Are these kicks a shoe-in for winter?
Stylists have revealed the must-have shoes for the season, and, despite their comfort and warmth, UGGs are supposedly not among them.
UGG boots — the fuzzy footwear that skyrocketed to popularity in the early 2000s and have recently been revived by Gen Z — are reportedly falling out of favor this winter, according to stylist Leena Alsulaiman.
The San Francisco fashion coach told Business Insider that plush, chunky boots will fall to the wayside as people seek “sleeker” styles this season.
“There’s a shift toward sleeker, more refined winter-boot styles that offer warmth without the bulk and maintenance issues of exterior fur,” she explained.
But a push for dainty, low-profile shoes in the mainstream hasn’t stopped the proliferation of UGGs, which have appeared on catwalks and been worn by celebrities.
According to Marie Claire, the platform booties appeared on the Spring 2025 runways for designers like Elena Velez, while A-listers such as Chloë Sevigny, Bella Hadid, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, Charli xcx and Dua Lipa have been spotted sporting the so-called trendy yet “ugly” shoe.
Meanwhile, TELFAR, founded by designer Telfar Clemens, has collaborated with UGG to release sherpa-adorned products.
Deckers, the parent company of UGG, recently reported a 13% jump in sales to $689.9 million, despite much debate over the shoe’s chicness over the years.
“The UGG boot was really perceived to be weird at first,” Helene Frain, UGG’s vice president of footwear design, previously told Vogue.
“The shape is out of the ordinary. But when you start to connect with it, it sneaks up on you; people realized it’s beautiful and bold.”
While Alsulaiman may not agree that UGGs are in vogue, the West Coast stylist told Business Insider that the classic loafer is surging in popularity.
“These sophisticated slip-ons add a touch of polish to any outfit, from casual jeans to tailored trousers,” she said.
“Their resurgence is driven by a return to refined, understated elegance and the desire for comfortable yet stylish footwear that transitions seamlessly from day to night.”
While personal styling consultant Desiree Miranda told Business Insider that Mary Janes will continue to trend, kitten heels are also back in style, as fashionistas swap out their sky-high stilettos for something for comfortable.
“These low, slender heels offer a touch of height without the discomfort of higher stilettos, making them ideal for long winter days and nights,” Alsulaiman said.
“This shift reflects a broader trend toward more comfortable, wearable shoe heights that are better suited for everyday life, especially in challenging winter conditions.”