Classic Uggs: fashion or gear?

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Classic Uggs: fashion or gear?

— by Angie

on January 7, 2009

Uggs are extremely popular and there is no stopping the look. I’ve seen teens and women of all ages wearing the Australian ped in all sorts of everyday fashion ensembles (over jeans, with sweats and under skirts). In an overly snowy Seattle, the weatherproof Ugg has been the number one item of footwear on the streets and it’s virtually sold out at retail.

There are Uggs and there are Uggs. The “classic” Ugg is styled like a bedroom slipper and should not be sported as fashion outside the comfort of your home. I hear they are practical in the snow and I might make an exception for this. I can understand them functioning as necessary gear for walking in the snow or shoveling snow in the driveway (you can change into other boots or shoes once you’re back on warm dry land). As for an après ski statement, I wouldn’t take it that far.

You have countless options when it comes to stylish weather proof boots for snowy Winters. Actually, there are stylish options by the same brand. Bring on the pro-Ugg arguments if you’re a classic Ugg wearer. I doubt you’ll change my mind.

The “classic” Ugg, which made the brand famous. I call them “the bedroom slipper variety”. Not so fab.

These Uggs are infinitely more flattering and stylish because they actually look like a shoe.

Footwear

60 comments · Add a comment

redhead

Ugg makes a cool bedroom slipper, so I’ve never thought of the classic Ugg as a bedroom slipper style shoe. I think the classic style looks great with pair of jeans and sweater, not so with sweats and skirts. With 2 small children, my budget doesn’t have room for the real thing, but if my knock-off’s are as warm, sturdy and as comfortable as their competition–I say get a pair.

January 7, 2009 at 8:51 am

Maris Olsen

I totally agree Angie. “Ugh” to the Uggs craze – just another example of personal sloppiness, IMHO.

January 7, 2009 at 8:51 am

Aurora

Uggs are good for cold dry days, i wear mine to Steeler games in the winter. that is about it.

January 7, 2009 at 8:54 am

JuliJuli

Due to a Nordies snafu, I’m still WAITING for my Brookfield talls to arrive – but once they do I will be wearing them a lot! I’m looking forward to some warm, comfy boots that are also stylish.

January 7, 2009 at 8:59 am

Plumeria

I love the classic UGG! I use to be like you when I thought they were ugg-ly. But then I tried them on, I fell in

January 7, 2009 at 9:04 am

Joey

Fashion if you live in Siberia or Iceland. Gear if you live anywhere else.

January 7, 2009 at 9:09 am

Tanya

I also agree with Angie. I really like the boots in the bottom row, especially the sand wedge pair. I would wear those in a heartbeat!

As Redhead mentions, they do make some adorable bedroom slippers too, and I would wear those ( as slippers) as well. Like these:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/28.....5&P=1

January 7, 2009 at 9:11 am

shiny

You already know my thoughts on this topic, so I’ll refrain from going too overboard here – I’ll just say that I highly doubt the styles you show on the second row are as warm as the classic Uggs.

What makes the classic Uggs so warm is that the clunky unfashionable slipper shape leaves enough room to envelop your entire foot in thick sheep’s wool. The wool is so thick, it creates pockets of air. You wear them sockless and the heat from your bare foot warms up these pockets of air, making for an extremely toasty boot.

I have a pair of the more fashionable Ugg style, and because the boot is more streamlined, there’s not enough room to line the entire foot with thick wool. They are only lined on the top and not the foot bed. The lining on the top of the foot is not as thick. With socks, my foot freezes. Without socks, it’s slightly better but my foot still freezes, particularly on the bottom. They are no warmer than any other winter boot.

But I have read you can buy a wool foot-bed liner; so I might give these a whirl again, but it would likely require sizing up to make room for the liner. (There’s no room in the pair I own now).

Since I live in Boston, I am not giving up my Uggs yet. I don’t care if they are ugly and unfashionable; that’s not the point. The point is keeping my toes warm and toasty in the snow and cold.

P.s. to Joey: it’s actually colder and more snowy in Boston than in Iceland.

January 7, 2009 at 9:27 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Ugg does make a sweet little bedroom slipper and I almost purchased a pair (a mule style). But I’m loyal to the bone when it comes to my Haflingers and have re-stocked up on them instead.

