Ugg Boots

The History of Ugg Boots

Judging by appearances alone, you'd think that Uggs were made by Eskimos. Not so. Ugg boots are actually Australian in origin. Far from being designed to keep out the cold, they were actually made for surfers.

It wasn't until 1978, when Australian surfer Brian Smith decided to bring the Ugg boot to America, that the distinctive sheepskin design started to catch on. Now you'll see them just about everywhere BUT the beach. Ugg Australia has even branched out into moccasins and flip-flops.

Many people wonder about the origin of the Ugg name. "Ugg" is a generic term, used to describe this particular type of boot. The general consensus is that it comes from the word "ugly". Whether the thousands of women who love their Uggs today would consider them ugly or beautiful is another matter altogether!

How to Wear Ugg Boots

Most people who buy Ugg boots buy them to wear with jeans, and this season's fashion for skinny jeans makes it easy to wear them with the jeans tucked in. It's something of a fashion faux pas to wear your jeans over the top of your Uggs. However, it is acceptable to wear them with skirts if you so desire. Uggs were built for comfort rather than style, though, so wear them any way that feels good if you want to stick with the spirit of Ugg!

Uggs were also designed to keep air circulating around the feet. This keeps them warm in winter, as well as cool in warmer weather. To gain maximum benefit from the sheepskin design, then, it's recommended that they be worn with bare feet.

Choosing Your Ugg Boots

Uggs have come a long way since those surfers first stitched them up on Australian beaches. They now come in a range of different colors and styles, from ankle-length Uggs to tall boots which hit just under the knee. There's even a range of Ugg handbags if you feel in the mood to coordinate.

Which boots you buy is up to you, of course. When you're making your choice, though, think about when and how you'll be wearing them – and what you'll be wearing them with!

A Fashion Classic?

Men's classic Ugg in black

Perhaps the biggest problem people have with Ugg boots, however, is their price. At around $100 or more per pair, these aren't the cheapest choice of footwear on the market. You may well be wondering whether it's worth the investment. After all, Uggs have been around for at least two winters now. Is the trend about to end?

Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on your point of view), it doesn't look like it is. It seems that, rather than being a passing fad, Ugg boots have somehow managed to find their way into the realms of the fashion classic. While the Australian brand is where it all started, you'll now find cheaper, copy-cat versions of the Ugg boot in just about every shoe store you walk into. So, your Uggs are safe for another season at least. And, if you're one of the people who hates the site of them, you're probably going to have to put up with them for a little longer!

Where to Buy Ugg Boots

• Ugg Australia
• Ugg Store
• Zappos
• Boot Barn
• Cozy Boots

By Amber McNaught