text: Who would've thought my favourite winter boots ever would be made by Ugg, a company whose products were usually the target of my unending ridicule? Sorry Ugg, I take back at least 10% of the mean things I've said about you. Anyway, I require three things from footwear for the Chicago winter-- has to be water-resistant, has to be lined with something warm and fuzzy, and has to not be ugly-- winter wear already makes me feel like a giant frump amidst the beautiful fashionistas of the West Loop. These boots proved an elusive hat trick for those three requirements. The leather is exquisite-- thick, smooth, and durable-- the sole is nice and grippy, and considering how sturdy and well insulated they are, they still cut a very sleek profile. The lining is not actually shearling as I'd hoped and read in other descriptions (it's &#34;UGGpure&#34;, a synthetic-backed pure wool fake shearling) but honestly it's close enough that I don't really care, heh. A brief word on fit-- other reviewers said to size up if you have wider feet or calves. I have narrow feet, slim calves, and the world's tiniest ankles, and they fit perfectly even with all that snuggly lining, so I'm inclined to agree with the other reviewers-- consider sizing up if you aren't slim footed and calved. All in all, an absolutely terrific buy, and I'm almost looking forward to the godawful Chicago winter.