For those of you who prefer the classic Ugg aesthetic, I’m not convinced. It’s an ugly boot. But Shiny, your argument is sound and very interesting. Uggs are gear and that’s precisely my point. Thanks for the explanation. I hope your toes stay warm throughout the Boston Winter.

January 7, 2009 at 9:40 am

Patience

I with Angie on this one too. But I live in Texas so warmth is not issue. What surprises me is that classic Uggs are so popular here. They are everywhere. In fact, it is only this year that tucking skinnies in boots has taken off but last year I saw it only with uggs. Teenagers here will wear short shorts and uggs. After Shiny’s explanation, I imagine their feet must be awfully sweaty.

January 7, 2009 at 9:44 am

Ana

Patience, you forgot the cutoff denim mini skirts and fur lined ski jackets to make the ensembles complete!

January 7, 2009 at 9:48 am

Real Style Real People

(website)

AMEN shiny- I am with you and you expalined my point of view perfectly here in my snow covered city. I needthe furriness and warmth to reach down to my toes!I wear them daily, with jeans, for running in and out of the house, walking the dog etc. Would I wear them to the office or out to dinner? no. To a doctors apt. or a movie? Yes! great arguments on both sides though!

January 7, 2009 at 9:49 am

lori

my 8 year old got a pair for xmas and loves them as slippers! i, on the other hand, cannot seem to make the leap. I think that they look good on teens and kids and at a ski resort.

January 7, 2009 at 9:57 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

RSRP, your Ugg wearing style stretches beyond gear and that surprises me. Care to elaborate ?

Lori, I box teens and children into another category. They seem to get away with lots of different looks. (Kids get away with looking cute in Crocs!) I’m realistic though. I’m sure I couldn’t stop my teens from wearing Uggs if I had children. But I draw the line at adults. Classis Uggs are for gear purposes only.

January 7, 2009 at 10:08 am

JuliJuli

One thing Shiny – the Brookfields come with 2 inserts for the footbed, a shearling one (so your feet can stay really warm) and a non-shearling one. I think that will resolve your issue about feet being cold…

January 7, 2009 at 10:25 am

Laura

Uggs are insanely popular in Chicago. I wish, the first time I saw a photo of Cameron Diaz in them, that I’d bought stock in the company!!

I have a black pair that are leather at the base, kind of like the pair in the second row, far left, except with a flat sole. I bought them when I was pregnant and wanted to get safely through winter without slipping. Now I wear them occasionally in bad weather. Luckily I made the right choice, given it was pre-YLF

Their slippers are wonderful – they keep your feet nice and toasty.

January 7, 2009 at 10:34 am

Maria

Uggs and Crocs are definitely looks that only kids can get away with! My 12-year old has a pair of tall Uggs she wears with skinny jeans and they look great on her. She also has a pair of Ugg bedroom slippers that are really cute on her. She loves the fuzzy warmth they provide because she gets cold easily.

I just cannot bring myself to wear Uggs, although I really like the warmth factor. I did try them on once but when I looked down, my foot looked like a big pancake! Not flattering. I’d love a recommendation for some other boots that are warm but would look good/stylish on a 50-year old in wet, rainy Portland, Oregon — ??

January 7, 2009 at 10:38 am

Cherylp

(website)

Hmmm, Ive been following along here for several months, and havent said much. So, Im jumping in! I have to say I agree with Shiny though. I live in Upstate (Central) NY. I teach in a very old, very drafty classroom. The weather here in the winter is cold, snowy and in general, nasty. Just today we had half an inch of ice on top of 3 inches of snow. My Classic Uggs are currently keeping my feet toasty under my desk while a heavy Ann Taylor Loft Sweater and Khaki Pants keep the rest of me warm. This coming from a girl who generally teaches all day in 4″ heels without a problem, I think the practicality and comfort of the Uggs outweighs the ugliness factor that they have for some.

I don’t think the Classic boots look anything like bedroom slippers, either. Ive never seen a boot style bedroom slipper, so I don’t know where that comes from – is it a regional thing? While I certainly would not wear my Uggs with a skirt or shorts, Im not above wearing them occasionally to the mall, the doctors, a casual family gathering or out to dinner with my husband and son, along with a myriad of other places. Perhaps its the several hundred other people I see in these same places wearing them, or perhaps its because Syracuse, NY is not the hotbed of fashion other major metro areas are, but I will continue to wear my Uggs without shame. I am very able to chase after my three year old son and a class of 25 5th graders in my normal 4″ heels, but I am also fine with doing it in my Uggs. I think it is one of those “Variety is the spice of life things”!

