UGG

UGG is a brand of footwear and related apparel best known for its sheepskin boots. The brand is owned by Deckers Outdoor Corporation, an American footwear company, and its products are sold worldwide through retail and online channels.

Origins and branding: The boots originated in Australia as casual sheepskin footwear and were popularized in the United States by Brian Smith, an Australian entrepreneur, who began selling them in Santa Monica, California, in 1978. The style became associated with surfers and casual wear. The brand was marketed in various markets as UGG Australia for a time, reflecting its Australian origins; in recent years Deckers has standardized branding to UGG globally. Deckers acquired the UGG brand in the mid-1990s and subsequently expanded its product lines and distribution.

Products and materials: Traditional UGG boots are made from twin-face sheepskin with the fleece on the interior and a soft suede exterior, set on a flexible sole typically made of EVA or rubber. The range has since expanded to slippers, sneakers, rain boots, and other apparel and accessories. Materials and production are largely outsourced to contract manufacturers in Asia. As with other animal-derived goods, discussions around animal welfare and sustainability have accompanied consumer interest in UGG products.

Market presence and trademark: UGG has a global retail and online presence, with stores and wholesale partners across North America, Europe, and Asia. Deckers holds the UGG trademark in multiple jurisdictions; the term “ugg” is sometimes used generically in Australia for similar boots, which informs ongoing trademark and branding considerations. The brand remains a recognizable emblem of casual, comfort-focused fashion, subject to fashion cycles and ongoing product diversification.