Where Did Ugg Boots Originate: Who Invented Them?

You can’t get through a cold winter day without your favourite pair of ugg boots or slippers. Ugg boots are made of twin-faced sheepskin with fleece on the inside and a tanned outer surface, warm and comfy. They’re the perfect combination of warm and stylish for many.

Uggs are a wardrobe staple around the world to get us through the cold year in, year out. Their casual style has contributed to their popularity, for those who want comfort and laid back fashion.

So who do we have to thank for this amazing invention? Who invented ugg boots? Well it depends who you ask.

Ugg Boots Origins

You see when it comes to the history of ugg boots or ugg boots history there are many different stories about how it all began and who was the original inventor.

One thing that is never in question is the origin of Uggs.

Ugg boots and ugg slippers were first made in Australia and are still made down under to this day. Sheepskin boots have deep roots in both Australia and New Zealand where they are considered a traditional form of footwear. They were first made in the early 1900s from twin-faced sheepskin, showcasing the country’s expertise in sheepskin production. The importance of sheep farming and traditional practices in Australian culture has played a big part in the development of these boots, contributing to the local economy.

Using the best Australian sheepskin, there’s nothing like the Australian make and feel. Australia’s historical and cultural significance in sheepskin farming and ugg boot heritage is unbeatable. The sheepskin is known for its great insulation properties, perfect for cold weather. Sheepskin products are not just boots; they also include gloves, hats, rugs and more, showing their versatility and luxury.

Who Invented Ugg Boots?

Now back to its original inventor…

It’s believed the idea of ugg boots was first thought of in the late 1800s. It started when Australian shepherds used leather straps to secure sheepskin around their feet and ankles. By the 1920s the ankle straps had developed into boots which were worn by sheep shearers in rural Australia. By the 1950s Ugg boots were also a popular tourist souvenir in Australia.

But it wasn’t until 1933 that reports of the first commercial ugg boot manufacturer surfaced.It’s believed that the first company to manufacture and retail ugg boots was a New South Wales based company “The Blue Mountains Ugg Boot Company”. Blue Mountains Ugg Boots was an early brand and the Blue Mountains region is recognized as the birthplace of UGG boots. The company started making sheepskin boots in the early 1930s, a big step in footwear production in the region. They were followed by Frank Mortel’s of the Mortel’s Sheepskin Company in the 1950’s who is still in business today.

Frank Mortel wasn’t the first to make sheepskin boots but Frank Mortel claims he was the first to brand them “Ugg Boots” in 1958 after his wife said the first pair he made were “ugly”.

After Mortel’s Sheepskin Company, Mortels Sheepskin Factory became a major player in the early sheepskin boot industry and is still in business today.

Early sheepskin boots also have a connection to ‘fug boots’ an early variation worn by Royal Air Force pilots during WWI showing the evolution of sheepskin footwear.

Ugg Boots and Surf Culture

Despite records of the first commercially made uggs dating back to the 1930’s ugg boots didn’t become a fashion trend for decades. The transition from functional footwear to fashion staples happened in the early 2000’s when their unique style and comfort became mainstream. UGG boots transitioned from being functional footwear to fashion staples in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s.

In the 1970’s the Australian surfing community started wearing ugg boots as a fashion statement and overnight they became super popular. The Gold Coast and Byron Bay surfing communities loved ugg boots as they were the perfect warm place to put their cold post surf feet. This trend started in the 1960’s when surfers first started wearing ugg boots for their warmth and practicality. UGG boots were originally worn by Australian surfers for their warmth after swimming in cold water. Surf culture played a big part in popularizing the boots among Australian surfers and surf shops sold the boots at surfing events and helped popularize them among surfers.

And then another man by the name of Shane Stedman claimed to be the mastermind behind the sheepskin boot.The surfer trademarked the term “Ugh-Boots” and has since gone on record saying he was the original founder and creator of the famous Australian boots.

Although it’s unlikely Stedman created the ugg boot he was the reason uggs started to take off globally especially in the US.

Advertising for Australian made ugg boots started to appear in Californian surfing magazines. Competitive surfers across the US were keen to get their hands on the warm boots, with several local surf shops stocking limited quantities of uggs which were brought over from Australia after competing in surf competitions down under. Ugg boots spread globally as surfers traveling to Australia brought them back as souvenirs. The word spread and UGG boots became a global trend.