January 7, 2009 at 10:45 am

Jezabelle

(website)

I think Ugg (as in Ugg-ly) is an appropriate name for the classic boot and I’ve often wondered if they chose the name of the company for that reason. I will never wear them but I do like the warmness factor. I like the flat boots in their more fashionable line, but I wouldn’t buy them if they aren’t warm enough. I was happy to hear about the liner that I read about in Shiny’s post, and I may give that a try. In summary, my comment on the classic boot is yes to warmness, but no to fashionable.

January 7, 2009 at 11:02 am

Images: T

(website)

I generally think uggs are just one step above crocs (in that I think 15 year olds can get away with uggs but noone should get away with crocs). However I don’t hate the ones on the top right. at least the chunky buttons are cute and the material adds interest.

January 7, 2009 at 11:12 am

San

I guess sometimes gear and fashion happen to interchange. Uggs and the North Face jackets are made to be gear but took off as fashion. My eye has adjusted some. I do find it very strange when I go to southern California and see my friends there wearing Uggs when it is warm. They say Uggs became popular a decade ago for surfers walking in the sand. That makes sense. If you need them, wear them. It does sound like both sides are arguing the same point, that it is not the looks, it is the function for which they wear them.
A guy friend of mine who wears very baggy jeans and Uggs looks aweful. If the rest of your ensemble is fitted nicely they aren’t so bad.

January 7, 2009 at 11:26 am

Amy

(website)

Hate them! They look like dirty slippers to me when I see people wearing them. Even worse when people wear them in the summer with shorts. Gack.

Definitely not a fan. They should only be worn in the house as far as I’m concerned. They’re great for keeping warm in winter. I have a knockoff pair of scuffs and boots I’ll wear in the house with my jammies (which I also would never wear in public, but apparently the people in line at Starbucks this morning thought nothing of it).

Fine if they’re needed as functional footwear when it snows. But I have a warm, comfy pair of snow boots that I would never wear when it’s not snowing. If I really want warm, cushy shoes for work instead of heels, I’ll wear Clarks or Soffts.

January 7, 2009 at 11:27 am

Jen

I agree, the second selection of Ugg options are far more stylish, however can you give us more economical options. $200.00 is just not an option right now. I don’t check back on comments, but if you more economical options, I’m sure your readers would be just as interested in another Ugg part 2 post.

January 7, 2009 at 11:35 am

Antje

Hmm. While I agree that classic Uggs are not stylish, they look so very useful in the snow. I have a black pair of snow boots similar to the Uggs in the middle picture of the top row, and while they aren’t stylish in any way, it was my only footwear for the week around Xmas when Seattle was completely snowed in – and yes, even to the movies. I tried other boots during that week but had cold feet, slipped on the roads, and worried about ruining good boots in the snow and slush. Angie, what did you wear during that week?

January 7, 2009 at 11:37 am

BLB

(website)

Is the insert in the Brookfields and the other stylie Uggs for the sole of the shoe only, or does it envelop the entire foot? If it doesn’t envelop the entire foot, I don’t see how it would keep your feet (especially your toes) anywhere near as warm as the full-on sheepskin on the classic Uggs.

I love the idea of the warmth of the Uggs in the snow, but I think they look absolutely terrible when they get wet–and they do. With our snow in Vancouver I keep seeing people walking around in soaking wet Uggs. If I could find boots that were warm like Uggs but were also waterproof, I’d be over the moon. For now I’m suffering through with my ridiculous too-big white Sorel -40 moon boots and my not–warm-at-all wellies, neither of which are appropriate for urban snow. If I were rich, I’d get these: http://canada.zappos.com/n/p/d.....c/106.html

Angie, what have you been wearing as snow boots?

