Well, they came.
Behold, The Fake Boots.
I guess technically they aren’t fake boots. Because they’re still boots. They’re just fake Uggs.
Or are they?
I really have no clue.
I haven’t studied real Uggs enough to know whether or not these are noticeably counterfeit, or if they’re going to scream “KNOCK OFFS” with every step. Perhaps you people with, AHEM, real ones could tell me? Do they look real?
In the same vein, I do have a bit of a winter shoe related problem.
(A brief note: I do, in fact, realize that it is almost February and that winter is on its way OUT in most parts of the country. Or at least headed in that direction, especially if we used the clothing stores as a guide, what with their SPRING!! clothes on the racks while we are all still freezing our toes off. BUT, in the mountain town of 10,000+ feet elevation where I’ll be living as of next week, winter is in full swing. And will be. Until May. Just to clarify. Move along now.)
Apparently, according to the Australian vs. American duel that went on in the comments of the last fake boot related post, these boots may or may not be the way to go for a winter shoe. Now, keep in mind, I’m not at all planning on wearing these as a snow boot, per se, as I have spent enough time in snow to know that these aren’t exactly fit for glacier scaling or even really doing much outdoor walking. But I wanted something warm for places where my real snow boots, fashionable though they are, aren’t very appropriate.
But it seems people (and by people I mean my mother as well as certain blog readers) have very strong opinions on the winter shoe.
So I ask: What do you wear for a good winter shoe in times that do not involve landing your foot in knee-deep snow, but still require more than, you know, a flip flop?
Help a SoCal girl out. Please and thank you.
Also, it is very evident to me that I need more shoe suggestions being that when packing my closet tonight, I discovered I own no fewer than…
…wait for it…
FIFTY-TWO pairs of shoes.
That is not a typo.
Being that (disclaimer ahead) at least a third of those are flip-flops or flimsy sandals of some sort, and the rest are either some sort of heel and such or one of the pairs of really nice western boots I bought and wore once or the crazy expensive suede clogs I’ve had for ten years and have worn thrice but don’t have the heart to part with because they were from my grandmother or they’re fancy ball gown wearing shoes or they’re Easter-to-Labor Day-only shoes (pause to breathe) I clearly need some suggestions for wearing-in-a-mountain-town-in-winter shoes.
Clearly.
So, toss some suggestions at me. Mostly because I’m just curious and want to know how many pairs of shoes you own or what types of shoes you like to wear.
Also, today I’m over at YLCF talking about the complete wonderfulness (word invention comes naturally to me) of having a mother’s helper. Which is fitting because, this very week, one of the very girls I mention in the post will be a blessing of that exact sort while I run some last minute move-related errands, get my three-inch-long roots re-colored, drink some Starbucks and, well, to be honest… look for a new pair of shoes.
Red ones, as a matter of fact. Platform, preferably. For an event.
There aren’t any of those in my footwear arsenal.
Fifty-THREE. Ba-da-BING!
Jessica says:
Okay, so even though we’ve moved from San Diego to Kentucky I have yet to get any winter shoes. Our winter’s no where close to Colorado, but we I’m still wearing my ballet flats and Chuck’s. I do have a pair of boots but they’re more “cute” rather than practical boots. So I may be benefiting from this conversation as well…
Oh, as for number of shoes…26 and counting.
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January 25th, 2010 at 4:37 am
Melanie says:
Shut. Up.
You are NOT going to see Justin Matisse for real!?!
I have no winter shoe opinions to share. I wear the same brown sandals as much of the year as I can (and that’s a lot, in Georgia) and tennis shoes when I can’t wear the sandals. I’m sure your more fashion-aware readers will have lots of ideas. :-)
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January 25th, 2010 at 5:33 am
Sarah T says:
Ashleigh–
I know you don’t know me from Eve, but I have an opinion to share! ;)
I grew up in a snowy place and when just bopping in and out whilst running errands I always wore a good pair of running/tennis shoes. You know the kind with more of a tire tread on the bottom. They keep your feet warm plus they aren’t TOO much shoe once you are inside for any length of time!
Hope that helps.
God bless!
