Ode to the Ugg Boot

An Ode to the UGG BOOT

THE ICONIC AND COMFORTABLE BOOT OF YOUR YOUTH IS HERE TO STAY Written by Clara Padgham, Contributing Writer Graphic by Riley August, Makeup Director

In the realm of footwear, the Ugg has been arguably one of the most iconic shoes of our lifetime. The comfort and warmth they provide us is irreplaceable, as is the excuse they give to leave the house wearing slippers. From Y2K icons to my grandma, their wool lining is beloved and their legacy will only continue to grow. Ugg’s humble beginning provides an inspiration to us all.

Ugg boots first circulated around Australia in the 1930s, but the term ‘Ugg’ was originally the name used for all sheepskin boots. Australian surfers loved ugg boots because they were a foolproof fix for cold, wet, post-surfing feet.1 Subsequently, their popularity spread within the international surfing community.2

In 1978, Australian surfer Brian Smith moved to California to sell the woolen boots he had brought from home. The boots were quickly a hit with the SoCal surf crowd, and the momentum did not slow down.3 Smith trademarked the name UGG Australia in the 1980s, and 15 years later, Deckers Outdoor bought the brand from Smith.4

1“Where did UGG boots get their name? Is the name really short for “ugh?”” Dictionary.com, 2021. 2 Sam, “History of the Australian Ugg Boot,” Everything Australian, 2021. 3 “Who We Are,” UGG, 2021. 4 Yan Zhuang, “Australian Company Loses UGG Trademark Battle,” The New York Times, 2021. As the brand grew, its clientele began to encompass more than just surfers, and Ugg boots entered the mainstream. Nearly everyone with an eye on trends in the early 2000s wanted a pair of Uggs so they could emulate their favorite Y2K icons. Paris Hilton styled hers with Juicy Couture tracksuits, while Kate Hudson rolled hers over the top to expose the shearling.5 As trends ebb and flow, Ugg’s popularity dwindled for a period of time— until the mid 2010s, when they became a staple amongst teenage girls. There was suddenly nothing cooler than PINK yoga pants tucked into midlength, chestnut Ugg boots. As their new wearers aged, trend cycles once again phased out the boots.

Luckily, Ugg boots are once again having a major resurgence. The company now sells home goods, bags and clothing, along with a variety of new and trendy boots, slippers and sandals. Although Paris Hilton isn’t touting her trailblazing Ugg looks anymore, younger generations have their own style heroes they turn to for new Ugg inspiration.

Infleuncer and style maven Emma Chamberlain recently released a YouTube video titled “ugg season,” in

5 Brooke Bobb, “The UGG boot craze of the early 2000s, as remembered by vogue,” Vogue, 2017. which she heavily praises the iconic boot. Chamberlain styled her Mini Uggs with tall white socks, leggings and a lightweight puffer coat over a classic white turtleneck. The Ultra Minis and Minis seem to be Ugg’s most popular shoe at the moment, and we love seeing the chic ways they can be fashioned.

Gigi Hadid styled her blue Minis with a navy bathrobe jacket, blue baseball cap and gold rimmed sunglasses to match the hardware on her Ralph Lauren bag.6 She looked effortlessly cool, comfortable and fashion forward. Another great way to style the Ultra Mini Uggs is with straight leg jeans, a bright-colored top to contrast the neutrals (or to match your colorful Uggs), a leather blazer or camel coat and lots of gold jewelry to make sure the Uggs are seen as a daytime essential.

It is hard to contain excitement when the comfortable, slipper-like shoe of your childhood is once again becoming a trend. With all the new styles Ugg has debuted, there is an Ugg boot to match any outfit and occasion. But for those who can’t resist a time-honored tradition, the Classic Short II in chestnut is always an option. ■

6 Tara Gonzalez, “Celebrities Just Discovered an UGG Boot We Didn’t Even Know Existed,” InStyle, 2021.