As winter takes hold, UGGs take over The Baldwin School students’ footwear. Since October, the Baldwin hallways have been filled with students wearing an assortment of UGGs, from ultra-mini boots to Tasman slippers. All styles, colors and sizes of the shoe can be spotted.
Despite their seemingly trendy style, UGGs actually date back to the 1970s. According to UGG.com, the shoes first became popular among Australian surfers as a way to warm up their cold feet after a surf session. Unlike today, they were worn without socks. When Australian surfers arrived in the United States, they realized that sheepskin boots were missing in American fashion. Thus, Australian surfer Brian Smith created the popular shoe brand.
UGGs quickly became a fashion staple through celebrity promotion. Celebrities, including Blake Lively and Paris Hilton, sported the long-boot style UGGs both on the red carpet and on casual shopping trips. The shoes were even promoted by high fashion models like Kate Moss. The bulky shape and fluffy style of the boots fit perfectly into the dramatic fashion of the 2000s, making UGGs one of the most popular shoes of the decade.
However, like all fashion trends, the UGG epidemic eventually peaked and died down. According to an article by highsnobiety.com, by the 2010s, UGGs were considered basic and overworn. They had turned UGG-ly! The shoes were associated with “lazy” fashion, and those wearing them were often considered underdressed.
But in 2020, UGGs made a comeback. Fashion icons such as Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski ushered in a new life for the boots with the low-topped ultra minis. UGG slippers, such as the Tasman and Scuffette, also rose in popularity. Once again, UGGs could be seen on the feet of the young generations.
Among Baldwin students, UGGs are lauded for their comfort and style.
“Wearing my UGGs is like walking on clouds,” Lyla Mason ‘26 said. “I get so excited to wear my platform UGGs because I get three inches taller.”
Many also noted how UGGs’ plush interior insulated them from cold weather.
“They keep you warm, so they’re perfect for the fall and winter season,” Remi Feldman ‘27, a proud owner of the Classic Ultra Mini Boots, said.
However, students disagreed on which styles they liked best.
“I chose the UGG mini boots and the slippers instead of the long boots because they are more casual and I like the style better,” Gwen Gattuso ‘28 said.
Meanwhile, Mason dislikes the ultra-mini boots and doesn’t mind the long boot style.
“I actually don’t get the hate for the tall ones. I hate the ultra-minis, though, because I think the top is weird,” Mason said. “As long as they have a symmetrical top I think they’re cute. It’s a look either you like or don’t like.”
Gemma Young ‘25 isn’t a fan of the boot style. Instead, she owns three different styles and colors of the UGG slippers.
“I used to wear the boots when I was younger, so they always remind me of that,” Young said.
Despite the various opinions on favorite UGG styles, one thing is clear: Baldwin students embrace UGGs’ casual and simple style. Instead of wearing them as a statement piece or calling them sloppy, students wear UGGs as everyday footwear, where fashion and comfort converge.
