To Ugg or Not to Ugg?

By Rachael Wabel

Boots seem to be a staple winter clothing item, especially for those living in chilly northern Utah. But not all boots are the same. Uggs, and their competitor knock-offs, have become a necessary item in most women’s closets.

According to the Ugg company website, the boots were designed for Australian surfers as a way to keep their feet warm and dry between surf sessions. The boots, made of sheep skin and fleece, came to the United States in 1978 and found a place in fashion. The boots began as unisex footwear, but upon American introduction, they became associated with women’s winter wear.

“I love mine,” Jordan Allen, a Utah State University freshman, said. “They were totally worth the money.”

Boots from the Ugg Austrilia brand run anywhere between $150 and $200 depending on the style.

Other shoe designers such as Airwalk and Bear Paw have created similar boots, but at a fraction of the price. At Payless Shoe Source the Airwalk sheep skin boots cost shoppers between $40 and $45.

“I bought mine at Payless,” Megan Vaughn, a USU sophomore, said. “They look just like Uggs, but I didn’t pay that much.”

The Ugg trend doesn’t seem to be ending. Logan Payless employee Stephanie Crandall said the boots are the best-selling item especially since the warm shoes come in children and women sizes.

“They’re our biggest hit,” Crandall said. “They aren’t dying off anytime soon.”

Not everyone is a fan of the warm footwear.

“I personally think they’re ugly,” USU sophomore Jessica Meyer said. “I wouldn’t wear them. Ever.”

 (L. Rios)