January 7, 2009 at 11:56 am

Kim from Nebraska

Uggs are so common in Nebraska that they are sort of “generic” footwear. I don’t have a pair, but I have to have a utilitarian pair of boots when the weather is wet/snowy/cold, so I have some “chain tread” boots from LLBean. North Face jackets also serve a purpose. There are times that fashion kind of needs to be sacrificed for common sense. I suppose that will cause a flame or two.

I do think that Uggs need to be in “normal” colors like buff, chocolate or black. Do not make me look at pink, baby blue or other colors.

January 7, 2009 at 12:08 pm

Deborah

What Antje said!

I live in a very snowy clime, and have to wear my Uggs (I have the middle top ones) often, if not daily. Yes even to work. Of course I change shoes when I get there.

January 7, 2009 at 12:25 pm

carissa

(website)

I live in Dallas, we have relatively no need for weatherproof boots, yet the UGG look is pervasive, on people of all ages. I’m not a fan of the look and can’t comment on the warmth factor. Other, more fashionable boots tout being ‘weatherproof’ which i think means they will continue to look good through wet & snow. i don’t think they are indicating warmth.

Crossing – the gear into fashion arena – pioneers are Patagonia & North Face. It wasn’t until North Face was purchased by a bigger company (off hand I’m not remembering who) that they went so mainstream. I do wear Patagonia, as does husband. While its not fashion, it is functional.

January 7, 2009 at 12:32 pm

Sal

(website)

Another stylist against Uggs! Maybe we should form a union …

I agree that the more shoe-like versions are more stylish, but also concede that there seems to be no stopping this look. People adore those clonky stompers.

January 7, 2009 at 12:42 pm

Emily

I’m in total agreement with Angie about the “classic” Ugg style – beyond ugly. Popular does not always equal stylish, and Uggs are a perfect example.

January 7, 2009 at 1:29 pm

Maya

I can appreciate the need for warm feet, but I am not convinced that most people who wear these ugly boots do so for functionality. I also think the lighter colors need to be banned. After just one wear they look absolutely filthy. Dark brown, charcoal, or black should be the only legal colors for bad weather boots. Anything else just seems impractical to me.

I have a friend who lives in upstate NY and can definitely appreciate them in that climate, where there can easily be more than a foot of snow and temperatures that dip below 0 on a regular basis. I have to be honest: Sometimes it just isnt possible to be stylish. Not often, but sometimes. Sometimes I see these silly women taking baby steps through ice and salt in pointy toe stiletto boots and they look absolutely ridiculous. I’d much rather see someone in Uggs walking normally. For most people I think there is a happy medium, but in some climates there needs to be a compromise.

January 7, 2009 at 1:43 pm

Ellen

I actually think that a nice pair of toffee or chocolate colored classic Uggs can look great with dark wash jeans, a scarf, and vest, or other such ensemble. Perhaps this is a result of growing up in Ottawa where the winter extremes are beyond reason and the eye is acclimatized to bulky clothing!

The thing is, I find several “other” Ugg styles incredibly ugly! Like the photo on the left – an unattractive boot, in my opinion. Perhaps it’s because trying to streamline that much warmth and bulk just looks awkward, but I am not a fan of most heavier winter boots of that type.

If it weren’t for the cost, I would own Uggs already -and hope to at some point when I can afford them!

January 7, 2009 at 1:55 pm

Sarah

They are gear, just like any other snow boots. That certainly doesn’t mean that I’d never wear them, just that I would only wear them when it’s cold enough for my feet to need them, not in the summer with a mini skirt. Uggs aren’t pretty, but it sounds like they are the warmest winter boots out there. This winter I’ve had my toes freezing in the car on the way to school, and that’s only a 15 minutes drive, so I would certainly wear Uggs for driving if I had some. But I would wear them like I do my current snow boots, when it’s too cold to comfortably wear other shoes outside and to protect my nice shoes from getting ruiened by snow and icemelt. Are they popular? Yes. Stylish? No. Practical? Yes.

January 7, 2009 at 2:14 pm

Karin

I’m not a big fan of displaying the name of the maker on anything I wear, so I opted for Fuggs (Fake-Uggs, as we like to call them) from Lands End. I really only wear them on freezing cold mornings to walk my children up the street to the bus stop, and I must say, while they are not at all lovely looking, they are insanely warm and cozy.

