Uggs have been known to make their yearly comeback as the autumnal season approaches. With the weather becoming chillier and the leaves becoming dry, the shoes seem to make their way out of stores and increase in sales.
The popularity of Uggs has increased dramatically, with broad net sales increasing 16.1% to 2.239 billion, according to ir.deckers.com. The shoes seem to dominate fall footwear, and celebrities like Meghan Markle, Jennifer Garner, and Khloe Kardashian are aiding the increase in popularity.
However the real question is, are Uggs really worth the hype? With some finding them suffocating and others finding them just the perfect shoes that go with every outfit, the real answers lie with a divide in the pros and cons.
Freshman Melanie Cronin describes the shoes as snug and a good touch for any outfit.
“I like my UGGs because they are very comfortable and they don’t blister my feet, and they match with like every outfit,” she said.
However, podiatrists find little to like about the footwear.
“Ugg boots and slippers may feel comfortable and warm; however, they have little to no support for your feet. Over time, this results in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons being overstretched and strained. It may lead to conditions including sore legs, ‘tired feet,’ or plantar fasciitis,” according to the Talaria Podiatrist website.
Other websites, such as Tread Labs, see some benefit in the construction of Uggs.
According to the Tread Labs website, “UGG boots are made from natural wool shearling, which is incredibly warm and more comfortable than synthetic insulation. The sheepskin uppers breathe well, so your feet don’t get sweaty. Most UGGs feature soft, flexible outsoles, which provide extra cushioning and insulate your feet from the cold ground.”
The divide is pretty much equal, ranging from the dangers of lack of arch support from the shoes, but also that they are soft and good for the soles of your feet. Significantly, all the divides still lead to a 28.1% yearly jump, reports Modern Retail.
In terms of versatility, Uggs range in a vast variety of styles and designs. From slippers to mini boots, there is a style that fits all. The shoes are perfect for indoor and outdoor wear, reports Allsole. Also, some say the sheepskin investment inside the shoe is worth it as it is incredibly durable.
Additionally, Uggs range in price from 100-200 dollars. The price isn’t just due to their ongoing popularity but for the unique material, durability, and versatility. The shoes are made with sheepskin, which is breathable fabric for your feet, and comfier than the average shoes.
Speaking of sheepskin, it is a controversial material. According to PETA, the sheepskin used is allegedly from millions of sheep annually castrated, for the skin and fleece to make the boot. Often this is done without any painkillers, reports PETA.org, a website that fights against animal cruelty.
On the contrary, UGG’s website states, “We do not believe in the exploitation or killing of animals solely for the purpose of their fur.”
They also say they do not raise sheep and only purchase the sheepskin from suppliers who comply with their strict animal welfare policy.
Many other articles on PETA.org also state that the Uggs brand has taken the step to produce their first-ever vegan boots, which were released in mid-September 2024. Vegconomist.com states the vegan footwear will have growth until 2027, as more and more consumers are looking for naturally cruelty-free footwear.
To conclude, the comfy boots attracted and peaked in popularity in 2000, left the fashion scene in 2010 and attracted consumers once again almost 25 years later. Since then, Uggs have changed and adapted to modern-day fashion.
