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When the Ugg boots became the epitome of celebrity culture, it was difficult for the brand to break out of its own shadow, and if you didn't know, Janice Phiri is here to tell you more about the Ugg sneakers to look out for this summer.
During my teenage years, I vividly recall a shoe which took the world by storm. A warm pair of boots, which often came in tan, black or white, with a detailed lining of fur along the top of the boot.
All the cool kids were wearing them, and the shoe became a cultural reset, heavily featured in US shows, such as the Jersey Shore. It even became a standard shoe among Hollywood 'it' girls Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. The history of the shoe is as fascinating as its cultural relevance.
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First designed by the Australian surfer and businessman Brian Smith in 1978, the shoe was eventually co-opted by mainstream culture. Then, retailers created similar versions of the shoe for Hollywood celebrities, thus, the original Ugg shoe first became popular among the southern Californian community, especially with surfers, and finally made its way into the fashion and sportswear industry. Everyone wanted a piece of the Ugg pie. In an interview with CNN Style, Smith said:
Fast forward to over four decades later and with millions of Ugg boots sold, the company is expanding its horizons with four sneakers that are changing the game.
Ugg Dinale Coconut Milk Leather
If you’re looking for a shoe that is fit for any casual occasion, then look no further than this slique pair of shoes, which is reminiscent of the Adidas superstars, which have had a reoccurring rebirth similar to the Ugg shoe line. With a lightweight finish, the Dinale sneaker pair, which goes for R2 099, is perfectly bedecked with light materials that allow more flexibility within one’s style.
Ugg Marin Lace Logo White
This one was a personal favourite. I have become quite fond of platform shoes over the years, and this shoe beautifully encapsulates what it means to be daring and bold within your fashion sense. Fit with some very intricate and intentional details, such as a fuzzy low-top lining, with a spotted heel and tan sole, the Marin Lace Logo sneaker is perfect for those who are slowly trying to push the boundaries of their style. This shoe retails at R2 299.
Ugg LA Glide Heritage Chestnut Suede
This is what it looks like to seamlessly pair the old and the new to create something breathtaking. This iconic sneaker makes for the perfect statement piece and is also a throwback to the Ugg boot we all know and love.
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The Glide Heritage sneaker is great for the thoughtful maximalist and lends itself to creating intricate looks that are understatedly complex. It retails at R2 299.
Ugg Scape Lace Bright White
This new limited-edition sneaker is the epitome of simple risk-taking in fashion. With simple details that elevate the look of the shoe, it’s perfect to wear with both casual and formal wear. The Scape Lace sneaker that retails for R2 199 plays with angles and levels in a way that makes the shoe interesting to look at.
