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UGG Brand

Around since the late 70s, UGG has become an icon among the fashion scene, beloved by celebrities, surfers, and casual wearers alike.

A symbol of SoCal beach culture by the mid-80s, the ‘Ugly Boot’ has since partnered with creatives and activists from around the world, celebrating freedom of expression and presenting themselves as a brand for those who do things their own way.

With different products including UGG Slippers, UGG Slides and UGG Sandals produced alongside the more commonly known UGG Boot, the brand provides something for everyone within its range.

Design

UGG is known for their craftmanship and long-lasting quality, with products made from premium materials that provide comfort and support.

Their classic unisex UGG boots are typically made from Australian sourced sheepskin and fleece. The natural insulative properties of sheepskin help the thick fleecy fibres on the inner part of the boots wick moisture and allow air circulation, which helps the boots keep your feet warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.

Using responsible materials like sheepskin from regenerative farms, renewable and plant-based materials, and organic cotton, amongst many others, UGG are dedicated to finding ways to reduce their footprint and work towards a more regenerative world.

The brand introduced the UGGrenew restoration program as a way for customers to extend the life of their favourite boots, showing initiative in providing sustainable products that last for years.

The History Of UGG

ugg surfers

1970s

Shane Stedman, a local Sydney surfing legend, trademarks the terms ‘Ugh-boots’, and helps the boots become internationally popular among competitive surfers.

The Australian surfer community adopts the boots as a warm place to put their cold post-surf feet, and after they’re banned in cinemas around Sydney, become further popularised with the youth as a sign of rebellion.

brian smith

1978

Australian surfer Brian Smith moves to California with a case full of UGG boots, then sets up his own business importing the footwear. He trademarks the term ‘UGG’ in America.

ugg beach

1980s

The UGG becomes a symbol of SoCal beach culture, becoming popular through surf shops.

In 1985, Smith registers the trademark ‘Original UGG Boot UGG Australia’ in America.

ugg store

1990s

Smith purchases Stedman’s other trademarks in 1995, making him the sole owner of the name ‘UGG’.

The brand gains a lot of momentum in 1994 when they’re worn by the U.S. Winter Olympic team.

A year later, Smith sells the business to Decker Brands for $14.6M, and the brand takes off globally, opening several stores.

oprah winfrey

2003

Oprah Winfrey causes a massive surge of sales for UGG after including them in her second edition segment of 'Oprah's Favourite Things’ and purchasing 350 pairs for her audience and staff.

Celebrities like J-Lo, Kate Upton, Cameron Diaz, Paris Hilton are all spotted wearing the boots, further boosting their popularity.

tom brady uggs

2011

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is featured in UGG’s first men’s campaign, and shortly afterwards notable celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio are spotted wearing the boots.

ungc

2016

UGG joins the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.

ugg shoes

UGG Today

Adopted by the fashion elite, the UGG boot has come a long way from its humble beginnings and has enjoyed massive global success.

Alongside their boots, UGG also produces sandals, coats, socks, handbags, gloves, and household accessories including blankets, pillows, rugs, and towels.

Dedicated to positive change, they promote diversity and inclusion for all, and are taking steps to minimise the environmental impact of their operations.

Did you know?

There’s some argument on who came up with the term ‘UGG’ –

Australian and UK pilots in the war would lace up sheepskin around their feet to ward off frostbite, and may be the originator of the term UGG, and they called the makeshift boots ‘flying UGG’s’, short for ugly.

However, Frank Mortel of Mortel’s Sheepskin Company claims he was the first to name the boots ‘UGG boot’' in 1958, after his wife commented that the first pair he made were ugly.

Later in the 1970s, Sydney surfing legend Shane Stedman trademarked the term ‘Ugh-boots’ and has since claimed to have invented the Australian icon.

Whatever the origin, it appears no-one thought the boots were particularly beautiful!