UGG Classic Short II: History, Fit and How to Style It

The UGG Classic Short II is the lower-calf version of the sheepskin boot UGG traces to surfer Brian Smith in Southern California in 1978, updated in 2016 with a water- and stain-resistant finish and a grippier sole. Shown here in 'Chestnut', it stands three inches taller than the Classic Mini II.

The UGG Classic Short II in 'Chestnut' is part of the UGG range at PUSHAS, with 'Black', 'Sand' and 'Grey' live alongside it, and every pair is authenticated by hand. Below: where the Classic came from, what the II update changed, how it fits, and how to wear each colourway.

From surf boot to everyday classic

The story starts on the beach. UGG traces its origin to 1978, when surfer Brian Smith arrived in Southern California and set out to make a boot that would warm his feet after cold mornings in the Pacific. Other surfers picked it up first, and UGG says that design became its signature piece: the Classic Boot.

From there the Classic moved well beyond the coast. In the early 2000s it became part of the uniform of the era, worn by Paris Hilton and a generation of celebrities with mini skirts and statement handbags. The boot returned to the spotlight in 2022, when the wider Y2K revival put UGG back on the street, with Bella Hadid photographed in New York in the brand's reworked Ultra Mini.

What the II update changed

In July 2016 UGG relaunched the Classic as the Classic II, deliberately keeping the silhouette while changing what it was made to handle. Three changes matter on foot:

• Protected sheepskin: the upper is pre-treated to repel water and stains, so light rain and everyday spills are less of a worry than they were on the original.
• A new outsole: the II launched with the Treadlite by UGG outsole, built for more traction. UGG's current product page lists a sugarcane EVA outsole.
• Twinface construction: UGG lists a 17mm twinface sheepskin upper, suede outside and fleece inside, which is what gives the boot its plush lining without a separate liner.

The look did not move. The rounded toe and soft collar are the same shape that made the Classic recognisable.

Short versus Mini: choosing the height

The Classic Short II has an 8-inch shaft. The Classic Mini II sits at 5 inches. Those three inches change the whole outfit. The Short covers the lower calf, so it tucks cleanly under straight jeans and gives a slim leg or legging a proper boot line. The Mini stops just above the ankle and reads more casual, closer to a slipper you can wear outside. If you want the boot to be the frame for your jeans, pick the Short. If you want it to disappear under a wide trouser, the Mini is the easier choice.

How it fits and wears

UGG itself notes that the Classic may feel snug at first and that the sheepskin can gradually stretch and adapt to your foot. If you plan to wear thick socks or are between sizes, check the conversion carefully. The sizes here are described in women's. For the full conversion, use the PUSHAS UGG size guide before you choose.

Care is simple if you stay gentle. Brush off dirt with a soft suede brush, clean by hand with a damp sponge and a sheepskin cleaner in cold water, stuff the boots with paper to hold their shape, and let them air dry for at least 24 hours away from direct heat and sunlight.

How to style each colourway

'Chestnut' is a warm tan. It belongs with denim, grey marl and oatmeal knits, camel coats and cream fleece. Wear it with straight or bootcut jeans, either tucked in or falling over the collar.

'Black' is the city option. It disappears under black leggings or tailored trousers, pairs with a long wool coat, and handles an all-black outfit without looking like a weekend boot.

'Sand' is the lightest of the four and reads soft and clean. Try it with ecru denim, off-white knitwear and a beige trench for a tonal look.

'Grey' sits between the two. It suits charcoal and heather grey loungewear, washed black jeans and a navy puffer, and it is less likely than 'Sand' to show light marks.

The colourways at a glance

Colourway	The look	Wear it with
'Chestnut'	A warm tan	Denim, oatmeal knits, camel coat
'Black'	The city option	Black leggings, tailored trousers, long wool coat
'Sand'	The lightest of the four, soft and clean	Ecru denim, off-white knitwear, beige trench
'Grey'	Sits between the two; less likely than 'Sand' to show light marks	Heather grey loungewear, washed black jeans, navy puffer

Live now at PUSHAS

Every pair is authenticated by hand, so you can shop with confidence. The live listing shows the current price. Start with the Classic Short II in 'Chestnut'.

Prefer a different shade? The Classic Short II in 'Black', the Classic Short II in 'Sand' and the Classic Short II in 'Grey' are live too, and the UGG size guide covers conversions across the range.

FAQ

Is the UGG Classic Short II true to size?

UGG notes the Classic may feel snug at first and can gradually stretch as the sheepskin adapts to your foot. If you plan to wear thick socks or are between sizes, check the PUSHAS UGG size guide before choosing.

What is the difference between the UGG Classic Short and Classic Short II?

The Classic II update arrived in July 2016. It kept the silhouette but added a sheepskin upper pre-treated against water and stains, plus a Treadlite by UGG outsole for more traction. UGG's current product page lists a sugarcane EVA outsole.

How tall is the UGG Classic Short II compared with the Classic Mini?

The Classic Short II has an 8-inch shaft, while the Classic Mini II sits at 5 inches, so the Short covers roughly three more inches of leg.

How do you style UGG Classic Short II in Chestnut?

Chestnut works with warm neutrals and denim: straight or bootcut jeans worn over or tucked in, grey marl or oatmeal knits, and camel or cream outerwear.

How do you clean UGG Classic Short II boots?

Brush dirt off with a soft suede brush, clean by hand with a damp sponge and a sheepskin cleaner in cold water, stuff the boots with paper to hold their shape, and let them air dry for at least 24 hours away from direct heat and sunlight.