UGG, an American brand known for its footwear and apparel, is particularly famous for its signature sheepskin boots. The creation of this iconic boot can be traced back to 1971, when it was invented by Australian surfer Shane Stedman as a means to warm his feet post-surfing. Stedman went on to register the UGG trademark in 1982.
The UGG Australia brand was launched in the United States in 1978 by another Australian surfer, Brian Smith, who began selling these boots. In 1995, the brand was acquired by the American company, Deckers Outdoor Corp.
UGG boots became a cultural fashion sensation in the early 2000s, largely due to endorsements from the renowned American television presenter, Oprah Winfrey, who frequently included UGG boots in her list of "favourite things".
UGG is now a registered trademark in more than 145 countries worldwide, including the USA, Europe, and China. Regrettably, the brand has been a victim of counterfeiting, predominantly from China. The authenticity of UGG products can be verified by a rectangular label that displays the brand's stylised logo, typically attached to the boot's heel.