The popularity of Ugg style shoes

[justajane]

If I haven't already many times over, I'm probably going to out myself here as hopelessly out of touch, but I don't get Ugg style shoes. I know they've been around for a long time now, and probably in the hippest parts of the country, they are way out of style already. But in my Midwestern neck of the woods, they are still very much ubiquitous.

For any of you females who wear them, why do you like them? I tried on a pair once that my MIL wanted to give me, and I found it very difficult to walk in them. They were squishy like slippers. Plus they don't strike me as very durable. Just now I was in Kohl's and noticed a pair that was made out of what looked like a sweater. They were on sale for $60. Are these just meant for wear inside? Otherwise I can't imagine they would last very long. I'm seriously not trying to be obtuse.

Of course I could write a book about female footwear choices in general. I rarely see stilettos or any other torture device around here locally, but when I do I want to ask the wearer if they identify themselves as a masochist. On the opposite end of the spectrum are ballet flats. Nothing wrong with them stylistically, but don't they wear out really quickly? I was at the park on MLK day during a fantastic January warm up, and I noticed several moms with these flat shoes with fabric on top. I couldn't understand it, because there was mud and remnants of snow all over the place.

Which brings me to the final part of my rant - little girls and shoes. I noticed at least half of the little girls at the park (aged 2-6) were wearing Ugg style shoes. They were lagging behind their sneaker wearing counterparts. How can you effectively climb things and play in them? It seems that from an early age girls are learning that footwear is for fashion and not for running and getting around. At least a few times a year, we parents get e-mail reminders from the elementary school that children should wear proper footwear to school for playing. I'm guessing this is almost exclusively because of girls.

Okay, rant over. If you found this all very out of touch, at least be glad you didn't have to read my thoughts on leggings.

[AllChoptUp]

When I lived in a cold climate I wore those sweater style uggs every single day from when I got home until bedtime.  Sooo warm and comfy on feet and ankles. 

Can't answer the little girl ugg questions...sounds like a bad idea though.

[sheepstache]

Ha ha, amen to your rant!

I've never bought uggs. Tried them on but, like you, don't like "squishy" shoes. I don't see them as being too terrible considering the alternatives. And it could be a matter of individual preference whether they've got more mobility than sneakers. (At my job, for example, even though everyone needs to be able to move freely, there's still a range of tastes from sneakers to steel-toed boots.)

I remember absolutely destroying the sneakers my mom bought me when I was a kid. But she didn't care because I always outgrew them just in time before they became too ruined to wear.  So I think it makes sense that parents don't worry too much about the durability of kids' shoes. And between the short timeframe and a tender, growing body, you don't necessarily want something that's sturdy but would require breaking in.

[CatchingFire]

Well, I love mine.  They keep my feet warm and that's why I bought them and why I wear them.  I frankly don't care if anyone likes how they look.  I have no problem walking around in them.  They're obviously not athletic shoes, but I've worn them often to get my kid from the bus which is about a 5 block walk (1/2 mile) with no perceived additional effort.  Cheap knock-offs likely serve little purpose as I doubt synthetic sheepskin keeps anyone's feet warm.  Mine are 4 years old and still hanging in there, but showing their age.  I'm not sure if the new mustachian me will replace them or perhaps find a less expensive, still real sheepskin version.

[rocksinmyhead]

I don't really get them either (other than perhaps as slippers) but some people seem to like them/they are practical for some people (as evidenced in this thread), so whatever. the part that made the least sense to me was that they seem to be REALLY bad for wet/slushy/salty weather, which is what it's like when it's cold outside, at least in the places I've lived.

other than that I'm totally with ya on the rest of your shoe rant... I used to buy a lot of those cheap fabric flats (well I guess some of them aren't very cheap, but I bought the cheap kind) when I was in college. I gradually realized they are impractical and get gross-looking really quickly, so by grad school I was pretty much wearing Sperry Topsiders all the time (and still do to this day, when I'm not at work or wearing snow boots or rain boots or something). I do wear leather flats most days to work (I have a brown pair and a black pair) because I'm just sitting/walking around an office and they are comfortable and stylish/professional looking :)

that said, you would probably be disapproving of/very confused by my leggings habit... fleece leggings are pretty much what I wear all winter unless I'm at work or going out somewhere other than the grocery store :)

[Villanelle]

I hated them and inwardly rolled my eyes at the SoCal girls who wore them with mini skirts in 70* weather.  (Sorry Spartana!)

