When I was a freshman in high school, all I wanted for Christmas was a pair of chestnut-colored, classic short ugg. As it was the gift-giving season, and Uggs were at their prime in American fashion, it was nearly impossible for my parents to find a pair, let alone in my size and the specific style and color I had been dreaming about for months. A week before Christmas, my dad found himself in the parking lot of the Oak Park Mall overpaying someone he had found on eBay for my dream boots. In the fashion world, ugg have been out since 2006. But, as in any industry, the fate of a product in the fashion market is ultimately decided by the consumers. Despite their efforts, fashion experts cannot win their war on Uggs, let alone explain why they’ve remained so popular. So I decided to turn to the real experts: girls on campus. Erin Meyer, Lenexa senior, owns two pairs of Uggs. She said they’re the perfect shoes for cold weather. “They’re so comfortable and so warm,” Meyer said. “They’re tough, so I can wear them in all kinds of weather.” This explains why Uggs continue to appear in our cold-weather wardrobes. But how have they managed, despite their fur lining, to sneak out of the closet in the summertime? “This August I saw a bunch of girls wearing Uggs in 103-degree weather.” Ashley Sosebee, Overland Park junior, said. “Not acceptable. You can’t wear them with a miniskirt.” Meyer said it’s acceptable to wear Uggs when it’s 50 degrees or below out. Uggs should never be worn when it’s hot out. Not only is it tacky and out of season, but there is no way it’s comfortable. One of my biggest problems with Uggs is that they’re too warm. They keep you nice and toasty on your way to class in the winter, but once you get inside they make you sweat. Also, Uggs are overpriced for their quality. “I don’t own uggs because they’re too expensive,” Anna Bennett, Great Bend senior, said. “I love boots, I just think it’s ridiculous to pay $150 for a pair.” Despite being designed for cold months, the colors run if they get wet in rain or snow. And even after following the cleaning instructions, my Uggs faded when I washed them. Eventually, the fur on the soles that kept my feet so warm got matted and came out, and the back seam on one of my boots ripped. This shouldn’t happen to any $140 pair of shoes. If you like Uggs, but don’t want to waste your money, buy a pair of cheap, fake Uggs: Fugs. Your feet will stay warm and you won’t have to worry about damaging expensive boots as you trek across campus. This winter, I’m investing in a pair of weather-proof riding boots as a fashion forward, alternative to Uggs. They’re a classic staple piece, and because I know they’ll never go out of style, I’m willing to pay more for a durable pair that will get me through many winters.