Gabriella Peña, a 31-year-old hair stylist from Traverse City, Michigan, experienced a painful mishap on December 6, 2024, when she chipped her front tooth while skating on an ice rink wearing UGG boots. Peña attended a curling game at her salon’s office party and made the ill-advised choice to skate in the flat, fuzzy boots. Shortly after stepping onto the ice, she began spinning around, clutching her curling broom for balance, before falling and smashing her face on the hard surface. The incident was captured on video, showing her face ricocheting off the ice.
Initially, Peña did not realize the extent of her injuries. She felt something in her mouth and discovered it was a piece of her chipped tooth, while a glance at her phone’s reflection revealed a bleeding nose. She spent the following weekend hiding at home and wearing a mask in public to cover the damage. The experience left her self-conscious about her appearance, describing her look as “crazy.” Peña sought an emergency dental appointment on December 9, where her tooth was fixed for under $500.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Peña issued a warning about the dangers of wearing UGG boots on ice. She explained that the boots offer no ankle support and are unsuitable for such activities. Despite being her first time curling and not knowing what to expect, she admitted it was a “dumb” decision to wear the popular footwear. She vowed to choose more appropriate footwear for any future ice-related activities, sharing her story as a cautionary tale.
Peña’s incident resonated widely after she posted the video online, receiving thousands of likes and comments on TikTok. Many sympathized with her painful experience, though others criticized her footwear choice. Commenters highlighted the boots’ lack of suitability for icy conditions and the absence of ankle support, expressing shock and concern over her injury. Peña acknowledged the criticism and accepted responsibility, emphasizing that the incident was not UGG’s fault but her own mistake.
The mishap also affected Peña’s personal plans, as it coincided with her wife’s birthday weekend. Although Peña initially felt upset and overwhelmed, her wife supported her decision to stay home and recover. The incident served as a reminder of the importance of proper preparation and safety, especially when engaging in unfamiliar activities like curling. Despite the setback, Peña hopes her story will prevent others from making similar mistakes.