Some people think Uggs are the height of fashion. Others speculate that Ugg must be short for ugly.
The simple boots, usually flat-bottomed and suede, are based on traditional boots worn by Australia's sheep shearers. Ugg Australia brand boots, favored by celebrities like Jessica Simpson, Lindsay Lohan, Ashley Tisdale, Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Aniston, are made of sheepskin, and go for $140 to $250, or even more.
But knockoffs abound, for anyone who wants the look on a budget.
Here's what some local women, most caught sporting the style, had to say:
Ashley Chambers, 19, Kaysville
Real or fake: "They're fakes. I paid $20."
Pros: "They're hip. They're a hot commodity right now. They're everywhere here, at Weber State. They feel good on my feet, and they're good in the snow."
Cons: "Mine are not completely waterproof. I would never wear them anyplace formal, like to a wedding."
Emily Bokinski, 21, Ogden
Real or fake: "I wouldn't pay that much. These were $15 or $20, from Wal-Mart."
Pros: "I like the look. I think they're cute."
Cons: "I'm a dancer, and these have no support. They're completely flat. I put in shoe inserts before I trudge around in the snow."
Molly Shupe, 19, Ogden
Real or fake: "Real, but they were a gift. I think they cost about $215."
Pros: "They're cute, and they keep my toes warm when I walk in the snow. And mine are black, which never goes out of style."
Cons: "They're a little bulky. And my guy friends in high school asked me if I was going for a hike."
Brittany Young, 25, Riverdale
Real or fake: "They're fake. They were $5.99 and barely used, at the thrift store."
Pros: "They're warm, and I think they look good."
Cons: "I can't think of any drawbacks, for the price. Winter seems to be lasting forever this year. I wouldn't buy real ones if I had a spare $250. I would buy food for my family."
Pardis Rezaeipour, 23, Ogden
Real or fake: "They're look-alikes, but they were free. It was buy a pair of shoes, get one free."
Pros: "They're warm and soft and comfy, and I walk a lot. I liked them because the print was different."
Cons: "I wouldn't wear them to a party or church. They are too casual."
Brianna Neilson, 18, Ogden
Real or fake: "They're look-alikes. I paid $45."
Pros: "They keep my feet really warm unless they get wet. They're flat, so I can walk everywhere. They're just easy to wear, like wearing flip-flops in the summer."
Cons: "They show dirt, because of the color (pinkish beige). And they make your feet look wide."
Cassie Dixon, 19, Ogden
Real or fake: "They're look-alikes, and cost about $70."
Pros: "They're comfortable, and good with sweat pants. They keep my feet dry. I would wear them anywhere. I have worn them to church and to a wedding."
Cons: "They're ugly. I don't even like the style. They make you look like you have cankles. Of course, if you do have cankles, I guess it's a good way to hide them."
Ally Berry, 19, Ogden
Real or fake: "They're Bearpaws, which cost about $70."
Pros: "They're comfortable, which is important to me. They're good in snow. They're easy on, easy off. They were really popular in high school, which is when I got these. They look good with skinny jeans."
Cons: "They look awful with sweat pants. With sweat pants they look 'special,' and I don't mean that in a good way. If I had an extra $250, I would buy books and college stuff."
Jenessa Bowen, 19, Ogden
Real or fake: "I would call these moccasins, which are better than Uggs. They were $20 at Target."
Pros: "None I can think of."
Cons: "Uggs are too plain. With moccasins, you can have colors and puffballs on your laces. To make Uggs look good, you have to wear them with a bright color or lots of colors. I would not spend $250 for any shoes, unless it was a really amazing Nike."
Erica Choffel, 18, Ogden
Real or fake: "My mom bought me some fake ones, which I've worn only once."
Pros: "The one time I wore them, they kept my feet dry, and kept me from ruining shoes I actually liked."
Cons: "They have no structure. People buy them because they're a fad. I prefer boots with a more flattering shape, and maybe a heel or a buckle. I think Uggs look frumpy."
Hannah Firth, 18, Kaysville
Real or fake: "They're fake, and cost about $20."
Pros: "They're warm and comfy, and brown hides the dirt.
Cons: "They're good for school and hanging out, but I wouldn't wear them anywhere nice."
Maddie Tarbox, 19, Ogden
Real or fake: "I don't own any. I shopped for some, but couldn't find any I liked."
Pros: "They look and feel comfortable, and if you find good ones, they don't let the wet in. I haven't seen them look bad on anyone."
Cons: "If I had a spare $250, I would use it on a ticket for Disneyland."
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