Sarah
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January 25th, 2010 at 6:59 am
Miranda says:
I have to confess that when I lived in snowsville I spent most of my time in work boots – I know, attractive, right? I think the main things I tend to worry about are good grip on the soles and nothing that’s open down the front, so I’d agree tennis shoes are a good option, or maybe flat leather boots – something like this: http://www.barratts.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product1_10055_-1_52720_10553
Also, I’ve found you need to make sure the soles are good and thick otherwise you’ll feel the cold through the soles of your feet. Hope that helps.
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January 25th, 2010 at 7:15 am
Anna W. says:
A friend of mine who I went to high school with outside of Nashville goes to college in Illinois now, and she had to learn the ropes of proper winter attire there. She has something of a style blog to document various outfits (including shoes!), and you can check it out at http://copperoranges.blogspot.com.
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January 25th, 2010 at 7:19 am
Jaclynn says:
52 pairs!! I won’t comment on that. ;o)
Hmm, we do have snowy winters here in Ca where I live. I have a pair of white Sorels that are for practical tromping around in the snow.
They look something like this:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41JqaKyc2XL.jpg
If you wanted something more like an every day shoe, then Merrell’s might be a good brand to go with.
http://www.amazon.com/Womens-Merrell-Thermo-Waterproof-Black/dp/B002LPCCR6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1264435353&sr=1-1-fkmr0
[Reply]
January 25th, 2010 at 8:03 am
Kelly @ Love Well says:
Like you, I mourned the loss of the flip-flop as a year-round foot covering when I moved away from San Diego.
RIP cute sandals. I still wear you as much as I can, but it’s just not much in Minnesota.
Hands-down, my favorite winter shoes are LL Bean’s Insulated Comfort Mocs. I have them in red, which is cheery, and they are super warm, easy to zip on (no laces!) and have awesome traction. I wear them 90% of the time between November and April.
And then I start to wear my flip-flops again. Just because I’m a rebel.
[Reply]
January 25th, 2010 at 8:23 am
April says:
Well…for stomping around running errands (and etc.) when there is snowpack, but not 8″ of fresh powder, I will usually wear what Americans call “fashion athletic” shoes. They’re not quite as honky and gigantic and, well, frumpy as your regular white tennis/gym/athletic shoe, but they still have treads on the bottom to help with navigating slippery surfaces. Now if it’s ice I’m navigating, my rule of thumb is it doesn’t matter what shoe you’re wearing, it’s still going to be slippery. In those cases, prayer, and avoidance at all costs is my choice of defense.
And a word of advice, if I may. Don’t freak yourself out TOO much about being totally cute and stylish in your footwear choices. Remember the wedding incident in L’ville last year? Yeah. My gut feeling is that winter footwear will follow a similar pattern. Now, when you come visit me in Denver, it could be a different story because of all the emigrant Californians swarming around this city. Then you might want to seriously consider the cute and stylish angle.
[Reply]
January 25th, 2010 at 8:52 am
Holly Hochstetler says:
check out http://www.landsend.com for some fashionable and great shoes for winter weather. I too go for the tennis shoe except for the fact that sometimes the feet can get a little chilly in them especially if they get a little wet. But Lands End has some great mocs that I wear throughout our winters here in snow covered Iowa.
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January 25th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Chantel says:
I’d say it depends on what exactly you are doing. Any close-toed shoe with a fairly good sole on it (for grip on the icy snow– though I have no doubt you’ve already got experience in walking the “ice walk” to minimize unplanned seating?) generally works. I’d avoid spike heels, but a good chunky heel in moderate heights (lower more than higher) in a cute shoe would probably do the trick. You may want to see if you end up needing extra socks on, and thus the size of your shoe may vary slightly, since you need room for those woolies in there and a little “air pocket” to keep warm in.
They generally have some options at the mall. Maybe you should take a peek when you get up there and see what is “in” in those parts of the world. They probably have some fancy and some not… either way, since I am picky about any shoe that is not a chaco sandal (not good for a girl who has always lived in snow and ice worlds), I own ONE pair of appropriate winter wear besides my sorrel boots and simple black heels and I wear them pretty much everywhere3… My $15.00 sneakers. *runs and hides*
[Reply]
January 25th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Samantha R says:
Hmm, they look real enough but who’s to say? I’ve never owned a pair so I wouldn’t know!
