Bankhead

Keeping your feet warm, comfortable and fashionable all at the same time is a big ask. Add in a requirement that it be done affordably and your options become even more limited.

The solution is easier than you might initially think, however. The recent global upswing of awareness of a traditional Australian icon has made choosing all-in-one footwear really simple.

Australian ugg boots had humble beginnings as sheepskin offcuts tied to the feet of Aussie sheep shearers. Over time, surfers realized that sheepskin boots kept them warm on cool mornings. Eventually both men's and women's ugg boots became one of Australia's favourite footwear next to beach thongs and a surfboard. Fashionable celebrities caught onto the secret and spread the word to the point that ugg boots sales are one of the most searched shoe-related internet search terms globally as women and men around the world have been scrambling to get a pair for themselves, and as gifts for friends and family, often ordering online from Australian stores to be shipped overseas.

What's the magic secret to these classic-style ugg boots that make them so popular? It's the fact that one pair of ugg shoes performs the job that three normally would. Ugg boots do three things really well:

1. Ugg boots keep your feet warm

Soft sheepskin hide, lined with 100% wool is like a wool jersey for your feet. For all the same reasons that wool is the best fabric to warm your body, it's the best thing for your feet too. Wool is soft, porous, feels good on your skin, and allows your skin to breathe, while trapping small pockets of body-heated air in its fibers. Since most of your body's heat is lost from your feet and head, ugg shoes do a really good job not only of preventing heat loss, but they also warm the coolest parts of your body, your feet.

2. Ugg boots are even more comfortable than being barefoot

Ask many what their favourite footwear is, and they'll say none at all. Few things compare to unrestricted barefoot luxury. Since that's not always the most acceptable attire, especially in the cooler months, a pair of ugg boots is a close second. Why, you ask? The inner fleece of an ugg shoe, boot or slipper creates a cushion of air around your feet. What that means is that, unlike most shoes, ugg boots don't restrict your feet, but instead cushion them. Leaps and bounds ahead of plastic, nylon or hard leathers, soft sheepskin and woolen lining is unbeatable by any standards of comfort.

3. Ugg boots are fashionable

Okay, you've heard the endless list of famous people who own at least one pair of ugg boots, so I won't bore you by repeating it. Needless to say, fashions come and go, and always will. That said, ugg boots still timelessly fashionable in the same way that jeans will always be practical, comfortable, fashionable and eye-catching footwear will always be in.

The bottom line is that an investment in a good pair of ugg shoes will see you being trendy for a long time to come. Footwear that can be worn as slippers around the house, beachwear, trendy nightwear, warm winterwear and general casual-wear is hard to come by. So make sure that the next sale you look up online is a classic sheepskin ugg boots sale, and you too can stay warm, comfortable and trendy all year round.

David Malan is the owner of RealmSurfer Consulting, a Perth web design business.
He also writes articles for UGGYS, Australian online ugg boots retailers.