UGG Classic Ultra Mini Braid Platform Boots Review

If you missed out on the immensely best selling UGG Classic Ultra Mini boots, then the latest style from UGG may offer some consolation. They just released a new embroidered style called the UGG Classic Ultra Mini braid platform. The braided style comes in three colorways: burnt olive, chestnut, and black. They retail for $170, which is $20 more than the Classic Ultra mini platform boots. The black style has gorgeous blue/red stitching, while the olive ones pair pale pink with vibrant yellow, and the chestnut incorporates red with yellow for a look that calls to mind Native American artisanal design.   

As a platform devotee, I grabbed a chestnut pair for myself without hesitation, and I'll be sharing my thoughts on fit and quality in this review. 

The boots are part of UGG's Heritage Collection, which celebrates the brand's 45 years of iconic design. They are currently an UGG Rewards member exclusive, which means you need to have an UGG Rewards account and be logged in in order to buy them. 

Instead of a pull tab in the back, this style incorporates UGG's decorative braid design on the sides, which also function as pull tabs. While I think they are more decorative than functional, I still love the pop of color and the bright UGG braid details. Plus, the two rows of stitching on the heel counter gives them an elevated, retro feel. They'll look equally cute with relaxed slouchy denim as with more dressy, embellished looks as spring approaches. In terms of ease, I'd like them much more if they added a pull tab in the back, since this style is tricky to put on. (More on that below.)

Fit and Sizing

I recommend getting your true size in the UGG Classic Ultra mini boots. If you are a half size, then go up. This style is especially hard to pull on because the foot opening is small and the pull tabs are not tall enough to loop over your fingers. I personally do not follow my own advice, simply because my true size gives me the appearance of big feet. With wear, these boots will mold and stretch a small amount as the lining flattens. I wear mine comfortably with socks and without, but getting them on requires a great deal of effort because I sized down. My true size is much easier to put on, but I like the look of the smaller size on my petite frame.

So...get your true size if in doubt.

Quality and Appearance

These outsole of these boots are made with UGG's renewable sugarcane SugarSole, making them extremely light and pleasant to walk in. The lining is a blend of eco-conscious upcycled materials, not the traditional UGG twinface sheepskin from years past. It's effective in keeping feet warm, but not as thick or as plush as the lining of older Classic UGG boots. 

They also come in the UGG Classic Mini silhouette, which has a lace-up detail and a five inch shaft height.

For more UGG style and info, see my UGG Classic Mini platform boots review here.

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New Balance 327 Sneakers Review

With the arrival of the new year comes a new color obsession. While I've harbored a lifelong adoration of bright colors and pretty floral prints, this winter's grey days have inspired a newfound appreciation for all things neutral. I'm thoroughly inspired by all of the camel, chestnut, beige, heather grey, and ivory tones that fill my social media feed. I can't get enough of the #beigeaesthetic.

After seeing an abundance of New Balance 327 sneakers on both cool girls around town and Instagram street style stars, I got a pair in the Timberwolf/Aluminum colorway. This is actually my second pair, and my obsession with this retro sporty sneaker continues to grow. They retail for $100, and I must confess that I'm considering buying a third pair.

The popular New Balance 327 sneaker is such a simple silhouette, albeit elevated with retro textural details, a bold logo, and a lightweight upper. It makes a strong style statement while looking effortless and chic. For winter, I'll be pairing them with activewear looks, marled socks, and sherpa everything. When spring arrives, I'll wear them with cropped denim, handmade day dresses, leggings, and slouchy cargo pants.

The mix of neutrals in the Timberwolf/Aluminum colorway is exactly what I wanted for all of my neutral looks. The only thing I don't love is that the N logo is a flat overlay instead of a stitched pattern piece, giving a somewhat more low-end look. 

