leggings and oversized hoodies, giving her a laid-back yet chic off-duty look.
- Jennifer Lopez: While traveling, J.Lo was seen rocking tan UGG boots with a fur-trimmed coat and sunglasses, showcasing her signature glamorous twist on casual wear.
- Miley Cyrus: Known for her bold style, Miley pairs her classic short UGG boots with denim shorts and oversized sweaters, creating the ultimate cozy yet edgy vibe.
- Selena Gomez: Selena was seen stepping out in chestnut UGG boots paired with skinny jeans and a wool coat, effortlessly combining warmth and sophistication.
- Sarah Jessica Parker: The “Sex and the City” star added a fashionable flair to her UGG boots by styling them with a structured coat and statement accessories during a winter outing.
- Kate Hudson: Kate keeps it simple and cozy, often pairing her UGG boots with leggings, a knit sweater, and a beanie for an effortlessly cool winter look.
From casual streetwear to airport chic, celebrities continue to prove that UGG boots are the ultimate blend of comfort and timeless style.