Why Are UGG Boots So Hard to Get On? (Solved)

In short: A new pair of UGG boots may be hard to put on, as the wool has yet to be compressed. The trick is to not pull the boot on with your hands. Instead, place the UGG boots flat on the floor and use your body weight to slide into the boots, one pair at a time.

You may be wondering: why are my UGG boots so hard to put on? The good news is, it’s not because your feet are weird. Instead, it is a widely recognized problem with the brand.

Here’s how to solve the problem if you’re having trouble putting on your UGG boots.

Why are UGG boots so hard to put on?

UGG boots are hard to put on because they are more narrow than most footwear. Additionally, UGG boots have seams running across the front and have small openings on the shaft.

1. The material has yet to be compressed

A new pair of UGG boots may feel quite tight, as the wool has yet to be compressed. When the wool is uncompressed, it may require some force to put the boots on for the first few uses.

Like all shoes, UGG boots will take some time to break into. As you wear them, the material will begin to stretch and compress, molding to the unique shape of your feet, and providing comfort.

2. Some UGG boots are more narrow

Some UGG boots are harder to put on because they are a bit more narrow and streamlined than the Classic Collection. If this is the case, you can order a size up to compensate.

If you’re having trouble putting on your UGG boots, it could mean you’ve chosen the wrong boot size. Make sure to read this article about UGG boot sizing so you can get the right fit.

It’s important not to force, stretch, or pull on your boots too much – forcing the material around your foot can cause unnecessary creases in the fabric and sometimes, even splits!

3. The seam around the ankle makes them hard to put on

Many reviewers have said that UGG boots are super hard to put on because of the seam that comes across in the front. This is the unique design of a pair of UGG boots.

While the ankle seam does make it very difficult to get your foot into, the boots fit great once you’ve successfully inserted your feet inside. But if you have thick feet, forget about it.

4. Small opening on the shaft

Tall UGG boots are harder to put on than shorter ones, especially because they have smaller openings on the shaft. Choose shorter UGG boots because they are easier to wear.

If you have wide feet, consider these UGG boots. Alternatively, get these UGG boots if you have wide calves. Those are the reviews of some of the best UGG boots.

How to put on UGG boots correctly

If you are having a hard time putting on your UGG boots, here are three of the best pointers you can implement right now. You can wear them without unnecessary pushing and pulling.

1. Grip the upper-back portion of the heel

A new pair of UGG boots may feel quite tight, as the wool has yet to be compressed. When the wool is uncompressed, it may require some force to put the boots on for the first few uses.

Additionally, the heel area of the UGG boots is designed with a harder material compared to the surrounding boot to provide support. The trick is to manipulate the heel area. 

When putting an UGG boot on for the first few times, grip the upper-back portion of the heel and pull up. At the same time, press your foot down and into the boot.

Many UGG boots come with pull tags to help pull them onto your feet. These pull tags, often shaped like a loop, are designed to help you slip into the boots easily.

2. Use your body weight to slip into the boot

If your boots have pull tags, great, they are easier to put on. However, if your boots do not have pull tags, you’ll need to use your body weight to slip into each boot.

The trick is to not pull the boot on with your hands. Instead, place the UGG boots flat on the floor and use your body weight to slide into the boots, one pair at a time.

Here’s how:

  1. Slip your foot into the UGG boot (until your heel meets the ankle seam).
  2. Place the sole of the boot on the floor.
  3. Hold onto the sides of the boot via the top seam.
  4. Gently push your heel into the boot.

Avoid wiggling your heel into the boot as much as possible. This can cause damage to your boots. As the boots get more use, they will require less force to put on.

Rather than pulling an UGG boot on via the rim of the boot or its pull tag, it is much easier to drop your toes first from above and let them slide through the sheepskin and wool lining.

I find this method easier, and I think you will too. Avoid pulling an UGG boot on via the top seam, rim of the boot, or the pull tag too often – this can cause damage and tears over time.

3. Use a shoehorn to help you

If you have a shoehorn, it will greatly assist with the first few wears.

A shoe horn, also known as a shoe spoon, is a product designed to help your foot slide into a boot. It is perfect for those who have difficulty putting on their shoes.

For those of you who have a hard time bending down while wearing your boots, I recommend a long shoe horn that allows you to put on shoes standing up (without sitting down).

To use a long shoe horn, set the shoe horn vertically inside the boot with the spoon-like curved side facing towards the front. The curves should rest at the back of the boot.

Then, slip your foot into the boot. Your heel will slide along the surface of the shoe horn as your foot moves in. As this is happening, pull up on the shoe horn slowly.

Your foot and the shoe horn are supposed to be moving in opposite directions so that the shoe horn is completely out by the time your heel touches the sole of the boot.

Inserting the shoe horn before your foot to assist you while putting on your UGG boots prevents any damage that can be caused by stepping on the back of the boots.