The rehabilitation of Uggs
Time was, all you had to do was mention the fuzzy footwear in a crowd and you’d be treated to a brief Olympic-class session of Synchronized Eyeroll. Now I’m not so sure. Stephanie, sixteen:
[R]eally, once you take away the obnoxious, velour-sweatsuit-wearing [connotations], all that Uggs really are are a pair of fuzzy boots that according to other people (honestly, I have never worn a pair) are extremely warm and comfortable. And what’s so horrible about that?
Oh, I know: thanks to celebs like Pam Anderson, Paris Hilton and Britney Spears pairing their Uggs with sloppy sweatpants, the Australian-born boots have, to many, become a bad fashion choice.
But with the premium merino sheepskin and thick inner fleece providing all that warmth and comfort, I’m willing to take that style risk. (I do the same thing in the summer with Crocs, although I hear that the Ugg boots’ fleece, which keeps feet warm in the winter, helps keep them cool in the summer, too.)
Perhaps a sample of two doth not a movement make, but still: Kind words. For Uggs. (And also, you’ll note, for Crocs.) And the world is not actually juddering on its axis.
fillyjonk »
12 December 2008 · 10:44 am
I always found fleece lined boots far, far too warm, even when I lived in the Frozen North. My style (such as it is) tends more towards wool boot-socks (which “breathe” and will stay warm-ish even if wet) and a good pair of well-broken-in leather field boots. Maybe it’s not fashionable in some circles (though I knew an awful lot of people in college and grad school who rocked the field boot thing, even with dresses), but it has good traction. And it keeps the feet warm but not perspiry.
The aesthetics of Uggs? I have no comment on that. I don’t care for them personally but I realize that my taste in fashion is often pretty wonky.
sya »
12 December 2008 · 6:18 pm
Thanks a lot. I usually don’t notice anyone’s footwear unless it’s completely impractical, but now I see uggs everywhere.