Published 24 February 2023 · Last updated 20 May 2026 · 3 min read
Quick answer: UGG boots were originally Australian surfer footwear, the name is short for “ugly boots”, they were endorsed by Oprah Winfrey in the US, early designs trace back to WWI sheepskin aviator boots, and they were originally a men’s shoe before women adopted them in the 1980s and 90s.
Ugg boots have a fun background and history — in this blog, we share our top five favourite facts about uggs.
Read on!
#1. Ugg boots originated at the beach
While you may think that ugg boots were created in the depths of winter, aiming to fight off the cold – you could be misled. The first iconic designs were actually worn by Australian surfers in the 1970s who were looking to stay warm in between surfing sessions.
#2. We’re actually calling them “ugly boots”
Just like most Australian names, the term ‘uggs’ or ‘uggies’ was shortened from ugly boots! The term has now caught on around the world.
#3. Oprah Winfrey loves a warm pair of ugg boots
Oprah is renowned for making trends popular — so when she bought ugg boots for her staff and included them in her Favourite Things show, the US got on board this style quickly.
#4. Early designs of ugg boots can be dated back to World War I
While World War I ugg boot designs don’t quite resemble the iconic shoes we know and love today, WWI pilots have been pictured wearing fleece-lined ‘Fug Boots’. These ‘flying ugg boots’ were able to keep pilots warm while in the air and were some of the first designs of ugg boots.
#5. Ugg boots were originally a ‘guy’ shoe
When ugg boots first started to gain popularity, it was in the surfing community with many surfers jumping on this new trend. It wasn’t until their girlfriends started borrowing and wearing their partner’s shoes that they became a universally loved and worn shoe.
Frequently asked questions
Where did UGG boots originate?
UGG boots in their modern twin-faced sheepskin form were popularised by Australian surfers in the 1960s and 1970s as post-surf footwear. Earlier sheepskin aviator boots from WWI are often credited as a design precursor.
Why are they called “UGG”?
“UGG” is short for “ugly boot”, Australian slang referring to the boots’ unrefined look. The same word may also relate to “fug boot” (flying ugly boot), used by WWI pilots wearing sheepskin footwear.
Who made UGG boots famous in the United States?
Australian surfers introduced them to California in the 1970s. Oprah Winfrey accelerated mainstream US adoption in the 2000s by featuring UGG boots in her “Favourite Things” show.
When were UGG boots first made?
Sheepskin boots in a recognisable UGG silhouette appear in WWI aviator photographs (1914–1918). The modern UGG style we sell today emerged from Australian surf culture in the 1960s.
Are UGG boots for men or women?
UGG boots started life as a men’s and unisex style. Women adopted them widely in the 1980s and 1990s. Today both men’s and women’s UGG boots are made in matching styles.
Looking for the real thing? Browse our Australian-made UGG collection, or shop by women’s and men’s UGG boots.