Mama Knows Best: Best Winter Boots for when you want to keep your feet warm and stylish or when you want to prevent slips and falls when it snows! (Unboxing UGG Becket Leather Boots)
*This post contains affiliate links.
Unboxing UGG Becket Boots
Fashionable Winter Boots
My toes and feet have been perpetually cold this winter; hence, I've finally given in to the UGG craze and bought myself a pair of UGG Australia Women's Becket Leather Boot in Black. I did some research to make sure that the sheepskin used to make these boots were not sourced inhumanely, and I'm pretty satisfied with what UGG has to say: sheepskin used are the byproducts of sheep raised for their meat. I didn't do research on UGG pricing, so when I bought the boots in a store called City Streets in NYC on 1/15/16, I stupidly paid their listed price of $225, which is $244.97 USD with tax!! NO REFUNDS! EXCHANGE ONLY! At exactly the same time, Amazon sells the same pair of boots (with FREE SHIPPING) for a huge, discounted price of $154.99!!!
Lesson learned: Try out the boots you like in a store, compare prices online, and buy from the cheaper retailer. Don't fall in love with the boots and give in to your "I want them now, now, now" mentality.
The suede leather boots are super comfortable and just slightly snug. As UGG boots tend to loosen up with wear, I bought them in my usual size (8). So you can technically say they are 90% true to size. They are stylish and modern-looking with three straps and buckles. They don't make your feet look ridiculously big. I've gotten so many compliments on them already! They are water-resistant; however, when it rains or snows, you should not wear these unless you're okay with discoloration of the suede. My calves are very big and my legs are very short. I tried out the UGG Mini Bailey Bow Boot and the Classic Short Boot, and found that the Becket looked the best on my feet.
I'm definitely loving my very first pair of UGG boots and will be sporting them for many years to come!
Practical and Safe Winter Boots
Last year, winter just wouldn't go away. My expecting mommy and new mommy friends out there, be careful and protect your feet from the cold and yourself from slips or falls with the best winter boot out there, the Columbia Bugaboot Plus II Omni-Heat Winter Boot. (They have the III edition now, and the II is cheaper but harder to find.) I've worn a pair all winter last year and had not slipped or tripped through the icy, sleet-covered, and black-iced streets of NYC or Old Town, Alexandria. As a physical therapist who often sprains her ankles, I felt protected in these sturdy, yet lightweight and snow-proof/waterproof boots. The Wirecutter has also ranked the Columbia Bugaboot as the best winter boot out there for women, a decision they made after conducting over 30 hours of research, deliberation, and consulting six experts.
Falls are serious and it's a known fact that pregnant women have looser ligaments during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and the body's preparation for delivery. It's easy for pregnant women to sprain, strain or tear their ankle or knee ligaments from trips, slips, or falls (God forbid!). The harsh winter just makes everything more difficult for new and expecting mommies. Put on a pair of protective boots to have ease of mind when you're outdoors this winter. Though they are not slip-proof, they provide much needed traction to keep you balanced on your feet. Even in these boots, you must walk safely (see tips for safe walking on icy surfaces below). Stay safe and warm!
Slip-Proof Winter Walking Tip
So when it isn't snowing or raining this winter, I'll be wearing my UGGs to keep my feet warm and toasty. When I don't want to slip to my death on a snowy day, I'll be sporting my Bugaboot!