Beauty is pain, right? From eyebrow waxing to sky-high stiletto heels, women have been sacrificing personal comfort for the sake of fashion for centuries, but it seems one of our latest inventions might not only be causing discomfort but also actual injury. UGG boots have been around for more than 200 years but really became a popular fashion statement here in the States in the ’60s and ’70s, and as a result a slew of cheap imitation brands sprung up to help fill the demand and provide a less expensive option for shoppers. And it’s those cheap knock-off brands that are the problem because they don’t provide adequate foot support.
Experts say that wearing poorly made UGG imitators for as little as six months could result in permanent foot and back pain and even visible foot deformities. The problem arises with every step when the foot slides around inside the boot, which causes the arch to flatten and joints in the feet, knees, hips, and back to take extra strain and wear. There’s even a name for the weird way UGG knock-offs make women walk: the Ugg Shuffle. Dr Ian Drysdale, of the British College of Osteopathic Medicine, was quoted as saying ‘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.” And podiatric surgeon Mike O’Neill uses the word ‘disastrous’ to describe them.
So does this mean you have to ditch your favorite winter footwear completely? Not necessarily. Remember that brand name UGG boots are fine, and imitation brands are okay when worn for short periods (a few hours at a time, like a pair of heels) or just around the house and not for long walks.
(Photo courtesy of UggBoy on Flickr)
