The minute there is a bit of frost in the air, UGGs are the first things pulled out of the closet. Comfy, practical, and cozy, UGGs provide a seasonal hug on your feet every year. Featured in the hallways every day, UGG shoes rule the schools. But they weren’t always meant for winter. In fact, they were made for something we all associate with summer. Surfing.

UGG’s backstory features many different locations. Originally, in the 1900s UGGs were made from twin-faced sheepskin in Australia. They were mainly worn by sheepherders in the Australia and New Zealand Area. These farmers would give leftover scraps to their children, who used it for slippers around the house. They eventually began to be more publicized and started being sold commercially. By the 1950s, they were a tourist keepsake, as many would buy them after a trip to Australia.

Fast forward to the 1960s, Australian shores, freshly waxed surfboards, and cold water. Australian surfer, Brain Smith was searching for warm footwear after getting out of the frigid waters. After already attempting and failing to modify his current boots, he came up with lining shoes with his favorite material, sheepskin. These were curated into the first classic UGG boots. His dream eventually unfolded, as he ended up creating and founding this globally loved brand.
In the 1970s, Smith moved to the shores of California, with his classic boots filling up a suitcase. He started to sell them, and by 1978 he founded the company UGG Australia with business partner Doug Jensen. By the mid 80s UGGs began gaining more and more traction in the SoCal culture, as surfers used them to protect and keep their feet warm after getting out of the cold waters.

By the late 1990s, UGG boots had become a popular choice for American college students who wanted a stylish yet comfortable boot to wear around campus. It was around this time that celebrities began to take notice of UGG boots as well. Today, UGG boots are worn by people all over the world.

There’s just one slight issue…. Why can’t UGGs get wet if they were made for surfers? While nobody really has a definitive answer, we can only state that although they aren’t waterproof, they are meant to keep people warm. And that, they do.
I interviewed Evan Scanelli, a JCHS student, regarding his opinion of UGGS, he said, “I really love my UGGs. They’re so comfortable. I love how they look with my outfits. They make me feel good, and comfortable at the same time.” When asked if they kept his feet warm, he stated, “Of course! Whenever I go out into this weather, rest assured, I will be wearing UGGs. Not only are they fashionable and comfortable, they’re a genuine winter staple.”
I asked Evan what he thinks about the backstory, and controversy of why UGGs aren’t waterproof, he stated, “I think it would be a plus, but I don’t think that diminishes the comfortability of the brand. You just have to be careful when wearing them, you don’t intentionally get your other shoes wet, so why would you try to test it with UGGs?”.

All and all, UGGs are a brand loved by many, and have been cherished for generations past, present and to come. As UGG says on their website, “We exist to make self-expression comfortable for all.”