January 7, 2009 at 2:21 pm

Lisa

I think Payless makes some fake Uggs by Airwalk too

I’d like to see some vegan version

January 7, 2009 at 3:30 pm

emily

i don’t like uggs because i think they’re hideous. (well, maybe not all the time…) it’s just that nearly EVERYONE wears them. what about individuality? personal style? however, the wedge boots on the second row on the far right have been on my wishlist forever. now there’s an acceptable ugg!!

January 7, 2009 at 3:39 pm

I see a lot of them all year round here in Toronto – usually on the teens/students. I understand that they’re warm, but the problem I have with them is how disgustingly dirty/dingy they can get…and the lack of upkeep. Winters here are defined by snow, slush and salt and I hate seeing a pair or boots basically white with salt and run down at the heels. I’m partial to my La Canadiennes…..even if I have to wait until they’re on sale to justify the price!

January 7, 2009 at 3:59 pm

Lin

I’m not a fan of the classic Uggs but the bottom row is fairly stylish. As a side note, the area I live in had approximately 64 inches of snowfall for just December and I don’t expect the temperature to be above freezing for at least a couple of months. Although my feet are Ugg-free, they stay perfectly warm in a pair of wool socks and waterproof boots.

January 7, 2009 at 4:20 pm

Shana

I still have not finished my fashion report from Europe but in the three weeks that I spent in Germany, I only saw 1 person wearing Uggs!!! And no one was wearing stiletto boots either – but there were plenty of functional boots that were a heck of a lot more stylish. Count me out of this craze-I live in the northeast and I have perfectly warm, Bass snow-boots that provide traction on ice & snow when I need serious snow gear.

January 7, 2009 at 4:36 pm

I bought my first and only pair of Uggs in 2001 for $20 when I was living (briefly) in Australia, where Uggs were worn much more often by guys rather than gals. I got the impression that they were worn mostly by the rougher blokes for functional purposes only. I bought a pair for my then boyfriend and my dad as well. I found it hilarious when Uggs showed up on the runway not too much later. I did love my Uggs. They were deliciously comfortable until I wore them out, and I admit I did wear them around campus when I was in university. Mostly, though, they were divine slippers.

January 7, 2009 at 4:43 pm

kellee

I’m with you on this one Angie.
No hugs for Uggs from me.

January 7, 2009 at 4:55 pm

Kyla

I live in northern Canada, and am very, very familiar with snow, which is why I say: neither. As fashion, they are ugly, awkward, and look like you left the house in your slippers. As gear, they are just subpar. Where I live, they are popular in the fall, but in the winter, people switch to real snow boots. Wool boots like the classic ones on the right up there are useless as they’ll soak right through, and the other ones don’t look waterproof either. Also, they don’t look particularly supportive, and the tread I’ve seen looks fairly lacking for a “gear” shoe. Everyone I know wears proper snow boots like these: http://www.germes-online.com/d....._Boots.jpg and follows them up with normal shoes inside.

I, personally, do neither. I have two pairs of solid waterproof flat boots that, combined with heavy wool socks, work fine down to -35 or so. After that, they’re not warm enough, but if it gets that cold I take the car to work.

January 7, 2009 at 5:10 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great comments ladies.

Julijuli, it’s interesting that your stylish Uggs come with two foot beds – that might solve practical problems. I hope you get your boots soon.

Images, Uggs are right after Crocs on my list, followed by Maxi dresses and that’s it. I am not intolerant of any other item of clothing or footwear. It’s been fascinating that I have not been the only one to use Crocs and Uggs in the same sentence.

San, wearing Uggs in sand might explain the Australian connection. Come on Auzzie YLF’ers, I’m dying to hear your take on the Ugg.

Antje and BLB, I had great footwear during our snowy Seattle days. I wore thick waterproof wellies for some of the time and Docs the other times. We walked to all our restaurants and amenities in the snow with the dogs and my feet were very happy. My Docs had the best traction on the icy streets and roads. Got to love that thick rubber sole. Two pairs of socks worked well too. They were the perfect shoes for urban snow (and are the perfect shoes for a very wet Seattle). Love those boots you linked to Brianna.

