UGG Proves Beauty is Skin (sheepskin) Deep

I think these boots are ugly! I have resisted following this trend for a few years now, but finally caved. My 12 year old daughter wanted a pair last year, but we didn't have luck finding any in stock, and surprisingly she moved on to something else. Well this October, the UGG bug got into her again. We bought them in Sand at a Nordstrom store for $120.00. We also purchased Sheepskin Stain & Water Repellent 6oz. spray for $10.00. My husband asked if I wanted to get I pair while we were there and they were available. No, I assured him. I still thought they were ugly, and didn't want to look like EVERYONE else.

Late November, I left work early to do some rare on foot Christmas shopping. I made the mistake of wearing a pair of 4" Joey O stiletto heels. I favor high heels and soldier on daily with 3-4 inches of added height. I really have a shoe habit and own a closet full of BCBG, Guess, Steve Madden, etc. I wore high heels clear through both pregnancies which elicited wonder from the OB staff, and earned consternation from the physical therapist I see every now and then for back problems.

That day of shopping however, did me in. Within 1 1/2 hours, I was near tears from the pain in my feet. The minute I pulled into my garage, I gingerly pulled off the offending heels and hobbled sans shoes into my house. I spied my daughter's UGGS which looked so enticing with the plush sheepskin interior, and slipped my tortured peds into the boots. As they glided in, I saw an ethereal light and heard angels singing! AHHHHHHHHH, instant relief, thank you thank you thank you! I experienced an epiphany and knew I must procure a pair. No longer did I care about the homely exterior, no longer did I care about the me too trendiness,no longer did I care about the whispers I'd elicit as an Ann Taylor wearing, suburban cheer/soccer mom in Uggs, no longer did I care about my husband's all knowing, knew you'd buy a pair look. I had to have a pair.

Too tired to go out shopping again, I went online in search of the precious boot. Went to Bloomies and Nordstrom, but there was a wait. Googled for a pair in stock and was directed to Zappos. Everyone else was selling them for $120.00, but for some reason, Zappos was charging $123.95. The additional cash out was well worth UGGS in hand within 2 days. I tried to distinguish myself just a little by choosing the RumRaisin instead of the more common neutrals.(Rumraisin suede has since been discontinued) As promised, they were delivered in two days and I promptly followed UGG recommedations to treat the boots twice before wearing. I didn't want to have to wait, but managed to be reasonable by following the instructions.

They felt as fabulous as the first time I tried them. The Classic short boot hits just below the calf and works with skinny jeans tucked in, or boot legs not tucked in. My daughter also wears the Classic short with Hardtails yoga pants not tucked in. It's a versatile length. The outer suede is soft, pliant, and top notch quality. The sheepskin is amazingly plush, and keeps your feet climate controlled. (they're thermastatic which means they adjust to body temperature and will keep your feet warm when needed or cool when needed) The sole is about a half inch of dense rubber which is ridged for great traction, and provides just the right amount of shock absorption. They feel lightweight on your feel despite the look. They fit like a glove because the sheepskin will mold to your BARE foot. Think comfy slippers with more structure.

IMPORTANT: I ordered TWO sizes smaller than what I usually purchase for the high heeled pointy offenders I love. They are ONE size smaller than what I buy in sneakers. My foot is narrow, and at 2 sizes smaller than most of my shoes, I feel possibly for a more snug fit, I could have purchased down THREE sizes.

Do follow the manufacturer's recommendation and invest in another $10.00 for a 6 oz spray bottle of UGG Sheepskin Stain & Water Repellent to prolong the life of this boot. I can't attest to wear in inclement weather, but I have observed that my daughter and her friends wear them ALL the time and my impression is they weather well because all of their boots still look great. My 6 year old niece has had a pair in Chocolate for a year and literally wore a hole in the toe, but the outer suede still looked good. She wears them ALL the time and spends plenty of time outside! We have since found her a pair at a local boutique which carries a huge inventory of UGGS.

I wear mine about once a week, and love them so much I'm thinking of buying another pair. They have a cardigan style crochet boot which is so cute! Did I really say that??? Yes, I'm a convert!