When Did UGGs Go Out of Style in Ireland? The Slipper Shift You Didn't See Coming

If you ever strolled down Grafton Street in Dublin back in the late 2000s, you couldn’t avoid UGG boots. Everyone from students to local celebs seemed to have a pair—sometimes more than one. For years, UGGs were the go-to comfy slipper-boot for Irish households too, especially when the rain just wouldn’t quit. But if you haven’t noticed, things look a lot different now. UGGs aren’t topping the lists in Irish shoe shops, and you won’t spot them half as often at the school gates or grabbing coffee in Cork or Galway.

What’s changed? In Ireland, style moves with the weather, practicality, and the craic about what’s ‘in’. UGGs kicked off as pure trend, but the shift started hitting a few years before COVID-19 turned home comforts into a competitive sport. By the early 2020s, knock-offs had flooded the market, and genuine pairs seemed too pricey for what you got. Folks searching for something warmer and better for Irish rainy streets started swapping over to pricier slippers from local Irish brands—think Dubarry or Greenes—or even the classic Aran wool socks for an old-school, no-nonsense feel.

If you’re hunting for something comfy underfoot and still want a nod to Irish style, you’ve got more choices now than ever. Stay tuned for a breakdown on what replaced UGGs across the Irish market and why it was such a quick switch once the love affair cooled.

• Peak Craze: The Irish Love Affair with UGGs
• Cracks in the Cosy: Why UGGs Lost Their Charm
• Irish Alternatives: Slipper Choices That Make More Sense
• Fashion and Function: Weathering Ireland’s Seasons
• Top Tips for Finding the Right Slippers in Ireland

Peak Craze: The Irish Love Affair with UGGs

Back around 2005 to 2015, UGGs were everywhere in Ireland. Shops in Dublin, Cork, and even smaller towns like Sligo couldn’t keep their shelves stocked. It wasn’t just teenagers—everyone had a pair, from teachers on yard duty to parents running to SuperValu on a chilly Saturday morning. People wore them all year round, rain or shine.

Irish TV and radio got in on the act too. TV3’s fashion features would mention them every week, and local magazines like VIP and Stellar ran splashy spreads every winter. UGGs weren’t cheap either. At Brown Thomas or Arnotts you could easily pay upwards of €180 a pair, but nobody seemed to mind. For years, it was worth it for the look and the comfort, especially when Dublin Bus never showed up and you had to hoof it to work or college on a damp day.

A style columnist from The Irish Times summed it up back in 2011:

"There’s a certain ease with UGGs that fits perfectly with Irish life: unpredictable weather, long walks to work, and the need for something soft after a soggy commute."

Peak sales spiked hard in winter. In 2010, Arnotts reported a 45% jump in UGG sales compared to the previous year. UGGs were a staple Christmas gift, right up there with Tayto selection boxes and Late Late Toy Show PJs.

They weren’t just boots either. UGGs Ireland meant everything from slippers to those mini-booties you’d grab at Penneys or Elverys. Some folks even went for the knock-off versions at Dunnes or local markets if the real deal was out of budget.

The trend felt unstoppable. Whole friend groups matched their outfits to UGGs for Christmas meetups or weekend brunch at Avoca. There was even a brief moment when UGGs showed up as part of some Gaeltacht summer camp uniforms—probably more for a laugh than anything else.

But like all phases, what goes up comes down. Pretty soon, the cracks began to show—and the Irish eye for something new started to wander.

Cracks in the Cosy: Why UGGs Lost Their Charm

So what exactly made all those UGGs Ireland fans put their boots and slippers away? It wasn’t just one big reason—more like a bunch of practical issues all stacking up at once. First: the weather. Irish winters are famously damp, and UGGs just aren’t built for soggy footpaths. Unless you live somewhere bone-dry (which isn’t here), your feet end up soaked or your boots get trashed quick. Even the classic UGG slipper didn’t hold up for a stroll to the shop or out to the bins; the soft suede and sheepskin soaked up water like a sponge.

Price was another killer. After the novelty phase, splashing €150 or more on a slipper or boot—to risk it getting wrecked in Galway puddles—felt bonkers to most. Cheaper knock-offs (some showing up even at Penneys) started looking appealing for a while, but let’s be honest, they never kept your toes nearly as warm or lasted past a winter or two before flattening out or falling apart.

There’s also the comfort thing. At the start, UGGs felt like clouds wrapped around your feet, but with daily wear they lost their shape and started looking messy. Loads of people complained about heels sinking in and slipping around inside—not ideal if you’re chasing after kids, walking the dog along Howth Head, or just standing waiting for the Luas.

Fashion didn’t help either. The Irish style scene moves quick, and as soon as something new (like chunky trainers or eco-friendly brands) catches on, the old stuff gets the cold shoulder. UGGs started getting treated like the dodgy tracksuit bottoms nobody wants to be spotted in outside the house.

And if you followed Irish celebs or influencers on Instagram, you’d have noticed the change too—they swapped sheepskin slippers for smart, waterproof boots or even those trendy barefoot shoes. Social trends here matter. When people see their circle moving on, the rest follow. That’s how a once-loved favourite ended up at the back of wardrobes across Ireland.

