I have a question: To Ugg or not to Ugg? I spend most of my day in Toronto and it's been extremely cold lately. My feet are cold and wet...and I HATE it! I'm deciding whether or not I should purchase Uggs. I think they're pretty ugly, but is the warmth worth it? How are they against snow and slush? Stains? Can you give me the pros and cons about your experience with Uggs? —Rd.
Aside from Inauguration fever, the only things keeping me warm and toasty today are my beloved Uggs. A couple years ago when Oprah did one of her Favorite Things shows, she generously gifted her employees with a few of the top items on her list, including the Ugg Uptown boots you see me wearing in the photos above. I never would have purchased them on my own, but since they were free, I gave them a chance—and I have never looked back.
I generally wear mine any time the temperature drops below 32 degrees. The pros: They keep my feet enveloped in warmth, even when I'm sitting in my chilly office for hours at a time. They're easy to slip on and off. They stay dry during long hikes through deep snow. They provide excellent traction on ice due to the large surface area of the sole.
Now the cons: While I won't go so far as to call them ugly, Uggs ain't pretty. Everyone seems to have them, which makes them less appealing to the fashionista who wants to stand out from the crowd. Uggs don't provide much arch support so they're not great if you're going to be doing a lot of walking on pavement. And they will get dirty and wet in slush and on dirty city streets (although you can buy products to protect them, I just avoid wearing mine in slush and mud).
Only you can decide whether or not Uggs are right for you. I really liked having them when I was living in Chicago, and I love having them now that I'm in Connecticut because it gets really cold, and I've never had such warm boots in my life. I don't even blink an eye when it comes to walking my dog in the snow; I grab my Uggs and I'm out the door. I do not, however, wear my Uggs for the style factor. And I won't wear them when it's raining or the snow is beginning to melt. When my current pair expires (they're holding up really well and I imagine they will last a few more seasons), I will definitely invest in another.
Would you recommend Uggs to a friend?
Now the cons: While I won't go so far as to call them ugly, Uggs ain't pretty. Everyone seems to have them, which makes them less appealing to the fashionista who wants to stand out from the crowd. Uggs don't provide much arch support so they're not great if you're going to be doing a lot of walking on pavement. And they will get dirty and wet in slush and on dirty city streets (although you can buy products to protect them, I just avoid wearing mine in slush and mud).
Only you can decide whether or not Uggs are right for you. I really liked having them when I was living in Chicago, and I love having them now that I'm in Connecticut because it gets really cold, and I've never had such warm boots in my life. I don't even blink an eye when it comes to walking my dog in the snow; I grab my Uggs and I'm out the door. I do not, however, wear my Uggs for the style factor. And I won't wear them when it's raining or the snow is beginning to melt. When my current pair expires (they're holding up really well and I imagine they will last a few more seasons), I will definitely invest in another.
Would you recommend Uggs to a friend?
Please
please
please
watch this video before you decide to purchase merino wool: http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/pink_wool_video
The sheep used to make Uggs and other boots like them are the victims of unspeakable animal cruelty and mutilation. Get educated on what mulesing is and you'll realize what you're condoning by supporting this industry with your money. Please watch the video.
Like these from Old Navy: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=62002&vid=1&pid=797635&scid=797635032
I have classic short uggs and though they're super comfy they are ugly, and not even that practical for the ice and snow...the bottoms are smooth so they're slippery. As far as stains though they're pretty good, this is my 3rd or 4th year w/ them and only now having some trouble w/ salt staining, but it washes off.
The bad: I had a pair of classic short Uggs and the inside of the heel wore out so they hurt. The bottom of the heel also kind of wore out so it wasn't totally flat when I walked. But I got a second pair (classic tall) and they're still perfect!
Ugg just started to make wellies--keep your feet warm AND dry.
http://www.uggaustralia.com/ProductDetails.aspx?gID=w&categoryID=283&productID=5699&model=Millcreek
www.ontheblogbandwagon.blogspot.com
I just bought a pair of KORS BY MICHAEL KORS Blizzard boots - like a sleek version of UGGS. Supple Vicuna leather, gold snaps and the plushest sheepskin/shearling lining you will ever wear.
They provide ALL the comforts of UGGs without the, uh, ugh.
I go to a college where literally every girl wears uggs, and it disturbs me... people need to try to be aware of how their purchasing power impacts the world. This trend is just ick
1. there are the people that buy them because they live in COLD places and it's really practical to have a really warm pair of shoes, even though they don't work in rain/slush/SALT at all. My roommate had a pair of UGGs and they're so ruined by the salt in Chicago, all crusty and even if you protect it, it's still suede, which will end up ruined, no matter what.
2. people who buy them for the style factor. they're stupid. the end.
I dunno, I'd never BUY Uggs but if I had a pair for free it'd be nice in Chicago's harsh winters...though they'd probably not last more than a season due to the salt damage and water damage.