In my experience, the New Balance 327 runs true to size. Mine fit well both barefoot and with thick socks. The insole is removable, which is a nice feature. They're comfortable right out of the box with no breaking-in period. The arch support and cushioning are light, making them perfect for low impact activities. I love that they did not give me blisters when I wore them without socks. 

While I wouldn't wear them for my HIIT and bodybuilding workouts (I'm loyal to Hoka sneakers for that), the New Balance 327 is ideal for walking and hiking. They also serve as the perfect on-the-go sneakers for casual daytime looks. I confess that I love mine too much to get them dusty or muddy on hikes, so I'll confine mine to paved surfaces. 

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UGG Classic Mini Platform Boots Review

This fall, platform footwear is getting all the attention. The design team at UGG is taking advantage of this Y2K fashion resurgence with their new and best selling UGG Classic Mini platform boots. By the way, the black colorway was just restocked. They retail for $160, a $10 price increase over the UGG Classic Mini boots. I scored a pair, and they are even more comfortable than the non-platform UGG Classic Mini boots. They are worth the $160 investment because they are comfortable, versatile, and on-trend. The sole is well cushioned, while giving me an appreciated two extra inches of height. I wore these all day while on my feet, and they provided nice support while keeping my feet warm in cold and windy weather. In this UGG Classic Mini Platform Boots review, I'll be sharing my thoughts on quality, fit, and sizing.

Above, the UGG Classic Ultra Mini platform boots in the ever-popular chestnut colorway.

January 2023 update - If you buy UGG boots or shoes on DHGate, they are not authentic. The cheap plastic bags that DHGate uses, plus the outdated "UGG Australia" logo are two of the first obvious signs. Deckers, the company that owns UGG, dropped "Australia" from the UGG logo several years ago. Plus, UGG ships their products in cardboard boxes, not plastic bags. Don't be fooled by their counterfeit products. DHGATE sells fakes.

Quick guide for how to authenticate UGGs:

In 2022, UGG started using a QR code on the back side of the left shoe size tag. Look for a hologram strip with the UGG logo and a number/letter code as pictured below.

New in 2022, look for a number/letter code on both size tags in the left AND right shoe. Previously, this code was ONLY in the left shoe. 

UGG is constantly changing their security hologram tags every year, so older UGGs will have a slightly different look to their security tags.

UGG platform boots do not have a two-tone outsole. A closer look will show that the outsole has three uniform layers as seen above. The sole of the ultra mini platforms will say "SugarSole". 

January 3, 2023 update - Shop a more affordable version (a look for less style that's not a counterfeit). 

Shop these styles in four colors (not made by UGG) under $80:

Below, the UGG Classic Mini platform boots in black. 

Appearance and Sizing

The UGG Classic Mini Platform boots come in three colorways: black, white, chestnut, and radish (a bright, dark pink). I've also seen them in Forest Night, a deep olive green, which is currently sold out. The chunky soles of the UGG Classic Mini Platform boots are two inches, and they can make your feet appear bigger because of the thick platform and large toe box. I tried on my regular size, but I felt that they looked too bulky, and since there was room in front of my toes, I went a size down. They fit very nicely when I wear them barefoot or with socks. In terms of sizing, these run similar to the non-platform UGG Classic mini boots. Most people size down on this style. As you wear UGG boots, the wool footbed will flatten, leaving more room for your feet. My verdict on sizing is to size down unless you'll wear them with thick socks. 

The shaft height not including the platform is five inches, which is the same as the non-platform version. Compared to the UGG Classic Ultra Mini platforms, these look more balanced and proportionate in terms of shaft height to sole thickness. 

Quality and Construction

If well cared for and treated with a suede protector, these should last several seasons. I would not wear these in the snow or heavy rain in order to protect the suede. (The UGG Adirondack is a good snow boot.) I use a lint roller frequently on mine since black shows dust and lint more than lighter colors. I also place the cardboard shoe shapers inside to keep them looking nice and new. Despite being chunky platforms, these boots are surprisingly light and easy to walk in. You won't get foot fatigue from these. They are sturdy, durable, and a top pick for comfortable, warm winter boots. 

