UGG Classic Short-Still A Classic

Must Have Monday

Ugg boots have been around since I began working in the shoe industry. In fact, Ugg boots kicked off their sheepskin boot sensation in 1978 bringing a bit of the world down under to the world over. Sheepskin boots have been in production in Australia and New Zealand since the early 30's but it wasn't until '78 that one  Brian Smith “branded” them and brought them to the Southern California beach scene. Legend has it that the name was derived from the word ugly after one manufacturer's wife commented that she thought they were ugly—ironic, considering they have become a fashion must-have. The word ugg-ugh-ug has long been a common term used for sheepskin footwear in Australia and New Zealand and is the more likely story of how the brand came to be called Ugg. “Comfort” does not get paired with the word fashion often enough and I have to give ten toes up to Ugg for making it happen.

The recent holiday season had me in Orange County, CA visiting family and in Las Vegas for the Affiliate Summit conference and Uggs were everywhere! Paired with unapologetically short skirts and sequins to warm leggings plunging into sheepskin softness Uggs glided across the shoe-scape frequently. The re-sole-able Ugg Classic was clearly the signature style that everyone is wearing. The Classic is offered in a multitude of colors and textures to suit most any whim and the holiday season inspired pairs were covered in sequins.

Ugg's true beauty is in the sheepskin valued for its' ability to keep you comfortable no matter what the outside ambient temperature may be...which is why you will see Uggs on summertime sand and wintertime slopes. They really do keep your feet at constant body temperature and are not too warm in the summertime unless you live in climates where temperatures consistently exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The Classic Short model is offered in 16 color ways that include sequin and denim textures. I love the traditional chestnut and sand colors and admit I am a bit taken by them in black sequins.

Whether you are considering a pair of Ugg Classics for practicality or fashion be sure to buy them at your local Ugg Retailer...half the fun is trying them on and getting the best fit. Uggs are also offered at zappos.com and amazon.com

Fitting Notes:

U.S. Whole Sizing. In general, it is recommended that if you are between sizes that you should buy the size down as the fur lining will compact with wear creating more space inside the boot. I recommend using your best judgment here...your toes should not feel crowded and your heels should move up and down a bit when you have the proper fit. They tend to fit medium to wide feet best and are most comfortable worn barefoot so make sure you are not trying them on with heavy socks. One draw back to the Classic model is that the insoles are not removable or replaceable--on the other hand/foot they do have replaceable outsoles. Ugg sheepskin boots don't truly have any arch support but tend to be notably comfortable as knock-about footwear. If you have a foot that requires arch support you may find that you could add a slim ¾ length orthotic to help out or consider wearing your boots for short stints like a quick run to the market or relaxing around the house.