Now that I live in a place with real winters (days with highs that never break 30*F), I live in them.  Mine are not real Uggs but the cheap knockoffs from Costco.  Nothing is warmer.  I have a pair of shoes by some fancy brand, made for snow and winter, and they aren't nearly as warm.  If it is slushy out I leave he Uggs at home, or if I am being a tourist and going to be walking for hours, but otherwise, it is the Uggs.  So warm.  Even when there is snow on the ground, unless I am going to be wading through it, they are fine.  I spayed them with a water resistant spray and sidewalks and parking lots are generally plowed, shoveled, and/or salted.  I have 3 pairs thanks to a mom who keeps buying and sending, but I primarily wear 2 of them and one is 4 years old and in great shape.  IIRC, mom said she paid ~$50.  So I assume they aren't real sheepskin, but they are so very, very warm. 

They have nothing to do with fashion and everything to do with function.  I need Warm and I've yet to find anything as warm, even at double the price, or more. 

I will say that they stretch a lot.  A lot.  They should be significantly tight when you buy them or else they will stretch too much and be too big.  That's why so many people walk funny and make a clopping sound when they wear them--they've stretched and become too big. 

[Flynlow]

A tangentially-related women's fashion question, why do so many women dress like Han Solo?:

[justajane]

@Flynlow - hilarious! That style is ubiquitous where I live as well. One time my husband leaned over and whispered to me, "Do they realize they all look exactly the same?" Of course, pack dressing is nothing new. I imagine in the picture posted, the style is driven in large part by the legging/skinny jeans craze.

Thanks for the responses. My intention wasn't to make any feel bad or stupid for wearing these. I genuinely just didn't understand the appeal, but the warmth makes perfect sense. I'm surprised I never thought about that. I guess I don't struggle with my feet ever feeling cold when I have actual shoes on. Around the house? Absolutely, hence slippers. Come to think of it, I had a Muk luks set of slippers about 10 years ago that were the best ever. They wore out and I never found any as comfortable. Maybe I'll try the Ugg knock offs as slippers like AllChoptUp.

For girls, my problem is not with the durability of them. Sheepstache is certainly right that this doesn't matter as much with kids' shoes. It's more that with them on it is not as easy to climb, slide, run, and do all the fun things that kids are supposed to be doing. Plus it seems from an early age girls are conditioned to care about what they wear, but that's a whole other discussion.....

[caliq]

Heh, I like my Uggs (well, cheaper fake Uggs) for the exact reason you didn't like the ones you tried -- they're basically slippers that are socially acceptable to wear in public, plus they go further up your leg so your ankles don't get cold! So comfy!  I'm still in college though, so I obviously don't have a dress code to adhere to.  I will be sad when boots + leggings + oversized sweatshirt is no longer considered acceptable fall/winter attire.  Of course, I live in New England so we actually have a winter.  When I was at college in the Berkshires (before transferring), we would frequently choose shoes based on warmth, even cute "going out" shoes.  One of my roommates and I were the same size and we'd spar over who got to wear the lined knee high boots on those really cold nights!  They were actually hers so I usually lost :(

I have a lot of cute cheap ballet flats that I wear regularly in the spring/summer.  They're my dressy alternative to heels, which I hate and can't wear because of serious ankle/foot issues.  I don't wear them when it's yucky out though, that's just stupid. 

The riding boots trend is a personal annoyance for me because I actually ride horses and our boots do not really look like that!  Funnily enough, horse girls have been dressing sort of like the girls in that picture for a long time.  Standard "uniform" is breeches (skin tight riding pants), tall boots, tucked in polo shirt (long sleeved depending on the weather), and a puffer vest -- shoulder mobility is pretty important, especially for jumping, so vests are a lot better than sleeved jackets.  So I guess the current Han Solo trend might be copying the rest of the style from the same place that inspired the boots?

