As September rolls around, so do the endless Instagram pictures of everyone sporting their Ugg Tazz / Tasman slippers (myself included). They were the “it” shoe of last autumn, and if social media is anything to go by, that hype hasn’t died down in 2024. Classed as a “slipper” really, most people are using them for outdoor use – again – myself included, because, it’s a pretty expensive slipper… and so it begs the question, are they actually worth it?
I’ve had mine for 12 months now – I got a black pair, and the beige pair featured in the image above. Buy them brand new and you’re looking around the Β£100 mark, just less than a pair of Adidas Sambas. Now, I’ve had mine for 12 months, but I’ve probably only been able to wear them for about four of those, obviously, due to seasonal changes and weather; which probably leads nicely into a list of pros and cons… number one being weather. I live in the UK, it rains, a lot. They’re hardly pouring down rain appropriate, and whilst you can get a suede protector, I still wouldn’t really want to risk them out for too long in the rain – this does massively limit your wearing potential to begin with. That being said, I have been caught short a few times, and it hasn’t caused me any massive drama, but I don’t want to make a habit of it.
Next up is wear and tear, I’ve had no issues with them lasting the test of time, but, that “box fresh” look you see all over instagram, that doesn’t last. Mine still look very nice, but that’s because I really take the effort to look after them, but I’d be lying if I said they hadn’t creased and didn’t look more worn in than when I first bought them. Obviously, you can say that with all shoes, but with a pair of trainers for example, I feel like I can just kick them off and go, I don’t always feel that with my Ugg’s, and feel like I need to baby them a lot more.
My final “con” for these shoes is the socks / no socks debacle. Apparently, wearing them with socks isn’t good for the lining inside, and they are meant to be worn with bare feet, but, well… yeah… I have issues with this. Number one, the obvious hygiene issue – now this is meant to be eradicated with the clever and breathable sheep wool fleece, but, I still get a bit of an “ick” doing that, when it’s for outdoor use. I also find it makes the lining go a bit funny, if I make a habit of it – but then I also do if I wear socks with them too! So maybe it’s just how it goes… but my preference is socks – 100%. They also just look so much better with socks when wearing them outside.
Anyway, that’s the negative bit over – let’s throw in the pros. These are comfy, really comfy. Probably the comfiest shoes I own. They were tight fitting to begin with, but that eases up after a few uses. It is literally like wearing your slippers outside when you wear these, and I guess technically, we are – but I’m not complaining. They’re also really lovely and warm too, but they don’t ever overheat, again thanks to that clever lining. Obviously those staple Ugg shades scream autumn, and will pretty much go with any outfit colour choice, so you don’t need to buy lots of different pairs, in different colour ways. I do really enjoy wearing these, and I honestly look forward to putting them on.
All that said, are they really worth the Β£100 price mark? They’re certainly not an essential shoe. They’re a fashion choice, 100%, and if you were budgeting for only one good, new pair of shoes, I’d definitely opt more towards a trainer or winter boot. If you have the disposable income to treat yourself, and really love that cosy look – they are a good buy, yes, and you’ll enjoy them and get use from them – but honestly, they’re just not an essential. Lots of girls will be looking at their upcoming Christmas wish lists too, and I probably wouldn’t advise you to blow your entire budget on a pair, the initial excitement will wear off, as the shoes wear in – so if you’ve just been sucked in from an instagram aesthetic point of view, I’d give it a second thought. But, if you do have the money to spend, and want a nice shoe to run errands in, grab a coffee, or go on a girly shopping or cinema trip, these will do you right, and ensure you’re super comfortable… just make sure it isn’t pouring down!
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