TO UGG OR NOT TO UGG

It's that time of year again. Ladies, now that the weather's crisper and the air's drier, it's time to put away our little flats and take out our fall boots!!!

I have been wearing Uggs during the fall season for about two years. At first, I opposed Uggs. It took me a while to jump on the band wagon. They're definitely not the most attractive pair of shoes I own. So why the love for them?

Because they are soooo comfortable!

And I saw a co-worker where these exact style and I thought they looked pretty cute.

I've had discussions with many girls about the need for Uggs. And I am by no means suggesting that everyone needs to own a pair. There are some great alternatives that keep your feet warm. But there is something special about the Ugg....or at least it seems like there is.

• Style

Uggs come in a variety of styles, colours, and heights. Traditionally, they are made from sheepskin, lined with wool and have rubber soles. The sheepskin acts as an insulator, regulating your feet temperature. The wool that lines the boot's interior allows air to circulate and the rubber soles protects feet from outside moisture.

So, your feet are kept warm and dry.

• Popularity

Uggs were mainstream about 5 years ago when celebrities were sighted wearing them. For any product, celebrity sightings boost mass appeal by at least 50%. Not only did Ugg Australia have free press with celebrity sightings, but also celebrities were willing to talk about the love for their Uggs without endorsements (or so we know of).

Even bad press became good press. PETA spokesperson, Pamela Anderson famously rejected her Uggs after realizing they were made from sheep wool. Sales for Uggs rose despite Anderson's rejection.

These boots became synonymous with luxury. It didn't matter if the boots were "hideous" looking because celebrities promoted them based on their own free will. As soon as celebrities are photographed with new apparel or products no matter how ridiculous they may seem, such as the sunglasses Nicole Richie and Mary Kate Olsen popularized or the boyfriend jeans Katie Holmes made famous, consumer demand increases.

The best thing Uggs Australia has done and continues to do is create better-looking boots for customers. This keeps public interest high while it also helps establish Uggs Australia as a brand interested in comfort and footwear.; however, no matter how many new versions of Ugg boots that the company creates, no other will be as popular as the traditional style made famous 5 years ago by celebrities.

• History
  

Uggs have been around for quite a while. In the 1960s, professional surfers wore Uggs to keep their feet warm when they emerged from the water. In the late 70s, Uggs began to sell in the United States. Uggs Australia now have a variety of boots and shoes, so those opposed to the "traditional" Ugg boots can select other types. I am obsessed with their version of the biker boot: Kensington which avaliable in black and brown.

• Other Celebrity Sightings