Ugg Just Made the Campground-Ready Crocs Alternative I Never Saw Coming

This has been a bit of a banner year for cozy, campground-ready footwear, especially from the likes of Crocs. However, even more traditional brands, like The North Face, have gotten in on the trend.

While the latest campground slip-on to enter the conversation, the Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Wrap Tech, might surprise you, it actually makes perfect sense. And to be honest, it’s nice to see the brand shift toward more capable, stylish offerings.

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No, I don’t want no Uggs

To be fair, this shoe is based on an existing Ugg — the Classic Mini — which means its technically not a new silhouette. That said, it is largely unrecognizable when you sit them side by side.

However, there are still some similarities. This take, for instance, remains a mid-height bootie-style slip-on. That means it has no laces and comes up to the wearer’s lower shin (as opposed to higher for a standard boot and lower for a low-top.)

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It also still has the same seam pattern as the original. And it features a cozy and comfortable UGGplush liner, which will keep your feet toasty warm, even if you don’t wear socks.

However, that’s where the similarities diverge. Beyond that, the materials and the rest of the structure are vastly different — drastically improved, some might say.

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Campground kicks

The first major change found in these slippers is the upper. Whereas the original had a leather upper — the kind you might expect to see in jacket form on Yellowstone — this one gets a shaggy suede.

This is a stylistic alteration that doesn’t necessarily change the functionality of the boot (although you may want to avoid water whenever possible,) it does shift the overall vibe. There’s a refinement and depth of character to this material not found in the standard leather.

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However, the most significant change is found at the bottom of the boot. Instead of a relatively flat, thin rubber outsole, this one gets a thick, chunky Vibram one.

The benefits here are twofold. First, the extra height means you’re up higher over puddles and other soggy ground conditions. Second, the extra tread and material swap makes for better grip on all terrains and conditions, lending this shoe to campground usage much more than other Uggs.

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Pricing and availability

The Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Wrap Tech is now available in two colorways — Chestnut and Black — on the brand’s site for $210 per pair.

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Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Wrap Tech

• $210 at Ugg

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