I own five pairs of UGG boots. I admit it — I have been UGG-obsessed for the last four years. Recently, after some serious retail therapy, I realized UGG boots are no longer the “it” shoes.
A wide range of the population, from moms to toddlers to grown men, wear them. It’s understandable — UGG boots are probably some of the coziest pairs of shoes you will ever wear, but they have oversaturated the market.
For shoppers who have grown bored with UGG boots, there are plenty of options.
Riding boots are very “in” right now. They are the “must-have” boots for the fall and winter seasons. Leather and suede are the most popular materials. Black, dark brown and tan are the most versatile colors. Riding boots tend to work well with classic looks, such as skinny jeans and a blazer or sweaters.
A more rugged option is the military-inspired boot. It tends to be more masculine and sometimes looks “beat-up.” Also made of leather, you can find these boots in black, gray, brown and army green. Paired with a cocktail dress, they bring an edgy element to an otherwise girly outfit.
If you wear UGG boots for practical reasons, plenty of companies design with you in mind. Snow boots are not just for kids anymore. In fact, heeled snow boots are a staple in designer collections like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. You might be thinking that these don’t sound practical but they are certainly more practical than any other heels you would wear in the dead of winter. Whether you choose heels or flats, these boots will keep your feet warm, and the rubber soles will prevent you from slipping on the ice and snow.
I am a firm believer that shoes are investment pieces. You wear them every day, and they probably take the biggest beating of any article of clothing you own.
Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable to spend a good amount of money on shoes. However, you need to determine what a “good amount of money” is.
A well-made pair of boots that will last you through at least three seasons can cost anywhere from $50 to $100. Brands that you should consider are Nine West, Franco Sarto, Steve Madden, Bandolino, MICHAEL Michael Kors and Chinese Laundry.
If you don’t plan on wearing these shoes every day or you think your style might change, you might want to consider buying some less expensive shoes. Beware, cheaper boots might not hold up well against bad weather. Missoni, Madden Girl, Report, Roxy, Forever XXI and Unlisted make fabulous boots for less than $50.
No matter how you shoe shop, remember to take your time and find the pair that fits you. It’s hard to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes.