Deborah, at least you changed out of your Uggs at work. I do a similar thing too. I wore my “snow boots” to get to our Christmas parties and changed out of them when we got to the venue. I love that solution and am all for it. If you read this blog regularly, you’ll know that I take my feet and their happiness very seriously. But as far as possible, I will not compromise on aesthetics, which is always tall order. There are fabulous looking snow boots around (as BLB points out) and there is usually the option of changing out of them. Unfortunately they cost a pretty penny. I can’t do much about that fact accept to suggest that you persevere and purchase on super sale off-season.

Kyla, your comment intrigues me the most. If I lived in your neck of the woods, I’d use your modus operandi. It makes perfect practical and stylish sense. Thank you.

January 7, 2009 at 7:43 pm

Nicole

Here’s my Anti-Ugg argument.

My “gear” boots are very similar to these:

http://www.dickssportinggoods......Id=1757619

They are very comfortable, they keep my feet very warm and dry, and they are butt ugly. Would I ever consider wearing them to do anything other than shovel snow or go sledding? No freaking way!

The way I see it–my gear boots are no different than Uggs….practical and ugly. My last two arguments against Uggs are more of a personal nature.

1. I don’t really want to wear something that so many people are wearing.
2. I would be totally skeeved out wearing them w/out socks.

January 7, 2009 at 7:55 pm

Eva

First of all, I am not a Ugg gal. When I see them worn in the malls and other such warm internal environs, I keep hearing in my head, how sweaty and stinky their feet must be. Ugh! Having said this, I liked the bottom right fashion boot.

For those that say, they look good on the young girls, perhaps this is because typically, those young girls are very thin with thin calves. Uggs are chunky, so they would tend to make the calf chunky unless the calf was thin.

I do confess to own the Duck boots that the ones that Kayla linked. I only wear them to shovel snow or hike around in the snow….yes, gear.

January 7, 2009 at 9:40 pm

Kristers

Wearing Uggs or other ‘sherpa’ boots with a baby doll dress…what is this generation saying?

I’m sold on Uggs as a utility shoe–after slogging thru 2 miles of snow on art gallery way one scenic Xmas eve in Santa Fe [totally recommended!] and I was sold. But it was dark and I didn’t know anyone.

I didn’t know Uggs actually had ‘fashion’ boots too…and of course, I adore the most expensive ones: http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7419256/color/38049. Here’s hoping for a sale and to wear them next year.

January 7, 2009 at 11:16 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

We’ve received wonderful info from snow savvy Canadians. I really appreciate your feedback. You of all folk know what it takes to commute in the snow – both urban and rural. It sounds like you do it with style and sass. Love it.

January 7, 2009 at 11:29 pm

Joelle

I say Uggs are gear. If it’s freezing cold out and there’s a foot of snow on the ground, and you need them for functional purposes, then go ahead and wear them. If not, forget it! In Georgia the climate is quite mild in the winter (it has not snowed here once this season yet) and I’ve seen lots of people wearing classic Uggs around with tucked in jeans or skirts. I even saw a few people in early fall (when the temperature was in the 70s) wearing them with shorts (!). What can you do? If something is marketed as the latest trend there are some people who will be determined to wear it no matter what.

January 8, 2009 at 10:07 am

MargoRed

Writing from Central New York and watching snow blowing past my window – adding to the foot+ we already have on the ground…

I have to agree with Kyla on many points – if you live in a location that actually gets snow on a regular basis, Uggs aren’t the most practical (especially those corduroy ones with the buttons and the wedge-heel monstrosities – a broken ankle waiting to happen!) Sure, I see tons of undergrads on campus near my house wearing the classic Uggs with sweat pants, jeans, mini-skirts, leggings. And I understand why they’re wearing them – easy to slide on and off, relatively warm and fuzzy inside. But they aren’t terribly good for doing much more than slogging half a block to class.

For style and practicality in the snow I love Merrell. Lots have laces (which I *hate* because you end up with ice and road salt all over your fingers every time you go to remove them), but some are both convenient and sleek. I particularly like http://www.merrell.com/US/Prod.....proof.aspx and I own a pair of http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/29.....erralID=NA for dressy occasions where I don’t want to switch shoes once I get inside. LL Bean makes really practical snow shoes too (which I find really comfortable and well-made), but style-wise they look kind of LL Bean-y, if you know what I mean.

