While world-renowned for their plush sheepskin interiors and indisputable warmth, these fuzzy boots were founded by an Australian surfer on the coast of California to keep his feet warm after shredding the gnar. They’ve since gained popularity in colder climates for their toasty and insulating properties, but continue to dominate the footwear scene in a city with almost 300 days of sunshine each year. In a place so naturally warm, I interviewed students to beg the question: Why are Uggs so popular at UCLA?
To inquire about this fuzzy footwear, I first had to find a place on campus with a throng of students sporting their best winter outfits, and even more importantly, who weren’t rushing to class and were willing to speak with me. One hangout immediately came to mind: Ackerman Union. After trudging up the stairs to the first floor during a late lunch rush, I was met with an abundance of opportunity, as long lines of students wrapped around the tables and signs populated the fast food hotspot. Unsurprisingly, a great majority of these students were clad in puffer jackets, sweatpants and their fur-lined shoes, it being one of the few days each year when the sun didn’t quite warm the air above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Luckily for me, these conditions provided plenty of samples and lots of time as people waited to place their orders for me to investigate.
Bouncing from person to person, I heard many renditions of similar praises. Abby Hyde, a communications transfer student from UC Berkeley to UCLA said that her platform Uggs are her daily choice because of the effortless slip-on design and unmatched comfort.
“I like my Ugg boots because they are very comfortable and especially when the weather gets cold, my Uggs keep me warm,” Hyde said.
A few other students echoed her statement, such as third-year housemates Hailey Foote, a sociology student, and Rylie Hartmire, a political science student. Foote commented that she loves the versatility of her boots, and she feels that she can, “…pair them with summer outfits for the beach, winter outfits for the cold and they always look good and feel comfortable.” The brand’s durability and lifespan are additional selling points, especially in a culture where fast fashion and cheap quality are so prevalent. Hartmire agreed and added, “I love my Uggs! They have so many styles, colorways and they last forever. They are a shoe I will always keep in my rotation.”
Clearly, Uggs have a lot of fans, and for good reason. While SoCal might not be the locale expected to have such a large clientele, the brand has certainly made its mark on consumers of the area and received high marks from its patrons. After all of this positive feedback, it might be time for me to get a pair, too.
