What Makes a Good Kids' UGG Boot
Not all sheepskin boots are built the same way. Here is what actually matters when you are buying for a child.
Wool grade and density
Genuine Australian sheepskin has a wool pile height of at least 17mm on quality boots. The wool acts as a natural temperature regulator — it keeps feet warm in cold weather and prevents overheating indoors. Lower-grade imports often use short-pile or blended wool that flattens within a few weeks of wear.
Construction: stitching at stress points
The seam joining the upper to the sole is the first place a kids' boot fails. Double-stitched seams with reinforced thread at stress points — around the heel and toe box — significantly extend the lifespan of a boot. Many of the boots at UGG Express use a twin-needle stitch on the upper seam for this reason.
The sole
For children, the sole matters more than for adults because kids put more lateral stress on footwear — they run, jump, and drag their feet. Look for:
- A high-density EVA or rubber outsole with at least 10mm thickness
- A defined heel cup to support the Achilles during growth years
- Grip pattern on the outsole — smooth soles are a slip hazard on wet surfaces
A thin, flat sole is one of the most common quality compromises in budget sheepskin boots for children.
Upper material
The outer shell is typically either suede or leather. Suede is softer and more flexible — better for toddlers whose feet need room to move. Leather uppers are more water-resistant naturally and hold up better for older children in wetter conditions. Both can be treated with a water-resistant spray for added protection.
Sizing Guide
Sheepskin boots run differently from school shoes. Because the inner wool lining compresses slightly with wear, sizing up half a size from your child's regular shoe size is the standard recommendation for most kids' UGG boots.
How to measure your child's foot
- Have your child stand on a flat piece of paper with their heel against a wall.
- Mark the longest point of the foot (usually the big toe).
- Measure from the wall to the mark in centimetres.
- Use the table below to find the correct boot size.
| Foot length (cm) | AU Kids' Size | Age guide (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 11.0 – 11.9 | K5 | 12 – 18 months |
| 12.0 – 12.9 | K6 | 18 – 24 months |
| 13.0 – 13.9 | K7 | 2 – 3 years |
| 14.0 – 14.9 | K8 | 3 – 4 years |
| 15.0 – 15.9 | K9 | 4 – 5 years |
| 16.0 – 16.9 | K10 | 5 – 6 years |
| 17.0 – 17.9 | K11 | 6 – 7 years |
| 18.0 – 18.9 | K12 | 7 – 8 years |
| 19.0 – 19.9 | 1 (Junior) | 8 – 9 years |
| 20.0 – 21.0 | 2 (Junior) | 9 – 11 years |
Age ranges are a guide only. Children's feet vary significantly. Always size by foot length.
A note on growing room
For very young children (under 3 years), avoid sizing up more than half a size — boots that are too large can cause tripping and affect how the child walks. For older children (5 years and up), a full size up is acceptable if you want extra growing room through the season.
If you are between sizes, choose the larger size for wide feet and the smaller size for narrow feet.
Kids' UGG Boot Styles at UGG Express
UGG Express carries kids' sheepskin boots across four main categories. Here is a breakdown by age group and intended use.
Baby Booties
Soft sewn-through sole, wide easy-on opening, dense wool lining. Designed for warmth indoors and pram use — not extended walking.
View Baby Booties →Toddler Classics
Short ankle height, EVA outsole with grip, dense sheepskin lining. The right step up once your child is walking independently.
View Toddler UGG →Junior Boots
Taller 15cm shaft, reinforced toe, rubber outsole. Warm enough for Australian winter mornings, light enough for everyday school use.
View Junior UGG →Animal & Novelty
Character ear and face details, same sheepskin lining as the classic range. Popular as gifts. Flat EVA sole — best for indoor and light outdoor use.
View Animal UGG →How to Care for Kids' UGG Boots
With the right care, a good pair of kids' UGG boots will last a full season and often longer. The two biggest threats to sheepskin boots are moisture saturation and improper drying.
