Ugg Boots

Craftsmen had for years been stitching sheepskin boots on the beaches of Australia and New Zealand. They were popular with rural folk such as sheep shearers who had access to the raw material. During WW II they were popular with aviators for their ability to keep feet warm at high altitudes. Ugg popularity spread among surfers and swimmers who needed to keep warm while out of the water.It wasn't until 1978, however, that a young surfer, Brian Smith, brought a little bit of "downn under" to the United States.

Smith hit the streets of NY with a few pairs of UGG sheepskin boots but was quickly rejected. Smith remained confident that there was a market for his boots, so he headed west to the sandy shores of California. Upon his arrival, Smith discovered that there were already a few worldly surfers who'd brought similar boots back from Australia. Brian sold 48 pairs of boots to 5 accounts in his first season.

Since being adopted by surfers, UGG Australia has become the global leader in luxury sheepskin footwear and is now adorded by urbanites worldwide, the most famous being Oprah who named UGG boots one of her favorite things. Their range of products has also grown beyond boots and now includes slippers, casual footwear, and weather-proof products made of the same fine Australian sheepskin.