Ugg boots, the popular and often-imitated sheepskin, fleece-lined boots, are worn in all seasons. But winter is the time that even their detractors have to admit these fashion favorites work well to keep your feet warm no matter how cold the temperature becomes outside. History Ugg boots, now made in the United States by a company called Ugg Australia, were originally an import from Down Under. The term “ugg” was Australian slang for ugly – which is how the sheepskin boots worn by World War I pilots were described. They were two pieces of sheepskin sewn together. There was no sole, but they were warm Later in the century, it was Australian surfers who found the boots kept their feet warm when they came out of the surf. Traveling with the surf, the boots made their way to Southern California where celebrities made them famous. And the rest is footwear history. Uggs are a staple of many wardrobes. They are worn in warmer weather, but in the winter is when you will really appreciate what you have purchased. Today’s Uggs still come in the fleece-lined, form-fitting style that the Australian pilots favored. But the company added a sole that makes them great for outdoor wear. The classic model is designed to be worn barefoot, allowing the fleece lining to trap body heat and provide insulating warmth in the cold weather, and to cool feet by wicking away perspiration when it is hot outside. So critics can call them ugly, but they work in any weather. New arrivals Each season, there’s always a new variation on the Ugg style. This season is no different for women’s boots. New this year is a classic short boot. It comes with an 8-inch shaft and is available in Eggplant, Pacific Sea Green and Navy. For added sparkle, try a pair in metallic gold. There is also a new shorter boot called the Gaviota. Its shaft is just 5½ inches high and it has a fringed collar around the ankle and a wrap-around leather lace so you can adjust it to fit. The sole is a cork-infused rubber for better traction. It comes in three colors: hickory smoke (tan), espresso and black suede. For a more versatile style, consider the Baily Button boot. It has a single button-and-loop closure and the 7-inch shaft can be cuffed and turned down to 5 inches. It’s available in chocolate, sand and grey. For a functional but fun look, try the Wallingford rain boot. This Wellington-inspired rain boot is lined in sheepskin with a rubber outsole. The upper boot is made from Ugg’s signature logo pattern that contrasts with the metallic-colored upper. It comes in Ocean (a light purple) and soft gold. You will never fear puddle jumping again in these boots. Men’s Men can also get the traditional boot, or they can opt for something more like a shoe, but with the warmth of the fleece lining. There is a fleece-lined moccasin shoe, a scuff and a slip-on model called the Tasman. The Tasman has a durable suede upper, is fully lined in sheepskin and what the company calls “Tasman” detail trim on the cuff. It is actually a knit stitch around the ankle, giving it a Scandinavian look. As the Tasman was built with a classic outsole, it can be worn as a slipper, clog or a shoe. Sizes Most women’s models, like the classic mini short boot, are available in sizes 5 to 11 in a medium width. Some models are available up to a size 12, like the zipped Mayfaire model. Men’s models run sizes 7 to 15. Boots for youngsters come in toddler sizes 7, 8 and 9, and kid sizes are 1 to 13. Insoles While you are not likely to wear out a sheepskin boot, you may find a need to replace the insole. Ugg offers authentic replacement insoles for both men’s and women’s boots. For just a few dollars, you can breathe new life in old boots. Caution: the insoles can only be used on styles with removable insoles. Beware of imitations Because of their popularity, Ugg imitations have flooded the fashion market. From discount stores to department stores, everyone is selling an Ugg knockoff.  But buyers beware. Don’t get fleeced. Just because they look like Uggs, does not mean they are anywhere near the quality of the original. Some of the look-alike boots are made of cow suede, lined with fleece. Some are lined with faux fleece. Some are faux leather. None will wear the same as an Ugg. The cow suede breathes differently, which can make a difference in how long you hold onto your boots. Uggs were made to be worn with bare feet. It won’t absorb odors the way other materials will. That alone makes it worth tracking down the original. Barbara Delp is a freelance writer who writes about types of shoes such as waterproof shoes.

