We are well aware that our choice of footwear can seriously affect our feet but few of us slipping into a pair of sheepskin boots would imagine that we were in for a trip to the podiatrist.But according to medical experts, the glut of cheap imitation Ugg boots currently on the market could be causing more problems than a pair of high heels.
In fact, the low-cost option has even given rise to a brand new gait – the Ugg "shuffle" – thanks to the awkward way in which the wearer is forced to walk.
The Ugg Australian originals can be seen on the feet of many a celebrity with everyone from Sarah Jessica Parker to Kate Moss a fan.
Most of the issues with the Ugg wannabes surround the lack of support.
Experts say that the feet are able to slide around, causing the feet to splay.
This leads to a flattening of the foot arch and eventually, joint pain in the feet, knees, hips and back.
Dr Ian Drysdale, head of the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, told the Daily Mail: "Because these boots are warm and soft, young girls think they are giving their feet a break.
"In fact, they are literally breaking their feet."
So while it might seem like a saving, this time paying the price for the brand name just might be the sensible option.
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Tuesday 16 March
By katejmason
Well if I was as rich as Kate Moss and Sarah Jessica Parker I could afford to buy them! They probably get given them for free anyway.
I bought some similar style boots from New Look and they're very comfortable and as far as I'm aware I still walk the same when I'm wearing them, as oppose to any other shoes I have. My feet don't slide around in them either as I made sure they fit correctly before I bought them.
What a stupid article!
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Tuesday 16 March
By Shimmy
I agree with the article.
I am not rich by any stretch of the imagination, nor am I flush with money but I do own 3 pairs of Original Ugg Australia Boots - to which I saved hard for as they set me back nearly £600 in total, but my god are they worth it! I wouldn't even try any that weren't the real deal!! You only have to look at the back of the 'fake' ones to see that the back of them collapses and that the person wearing them walks on the side of their feet. Also, the fake ones are not real sheepskin, they are immitation material so they do not benefit your feet or mould to them as the genuine ones do. I wore a pair of my boots back from the Caribbean as they keep your feet cool when its hot and warm when its cold. I would strongly recommend that if you want to wear these boots, save up and buy the genuine ones. I would highly advise against the 'fake' ones.
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Tuesday 16 March
By Mel
I agree with Kate, it is a stupid article and I also have a very comfortable and well fitting pair of non-uggs. As for the comment:
"Experts say that the feet are able to slide around, causing the feet to splay.
This leads to a flattening of the foot arch and eventually, joint pain in the feet, knees, hips and back."
We weren't born with shoes on so does that mean that we will 'suffer' the same problems if we go barefoot?
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Monday 29 March
By vix
Of course it doesn't mean if we walked around barefoot we would have the same problem! When you walk around barefooted your foot does not slide about on the floor. (unless you are walking on ice) I would advise if youwanted a pair of Uggs, save as any normal, hard working person would, and then make the purchase. For anybody else who has the 'fake' uggs, and chooses to believe this article is rubbish.. Experts are not choosing to make up this article, they have MEDICAL EVIDENCE!!!!!
Tuesday 16 March
By Mark
I agree with Kate, my daughter wears a pair of boots from New Look, no issues. She says they are even more comfy than her trainers. Was this article sponsored by UGG by any chance????
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Tuesday 16 March
By Lilly
For goodness sake, whatever you put on yor feet will be bad for them ! If we could all run barefoot in the grass we would have no problems. But as we need shoes we have to do the best we can. Which usually means we do silly things to our feet for the sake of fashion.
I do have a pair of uggs, cant say I wear them much, I think they look awful. The fake ones look even worse and girls seem to walk funny in them !! They look like you are going out in your slippers ! But if you like them then hey ho...enjoy !
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Sunday 28 March
By emma
i agree, the real uggs have a moulded sole to keep your heel in place but the cheap ones have a completely flat sole and the heel slides around, i saved up and bought a real pair which have lasted far longer than the cheap ones i previously had
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Monday 29 March
By Sugar
I totally agree...
My daughter, who is a professional ice skater, has just been diagnosed with foot problems - namely 'fallen arches' which will require treatment & ultimately, surgery.
The reason? UGGS! Yes, the REAL UGG boots which retail at around £100.00 at the cheapest. Don't be fooled into thinking it's only the cheap versions of these sloppy boots which harm your feet.
We are considering suing the company now for pain & inconvenience - also trading an item which contravenes the Sale Of Goods Act - Consumer law states that an item 'Must be fit for the purpose for which it is sold - ie: a pair of boots/shoes should NOT damage the wearer's feet!
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Monday 29 March
By H L A
i was told that UGGs are used primarily by Australians after they have been surfing to keep their feet snug... perhaps the real problem lies with the amount of use, ie often constant in the UK and not whether they are fake or real...?? I have noticed that some genuine Uggs have collapsed at the back, but noticed that the cheap versions are more likely to have done so. I don't own a pair of either and wouldn't want to, so my observations are completely unbiased.
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Monday 29 March
By jo
I have a pair of genuine uggs that i only really use as glorified slippers in the house. Any extended use and my feet start to ache. I don't think even the real uggs provide adequate support to the feet. I won't be buying another pair!
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