The US Boom and Global Takeover

One Australian surfer made the most of uggs’ popularity in the States.

Brian Smith packed his suitcase full of ugg boots, grabbed his mate Doug Jensen and they were off to the USA to start their new business; importing uggs. Australian surfer Brian Smith introduced ugg boots to the US market in the late 1970’s and that’s when the international success began. Ugg imports played a big part in establishing the brand in North America.

Upon arrival in the US Smith trademarked the name “UGG” and with Jensen they started importing the sheepskin boots and selling them to locals. They worked with US distributors to expand the reach of Ugg boots in the US market. Their business grew quickly and by 1985 Smith trademarked a second name “Original UGG Boot UGG Australia”. In 1978 Brian Smith also founded the company Ugg Australia with Doug Jensen, solidifying their business. Their efforts to build their own company and establish the UGG brand was instrumental in its growth.

Ugg Boot fever had hit the US and Smith’s business was growing daily. By 1995 Smith who was still based and operating out of the US purchased Shane Stedman’s trademarked term “Ugh-Boots” along with the other names to become the outright owner of the name UGG.

And business wasn’t slowing down. In fact it was booming. Business commitments and other business commitments influenced changes in ownership and management as the company grew.California’s surf and celebrity culture kept uggs popular and booming. And it was more than just a fashion statement, Australian products were a hit with the American locals. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Pamela Anderson helped make uggs a household name. The US Olympic team wore UGG boots in 1994 and celebrity endorsements brought international attention to the brand and global fame.

At one stage Smith’s company Ugg Holdings had an estimated 80% of the global market for the boots. The increase in ugg sales was a key factor in establishing the brand’s global presence and dominance. This dominance in the market proved the huge demand for uggs worldwide.

The Trademark Battle and the True Originals

The word ugg has been used as a generic reference and generic term for sheepskin boots in Australia and New Zealand leading to later trademark disputes. There are over 70 registered trademarks using ‘ugg’ in their logos and designs in Australia and New Zealand. The term "UGG" is a protected trademark in many countries with Deckers actively defending its rights. The Australian Sheepskin Association was formed by Australian manufacturers to protect their rights to the UGG, UG and UGH trademarks and to safeguard Australian sheepskin boot brands from legal disputes.

In 1994 the US Olympic team wore ugg boots at the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer and that gave the brand huge international exposure and global profile.

In August 1995 and at the peak of his powers Smith sold Ugg Holdings to Deckers Corporation for $14.6 million. Almost immediately Deckers stopped manufacturing and importing uggs from Australia and moved production offshore. Outside Australia and New Zealand UGG is a brand manufactured by the California based Deckers Outdoor Corporation. Deckers Brands played a big part in making UGG a global icon, acquiring other related brands to strengthen their market presence.

By 1999 Deckers had secured additional registrations in the US and other countries and started sending out cease and desist letters to Australian manufacturers that were selling sheepskin boots outside of Australia. Deckers actively asserts its ‘UGG’ trademark against Australian traders who sell their ‘ugg boots’ overseas.Deckers’ move had consumers asking what the ‘original ugg’ was, where it was made and where to buy it. With uggs dominating the world market Deckers’ UGG brand has a big chunk of the global sales.

Let us clear up the confusion for you.

Of all the uggs in the world nothing will compare to the quality, love and care that goes into Australian made uggs. Always look for the green ‘Australia Made’ swing tag on your next pair of uggs and enjoy a lifetime of warm winters ahead! Australian sheep farmers prioritise sustainable and ethical farming practices for sheepskin production so you get high quality materials. Animal welfare is a big part of responsible sheepskin production so the health and humane treatment of sheep is paramount. By 2010 worldwide sales of ugg boots by Australian manufacturers combined was only 5.9% of Deckers ‘UGG’-branded sheepskin boots sales.

From rural Australia to global fashion phenomenon uggs have come a long way. While the exact inventor is debated what’s not in dispute is their connection to Australian heritage, craftsmanship and surf culture. Nothing beats the authenticity, warmth and quality of Australian made uggs. So when winter hits reach for the real deal - the original, made-down-under sheepskin boots that started it all.