January 8, 2009 at 11:18 am

carrie

I read this yesterday and agreed that Uggs were not really the fashion statement that I was interested in making. I’m working at a facility in upstate New York today and tomorrow and everyone is wearing Uggs! I thought about telling them all they needed to check out your site!

January 8, 2009 at 5:56 pm

Christina

I think UGGs are hideous.

That said, they are EXTREMELY practical. I would never buy a pair, but living in Chicago, with ice, snow, and freezing winds going from late Oct to mid April, it’s the perfect shoe to keep your toes warm.

My main issue with them, besides the ugliness, is that they are made out of suede, which QUICKLY get ruined in Chicago’s heavily salted streets. NO matter what protection I use, suede boots develop that salt line and become heavily encrusted, even if you do clean it everyday.

So, good for those of you who are willing to keep toesies warm in extreme weathers. But personally, I’d rather go with warm socks and normal boots.

January 8, 2009 at 8:15 pm

Johanna

This we will look back on in 30 years and wonder “what the?…”

I’d never wear them outside of the house. They make great slippers. I have a pair of the lilac short boots, kids sized and therefore at a reasonable price point.

If you don’t live in winters below 20 degrees F in the winter, you look like a fashion victim.

January 9, 2009 at 11:29 pm

Lynn

(website)

I loathed Uggs until I bought a pair for a trip to Santa Fe. I knew I would not enjoy all the outdoor walking around the city if my feet were cold, so I bent.

Now I love them. LOVE them. They are about the only shoe that I ever find myself forgetting to take off because they are dreamy comfy.

Are they my most fashionable boots? Well, no. But sometimes you just need to be happy.

January 9, 2009 at 11:37 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I was going to give the classic Ugg “gear” status at best. But after hearing Ugg opinions form snow savvy Canadians, I’m not so sure it’s even deserving of that. The argument in favour of this style of Ugg as “the quintessential snow shoe” is falling by the wayside. I also can’t believe that I saw someone is pukka Ugg slippers walking around town today – you know, the mule kind. I was shell shocked.

January 10, 2009 at 5:02 pm

Athena

I’ve been reading for months as well, I love all of your advice! I had to jump in on this one, as I think UGGs are totally ugly, but once you put those babies on it’s a little slice of heaven. I have the slippers, and I have a pair of the classic short.

I live in Manhattan, and they are perfect for the weekends, going to yoga, doing local errands. I also wore them to a warmer climate so I would have it easy at airport security. The thicker soled ones are for walking distances, but I need more support. But I love them! They keep you super warm, and if you have a job where your feet get sore from standing all day, or had a late night on the town w/hot heels, UGGs are your new best friend.
A

January 23, 2009 at 9:43 pm

Katherine

I just got a pair of Uggs for my birthday! I never thought I would say this but…I LOVE THEM! I own the classix tall and think they are adorable on. They look good with jeans as well as tight, black pants. I always thought they were ridiculous and I never thought the style would last. I hate to tell you guys, but it has. I was in NYC over Christmas and every other person I saw on the street had them on. As much as I hate to admit it celebs do set trends and such and they are absolutely still wearing them. They are comfortable and do look good on people.

January 25, 2009 at 7:18 pm

Rana

I love them ! even lot of people hate them I continue to wear them bcuz they’re so comfy, cute and looks good on me

October 11, 2009 at 9:28 am

April

I think it’s definitely a regional thing. As I saw others post, if you live in the Northeast and are constantly in below 30-degree temps and snow, it does not get any warmer than a pair of Uggs. Even if (like me) you don’t think they’re the prettiest, they are definitely the warmest, and I think that is more in style than anything around here!

December 17, 2009 at 7:40 am

norine thompson-ord

Active Member

Be careful, they are so ugly, but sooo comfortable, they can become a habit during colder seasons.

September 1, 2010 at 11:05 am

Elly

Veteran

That is the whole thing though– classic Uggs aren’t gear— they aren’t practical, and aren’t weatherproof. They are suede– which is difficult at best in snow and slush. They also don’t have a proper sole with enough traction. Hard foam with grooves does not a snow and ice shoe make. If I had a dime for all the girls and women I have seen wipe out in these I would have a lot of money. I think they are lounging shoes– a great alternative to slippers in the winter for those that get cold.

September 3, 2010 at 7:24 pm

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Classic Uggs: fashion or gear?

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