These FitFlop shearling ankle boots have replaced my favourite UGGs – and they have hidden support technology

As a long-standing wearer of FitFlop's ergonomic designs, with a regular rotation of their footwear – including their comfort-first loafers and chic flatform sandals – it has come as no surprise to me that I absolutely love their cosy shearling ankle boots that battle against freezing conditions.

In the passing weeks, depending on where you live in the UK, we've been up against snowy and icy conditions, which tend to take us ill-prepared Brits by surprise. However, figuring out what to wear in the snow can make all the difference, and these shearling-lined boots offer the chicest cold-weather design that's also practical enough for chilly strolls during the winter months.

Worthy of taking up space in everyone's winter capsule wardrobe, the Gen Z shearling ankle boots offer FitFlop's iconic triple-density cushioning designed support each step you take. Not only this, but its criss-cross lace design has a vintage appeal that channels the well-loved snowboot styles of the 70s, whilst the shearling interior and exterior make them a fantastic UGG boot alternative.

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GEN-FF Curly-Shearling Crisscross-Lace Ankle Boots: Comfort & Support

When I first slipped these boots on for my morning dog walks, I was honestly surprised by how supportive and comfy they felt straight away. The tripe density cushioning is so obvious, absorbing impact from each step, especially on harder pavement or uneven terrain.

The warm, curly shearling lining inside makes a real difference on chilly mornings. I currently live in the countryside, where winter can be relentless, and these boots have kept my feet cosy and surprisingly dry on wet dog walks – this has to be due to the leather panels that manage to keep the wet out. The plush lining is a standout feature, soft, inviting, and it even makes them cosy enough to wear without socks.

After several walks, the supportive design has really proved its worth, something which is evident in almost all of my FitFlop shoes. Another supportive feature is the ankle-height design that keeps your feet secure and in place.

GEN-FF Curly-Shearling Crisscross-Lace Ankle Boots: Style

From a style perspective, these boots are both practical and genuinely cool. The chunky sole and crisscross lace detailing give them a statement-making edge, and the soft beige leather and shearling finish elevates them so they look on-trend instead of too outdoorsy. I like that they feel style-led rather than solely practical, something that's hard to comeby with winter boots. This design is one that can work for coffee dates with friends or running errands just as well as they work for cold dog walks.

If you've mastered how to style UGG boots, you'll already know what to wear these ankle boots with. I've mostly styled them with thick workout leggings, my best wide-leg jeans and my cosiest winter coats whilst heading out in the colder weather. The neutral colourway also makes them surprisingly versatile, which allows them to be worn with a variety of shades too.

GEN-FF Curly-Shearling Crisscross-Lace Ankle Boots: Cleaning & Care

My first walk wearing these boots ended up being extremely muddy and wet, not something I would necessarily reccomend with these shearling boots; however, after coming home, I immediately ran them under the hose in the garden, and the subtle mud marks on the shearling disappeared instantly. This might have been because I caught the marks in time, but I was impressed with how quickly they came back to their previous condition. I popped them underneath the radiator, and they dried within a couple of hours.

The chunky sole and leather panels that surround the shoe both offer protection from potential marks or stains. The leather panels are easily wipeable, and the soles can be washed with ease, too. The shearling, however, could probably do with shoe protection spray like this one, especially if you know you are heading out in particularly muddy terrain.

Overall, these shoes are definitely not designed to be worn in extremely muddy conditions, but if they do get marked, they are easier to clean than you might think.

GEN-FF Curly-Shearling Crisscross-Lace Ankle Boots: Verdict

These boots managed to tick every box for me as a warm and cosy winter boot that can handle cold conditions. Although they aren't 100% waterproof, they offer protection from damp conditions due to their thick chunky soles and leather panels.

Their shearling design keeps your feet cosy in freezing temperatures, making them a unique and playful alternative to UGG boots. Style-wise, they strike a smart balance between practical and fun, and they work just as well with laid-back denim as they do with thick thermals.

They're also reassuringly easy to care for, a quick clean with a damp cloth or a light rinse under the tap, and they look great. These ankle boots are a wearable, stylish investment for winter, and if you're planning a ski trip, they're a no-brainer.

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