Sheepskin-lined boots walk off Columbia shelves
The Ugg boot has stomped on to the Columbia scene this season.
Created by the company Ugg Australia, the sheepskin boots have been used by surfers since the late-1970s as a post-surf foot warmer. Their novelty is their unique lining of sheep’s wool that absorbs sweat in the summer and traps heat during the winter.
Although the footwear has been a staple on the coasts for almost a year, it is just now making it to Missouri.
Recently, the company expanded its product line to include casual wear and handbags, a season must-have.
Locally, however, the must-have is the actual boot. They come in various colors and styles, and store owners say they can barely keep them in stock.
“We have had a waiting list since last summer and are just now getting through it,” said Sara Springer, an employee at Dryer’s Shoe Store. Ugg Australia has compensated for this scarcity by outsourcing production to China instead of completing all of it in New Zealand.
As an owner of four pairs of Ugg boots, Springer explains why they are just now becoming popular here.
“There was a craze last year, but people just didn’t get in on it,” she said. “Missouri styles are different, but I think it will continue for a while.”
The boots have become popular with a variety of age groups.
“A 12-year-old girl just came and used her birthday money on a pair,” Springer said. “I have also sold to an 80-year-old man. Even though they are geared more towards people in their twenties and thirties, everyone can wear them.”
MU sophomore Ashley Brown owns three pairs of Uggs. She says they are great for everyday wear.
“The thing I like about them is that they are so comfortable,” Brown said. “They are just like house shoes.”
After hearing about the boots a year and a half ago, Brown started buying them. She thinks their utilitarian qualities will keep them around for a while.
“I believe that the fad will go away, but for a lot of people, the boots will stay because they are so practical,” she said.
As with any trendy product, first comes the original and then comes the knock off. Multiple stores, including American Eagle and Target, have produced their own versions of the boots.
Julie Maxwell, an employee at Rue 21 at Columbia Mall, said her store’s version just won’t stay on the shelves.
“We are almost sold out,” Maxwell said. “They are extremely popular.”
This version, Maxwell said , is popular among 14- to- 18-year olds. And pink is the must-have color for these Rue 21 shoppers.
Maxwell said the boots are all the rage because of their versatility.
“They are for winter or summer,” she said. “You can wear them with skirts or jeans and still look cute. There are lots of different styles for wearing them.”