Are UGG boots finally going out of style? The stylist shares the 3 hottest shoes this winter

Are these shoe kicks for winter?

Designers have revealed the must-have shoes for this season and, despite their comfort and warmth, UGGs are supposedly not among them.

UGG boots – the fuzzy footwear that grew in popularity in the early 2000s and have recently been revived by Gen Z – are said to be falling out of favor this winter, according to designer Leena Alsulaiman.

The San Francisco fashion guru told Business Insider that plush, chunky boots will be on the way out as people look for “sleeker” styles this season.

“There’s a shift towards sleeker, more refined winter boot styles that offer warmth without the bulk and maintenance hassles of outer fur,” she explained.

But a push for sleek, low-profile footwear in the mainstream hasn’t stopped the proliferation of UGGs, which have appeared on catwalks and been worn by celebrities.

According to Marie Claire, platform boots appeared on the Spring 2025 runways for designers like Elena Velez, while A-listers like Chloë Sevigny, Bella Hadid, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, Charli xcx and Dua Lipa have been seen sporting them. called fashionable but “ugly” shoes.

Meanwhile, TELFAR, founded by designer Telfar Clemens, has partnered with UGG to release sherpa-embellished products.

Deckers, the parent company of UGG, recently reported a 13% increase in sales to $689.9 million, despite many debates over the shoe’s elegance over the years.

“UGG boots were really perceived as weird at first,” Helene Frain, UGG’s vice president of footwear design, previously told Vogue.

“The form is not common. But when you begin to bond with her, she hides from you; people recognized that she was beautiful and brave.”

While Alsulaiman may disagree that UGGs are trendy, the West Coast designer told Business Insider that the classic is growing in popularity.

“These sophisticated slippers add a touch of polish to any outfit, from casual jeans to tailored trousers,” she said.

“Their resurgence has been fueled by a return to refined, understated elegance and a desire for comfortable yet stylish footwear that transitions seamlessly from day to night.”

While personal style consultant Desiree Miranda told Business Insider that Mary Janes will continue to be on trend, heels are also back in style as fashionistas swap their sky-high stilettos for something more comfortable.

“These low, slim heels offer a touch of height without the inconvenience of taller stilettos, making them ideal for long winter days and nights,” said Alsulaiman.

“This change reflects a wider trend towards more comfortable and wearable shoe heights that are more suitable for everyday life, especially in challenging winter conditions.”