Slippers and mini boots fly by in the Marist hallways. Some are wearing expensive footwear, while others are wearing a knockoff. MHS Media posed the question to Marist students: Are UGGs worth the hype?
UGGs is a shoe brand that began in 1978, but skyrocketed in popularity during the mid 2000’s after multiple celebrities wore them. Their most popular style of shoes are definitely their slippers and boots that come in various sizes, colors, and designs.
These shoes were originally a symbol of beach culture and they gained most of their attention through surf shops in multiple different states along the coast. During quarantine in 2020, this brand spiked in popularity once again, making a comeback to the fashion world.
UGGs weren’t the only thing that gained attention during quarantine though. Considering that this shoe brand’s average price is around $130 per pair, people began purchasing cheaper copycats of UGGs. These cheaper alternatives are commonly referred to as Fuggs.
The majority of Marist students that were interviewed chose the quality of the UGGs over the Fuggs.
“I prefer my UGGs because I just think that they’re better quality ‘cause the Fuggs that I used to have ripped in half,” said freshman Addison Nolan.
“To be honest, I have to choose my Uggs because I just think they’re more comfortable and cuter,” said freshman Madelyn Tracy.
Although one student begged to differ.
“I like my Fuggs because my UGGs get ruined really easily and I have to buy a new pair almost every year,” says freshman Sophia Migliore.
Surprisingly, considering that UGGs were originally made for the beach, they don’t last long after coming in contact with water.
“I think that my UGGs are worth the money, but one thing I don’t like is that they can’t get wet or they’ll basically be ruined for good and you’ll have to buy another pair,” Nolan says.
UGGs and Fuggs are very similar in many ways, and sometimes people may not even be able to notice a difference between the knockoff and the real shoe.
“I don’t really notice any differences between the two. I think they’re the same, but one way you can tell them apart sometimes is by the detailing,” says Tracy.
“The fur on the UGGs is definitely better than my Fuggs, like they don’t wear down as easily, and then the bottom part, it doesn’t wear down as much as the Fuggs,” said Nolan. “I feel like Fuggs are more of a house slipper while UGGs you can actually wear outside.”
Availability also plays a big role.
“It depends what store you go to. UGGs aren’t usually that hard to find, but Fuggs are pretty much everywhere you go,” said Migliore.
“Fuggs are just so easy to find, they’re at every story I go to, so I think that’s what helps them get so much attention,” says Nolan.
“They’re not any different. One is just more expensive,” Tracy said. “They are both great shoes.”
