Ugg, also referred to as uggs or ugg boots, are a style of sheepskin boot, with wool as the inner lining and a tanned outer surface worn by both men and women.
The UGG Australia story began in 1978, when Brian Smith, a young surfer from Australia, took a trip to the United States with a bag full of sheepskin boots. After finding a new home amongst California surfers, the UGG Australia brand began to take shape.
Ugg boots often have a synthetic sole, although this is not universal. Uggs have been identified as a fashion trend for men and women since the early 2000s. In late 2008, Ugg boots grew again in popularity with men as male celebrities were seen in them.
Whether you call them "sheepskin boots" or "ugg boots," they are incredibly warm, and soft, and have become a major hit with celebrities and trendsetters alike over the past couple of years. Oprah, Paris Hilton, and several other celebrities are acknowledged fans of ugg boots.
In the Arctic and China, sheepskin boots have long been popular with people in rural. occupations, such as sheep shearers, who have ready access to the raw materials. They are traditionally used for skiing. Their popularity increased as a result of World War I and World War II, where they were popular with aviators, because of their need to keep warm in non-pressurized planes at high altitudes.[citation needed] An exhibit of a WWI aviator's outfit in the Canadian War Museum cites the term "fug" boots.[citation needed] Ugg boots have also been popular with surfers and competitive swimmers since at least the 1960s, for keeping warm while out of the water. The terms ugg boots, ugh boots and ug boots have been used as generic terms for sheepskin boots in Australia since the 1950s and 1960s,when they first appeared in advertising and other publications. The natural insulative properties of sheepskin give thermostatic properties to the boots: the thick fleecy fibres on the inner part of the boots allow air to circulate and keep the feet at body temperature. This means that Ugg boots can be worn without socks or tights ,even in relatively cold weather.