What Are UGG® Boots?

UGG® boots are a popular style of casual, flat-soled boots featuring a sheepskin, suede-like exterior and a soft fleece interior. The most popular style of UGG®s reach the mid-ankle or lower calf. The boots are primarily worn by women, and their design has been copied by many other knock-off brands.

This style of boot gained popularity in the mid- to late 2000s, as female celebrities and many teenagers began wearing them with everything from tucked-in skinny jeans to dresses and denim miniskirts. It is uncertain from which country UGG® boots originated, as Australia and New Zealand each claim responsibility for the trend. The original concept for the boots may date back to the 1930s, and surfers commonly wore them for warmth in 1960s between trips into the ocean. There is also controversy over the origins of the term “ugg.”

The popularity of the boots greatly increased in the late 2000s as female American celebrities began to wear them. True UGG® boots are manufactured by the Deckers Outdoor Corporation, which reported boot sales of more than $680 million United States Dollars (USD) in 2008. The boots are no longer considered stylish in the United States but are still commonly worn by many women, especially during cold months. There are many knockoff, less expensive versions of UGG®s sold by numerous retailers. Some people choose off-brand, non-sheepskin versions of the boots in order to avoid wearing animal products.

Since the rise in popularity of UGG® boots, the UGG® Company has produced many different styles of the basic boot. The style that first rose in popularity was plain dark brown or tan in a basic sheepskin exterior. Today, UGG® manufactures boots in varying heights and exteriors. The boots can be found in short ankle-length, tall calf-covering length, or the traditional high-ankle height. Decker also produces men’s versions of the boots, often worn in leather or another more rugged material.

UGG® boots are available in a wide range of colors and exterior fabrics. Knit UGG®s are a popular style, featuring a chunky, sweater-like cable knit on the exterior of the shoe. Both knit and sheepskin UGG® boots are sold in a variety of colors, from basic tans and browns to gray, green, and purple. Some UGG® styles feature buttons or puffy fleece decorating the exterior of the shoe. Denim and leather versions of the boots are also available, and the Decker Corporation produces slippers and other footwear that resemble their boots with soft fleece interiors.