An ugg-ly side to cheap boots

Photo / Janna Dixon

They're a staple of celebrity wardrobes and one way to beat winter chills, but experts warn cheap ugg boots can be bad for your feet - not to mention your knees and back.

Auckland podiatrist Simon Speight says low-cost versions of the sheepskin-lined shoes have insufficient support around the ankle.

That allows the foot to splay and flatten while walking, causing pain to the arch, heel, big toe, knees and lower back.

"Any shoe that's really sloppy creates movement in the foot. You can get all types of problems," he says.

Christchurch podiatrist Ian Graham says the softness most ugg-wearers love is what causes them problems.

"If you wear them around all day on the street and concrete, they just spread the arches and can lead to them collapsing.

"They're a fashion thing. Because they're fashionable, people will wear them but they might not necessarily be good for them."

A high-end pair from Ugg Australia will set you back about $260, while generic versions sell for as little as $20.

Accent Group imports Ugg Australia boots to New Zealand. General manager Brian Maginness says his product is more supportive than others because the sheepskin is sewn on to an anatomically correct foot base and the sole has extra cushioning. "Yes, they're pricey but they are quality."

Ugg boots have grown in popularity since being snapped on the feet of celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston and our own Robyn Malcolm.

There is debate over their origin, but according to Maginness, they were invented by Australian surfer Brian Smith, who took a bag full of sheepskin boots to the United States in 1978.

Ugg Australia took off in 2000 when Oprah Winfrey bought 350 pairs for her staff.

And Maginness said it was common for fashion items to be followed by cheaper, inferior versions.

"You get what you pay for, basically. If people buy them, well, good luck to them."

Or, as classical Greek philosopher Socrates said: "To him whose feet hurt, everything hurts."

Comfy and cool

Rachael Manning likes nothing better on her feet than a pair of original Ugg boots. The 24-year-old has bought about six pairs in the past two years alone.

"You can wear them out and they're so comfy - I wear them so much."

The new arrival from Dublin even plans to wear her black pair while working on a farm in Papakura.

She's never had pain problems because she always buys the high-end brand.

But she's learned to buy a size smaller than her foot because they stretch when worn.

She said she had noticed the sole wearing away quickly on imitation versions.

"The cheap ones don't have any grip so if you're running you can fall over."