| The Australian Ugg Boots Phenomenon
Ugg boots. Aussie souvenir gifts, winter sheepskin boots, fashionable Australian sheepskin footwear. Call them what you will, they're the fashion accessory that you will never grow out of, that you'll wear more than your trusty faded denim jeans, and that your feet will love you for.
So what are ugg boots, and why are they becoming so popular around the world? In case you've been living under a rock and haven't got a pair, here's a brief history of the Australian fashion phenomenon that is ugg boots.
The exact history of how these Australian winter sheepskin boots came about is lost in the mists of time. What is known is that they've been worn by Australians since European settlers first arrived on the huge island continent and discovered that their cold feet could best be warmed by sheepskin footwear. Whoever the first person was to don a pair, he or she started an Aussie fashion trend that would be perpetually enduring.
Australians love the outdoor lifestyle, and Aussie surfers and beach lovers have been wearing winter sheepskin footwear for well over fifty years on the beach, as a way of keeping their feet warm whilst out of the water.
The name ugg boots is derived from that famous Aussie tradition of lovingly abbreviating every common usage term, and it was only a short skip from "ugly boots" to seriously "ugg boots". Ugly as they were perceived at the time compared to more traditional wear, there was no beating these Australian uggs boots for warmth and comfort.
Until recent times, Australian ugg boots, or "Australian uggs" as they are sometimes endearingly referred to, were one of the world's best kept secrets, used by those in the know down under. How the rest of the world started getting in on the action is somewhat debated, but one of the most commonly held beliefs is that they were popularised by Baywatch star, Pamela Anderson, when she kept her feet warm on set by wearing a pair of Australian ugg boots. Since then, tens of thousands of people around the world have bought pairs of uggs, whether it be as Aussie souvenir gifts, fashion statement, or most commonly, for their pure comfort and enjoyment.
Whether or not ugg boots will become as synonymous with the Australian lifestyle and culture as other Australian symbols such as the kangaroo, the didgeridoo and Vegemite sandwiches is yet to be seen, but one thing is for sure, this is one Australian lifestyle accessory that the rest of the world is loving as much as Australians do.
All About Ugg Boots 8
Ugg boots have been fashionable for decades. From the airmen who wore Uggs to keep as warm as possible during World War I, to the surfers who loved to wear Uggs on the beach, to the fashionable women who started wearing Uggs during their revival in 2003, Ugg fans encompass a vast variety of people.
When people refer to "genuine Ugg boots", they are usually talking about those made by Deckers Outdoor Corporation, called "Ugg Australia" boots. Many other Australian companies have manufactured sheepskin boots called Uggs, Ughs or Ugs for years, but Deckers Outdoor Corporation claimed the trademark, and are the manufacturers sought after by the fashion-conscious.
Nowadays there are numerous styles of Ugg boots available. Of course the traditional distinctive boot with the top that can be folded either up or down is still hugely popular in a variety of colours. One of the most popular colours of the moment is Raisin, a rich red colour offering a new twist to a popular style. Ugg Australia now also manufacture a vast range of completely different styles. Whether you want leather Uggs, uggs with heels, or something different altogether, there is something for everybody in Ugg Australia's new lines. Men and children are not left out. There are some very masculine styles available, a range of classic boots in kids sizes, and Uggs for babies which are especially sweet. Most of the current Uggs retain some of the original flavour as they include sheepskin in one way or another.
Sheepskin boots are great for all year round usage, as fleecy fibres inside the boot keep feet warm, while still encouraging air circulation. The only time when it is perhaps inadvisable to wear Ugg boots is during rainy weather. However a gentle wash (not in the washing machine) with cool water should ensure any problems with mud are easily solved. When choosing which boots to buy, it is important to look at a variety of retailers, as prices can vary wildly. Uggly.co.uk compares the best UK retailers for you, and presents the cheapest and most stylish Ugg boots for you to easily choose the best.
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