Ugg boots, the popular and often-imitated sheepskin, fleece-lined boots, are worn in all seasons. But winter is the time that even their detractors have to admit these fashion favorites work well to keep your feet warm no matter how cold the temperature becomes outside.

History

Ugg boots, now made in the United States by a company called Ugg Australia, were originally an import from Down Under. The term “ugg” was Australian slang for ugly – which is how the sheepskin boots worn by World War I pilots were described. They were two pieces of sheepskin sewn together. There was no sole, but they were warm

Later in the century, it was Australian surfers who found the boots kept their feet warm when they came out of the surf. Traveling with the surf, the boots made their way to Southern California where celebrities made them famous. And the rest is footwear history. Uggs are a staple of many wardrobes. They are worn in warmer weather, but in the winter is when you will really appreciate what you have purchased.

Today’s Uggs still come in the fleece-lined, form-fitting style that the Australian pilots favored. But the company added a sole that makes them great for outdoor wear. The classic model is designed to be worn barefoot, allowing the fleece lining to trap body heat and provide insulating warmth in the cold weather, and to cool feet by wicking away perspiration when it is hot outside. So critics can call them ugly, but they work in any weather.

New arrivals

Each season, there’s always a new variation on the Ugg style. This season is no different for women’s boots. New this year is a classic short boot. It comes with an 8-inch shaft and is available in Eggplant, Pacific Sea Green and Navy. For added sparkle, try a pair in metallic gold.

There is also a new shorter boot called the Gaviota. Its shaft is just 5½ inches high and it has a fringed collar around the ankle and a wrap-around leather lace so you can adjust it to fit. The sole is a cork-infused rubber for better traction. It comes in three colors: hickory smoke (tan), espresso and black suede.

For a more versatile style, consider the Baily Button boot. It has a single button-and-loop closure and the 7-inch shaft can be cuffed and turned down to 5 inches. It’s available in chocolate, sand and grey.

For a functional but fun look, try the Wallingford rain boot. This Wellington-inspired rain boot is lined in sheepskin with a rubber outsole. The upper boot is made from Ugg’s signature logo pattern that contrasts with the metallic-colored upper. It comes in Ocean (a light purple) and soft gold. You will never fear puddle jumping again in these boots.

Men’s

Men can also get the traditional boot, or they can opt for something more like a shoe, but with the warmth of the fleece lining. There is a fleece-lined moccasin shoe, a scuff and a slip-on model called the Tasman. The Tasman has a durable suede upper, is fully lined in sheepskin and what the company calls “Tasman” detail trim on the cuff. It is actually a knit stitch around the ankle, giving it a Scandinavian look. As the Tasman was built with a classic outsole, it can be worn as a slipper, clog or a shoe.

Sizes

Most women’s models, like the classic mini short boot, are available in sizes 5 to 11 in a medium width. Some models are available up to a size 12, like the zipped Mayfaire model. Men’s models run sizes 7 to 15. Boots for youngsters come in toddler sizes 7, 8 and 9, and kid sizes are 1 to 13.

Insoles

While you are not likely to wear out a sheepskin boot, you may find a need to replace the insole. Ugg offers authentic replacement insoles for both men’s and women’s boots. For just a few dollars, you can breathe new life in old boots. Caution: the insoles can only be used on styles with removable insoles.

Beware of imitations

Because of their popularity, Ugg imitations have flooded the fashion market. From discount stores to department stores, everyone is selling an Ugg knockoff.  But buyers beware. Don’t get fleeced. Just because they look like Uggs, does not mean they are anywhere near the quality of the original. Some of the look-alike boots are made of cow suede, lined with fleece. Some are lined with faux fleece. Some are faux leather. None will wear the same as an Ugg. The cow suede breathes differently, which can make a difference in how long you hold onto your boots. Uggs were made to be worn with bare feet. It won’t absorb odors the way other materials will. That alone makes it worth tracking down the original.

Barbara Delp is a freelance writer who writes about types of shoes such as waterproof shoes.