Uggs won't transition to adulthood

As I go through my closet in preparation for graduation in May, it occurred to me that if all goes as planned, I will find myself in a new city with a new job come next winter.

Needless to say, it is time to shed some of my favorite college essentials for more grown-up goods.

After a warm, comfortable, four-year relationship, I am breaking up with my Uggs.

I will be leaving behind my favorite Australian footwear for a pair of the English variety to keep my feet dry and warm through months of trudging through snow.

I am upgrading to Hunter wellingtons, or wellies.

While I purchased my last pair of rubber boots in New York City last year, the odd, striped pattern and mid-calf rise still made them look adolescent on me. Let’s face it, when you are 5 feet 2 inches tall, you need all the help you can get to avoid being called a middle schooler.

So why switch them in?

Walking around campus in my beat up, cracked, stained Uggs last week, I noticed myself, and several other cold-footed ladies on campus doing the same maneuver: leaping puddles. In the busy crowds of campus commuters this can be both annoying to those behind us and hazardous should you fail to hit the landing. Basically, Uggs are not waterproof. Spray them as you will, while your feet may stay dry inside, the outside becomes a bit of an eyesore of salt and dirt stains.

I know, I know, they are so warm. That is why I have gone to bat for those silly boots for the past three and half years. But you can’t help but notice the pillow-like quality of their construction and the odd shape your legs take on when wearing them.

Hunters are sturdy, stable boots that by no means flatter a foot like a stiletto, but still keep it from totally looking like a bear foot.

As far as price goes, they come in several styles, but the basic design, the Original costs about $115. I prefer the festival tall boot, with contrasting lining, for about $145. For about the same money as Uggs, you get boots that are both fashionable and water-friendly.

I don’t doubt I will save my Uggs. Honestly, they are a little hard to throw out for what they set me back and the fact they make unbelievable slippers. But stepping out next winter I will hopefully stay dryer, fear no puddle and find a way to make winter boots more chic. Hey, if the Queen wears them, they must be all right.