Don’t be alarmed, but the ugg boot as you know and love it… well, it’s dead.
OK, it’s not dead, but as of this week the most recogniseable version of the toasty sheepskin boot has undergone quite a makeover.
The news comes courtesy of UGG, the US-based company largely responsible for turning the humble ugg boot into an international fashun statement beloved by models and actresses, rather than a slipper you’d never be caught wearing outside the house (As we Aussies once knew it).
Can we just take a moment very quickly to remember that phase of the noughties where girls wore their uggs out in public with miniskirts and fancy tops? Even in the middle of summer?
Good times.
As Glamour reports, UGG has now discontinued its most popular design, the Classic, replacing it with the creatively named Classic II.
Don't despair, though. The New Classic looks very similar to its predecessor but boasts some structural upgrades.
It comes pre-treated to make it resistant to moisture and staining, which is great news for clumsy eaters, and also has a more cushion-y sole with improved traction.
The boot still comes in tall and short heights and is available in various neutral shades including grey, chocolate, navy and sand.
Although it's the middle of summer over in the US, the release of the Classic II is causing quite the buzz over there — but some northern hemisphere ugg lovers appear displeased by the new release.
One Facebook commenter was quick to argue the new shoe was "exactly the same and likely more expensive."
Watch: Paula Joye shares her tips for winter-fying your wardrobe.
An Ugg spokesperson confirmed that, yes, the Classic II is $US5 more than the original, but with good reason.
"While we kept the iconic look and cosy feel, we changed a few things. The boot, as you know, is now pretreated making it water and stain resistant for up to six months. At that time, it will need to be treated again," they explained.
"We also added the Treadlite by UGG sole for increased traction, durability, cushioning and flexibility, a leather heel plate and a sheepskin insole."
The spokesperson also took a moment to highlight that while the boot is water-resistant, it's not waterproof and therefore not adequate for wearing in the snow.
No disrespect to our friends in the US and UK, but who in their right mind would look at a soft, fleecy ugg boot and assume it would be suitable for snow? Honestly.
Are you an ugg wearer? How do you feel about this news?
Featured image: iStock
Tights to buy online this winter.
Top Comments
Easy... don't buy the ones made by the American company!! The company isn't UGG, the company is Deckers and they make their boots in China. PLENTY of Australian companies are still making them, as they have for years! They are cheaper, made of quality materials, and support local Australian manufacturers. Deckers are doing their best to say theirs are "original", but Australians know that UGG is a type of boot, not a BRAND of boot. It's a sheepskin boot/slipper. Don't pay ridiculous prices for a product made in China by an American company and marketed back to us as an Australian Icon!! So no, the ugg "as we know it" has not changed. It's not dead. ONE company that does NOT own the ugg boots concept has changed their design. That's all. Please please please don't go talking about Deckers uggs as THE uggs and giving them more power than they already have!!
sheepskin insole ...important. water resistant...if it needs to be redone in 6 months why not just sell the stuff for wearers to apply themselves? Here's an upgrade: how are the sheep who provide us the skin treated while alive and are the slaughtered as humanely as possible? Otherwise do we really need these?