How to tell if your UGG snow boots are authentic? – step by step

It all began in 2003—Oprah Winfrey added the Classic Short model to her list of “favorite things,” and that was it. The Australian sheepskin boots transformed into a global phenomenon. Today, the original UGG market is worth almost $2 billion annually, and a pair typically costs 800-1200 PLN. Fakes? From 150 to 300 PLN. It’s no wonder some people are tempted by a “bargain.”

But the scale of the problem is becoming truly unpleasant. On platforms like Vinted or OLX, every third pair of UGGs is a counterfeit —according to market analysts’ estimates.

photo: ugg.com

How can you tell if UGG snow boots are authentic? – We know!

Customs officers in the EU alone confiscate over 400,000 pairs of counterfeit shoes from this brand every year. These aren’t random numbers.

Why should you even care? Because:

• Durability – counterfeits fall apart after 2-3 months, while the original will last at least 2-3 seasons
• Comfort and health – a cheap insole means back and foot pain
• Money – it’s better to spend 900 PLN once than 250 PLN three times
• Ethics – counterfeits are often produced in factories that violate workers’ rights

The rest of this article is your step-by-step checklist—so you won’t get fooled.

Materials and craftsmanship – how authentic UGGs differ from counterfeits

You can recognize an original UGG boot the moment you hold it in your hand. It’s not about the logo or the label—those can be faked. It’s about something counterfeiters can’t or won’t replicate: the quality of the materials, the weight, the precision of the craftsmanship.

photo: ugg.com

Upper and lining – what real wool should look like

A genuine UGG is made from semi-raw sheepskin —soft, slightly matte, with delicate, visible pores. Fakes often have a shiny finish (that’s coated synthetic material) or feel stiff. The interior is a key clue: the original features dense, springy sheepskin wool that doesn’t shed when pulled and doesn’t generate static. It doesn’t have a “chemical” smell—at most, it’s lightly, naturally scented. Fake wool is sparser, slippery, and tends to clump together after a few hours of wear.

photo: ugg.com

Sole, stitching, and weight – a quick authenticity test

The original sole is made of flexible rubber with an embossed UGG logo and distinct grooves (never flat!). Bend it—there shouldn’t be any cracks. The stitching on authentic UGGs is even, strong, and free from any glue residue along the edges. And one more thing: a pair of genuine boots weighs around 800 g—counterfeits often weigh less (synthetic materials are lighter) or… more (a thick sole made of cheap plastic).

Now it’s time to check the tags and serial numbers.

Labels, codes, and tests – your UGG authenticity checklist

The materials may look good, but genuine UGGs also have specific markings and codes you can check—sometimes even with your phone. This is where counterfeits usually fail, as fake manufacturers don’t have access to the brand’s verification systems brand. It’s worth knowing where to look and exactly what should match.

The label, sole, and box – what needs to match

The original label inside the shoe is your first clue. It should feature the “UGG Australia” logo, state “Made in China” or “Made in Vietnam” (yes, originals are made there!), include US and EU sizes, a barcode, and an individual serial number. The font must be sharp and clear—blurry letters? Red flag.

Check the sole for an embossed logo, not a printed one. The box matters too: it should be sturdy, brown-beige, with a UGG hologram (in newer collections) and a QR code leading to ugg.com.

New technologies and simple home tests

From 2025, some premium models will feature RFID tags—a chip embedded in the labels for identification. UGG is testing the UGG Authenticator app in the EU, which scans a QR code and confirms authenticity online.

A simple step-by-step verification plan:

1. Wool test – moisten your finger, rub the fur (the original does not stain)
2. Sole flexibility – it should be flexible, not rigid
3. Weight – the real ones are surprisingly lightweight
4. Scent – the original smells of leather/wool, not chemicals
5. Check the UPC code online on verification websites

Suspicious pair? You can report it directly to UGG. But before it comes to that, it’s important where you’re buying from in the first place…

photo: ugg.com

Shop Smart – How to Safely Choose Your UGGs Today and Tomorrow

Even the best knowledge about counterfeits won’t help if you end up at the wrong store. The truth is: most fake UGGs end up in buyers’ hands not because they couldn’t spot them—but simply because they bought them from the wrong place.

Where to buy UGG to avoid counterfeits

Safe sources are primarily the official ugg.com website and authorized retailers such as eobuwie.pl, JD Sports, or Butsklep.pl. Avoid “Polish” stores that ship from China (check delivery times and warehouse addresses), as well as offers on Allegro, OLX, or Vinted—if the seller doesn’t have plenty of positive reviews specifically for UGG, skip it. A price that’s 40-50% lower than standard? That’s a red flag.

Your plan before and after purchase

Before ordering online, do a quick research: check the price (originals are around 800-1200 PLN), store reviews, return policy, and whether the company is listed as an official brand partner.

photo: ugg.com

After your package arrives:

1. Check the materials (suede, wool – remember the tests from the previous section?)
2. Verify the tags and holograms
3. Rate the box and documentation
4. Scan the QR code or check the serial number in the app
5. Put them on – comfort must be immediate

The future? The brand is testing RFID chips and AI verification, while the Earth Collection (around 50% recycled materials, certified wool) is gaining momentum. The UGG market in Poland is expected to grow by 30% by 2027—widespread verification will be inevitable.

Minia

fashion editorial team

Luxury Bl