UGG Classic Ultra Mini Boots Review and The Look for Less
Attention, shoe lovers! Boot season has arrived and it's time to get your cozy footwear wardrobe ready for fall. I've always favored ankle boots for their versatility, so when UGG introduced a new style of its beloved Classic boots this season called the Classic Ultra Mini, they instantly caught my eye. They retail for $140 and are perfect for your work from home looks, your loungewear days, or pretty much any fall or winter day. The extra low shaft height makes them chic enough to pair with slouchy socks, denim, bike shorts, knitwear, bodycon dresses, sweatsuits, cropped trousers, leggings, and joggers.
February 20201 update - I scored a pair of UGG Classic Ultra Mini boots in the hard-to-find mustard seed colorway as seen below. They run slightly big, so I added an UGG sheepskin insole to make them perfect for wearing barefoot. The low shaft makes them ideal for transitioning into the spring months, while the neutral shade pairs well with denim, grey joggers, and all of the printed leggings that I wear. They're practically like slippers, except that they keep your ankles warmer. As you break them in, they become easier to slip your feet into.
UGG comes out with new colorways each season, and inventory changes rapidly, so if you see the perfect shade of pink or lavender, don't hesitate! Sometimes they discontinue a colorway, so shop them while you can.
January 28, 2021 update - Shop the newest colors:
Joan Smalls and Emily Ratajkowsi have been spotted in the chestnut version. #legsfordays
The new UGG Classic Ultra Mini has the same comfort and plush sheepskin of the UGG Classic Mini, but with a more leg-lengthening fit. My favorite version of the Classic Ultra Mini is this leopard print ($150), which is sure to be a best seller in no time. I bought a pair in my usual UGG size, and will be sharing my thoughts on fit, sizing, and quality in this review.
Appearance
The leopard print style has a cowhair texture, making them more dressy and elevating them from the twinface sheepskin (suede) that you find on Classic UGG boots. The topline is slightly higher in the front than the back, while the rest of the construction is similar to the Classic Mini boots. I prefer the lower shaft height because I'm petite, and I find them more flattering to wear with skinny jeans. I can appreciate how they show just a flash of ankle when worn with cropped denim and no socks.
Quality
The Ultra Mini uppers have nice, rich color and a consistent print. One disadvantage is that this style is harder to clean because of the cowhair texture, so that's something to be mindful of before purchasing. I always use a suede protector on my UGGs, but will refrain from doing so because these uppers are made of different materials. (They do come pre-treated with a water repellency treatment like many other UGG styles.) I plan to spot clean these as needed with mild soap and water. I also plan to wear these indoors and will not wear them in the rain. (My go-to UGGs for rain are the Palomar sneaker and the Birch boots.)
Given the lower shaft height, these are more optimal for warmer climates than colder ones, and they're also ideal for transitional seasons. If I lived in a cold climate, these would likely get a lot less wear. In my area, it's warm enough that I'm able to wear sandals year round.
Sizing and Comfort
For my feet, the Classic Ultra Mini boots run true to UGG's Classic sizing. I prefer to wear them without socks because the wool blend lining is so cozy. These do take some effort to pull on because of a small top entry, so the rear pull tab is especially helpful. The uppers are also more rigid due to the cowhair construction, but I expect them to break in nicely over time. An advantage of the lower shaft height is that it makes them easier to take off.
Fit tip: If you have a high arch or are between sizes, I'd size up. It's better to have them too big than too small, and you can always wear them with socks if they are on the big side.