Wow, 52 pairs! and soon to be 53 ;)
I haven’t yet counted my shoes/sandals/houseslippers/dressy shoes etc.. but for a rough guesttimate I would say it’s somewhere around 20 something.
OH, I do miss my Teva sandals.
But I do have a good subsitute for the winter months…
They are the one and only MERRELL shoe.
Oh, so comfy!
In fact, I wear them every.single.day. They are the one pair of shoes I can wear ALL day long (however long the day may be!) and my feet don’t ache. Particularly, the foot I broke just over a year ago…
I had an older pair that I just about wore out (the seam split after years of use) and my sweet sister got me a new pair for my birthday last July.
Here is what I have:
http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/M-F-F/12462M/23017/Gender-Gallery-Root/Men/Footwear/Filters/Mens/Outland/Beluga-Blue/J86925
Only I have the womens’ gray…
Check out the whole line; some pretty cute and rugged options out there.
They are well worth the money!
And they’re stylish; esp for Colorado!
Or Nor Cal ;)
[Reply]
January 25th, 2010 at 9:52 am
mishel says:
Aww, yes I have an opinion…or two! : )
Just last week I went to Lands End and LL Bean websites and both have really practical but cute (in an outdoors-y sort of way) options. And I second the Merrell suggestion and will probably opt for something like that. Pricey yes, but they will last years.
For something a bit more stylish tho’…I have found anything by Born is nice. Again, pricey but will last years.
Have fun shopping today!!! I love you!!
[Reply]
January 25th, 2010 at 10:08 am
Melissa says:
I have to second and third the comments about Land’s End shoes. When I lived in England, where it was cold 51 weeks out of the year, and I had to WALK a mile to work (gasp!), I had some Land’s End All-Weather Mocs that kept my toesies warm and dry and didn’t look attrocious in the least. I’ve worn them when visiting Michigan (not in the snow, of course, because they’re only ankle-high, but where my feet would otherwise be cold.), and in Colorado Springs all last February, etc.
I have black, so I could wear them with dress pants or jeans or whatever. Check their website — they’re a bit limited right now on sizes, but maybe you’ll get lucky! These are really the best shoes for cold toes. :o)
[Reply]
January 25th, 2010 at 10:18 am
Ginger says:
I tromp through a lot of snow from November to May and by April I put away the boots and refuse to wear them until November. (You kind of get sick of snow when you are forced to wear a winter jacket over your Easter dress!!!!)
I too am looking for a good pair of boots. I have many boots but they have a heel on them and I am always afraid I am going to break my neck. I love wearing heels I wear heels all the time even in the snow (even though I am bound to break a leg one of these days).
When I am just in casual dress I wear sneakers in the snow. But snow is not the only thing you have to worry about the ICE is your enemy! Speaking of ice our drive way is full of ice right now! ugg…just wonderful!
I have many shoes! The last I counted I think I have over 50…lol
Ginger~
[Reply]
January 25th, 2010 at 10:32 am
Kelley A. says:
I mostly wear my boots during the winter because I’m always cold.
But, on a side note, those UGG boots don’t look fake. Mind you, I am not an expert, but my friend just got some for Christmas, and although they’re a different style, yours look real. :)
Praying for you this week! :)
[Reply]
January 25th, 2010 at 10:36 am
Nicole says:
You crack me up, girlie! Hope you have fun at your “event” !! :)
I don’t know how many pairs of shoes I have, but I know it’s much less than 52. ;) I did, however, just buy a new pair of hiking boots. LOVE them!
[Reply]
January 25th, 2010 at 11:15 am
Christina says:
I just wear we the regular knee high, black leather lined winter boots. For everything other than going to the barn, mucky barnyard, and etc… then it’s rubber boots. So yeah, Canadian winter girl here, does just fine with one pair of winter boots!
[Reply]
January 25th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Laura says:
Hi Ashleigh,
I found your blog through YLCF and drop by every now and then:-)
As for the shoe issue: I am from Southern Germany so I get my fair share of snow and ice every winter. Since November I have been mostly wearing knee high leather boots, I have a black and a brown pair. I always get knee high ones cos they look good with both pants or skirts. There are different types, with heels or no heels; pointy or round etc, depending on whether you want sth stylish or practical. I also have a pair of hiking shoes with a thick sole that I can wear with woolen socks when I want to take a walk across the country side.
