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Are your cherished Ugg boots bad for your feet? The answer to that question depends on what you use the sheepskin-lined boots for, and how often. Uggs are undoubtedly in high season now. And especially with their recent Tom Brady endorsement, those sporting Ugg boots need to be aware of their limited utility with walking and extended wear.

What Ugg boots provide in warmth and fashion appeal (for some), they lack in arch support.

Although this may come as no surprise when looking at the flat sole and complete lack of ankle support, it does not stop many people from wearing the boots all day long. Users complain of foot, ankle, back and hip pain as a result of wearing Ugg boots for long periods of time. Although Uggs are not advertised as running or walking shoes, the high price tag for the boots may make some users feel that they should be worn as such. In reality, the ankle support of Uggs is fairly equivalent to that of a slipper and should probably be worn as little as one.

The other, less obvious way Ugg boots could be bad for your feet has to do with their most famous part: the sheepskin lining. Although highly sought after in the winter months to keep feet warm, the lining does not lend itself to sanitary conditions -- especially in hot summer months. Because the fur makes for a hot environment, foot fungus and other infections have been reported.

Whether reports that Ugg boots are bad for feet will translate in a dip in sales or lawsuits seems unlikely. For those shoppers looking to gift Uggs as presents this year, perhaps insoles and anti-fungus spray might not be such a bad idea.

Related Resources:

• Tom Brady Wears Uggs and He Wants You To Wear Them Too (Mass Live)
• Personal Injury (FindLaw)
• Products Liability (FindLaw)