Overview of UGG Brand and Products | Generated by AI
Question: What is a comprehensive introduction to the UGG company, its product range, and its brand story?
Answer:
Introduction to UGG
UGG is a global lifestyle brand best known for its iconic sheepskin boots. Founded in 1978 in Southern California, it has evolved from a niche surf brand into a multi-billion-dollar fashion powerhouse. Today, UGG is owned by Deckers Brands (which also owns Hoka and Teva) and is positioned as a “comfort-first” luxury brand. As of 2026, the company continues to see record growth, fueled by its popularity among Gen Z and a successful transition into a year-round fashion label.
What They Sell
While the “Classic Boot” remains their flagship product, UGG has significantly diversified its catalog into several categories:
- Footwear: * Classic Boots: Available in various heights (Tall, Short, Mini, and the viral “Ultra Mini”).
- Slippers & Slides: The Tasman and Tazz platforms are currently among their top-selling items.
- Sneakers & Weather-Ready: Waterproof rain boots (like the Drizlita) and winter performance boots.
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New for 2026: Fashion-forward silhouettes like ballet flats, Mary Janes (the Bea), and clogs.
- Apparel: A “ready-to-wear” line featuring loungewear, oversized hoodies, faux-fur coats, and high-end basics like cashmere sweaters.
- Home Goods: Known as the “UGG Home” collection, they sell plush blankets, decorative pillows, area rugs, and bedding designed to mimic the feel of their footwear.
- Accessories: Sheepskin-lined gloves, earmuffs, scarves, and handbags.
The Brand Story
The UGG story is a journey from “ugly” functional gear to a global status symbol:
- Australian Roots (1960s-70s): Sheepskin boots were originally worn by Australian surfers to warm their feet after coming out of the cold ocean. The term “ugg” was used generically in Australia for this style of footwear.
- California Dream (1978): Australian surfer Brian Smith moved to Southern California with a bag of sheepskin boots. He founded “UGG Imports” (later UGG Holdings), betting that the relaxed SoCal beach culture would embrace the boots.
- The “Ugly” Breakthrough (1980s-90s): Initially sold in surf shops, the boots gained a cult following. In 1995, Deckers Outdoor Corporation acquired the brand for approximately $14.6 million, seeing its potential as a global luxury item.
- The Oprah Effect (2000s): The brand’s trajectory changed forever in 2003 when Oprah Winfrey featured UGG boots on her “Favorite Things” list. This sparked a massive trend, turning the boots into a staple for Hollywood celebrities and suburban households alike.
- Modern Renaissance (2020s-Present): After a period of being labeled “out of style,” UGG staged a major comeback by collaborating with high-fashion designers (like Telfar and Feng Chen Wang) and leaning into the “Cozy-Core” trend.
Note on Naming: A long-standing legal battle exists regarding the name. In Australia and New Zealand, “ugg” is considered a generic term for the style of boot. However, Deckers Brands owns the “UGG” trademark in over 130 other countries, including the U.S. and UK.
References:
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[UGG® Our Story](https://www.ugg.com/ca/our-story.html) - The History of UGG Boots - Original UGG Australia
- Deckers Brands - Wikipedia
- Everyone’s Wearing Ugg Boots Again – ELLE (2026)
Would you like me to look up specific UGG collaborations or their latest sustainability initiatives for 2026?