When it comes to fashion, Australians are no strangers to a bit of healthy debate. From thongs at weddings to boardies at the pub, we’ve always had our own unique sense of style—and a willingness to defend it.
But there’s one humble footwear choice that’s currently dividing the nation like never before.
The classic sheepskin slipper, once reserved for chilly mornings at home, is now at the centre of a fierce debate.
Is it ‘bogan’ to wear Uggs out in public, or have they finally earned their place as a bona fide fashion statement?
The great Ugg boot debate: home comfort or street style?
The conversation kicked off when wellness influencers and podcast hosts Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith discussed the topic on their popular KICPOD show.
Laura, fresh from a trip to New York City, was surprised to see Ugg boots being worn with pride on the streets of Manhattan—not just as a practical choice, but as a chic accessory.
‘There’s something else I’ve started wearing, in New York, that I feel like in Australia you actually feel like you can’t wear out of the house. Ugg boots,’ Laura confessed.
Her co-host Steph was shocked, admitting she thought it was common in Australia to do so. But Laura insisted that, back home, the perception is that it’s ‘bogan’ to wear Uggs outside, while in New York, they’re seen as ‘chic’.
From ‘bogan’ to ‘bougie’: how Uggs became a global trend
It’s a classic case of one person’s daggy is another’s designer. In Australia, Ugg boots have long been associated with comfort and practicality—perfect for padding around the house, but rarely seen beyond the letterbox.
Overseas, however, Uggs have been embraced by celebrities and fashionistas alike. In New York, Paris, and even London, you’ll spot Uggs paired with everything from activewear to high-end designer outfits.
So, what’s changed? According to Steph, the fashion pendulum has swung from Birkenstocks to clogs, and now to slide-on Uggs.
‘It’s going to be a huge trend this winter,’ she predicted. And judging by the response online, she might be onto something.
Aussies weigh in: Where do you wear your Uggs?
The debate quickly spilled onto social media, with passionate opinions on both sides. Some Aussies say Uggs are strictly for late-night supermarket runs or quick dashes to the letterbox.
Others proudly wear them everywhere—to pilates, the footy, or even to work.
‘I wear mine everywhere! With activewear to pilates, with jeans to the footy, trackies to the supermarket. No shame here,’ declared one commenter.
Another added, ‘Super common in Perth … or maybe we all just like to walk in our pjs. I personally have three pairs, and I walk in them every day. Hubby walks with them to site as a tradie before changing to his work boots.’
But not everyone is convinced. ‘I feel like you can only wear them to the supermarket late at night. That’s where I see them most,’ said one traditionalist.
And then there’s the fashion-forward crowd: ‘Nooo! CHIC! With a pair of wide leg slouchy pants over = 10/10,’ one user enthused.
The rules of Ugg etiquette: are there any?
As with any great Aussie debate, there are a few unwritten rules. Some say it’s fine to wear Uggs outside—as long as you have a separate pair for indoors and outdoors.
Others reckon the full-length boots are a bit much, but the cropped, colourful versions are ‘Australian chic’.
And let’s not forget the all-important question of authenticity. Many commenters insisted that if you’re going to wear Uggs, make sure they’re made in Australia.
After all, the Ugg boot is an Aussie invention, and local brands have faced legal battles overseas to keep the name alive.
Why do we care so much?
At the heart of the debate is a bigger question: why do we care what people wear on their feet? For some, it’s about national identity—the idea that Uggs are a symbol of laid-back Aussie culture.
For others, it’s about class and taste, with one commenter wryly noting, ‘It’s like day drinking. When poor people do it, it’s bogan, but when rich people do it, it’s chic.’
Fashion, after all, is about more than just clothes—it’s about how we see ourselves, and how we want to be seen by others.
Uggs in 2025: A winter staple or a fashion faux pas?
With winter on the way, the Ugg boot debate is only set to heat up. Will you be slipping yours on for a quick trip to the shops, or strutting them down the high street with pride?
Are you a die-hard traditionalist, or ready to embrace the Ugg as the ultimate in Aussie street style?
We want to hear from you! Do you think Ugg boots belong outside the house, or should they stay firmly indoors? Have you noticed the trend taking off in your area? And most importantly—how many pairs do you own?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s settle this once and for all: are Ugg boots ‘bogan’, ‘bougie’, or just plain brilliant?
Also read: Iconic brand UGG to rebrand following legal challenge
To each his/her own!