UGG Boots Blog

Archive for February, 2010

So, you want to know what size to get for your UGG Australia boots. You like the Gaviota, the Classic Short, and have even been looking at the Dakota. Your figure, hey, I’m a size 8.5, I’ll get a size 8 for all of these! Hold on a second, though; each of these styles has a different sizing recommendation!

What many people aren’t aware of is that the sizing for UGG Australia shoes varies depending on the collection. The Gaviota is part of the Surf collection, which does stretch a little bit, but the most you want to size down is a half size.

Gaviota Black

On the other hand, everything in the Classic collection runs large and stretches with each wear. For the Classic Collection (which has such items as the Classic Short, Classic Tall, and Bailey Button) UGG Australia recommends that you size down a full size. If you’re a half size, hold on to your hat: while UGG recommends sizing down a half size if you are between sizes (a size 8.5 would then get an 8), we at FleeceFootwear.com have found from personal experience that we are far more comfortable sizing down a size and a half. Based on our experience, a size 8.5 would be happier with a size 7 Classic in the long run, primarily because this collection is known to stretch so much.

Bailey Button Grey

Confused yet? It gets better. At this point you’re probably thinking, “Great, most styles I get my regular size, and the Classic Collection I size down.” You’re mostly right, but there are more exceptions. The Dakota is one of the more fitted styles, similar to the Scalloped Moc and the Retreat, and for these styles its recommended that if you are a half size you should size up. So, someone who is a size 8.5 would get a size 9 in the Dakota, but may also have a size 7 in the Classic Short.

Dakota Tobacco

There is a lot of conflicting information and it can get confusing, especially since there are exceptions based on your personal footwear needs. Thankfully, we at FleeceFootwear.com have supplied a venue for consumers to give their sizing opinion; each style has an option to add your review of the item and to view what others have to say. And of course, you can always call our friendly customer service at 1-800-966-1780 for any of your UGG questions!

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There seems to be a near constant battle between modernity and history in literature, architecture, vernacular…and of course, fashion. The over arching opinion in the fashion world is that if it was in style a week ago, it’s too old to wear today. Yet, as brands like Chanel prove, there is nothing better than a classic. So, how to proceed? Dedicate yourself to only choosing the newest options, or live in the past with the oldies but goodies? Is it really possible to blend the classics with current trends without looking like a schizophrenic bag lady?

In some cases, no. I highly doubt that even Gisele Bundchen could carry off a Chanel suit with flashy Betsey Johnson pumps. However, there are ways to combine current trends with your wardrobe classics to create a look that is contemporary, stylish, and most importantly, you.

The first thing I look for when venturing beyond my well loved trousseau is color. If your clothing palette seems to revolve around grey, black and beige, the best thing you can do is branch out to a new color, even if it’s just another neutral. Expand your horizons a little, and your options open up. That’s why I love that UGG Australia comes out with new colors in their Classic collection every season. There are, of course, the core colors of Chestnut, Chocolate, Black and Sand, but why not get a little daring with the new Dusty Wysteria? Even if you are devoted to black more than an undertaker, this subtle purple will add just a dash of color without the abrasiveness of a more pigmented hue.

Classic Tall Dusty Wysteria

Maybe, like me, you avoid patterns and prefer to stick to a strict “one color per item” policy. In that case, let shoes be where you are daring! Check out the new Classic Tall Stripe Cable Knit in Dusty Wysteria Seashell Rose or Adriatic Blue Soothing Sea. The name itself will spice up your closet!

Classic Tall Stripe Cable Knit Adriatic Blue Soothing Sea

Much though I love UGG Australia boots, I do have to admit that the Classics are not for everyone. I do love my Classic Short Eggplant boots (probably more than I should), but there are some people for whom this look simply does not fit the image they want to portray to the world. Thank goodness UGG has some new styles, such as the very “in” tall and slouchy Highkoo.

Highkoo Grey

If you think about it, UGG Australia is proof that you can meld the old with the new; the Classic Short has been around since the ’70’s and yet each season the brand churns out new and exciting styles! Rather than discarding the items you’ve been happily wearing for years, just add a new kick to it. Embrace the old and welcome the new!

UGG Australia has become increasingly popular, worn by every teenage girl in America and flaunted on full page ads in Vogue magazine. However, with their popularity and rise as a fashion item also comes the fake UGG sellers and concerns over quality and authenticity. This naturally leads to an almost paranoid concern when purchasing UGG Australia products, especially online.

Consumers have certain expectations for the appearance and quality of the items they receive. The following questions regarding UGG Australia products have become rather common: Why might a color look ever so slightly different from last season? Why are my black UGG Australia Classic Short boots dying my feet black? How does water effect the surface of my boots?

The first thing to be aware of is that sheepskin is a natural fiber and these boots are handmade. This may seem obvious, but basically what this means is that every boot will be a little different. Of course, UGG Australia has strict guidelines regarding the quality and manufacturing of their product, but there will naturally be some slight variations because the shoes are made of a natural material. Man-made fabrics, such as polyester, are more consistent in their appearance and texture because they are based on a specific formula. I think we can all agree that sheep do not follow any such formula. It is logical, when you think about it, that each boot may have a slightly different texture to the fur and a slightly different reaction to the dye because sheep are unique, in their own sheepy way.

Each season UGG Australia makes slight adjustments to their shoes, trying to make it better each year, and also to throw off any fake UGG manufacturers who may try to mimic the authentic brand. That’s why the sole is sometimes different between seasons, and the dye batch may have a slightly different hue to it.

I think the issue that causes most consternation among consumers is when they purchase a black slipper or boot and are distressed to discover that the black dye is transferring to their feet. Believe it or not, this is normal. Black is a heavily pigmented dye, and sometimes not all of the dye gets fully absorbed into the fleece and suede. Dye transfer isn’t a sign that the dye is going to all come off, it just means there is a little extra on the surface. This is normal for all strongly dyed leather products, and after a week or so of regular wear you’ll notice that the dye transfer starts to significantly decrease. (And consequently, your feet/socks stop turning black). Eventually, it stops all together, once all the excess surface dye has rubbed off. Personally, I think a little dye on your socks is worth it for such a great boot!

UGG Classic Tall Black

Another great question is about the effect of water on UGG Australia boots. Leather boots like the UGG Australia Kensington are naturally a little more water resistant, and the Adirondack Tall (which is made for harsher weather) is advertised as waterproof, but the majority of UGG Australia boots should be treated with a waterproofing spray of some sort. Suede, like that on the Classic Tall and Classic Short, is a more sensitive type of leather. This type of leather is water resistant and will help protect your feet from damp weather, but that doesn’t mean that excessive moisture won’t alter the appearance of the boot. Historically this makes sense; the UGG Australia Classic boots started out on Australian surfers, not skiers in Massachusetts. It’s not a defect if you wear your boots in a downpour and they look stained by the water, even if you sprayed them with waterproofing spray. Even with the best precautions suede is generally not going to be the best type of leather for repelling water. What a great excuse for buying two pairs of UGG Australia boots: one for heavy rain and one for the rest of the year!

Of course, there are many other questions about UGG Australia products. Let’s face it, they make really great boots, and of course you want as much information as you can get your hands on! If you have any questions about authorized UGG Australia retailer FleeceFootwear.com, or about the brand in general please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-966-1780. Happy UGG Day!