Irish Alternatives: Slipper Choices That Make More Sense

When UGGs slipped out of favour in Ireland, people didn’t just go barefoot at home—far from it. Irish living rooms and B&Bs are packed with other cosy options that play to local needs and tastes. Let’s be real, with the endless drizzle and chilly floors, you want slippers that actually suit our weather and don’t give up after a season.

For starters, traditional Irish wool slippers and thick Aran socks are always a safe bet. You see them in markets from Galway’s Latin Quarter to souvenir shops in Dingle. The thick wool soaks up damp and stays warm, which means your feet don’t freeze on kitchen tiles. They’re usually made by small, family-run businesses like Aran Woollen Mills or The Donegal Shop, both famous for quality and local craft.

If you need something with a sturdier sole for darting outside, Dubarry and Greenes still lead the charge. Dubarry’s slippers have tough soles and water-resistant linings, making them perfect for grabbing coal from the shed or letting the dog out. These brands aren’t just names—they’re crafted for Irish weather and have been around since the seventies. A Dubarry pair might run a bit dear, but they’ll outlast most fast-fashion options, especially on wet patio stones.

Plenty of Irish folks also turn to slippers stocked by well-known chains like Dunnes Stores and Marks & Spencer Ireland. These high-street shops bring decent comfort, washable linings, and options from memory foam to faux shearling that mimic the UGGs Ireland vibe without the hefty price or brand fuss. Local shops in towns like Ennis or Letterkenny carry hard-wearing slippers with quick-dry soles, which is a blessing once winter kicks in.

Thinking of what works best? Ask around. Most people say it comes down to warmth and grip—if your slippers can get you down the hall for tea and out to the bins without slipping, you’ve picked the right pair. Look out for local discounts in the autumn, too, as Irish retailers often launch slipper sales ahead of school term or Christmas.

Fashion and Function: Weathering Ireland’s Seasons

You don’t need a meteorologist to tell you Ireland’s weather can be a headache. It’s unpredictable and quick to change, with rain often appearing out of nowhere. For anyone who cares about their feet—whether you’re chilling at home in Limerick or running errands in Salthill—this climate pretty much decides what works on your feet and what doesn’t.

Back when UGGs were the big thing, people loved their warmth. But here’s what got missed: UGGs, especially the classic style, are made with suede and have no real waterproofing. That’s just bad news for Irish winters. Suede and soggy footpaths don’t mix. You’d step outside, hit a puddle, and those stylish boots would be fit for the back of the wardrobe by spring.

Irish shoppers have smartened up. Local Irish brands like Dubarry have made a name by making their slippers and boots with real waterproof leather and strong rubber soles—stuff that actually stands up to Galway drizzle and Belfast wind. Even more, a lot of folks mix it up with wool linings, which breathe way better than the sheepskin in old UGGs, so you’re not roasting or sweating in the changeable temperatures.

If you really want to know what works, just look at what’s being sold at stores like Arnotts, Brown Thomas, or even Dunnes Stores. What sells? Anything that:

• Has a proper sole for indoor and outdoor use
• Won’t soak straight through at the first sight of rain
• Fits snug but allows some air to your feet
• Easy to slip on by the door – perfect for that mad dash to grab a forgotten delivery

Numbers don’t lie. Here’s a glance at what Irish folks are buying now vs. a decade ago:

Fact is, style follows comfort in Ireland, but comfort needs to handle four seasons in a single day. If you’re shopping for new slippers, never skip the waterproofing and grip. Winter mornings in Tipperary aren’t forgiving. Go for what handles a quick trip outdoors, keeps your toes dry, and won’t fall apart when Irish weather does its usual tricks.

Top Tips for Finding the Right Slippers in Ireland

Slippers aren’t just about looking good indoors. In Ireland, where half the year feels wet and cold, picking the right pair is more about comfort, support, and lasting through endless rainy days. Don’t get fooled by brands that promise everything—focus on what works here.

First, pay attention to materials. Irish homes love wool, and for a good reason. True wool slippers like the Aran Crafts range keep your feet warm, let them breathe, and don’t end up smelly after a bit of wet weather. Leather soles, especially those from local makers in Donegal or Kerry, give good grip on slippery tile floors. Avoid polyester or thin fake fur unless you love sweaty feet.

Next, let’s talk price. Shop around local chains like Dunnes Stores, Arnotts, or Kilkenny Design. You’ll often get better value for money and deals that don’t pop up online. Plus, you can actually try them on—handy if your foot has that classic Irish high arch or wide fit. Take note: 76% of shoppers in Ireland say fit and in-store comfort testing matter more than brand name, based on a CX Ireland footwear survey in 2024.

• If you’re out and about a lot, water resistance matters. Check if slippers have sturdy soles so you can nip outside to the bins or patio. Some Irish-made slippers like those from Slippers Ireland are made just for this.
• Check washing instructions. Wool blends can go in the machine (look for a cold gentle setting) but pure sheepskin often can’t. You don’t want to shrink your new favourites by accident.
• Don’t ignore arch support. Slippers like Vionic (which you can find at Elverys Sports) add that bit of structure if you’re on your feet a lot in the kitchen or out to the shed.

Real talk? There’s no best brand. But if you’re looking for the real Irish experience, support a local maker when you can. Here’s a quick look at how popular options stack up by what matters most:

Bottom line? Think practical. The right slippers in Ireland are about warmth, drying time, and whether you’ll end up on your backside running to catch An Post at the door. Test them, check the return policy, and go for comfort over Instagram likes every time.