Since Uggs first arrived on the fashion scene more than a decade ago, they have been scrutinized by some as a hideous fashion statement and enjoyed by others as all-weather footwear.

"I think they are kind of cute actually, and they are very comfortable," said Aubrie Wright, junior in secondary education, who has been wearing Uggs since receiving them as a Christmas gift two years ago.

Uggs-wearers often say comfort is their motivation for wearing the high-end boots, which range from about $140 to $225 depending on the style, according to Uggaustralia.com.

The Web site cites the shoes' authentic sheepskin fabric, which the Web site calls breathable, moisture-wicking and thermostatic, for the high price of the boots. For those who want the look and feel of Uggs without the price tag, many clothing stores offer similar styles for a discounted price.

Erin White, sophomore in family studies and human services, bought fake Uggs for herself a few months ago.

"They are warm, but I don't think they are cute at all," White said. "It's worth it to be warm while I'm walking to class though."

As the popularity of these distinct boots rose, so did the criticism of them.

"I think people make fun of Uggs because so many people wear them," Wright said. "Also, a lot of people don't think they are cute, and they kind of make your feet look big."

She admitted to wearing her Uggs with skirts in the past, a style choice often lampooned by Uggs critics. Wright said she wore them with skirts in high school but not in college. Now, she said she usually wears them with jeans.

Dislike for Uggs led to the creation of "the Ugg game," a contest where players gather points by spotting Uggs-wearers. Though rules vary, points are awarded for finding Uggs-wearers, with added points if they are also wearing other trendy items, like North Face jackets, Vera Bradley bags, leggings or miniskirts.

David Penner, junior in secondary education and biology, said he has seen the Ugg game in the Fourum but has never actually played the game.

"I'm not really a fan of them, but I think whether they are ugly or not could go either way," Penner said.

Penner said while he would not think badly about someone who was wearing Uggs, he definitely would not wear them himself.

Reagan Proctor, freshman in early childhood education, said she thinks the boots represent a preppy sorority woman image, which is why they get mocked.

"I don't think Uggs are ugly at all, and sometimes they are appropriate, but sometimes you just look like an idiot wearing them with a skirt because you are freezing your legs off," Proctor said.

She also said she and a friend came up with the idea to give points in the Ugg game for spotting Uggs worn with a miniskirt.

"I don't keep track of points, but my friends and I point out to each other people who would get points, and we do talk about the game," Proctor said.

While there will probably be Uggs-haters as long as there are Uggs-wearers, those who enjoy the look and feel of this trendy footwear do not seem to mind the comments.

"Maybe I'm stereotyped because I wear Uggs, but that's pretty dumb if someone judges me based on what shoes I wear," White said.