The history of Ugg Shoes-Australia correlates with the long tradition of the Australian people depending on heavy duty sheepskin boots for their farming and rugged outdoor activities. For 200 years, Australians referred to their 100% merino sheepskin boots as "ugs", short for "ugly." By the early 1970's, several sheepskin boot manufacturing plants had been constructed around the Australian city of Perth.
After realizing the popularity of Uggs within the California surfing community, he decided to develop and market the sheepskin footwear. His conceptual idea came to fruition in 1978. Mr. Smith obtained a trademark for the term Ugg-and it is believed that he also obtained variations on the spelling-such as Ug and Ugh.
In 1995, Mr. Smith sold all rights of Ugg Holding to a Californian company by the name of Deckers Outdoor Corporation. Upon the purchase, Deckers acquired the Ugg trademark name for 24 countries and began utilizing the name of Ugg-Australia. However, the production of the sheepskin boots was transferred to China in a move to lower production costs.
Located near this city were popular surfing beaches, where surfers adapted the Ugg boots for year-round use. The insulating properties of fleece kept feet warm in winter, and in summer, it absorbed perspiration. With a cozy feel and form-fitting style, Uggs provided sock-like comfort while walking over rough or slippery terrain. Gradually, Uggs reached from the West Coast to the surfing communities of Australia's East Coast, and then were carried into skiing communities by surfers who enjoyed both sports. When Brian Smith, a native Australian surfer visited the U.S in the late 1970's, he brought Uggs with him.

The boot that could have once been considered dowdy due to its bulk and shape is now viewed as sexy and fashionable. Uggs are no longer just a household name in Australia, but across the globe, and sales have tripled within the last two years. With some styles costing over $444 or 300 Euros a pair, Uggs appeals to those who wish to be known for their financial success and recognition of high quality and workmanship.

Unfortunately, some groups feel that the name Ugg should not be considered a brand name, but simply a generic term representing a boot, just as the words sneaker or trainer refer to an athletic or tennis shoe. This is currently the basis for some debate between Decker and other providers of sheepskin boots. The Australian sheepskin trade claims to have lost $20 million as a result of not being allowed to use the generic word Ugg in their media or internet advertising.

In fact, one group, the Sheepskin Association, enlisted a campaign termed "Save our Aussie icon" in its pursuit of having the trademark cancelled. It may be difficult. Even the Macquarie dictionary, which sets standards for Australian English, uses the trademark that Deckers acquired, in its definition of Ugg. By now, many lovers of Ugg boots equate the term with Ugg Sh... [ Read More (0.2k in body) ]