If you're not used to platforms, I recommend walking around in them on carpet to get used to the height. They are much easier to get on and off compared to the Classic Ultra Mini boots, which require some effort to guide your foot in. I am looking forward to getting more when new colors are released for the spring season.

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UGG Classic Boots - Sand Vs. Mustard Seed Colorways

For the Fall 2022 season, UGG has revived their highly popular sand colorway in the Classic Ultra mini boots. They also brought back the best selling mustard seed colorway in the Classic Ultra mini. So what is the difference between sand and mustard seed? As someone who has seen (and owns) both colorways, I'll show you the difference.

Below, the UGG Classic Mini in sand from the 2020 season. As you can see, it's a soft beige neutral with slightly warm undertones. 

Below is the Classic Ultra Mini in mustard seed.

Mustard seed is very similar to sand, but slightly more golden and darker/deeper in color.

Shop UGG boots neutral colors such as caribou, goat, and chestnut:

While individual pairs may have subtle variations due to the dye process, the sand pair below (from the 2020 season) is more of a peachy beige than the mustard seed pair (from the 2021 season). 

The Classic Ultra Mini boots in sand are by far the most popular colorway, followed closely by chestnut and mustard seed. If you want a pair before the holiday season, my advice would be to buy them well in advance.

The Classic Mini no longer comes in sand, but it does come in goat, which is a beautiful taupe-grey neutral.

Shopping note - UGG just released the Classic Ultra Mini ($110) in Kid's sizes, and those will likely sell out quickly in chestnut.

 

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Teva Zymic Travel Sandals Review

For spring 2022, Teva has introduced a new sandal called the Zymic Sport Sandal. In true Teva form, it's a comfortable style made with recycled materials and easy-to-use hook and loop closures. It comes in several neutral colors, including the popular sesame, aloe (olive green), and black. The pastel light multi colorway is my favorite; it blends a colorblocked fashion element with a relaxed sporty look that makes it my new go-to sandal for pairing with cropped trousers, floral dresses, and distressed denim. In this footwear review, I'll be sharing my thoughts on the Teva Zymic's sizing, quality, and comfort.

 

Teva Zymic in light multi, $80

Teva Zymic in sesame, $80

Appearance and Performance

The Teva Zymic sandals have a chunky granny sandal look, with easy-to-adjust Velcro straps at the ankles and toes. The footbed has a speckled appearance, and it feels incredibly cushioned in the heel area. They are extremely comfortable (like sneakers), and well suited for long walks, camping, or long days on your feet. Compared to the popular Teva Hurricane XLT2 sandals, these do feel less rugged and but more bouncy. In terms of summer sports activities or hiking, I'd probably choose the Hurricane XLT2 over the Zymic because the Zymic's outsole does not have the same grip or traction that I rely upon. The shape of design on the outsole reminds me of river rocks. 

The Zymic is a great option for travel, as they are lightweight, versatile, and breathable. The main thing I don't like about the aesthetics of the Zymic is that the diagonal strap feels too flimsy, like grosgrain ribbon. It holds the foot in place, but compared to the Teva Hurricane Verge or the Hurricane XLT2, it feels slightly less durable. To me, the Zymic is more of a casual run-around-town sandal than a difficult-all-day hike sandal.

See my Teva Hurricane Verge review here.

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Quality and Sizing

Like other Teva footwear, these sandals are durable and thoughtfully constructed with features such as a breathable heel strap, recycled EVA midsole, a cushioned webbing upper, and MAX-COMF sole technology. They have nice arch support, the straps do not cause blisters, and they feel like well cushioned sneakers that are breathable. In terms of sizing, the Teva Zymic runs true to size for me. The footbed is generous enough to accommodate wide feet, while the straps allow for a custom fit. 

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