All the best to you!
[Reply]
January 25th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
LeAnna says:
I think they’re cute, who cares if they are (aren’t?) fake. I can’t tell! Wear ‘em proudly. I just went through my closet last summer and weeded through my shoes. I’m left with my favorite pair of tennies, my Columbia clogs, my cowgirl boots, my other boots, and hmm…my other boots. Oh, and a few pair of low heel dress shoes. My life has been much more simple since!
[Reply]
January 25th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Meghan says:
I spent 5 years in CO, not quite as high, but I think UGGs or UGGish boots are great. A friend originally from SoCal spending just as much time in CO has 2 pairs and wears them frequently in the winter.
I personally enjoy Skechers and Rocket Dog brand shoes. They are cute, comfy, versatile, and cute…. did I mention that? I’ll admit that I did wear sandals year round, too, but that was at an elevation of 6300ft so I didn’t have as much snow as long as what you’ll encounter.
ENjoy your show shopping:>)
[Reply]
January 25th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
jAne says:
Hm. Well. When I married Rocky he had to move me 500 miles from my home. Me, and 72 pair of shoes. I had some **nice** shoes! I’d buy the shoes then find an outfit/suit to go along. Backwards.
I was young – well – 30 is young when you consider that was 21.5 years ago and you’re currently considering where to retire in coming years. You do the math.
Years of wearing **nice** shoes have, along with years of dance (in my younger years), ruined my feet. Dislocated toes and plantar faciatis (sp?!?!). I’ve gone the way of **sensible** shoes, some with orthodics.
I now wear Born, Clarks of England,and Crocs. I *do* have some **nice** shoes that I wear for more special occasions for short amounts of time, but the majority of my life is spent in sensible footwear. I especially ****love**** my Croc sandals. You have no idea just how much. They make my feet sing. ;o)
Golly, this is a long post.
[Reply]
January 26th, 2010 at 5:53 am
Lauren says:
We spent 4 years at Minot AFB, ND where winter could last up for 9 months. Aside from snow boots, tennis shoes work or clogs but the best in my opinion is to stick with the fashionable yet practical boot. It covers your ankle and leg, keeps them warm for the most part, and generally you don’t have to worry about drying out your shoes when you come back inside from the snow.
[Reply]
January 26th, 2010 at 7:10 am
Elizabeth in Alaska says:
I have absolutely no idea about Uggs as I’ve never been a fan (sorry!), but the winter shoes I bought this year have been wonderful. Keep in mind that Anchorage is known for its below-zero temps rather than feet of snow, so I was looking for *warmth* rather than something I could go plowing through meadows of snow with.
http://www.piasweaters.com/clogs.htm
I have the “D” boot in that top picture there… the black with red trim. I wanted something that wouldn’t be too clunky for indoors (church/shopping) and look good with either skirts or pants. And, yes, they are warm… my tootsies haven’t froze all winter and that is saying something for me.
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January 26th, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Elizabeth in Alaska says:
P.S. I have 12 pairs of shoes. Yeah, I am a minimalist. ;)
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January 26th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
Kaira says:
Weighing in – I haven’t read all the comments above. I agree with Miranda and Sarah T, tennis shoes are great for winter weather if you aren’t tromping through thick snow. I used to wear those all the time but for the past several years I have purchased running shoes that have a lot of mesh for breathability. Those make my feet cold in the winter so I don’t wear them out if I can avoid it. Many, many people wear tennis shoes when they don’t need snow boots.
Just a quick observation – your Uggs are fine :)
Another observation – your shoe inventory is OUT OF CONTROL! Yowzers. I own less than 12 pair at this point – actively rotate through 6 pair. I did just get rid of a half dozen or so but still. I can’t keep track of that many shoes anymore. I have to keep it simple!
[Reply]
January 27th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Heart & Home » Ain’t in Calfornia Anymore… says:
[...] So, About Those Boots? [...]
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:36 am
Heart & Home » Ain’t in California Anymore says:
[...] So, About Those Boots? [...]
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Sara says:
http://www.uggaustralia.com/retailstores/counterfeit.aspx
Thought you might want that site :) I think your boots are real, but hey, I’m no expert… check the site. Nice boots though!
[Reply]
February 4th, 2010 at 6:16 pm