The origin of the Australian ugg boot has a variety of stories as to how and when the ugg sheep skin boots were actually invented. One of the versions has the sheep skin footwear as the boot worn by pilots during World War One. These boots were referred to as “Fug Boots” denoting their use as ugg boots used for flying. In the 1930’s, Blue Mountain Ugg Boots were commonly worn by sheep shearers for their added warmth over regular footwear. “Apache Ugh Boots” were fashioned by Mortel’s Sheepskin Factory in the 1950‘s. By the 1960’s surfers were wearing their own version of the boot, finding them an easy and comfortable way to warm up after surfing the cold Australian waters.

The original ugg sheep skin boots were made with two pieces of sheepskin attached in the front and a soft sole. Most Australian’s believe the name “Ugg” derives from the word “ugly”, therefore coining the term “Ugg Boot”, as uniquely Australian as “Joey’s “ and “mate’s”. Given the ugg boot’s various stories of origination, it would be impossible to pinpoint who made the first sheep skin boots and when. Truth be told, they were probably reinvented many times satisfying a variety of uses based on the specific need of the person.

Since the success of Uggs-N-Rugs as one of the longest running producers of sheep skin boots in Australia, many other manufacturers and retail businesses from all over the world have attempted to copy their success. Although there are many stories found on the Internet, one Australian named Brian Smith lays claim to being one of the first to introduce the ugg boot to the American market.

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