[MayDay]

My daughter wore them every single day last winter. They were the cheap Costco knock offs.

1. They pull on easily.
2. Warm
3. She didn't have to wear socks.
4. They are waterproof but they aren't any worse than all her other shoes, she doesn't wear snow boots every day regardless.
5. Yes they got disgusting looking but a scrub in the sink and they looked new.
6. She seemed to be able to run fine. I had an adult pair and I could walk fine. Maybe not so good for playgrounds in summer, but in winter she wasn't doing anything crazy anyway. Snow boots are hard to run in, and indoors she tends to be barefoot.

[mrsggrowsveg]

I don't wear them because I find that I generally need waterproof boots when it is cold out.  My mom picked up some actual baby Uggs for my 2 year old at a garage sale last summer.  My dad sprayed them with a waterproof covering.  He loves them and they keep his feet so warm.  If I could pick up some cheap ones, I would do the same.

[Rural]

I didn't know they were actually warm - they look so cheap/shoddy that I assumed they were. Does the cushioning provide any arch support? Will they fit under trouser legs? If both answers are a "yes" I may start looking for a knockoff pair in black.

[NumberCruncher]

I have a pair of slippers that are Ugg-looking purely for "these cover the most and will keep me warmer than other slippers." http://www.landsend.com/products/womens-fleece-bootie-slippers/id_258672?cm_mmc=139971612&source=YB&msclkid={io-query:msclkid} - those are the ones - I think I got on sale for <$10 though.

I used to think Ugg boots were hideous and not practical, but I've come around.

Now I can definitely understand the appeal, as I've worn those slippers to take the dog out on more than one occasion. I have real snow boots, another pair of boots that aren't as warm but more fashionable, and then sneakers and sandals. I'm more likely to put on sandals for a quick trip outside than anything else besides my slippers because putting on socks and lacing up shoes/boots is just too much effort some days. O.o  I very well might get Ugg-style boots to wear for trips outside that last longer than a couple minutes...

[Villanelle]

For those looking for a decent knock off, I really have been so pleased with my Costco versions.  I believe they usually get put out around October or November, so you are probably out of luck for now, but if it can wait, hey do seem to be an annual item.

My mom bought me a non-Costco pair and they weren't as warm and wore much more quickly.  I can't recall the specific brand.  (And yes, my mom is the type who, once I express enthusiasm about an item, doesn't always know when to stop!)

I hated them and inwardly rolled my eyes at the SoCal girls who wore them with mini skirts in 70* weather.  (Sorry Spartana!)

 

And if you're Pam Anderson you don't even need a mini skirt :-)!

Yeah that look can drive people nuts if you aren't from here but there is nothing nicer then playing beach volleyball on cold sand and then putting on a pair of Ugg boots afterwards. Heaven!

I am from there! Not HB, but OC.  I can't imagine putting Uggs on sandy feet.  The thought of having sand in my Uggs, which would be impossible to get out, literally made me shudder. 

[Apples]

I had true Ugg brand boots and knock-off Target brand boots in high school. The Ugg boots were warm and comfortable, like slippers.  The knock-offs were terrible-not nearly as warm, wore down and looks bad quickly, and lost their soft cushioning feeling.  They're warm shoes that are cozy and you can wear in public.  And you can tuck the skinny jeans you wear with ballet flats in spring/summer/fall into them.  I don't make the fashion rules, but I did half-heartedly follow some of them in high school.

[Emilyngh]

I don't wear Uggs because I only wear Crocs.   Now, if Crocs came out with an Uggs-like style, I'd totally wear them.

(If anyone thinks I'm kidding about any of the above, I'm not.  Seriously 100% of the shoes I wear are Crocs.   I have foot/knee/back issues and they are the only thing that isn't painful.   I also love all things fuzzy, and boots are warm and easy, so I'd dip my toes into the Uggs pool if I could).

