The History of the Ugg Boot
Where Uggs Came From and How to Care For Your Uggs
The Ugg boot has risen from the hidden depths of Australia to worldwide fame. Any woman who values comfort as well as fashion should own a pair of Uggs.
Ugg boots are sheepskin boots which were originally flat soles and long, but now come in a variety of lengths and styles and have either flat or wedge heels.
Why are Ugg Boots called Uggs?
The name “Ugg” is derived from the word ugly, which many would say that these boots definitely are. Another far less popular theory is that Ugg refers to the typical caveman impression to reflect the simple animal skin design and make up of Ugg boots.
The History of Ugg Boots
Most people outside of Australia will not have heard about Ugg boots until the very late '90s, but the boot has a much longer history than that.
World War I pilots have been pictured wearing an Ugg-style boot which was called a “fugg boot”. The general consensus is that “fug” stands for flying Ugg. Due to the 100% natural sheepskin from which genuine Uggs are made, they are the perfect boot for flying in as they are loose and comfortable and keep your feet at a constant temperature. Thus at high altitudes your feet would remain at a comfortable body temperature. In the 1930s, Australian sheep shearers wore Uggs to keep them warm. By the late '60s, surfers were wearing them to keep them warm on the way to and from the sea. By this point, Uggs were being produced throughout Australia.
The original Ugg boot style was made from just three pieces of material: one for each side and one for the soft sole. Ugg boots now come in long, short and decorated styles and have sturdy rubber outside soles.
1978 saw the beginning of the rise of the Ugg. An Australian surfer named Brian Smith took a bag of boots to America and the boot began to gather fans in the American surfing community. The Ugg boot then slowly gathered steam over the next twenty years.
Ugg Boots Enter the Fashion World
In 1998 the Ugg boot began to be marketed as a high fashion luxury item complete with price tags of up to several hundred dollars. As more celebrities bought into the comfortable lifestyle and were pictured in more and more magazines, Uggs soon became the shoe to be seen in.
In 2000 Oprah decided that she loved her boots so much that she bought 350 pairs. One for each member of her staff. In 2005 she featured them in her show “Oprah's Favourite Things”. and where Oprah goes others will follow. It would be quicker now to name the female celebrities who didn't wear Uggs than the ones who do.
Wearing and Caring for Ugg Boots
- Uggs can be worn with socks or tights but are most comfortable when worn over bare skin. Bear with it though as the first three or four wears can feel a little itchy until the sheepskin softens.
- Unlike cheaper synthetic copies, there will sometimes be a variation of colour on genuine Uggs due to their being made from 100% natural sheepskin. In addition you may find that if you choose a black pair you will sometimes end up with black toes when you take them off. Don't worry; it is just another sign that you have gone for the 100% natural original.
- It is never too hot or cold to wear Uggs. Wear them with full winter wear or a bikini and your body temperature will stay just right.
- The classic tall boot will not comfortably fit a chunkier calf unless you fold it over to become an ankle boot (which you can do)
- Keep boots away from excessive snow or water. Darker boots will stand up to more punishment than light ones
- As with suede, use a damp cloth or sponge to clean them.
If you are more of a fan of high heels, then you may like to read about the history of heels.
