UGG makes some of our favorite slippers ever, but the sizing can be wonky — here's what to consider before buying

Whenever I see a pair of sheepskin slippers or boots, I just assume they're UGGs. The ubiquitous brand is known and loved for its plush shoes that make your feet feel like they're being wrapped in a warm hug. 

I grew up seeing people trot around in UGGs during the cold winter months in New England, but the brand actually got its start in a completely different climate. UGG was founded in 1978 by Brian Smith, an Australian living in Southern California, as an homage to sheepskin — a commonly used material in his home country. With a focus on being comfortable, relaxed, and casual, UGG embodied Southern California surf culture and became a fan-favorite brand along the coast. Since its inception, UGG has expanded into new colors and styles and has been featured several times as one of Oprah's Favorite Things.

UGGs are on the pricier side when it comes to slippers and casual footwear, but you're paying for the quality — I've owned multiple pairs of UGGs that have lasted for over 10 years, which really speaks to the quality of the shoes. 

If you're interested in learning more about how UGG sources its materials, you can read about it here. For what it's worth, the company says it only uses sheepskin that comes as a byproduct of other industries.

Some of the most popular UGG styles are slippers, so we on the Insider Reviews team wanted to see how their bestsellers compared with our other favorite slipper brands. We tested a few that have since landed on both of our guides to the best slippers for women and best slippers for men. Unsurprisingly, they're all extremely comfortable once you get the sizing right. You can read our full UGG slippers reviews below, or head to Zappos or UGG to get a pair of your own.

UGG Fluff Yeah slippers

Like all UGGs, these are made with soft sheepskin. In fact, the sheepskin covers the entire shoe, save for the elastic back and sturdy rubber platform sole. That elastic back is actually pretty handy for folks who like an open-back slipper but find they slip off. And the open toe and backless silhouette ensure your feet don't overheat — even with all that sheepskin.

My favorite part, though, has to be how supportive they are for my feet. The platform is lightweight but solid, and it makes for slippers that don't make my feet ache after extended wear. Plus, since the Fluff Yeah are technically slides, they're more than strong enough to be worn out — even around the corner to the market. — Maria Del Russo, former style and beauty editor

UGG Tasman slippers

The UGG Ascot is a stylish driving shoe-style slipper that's made from genuine sheepskin with a shearling lining on the full interior of the shoe. As the first pair of UGGs I've owned, I was very pleased with the quality of the material, but they were unfortunately too small. I ordered my true size and found them to be unbearably tight. It's worth noting that any shoe with a shearling lining will loosen up marginally with wear, but I — along with many other reviewers on Zappos — found the true size to be too small. I'd recommend going up a full size.

I ended up exchanging the Ascots for the other bestselling men's shoe from UGG, the Tasman slippers. This time, I went a full size up from my normal size and they fit well with or without socks. For now, I've been enjoying them around the house with no socks, but I'm sure they'll become a part of my casual fall shoe rotation because of the warm and cozy shearling lining. In terms of aesthetics, the braided border around the shoe makes the UGG Tasmans a bit more stylish. — Amir Ismael, style & beauty editor

UGG Coquette slippers

The first pair of UGG slippers I owned was a driver style, and they quickly found themselves collecting dust because of the too-snug fit that Amir mentioned above. I'd actually been meaning to replace them with one of UGG's slide-on pairs for years but never got around to it. Once I put on the Coquette for the first time, I realized I'd made a huge mistake in not doing it sooner.

Unlike the drivers, these are cozy and plush without suffocating my feet. I also really like the rubber lug sole because it lets me walk outside to sit on the patio or check the mail without thinking twice about switching shoes. I usually order down a size with UGG, but this time I ordered up a size to leave some extra room, and it was the right choice. I've been wearing these all day, every day for the past month and I don't see that changing any time soon. — Ashley Phillips, former style and beauty editor

UGG Ansley slippers

Growing up, I had a pair of UGG Tasman slippers. I loved them so much I wore them until the inner sole was matted, and the embroidered trim was unraveling. I was sad to see them go, but all the more excited to try the Ansley — another bestselling pair. 

From first wear, the inside of the Ansley was superbly plush. Just slipping your feet inside feels luxurious, something I think you'll feel with any pair of UGGs in the beginning. They're great for lounging around in your house. However, I found these to run a bit small. I ordered them in my usual size, and they felt a bit tight, though I know they will stretch out a little because they're made of sheepskin. If you have wider feet or really don't like the feel of a more fitted slipper, I'd suggest going up a size.

I like the classic driver style of the Ansley because it covers your feet enough to go outside and pick up the paper on a chilly day. But, if you're looking for more of an indoor-outdoor slipper, I would suggest the Tasman. It has a thicker sole which makes it more equipped for time spent outdoors. I think both styles are worth the price based on how often I wear slippers, but if you don't want to spend this much and still want a great pair, I'd also suggest checking out Minnetonka. — Remi Rosmarin, former style and beauty reporter

Shop UGG shoes at UGG or Zappos

Remi Rosmarin

Commerce Reporter

Remi is a former reporter for Business Insider's affiliate commerce team, Insider Reviews. After graduating from Colgate University with a degree in Creative Writing and Political Science, Remi joined Business Insider to help readers find the best products worth buying. Since joining the team in 2018, Remi has reviewed hundreds of products and interviewed founders of industry disruptors, such as direct-to-consumer startups Koio and Absolut Art.  She specializes in women's lifestyle, but loves to learn about any and all products that add value and excitement to our everyday lives. Say hello at rrosmarin@businessinsider.com.  Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.

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