Before first wear: waterproofing
Apply a sheepskin-safe water repellent spray to the outer suede or leather before your child wears the boots for the first time. Hold the can 20cm from the surface, apply an even coat, and allow to dry for at least 4 hours before wearing. Reapply every 4 to 6 weeks during heavy use, or after the boots have been visibly wet.
UGG Express stocks its own range of UGG cleaning and protection products, including a water repellent spray formulated for sheepskin uppers.
Cleaning muddy or dirty boots
- Allow mud or dirt to dry completely before attempting to clean — do not scrub wet mud into the suede.
- Use a soft brush (a suede brush or a clean toothbrush) to brush dried mud away in one direction.
- For surface stains, dampen a cloth with cold water and a small amount of wool-safe detergent. Gently blot — do not rub — the stain.
- Stuff the boot loosely with paper towel and allow to air dry at room temperature, away from direct heat.
What to avoid
- Do not machine wash sheepskin boots. The agitation damages the wool lining and distorts the shape of the upper.
- Do not dry near a heater, radiator, or in direct sunlight. Heat causes the suede to crack and the wool to mat.
- Do not use household detergents or bleach — they strip the natural lanolin from the wool.
Brushing the inner lining
After extended wear, the wool inside will flatten. A quick brush with a soft-bristle brush after each wear — or once a week — keeps the pile upright and maintains the insulating quality of the lining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are UGG boots safe for children to wear every day?
Yes, sheepskin UGG boots are suitable for daily wear in children. The natural wool lining regulates temperature and wicks moisture, making them more breathable than synthetic fleece alternatives. For extended outdoor wear, choose a junior boot with a rubber or high-density EVA outsole rather than a soft-sole bootie.
What are the best waterproof UGG boots for kids in Australia?
No sheepskin boot is fully waterproof out of the box. However, boots with a treated suede or leather upper and a water-repellent spray applied before first wear will resist light rain and wet grass. UGG Express stocks waterproof-treated styles in its Water Resistance Collection, and its own protective spray is formulated for the suede uppers used across the kids' range.
How do I know if my child's UGG boots fit correctly?
With the boot on, your child should be able to wiggle their toes freely and there should be approximately 5 to 10mm of space at the toe end. The heel should sit snugly with no slipping when walking. If the heel lifts out of the boot during movement, the boot is too large.
Where can I buy good-quality kids' UGG boots online in Australia?
UGG Express at uggexpress.com.au ships kids' UGG boots Australia-wide. The full kids' range is available at uggexpress.com.au/collections/kids-ugg-boots and includes classic styles, animal designs, and baby booties.
What size UGG boots should I buy for a 3-year-old?
Most 3-year-olds have a foot length of 14 to 15cm, which corresponds to a K8 or K9 in Australian sizing. Measure your child's foot standing on a flat surface and use the sizing table above to confirm the correct size. Sizing up half a size is recommended to allow for the wool lining and natural foot growth during the season.
What are budget-friendly kids' UGG boots that still use real sheepskin?
UGG Express offers kids' sheepskin boots from around $59 to $99 depending on style and size. The classic short boot in the toddler and junior range uses genuine Australian sheepskin lining and is one of the more affordable options for real sheepskin in Australian children's footwear.
What is the difference between baby UGG booties and toddler UGG boots?
Baby booties have a soft sewn-through sole that is flexible enough not to restrict an infant's foot development — they are not designed for sustained walking on hard surfaces. Toddler boots from size K7 onward have a formed EVA or rubber outsole with grip, making them suitable for walking outdoors. Once a child is walking independently, transition to a boot with a hard sole.
Can kids' UGG boots be worn outdoors in wet weather?
With a water repellent spray applied, kids' UGG boots can handle light rain and wet surfaces without damage. Avoid puddles and sustained wet exposure — sheepskin that becomes saturated takes a long time to dry and can develop an odour if not dried correctly. For heavy rain conditions, a dedicated waterproof boot is a better choice.