UGGs: Ugh or Oo la la
Posted on October 25th, 2007 by jitterbugbaby under Boots, Focus on the Shoe Brand, UGG ShoesI know I’m getting ahead of myself here with the Ugg boots already, but they are indeed starting to show up on people’s feet in New York (quite unnecessarily to my mind, since it’s hardly gotten below 60 degrees here). Now, I know there’s an ongoing debate about whether they’re great or awful, but I’m here to come down firmly on the side of love for these boots (which I’ve raved about before).
I recognize that they’re not the most fashionable (although more on that later), but they’re really the only thing that keeps my perpetually cold feet warm in the winter, and I’ve been relying on a succession of Ultra Talls to serve this important purpose for over 10 years now. Allow me to wax on about how they manage this for a moment.
Basically, when the boots are all made of sheepskin and sheepwool, they have natural wicking properties, so even though they’re not waterproof per se, they will keep the water and snow away from your feet when the boots get wet. Only thing that holds this up is if you wear socks with them. Seriously. Don’t wear socks. They’ll keep your feet much warmer and drier without the socks, which just soak up all that moisture and keep it right next to your feet. If you must wear socks, make sure they’re some wicking material like polypropelene or one of those high-tech hiking type socks.
OK, so I recognize that most people who wear Uggs at this point are actually doing it for the fashion statement, and that the ongoing war is between people who tend to go for the “mini skirt and Uggs” look (which I’m not really into) and people who say these things are hideous clunky, fashionless monstrosities (which I don’t really agree with either). I think I’m probably in the minority of people who really love these boots for their functionality. But c’est la vie. And I embrace their clunky style.
So, imagine my pleased surprise when I went to check out the newest crop of Ugg offerings and found some that I quite like the look of. Allow me to demonstrate.
The Classic Tall ($160) has been updated in a few new fun colors, including metallic pewter, gold, and a sweater knit that hits my cosy winter buttons bigtime. Just pass me the hot apple cider now.
The new Rina boot ($225) has a fun ribbon that wraps around the shaft, and I love this brown/gold color combination.
The Locarno boot ($250) has a great bomber-jacket-inspired look in black or two variations of brown with sheepskin and straps and leather, oh my!
The Upside boot ($225) comes in a variety of leather and suede options and makes me want to hit the excellent sledding hill in the town where I grew up.
Of course, in an effort to keep up with fashion, Ugg has also launched the “high fashion” Nolita line of more typical styles like the Caroline ($295) and the Greenwich line, including the Felicity ($295), but I sill prefer the clunkier looking boots. Everyone and their mother can find a nice looking leather boot somewhere, but since I like Uggs for their cozy factor, I’m sticking with that tried and true chunky warm fleecy style and embracing my winter bundled self.
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- Chanel Boots
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Piperlime
October 25th, 2007 at 10:50 pm
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this matter, the fact that pure wool does wick moisture away from the feet along with wool’s thermal properties keeping your feet warm in winter and just right in summer. After all these ugg boots have been warn by the surfing community virtually since their inception. I would invite your readers to check out the new Cupid Wrap Lace up Uggs.
I’m a man, however I think these boots are one of the classiest women’s boot to leave Australian shores in 50 years.
Regards
Matthew Dilosa - UggSessed Ugg Boots
http://www.uggsessed.com.au
October 26th, 2007 at 3:19 am
Good info here, I totally agree about not wearing socks wih these boots. Your feet stay warmer and way more comfortable naked in the shearling.
October 26th, 2007 at 9:05 am
Definitely the fuction and features of the Ugg boots are superior and noteworthy. But I must point out the fashion aspect has helped with their staying power. It doesn’t hurt to sell thousands of pairs in the inner cities around the US, to keep Uggs gracing the pages of fashion magazines. http://NewStyleWeb.com
October 26th, 2007 at 9:12 am
James, you’re definitely right. The fashion is what’s prompted all the new styles (and the knock-offs, too), but with all those knock-offs being made (many with synthetic materials that don’t wick in the slightest), I think lots of people are really only looking at the fashion and forgetting the function. I can’t tell you the number of people I’ve seen wearing socks with their Uggs, which totally defeats the purpose of that function. Me, I’m wedded to the fashion and the function all in one cozy package.
October 30th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
From a foot health care perspective, the wicking function of sheepskin can greatly assist in the prevention of athletes foot. Because your feet stay dry and at a constant temperature, this helps prevent the proliferation of moisture born bacteria. Ugg boots are made from sheepskin, which is naturally resistant to small amounts of water. If you avoid wading through deep puddles or trekking through mud, your ugg boots will last a long time. It never hurts to give ugg boots an occasional gentle brushing with a soft cloth or a suede or nubuck brush. This will loosen any dust or small amounts of dirt that might have attached to the boot during the course of the day. Brush your boots in one direction only When not wearing your ugg boots, keep them in a dry place, as you would with any shoe. If nothing obstructs the opening of the boots, they will air out on their own. Next time you slip your ugg boots on, they will feel and look as great as ever.
Regards
Matt Dilosa - UggSessed Ugg Boots