[lizzzi]

I wear real Uggs--the classic black short--and just about live in them during cool and cold weather. They are warm, comfortable, and my jeans go over them. I hate leggings on myself--feels like I don't have any pants on, ha-ha. But if I'm at home doing my yoga or Convict Conditioning, I might have leggings on, so I'll put my Uggs on with them just for at home--with a long tunic sweater over them. I wear them everywhere outside, including for walks up to an hour or so--as long as the weather is dry, or, if snowy, the snow is dry and powdery. For slush/sleet/rain/road salt/ puddles, I wear my Columbia Bugaboots. I have a pair of knee-high leather boots if I need to be more dressed up. (Martino brand from Canada. Awesome boots.)  My granddaughter had identical Uggs to mine (bought at yard sale) when she was six or seven years old. They didn't stop her from doing a thing. People who need good arch support probably wouldn't do well with Uggs, but that's not an issue for me. I want to be buried in my Uggs.

[Allie]

A tangentially-related women's fashion question, why do so many women dress like Han Solo

Quite silly.  Better question is why can't more men look like Han Solo...

My daughter, 18 months, has a pair of little Uggs (handed down from cousins in SoCal) and she wears them outside all the time.  They are warm, but much less clunky than her actual snow boots.  Great for walking around on snowy sidewalks or parking lots where her feet won't be caked in snow.

I wish I still had a pair of regular Uggs.  I have a couple pairs of their clog style boots.  They have great traction for heeled boots, are lined with the typical Uggs wooliness, and don't look completely like slippers.  Now that I don't have to look put together for work, I think a pair of regular Uggs would be great.  A couple shots of Scotch guard and you can walk through anything. 

Let me also express my opinion that unsoft, stiff, and tailored clothing is of the devil.  Why do I have to wear stiff regular shoes when there is a pair of soft, warm, slipper boots available?  I'd take Uggs and leggings over jeans and sneakers any day!

[MsRichLife]

Ugg boots started in Australia about half a century ago. Rumoured to be called Ugg Boots because the designer's wife thought they were ugly.

Until they suddenly became fashionable in the US, Uggs were ONLY for wearing as slippers. To be seen wearing them down to the shops was to be immediately branded as a bogan.

[deborah]

When they first came out they were worn outside - mainly by hippies and other cool types.

[Sibley]

I have a pair of Ugg boots, simply because I needed something that would adequately insulate my feet from Chicago's winter. I hate them - they're ugly, clumsy, expensive and not waterproof, but they do keep my feet warm. So I will wear them until they are not effective. But they are the ugliest boots I've ever had.

Also, purchased them pre-MMM. I'd look harder for the cheap version now.

[ltt]

My daughter wanted a pair of Ugg boots two years ago for Christmas.  I took one look at the price tag and went--Ugggggg!!  (Pun intended).  She had gone through her growth spurt, and I told her if I bought them, this would be the last pair until she is an adult.  I weatherproofed them.  When it's cold, she puts them on.  Now that she is in junior high and not playing on the playground, it's not that big of an issue.  They look good after two years, and they keep her toasty warm--which she loves!!

[RunHappy]

As I write these I am wearing my Uggs.  I bought mine 7 years ago when I was still in my consumerist phase.  The reason was I had a dog and lived in a 4th floor condo so I wanted something to slip my feet in at 5am in the middle of winter to take my dog out and slip off and go to bed.  I had gone through 2 of the cheap Target pairs before deciding to buy mine.  I think when I bought them they were about $175 and I have to say they are the best shoes I've every bought!

I've had to have one of the seams restitched when it split but that cost about $10.  I don't have my dog anymore so I don't wear my boots outside much, but I wear them almost every day in the winter and have been known to wear them in the summer on cool evenings.   

I did buy a slightly different style than most people buy.  The ones most people buy are the classic style, but then ones I got have a thicker sole and covers more of the toe.

Should anything ever happen to my Uggs, I will weep sorrowfully, then go out and purchase another pair.

[riverffashion]

I do not wear uggs. I wore a knockoff until they expired and didn't get another as I didn't like them . I live in NorCal and while it no longer seems to be the style.. The  women's "uniform" for several years seemed to be beige uggs with black leggings and white shirt. Often also accompanied by a black northface windbreaker.  I got that it must hav been comfortable, but seemed to me it was much more about being trendy  .

