We all fall into the trap.
It is one of those pairs of shoes that are a huge success every winter. Fur-lined boots, and more particularly, designer ones UGG please, are fashionistas’ favorites in times of snow and extreme cold. In recent years, they have experienced a resurgence in popularity, still with their classic high-top version, but also thanks to their latest slipper iteration (the famous “Tazz II”) which we have seen on all the fashion toes. If ready-to-wear labels and other supermarket brands offer their very inspired alternative at knockdown prices (hello Lidl), in reality, even the UGG displaying the label as we know it, purchased in official or approved stores, are not necessarily authentic and respecting artisanal and historical tradition. We’ll explain it to you.
Originally, the UGG is a fur-lined boot that surfers wear between two sessions in the water so as not to have cold feet. In the land of kangaroos, UGG is therefore not a specific brand name, but a generic term to designate this type of shoe. Made ethically, 100% from sheep fur and respecting animal rights, Australian fur-lined boots are renowned for being of very high quality. However, over the years, an American company decided to take over this market and register the brand “UGG” internationally. Result: it is this same brand which is today known throughout the world and worn by all the celebrities. The problem is that it offers fur-lined boots that have nothing to do with the originals in terms of quality. All their models are made from a mixture of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and polyester – materials derived from plastic – and only the filling and the inner sole are made of sheepskin.
Specialist Luca Gallacio reminds us that to buy real UGGs, you have to rely on the labels Sheepskins Downunder or even UGG since 1974. These brands use workshops which deploy all the Australian artisanal know-how, respect animals, use grade A sheepskins from the food industry and clearly do not resort to mulesing, a practice of mistreatment of lambs and sheep, used to produce more merino wool in particular.
Otherwise, the Australians themselves say it on all the forums, “you always have to spot this green triangle with the yellow kangaroo” on the product label, for a traced origin and the guarantee of purchasing quality fur-lined boots.