[pbkmaine]

When I lived in Maine, I wore UGG lookalikes that were real shearling, but about 1/3 the cost. They were extremely comfortable and my feet were never cold. To show my fashionableness, I usually wore them with my pajama jeans and a fleece jacket I live in Florida now and have not been able to find a warm weather outfit nearly as comfortable.

[Allie]

When I lived in Maine, I wore UGG lookalikes that were real shearling, but about 1/3 the cost. They were extremely comfortable and my feet were never cold. To show my fashionableness, I usually wore them with my pajama jeans and a fleece jacket I live in Florida now and have not been able to find a warm weather outfit nearly as comfortable.

Did you seriously have pajama jeans.  I am fascinated.  Were they actually comfortable?  Did they actually look like jeans?  It seems to good to be true.  A pants unicorn.  Obviously, I want these too now.

[riverffashion]

When I lived in Maine, I wore UGG lookalikes that were real shearling, but about 1/3 the cost. They were extremely comfortable and my feet were never cold. To show my fashionableness, I usually wore them with my pajama jeans and a fleece jacket I live in Florida now and have not been able to find a warm weather outfit nearly as comfortable.

Did you seriously have pajama jeans.  I am fascinated.  Were they actually comfortable?  Did they actually look like jeans?  It seems to good to be true.  A pants unicorn.  Obviously, I want these too now.

Somehow I glossed over that ; it is rather fascinating :)

[pbkmaine]

Www.pajamajeans.com

[JLR]

I wear a brand of uggs called Emu. I think uggs are terribly unfashionable and think I am showing my age (of not caring) and untrendiness by wearing them out of the house, but since moving to a snowy area they are my best friend. I have a style that are waterproof. They keep my feet warm and dry, despite the weather here. I love them, even though they stink after so much wear and I had to buy some sort of shoe spray yesterday (it worked well!)
Here is what I have, but in dark brown (to hide the dirt!):

http://www.emuaustralia.com.au/Waterproof/Paterson-Lo/W10771.html?dwvar_W10771_colourName=CHESTNUT#start=1

I'm sure these will keep my toes toasty through the blizzard they are predicting for this weekend.

[iamlittlehedgehog]

I hated Ugg-style boots until my husband got me a pair of TARDIS knock offs. I can only really wear 2 months out of the year here in Florida, but I love them, a good winter alternative to my flip flops :)

[mustachepungoeshere]

They're warm. I actually feel very Mustachian pulling on my knee-high ugg boots on cold mornings instead of turning the heater on.

It's worth paying for genuine sheepskin. I bought one pair in NZ in 2009, still going strong, and bought a second pair maybe two years ago, also still in great shape.

In Australia you can get them with a soft sole for inside, or a more rugged rubber sole for use outdoors.

I wear them outside occasionally, but mostly inside at home (or at the home of close friends if we're just having a casual dinner or movie night).

[stripey]

I am Australian, and I have a pair of 'Ugg' boots-- actually, good quality Australian ones that aren't the Ugg brand-- Bindoon boots. I have had a set of Ugg brand boots in the past- the soles quickly fell apart in comparison.

In this part of the world, they are only for indoors. Wearing them out in public will get you labelled as a bogan (for you Americans out there, basically an Aussie version of trailer trash). They make fabulous slippers. Not designed for outside really. For outside, why not purchase a set of proper fleece-lined boots, such as these: http://www.duckfeet.com.au/collections/duckfeet-womens-shoes/products/duckfeet-arhus-chestnut. They are designed for years of hard wear, and have proper soles, and can be maintained/fixed by a cobbler. Much better.

P.S. Yes, there are parts of Australia that get down below 0*C and fleece boots are cozy for those times of year

[Alchemilla]

Pajama jeans are "jeggings' in the UK. Jeans crossed with leggings.

[1967mama]

Stripey,

Those Duckfeet boots look awesome! Spendy, but awesome!

[stripey]

Stripey,

Those Duckfeet boots look awesome! Spendy, but awesome!

Yep, I have a pair (I should say, 5 years old, no repairs yet.). Not quite in the buy-it-for-life category, but I do expect them to last at least a decade, and probably longer with repairs- crepe soles repair well, if you can find someone to put them on for you.