UGG began as a surfer staple in 1978 and was acquired by Deckers (now Deckers Brands) in 1995. Known for sheepskin-lined boots, UGG evolved into a global lifestyle label with both classic silhouettes (like the Classic Mini) and weather-ready styles (historically including models such as the Adirondack Boot II). Product features - waterproof membranes, removable liners, colors and sizing - vary over time; check current product pages for the latest specifications.

Origins and rise

UGG started when Australian surfer Brian Smith brought sheepskin boots to California in 1978. The boots found an immediate audience among surfers and then a broader California crowd. Deckers Outdoor Corporation acquired the brand in 1995 and later rebranded as Deckers Brands. In the late 1990s UGG shifted from a niche surf boot to a premium fashion label through selective distribution and fashion-focused marketing.

Signature materials and design

UGG built its reputation on natural sheepskin linings and suede or leather uppers. Those materials still define many of the brand's best-known styles: soft, fleece-lined interiors, cushioned footbeds and flexible outsoles designed for everyday wear. UGG also expanded into weather-ready technologies and leather treatments for colder, wetter climates.

Notable models (legacy descriptions)

Adirondack Boot II

A rugged lace-up style originally presented as a cold-weather boot with a waterproof membrane and sheepskin sockliner. Historical product pages and retailer listings described versions with a GORE-TEX® membrane and removable sheepskin liner, marketed for men in some collections .

Brooks Tall

Anolder tall style that was described in past catalogs as combining waterproof leathers with sheepskin or wool fleece linings, plus a lugged outsole for traction. It was commonly listed in women's ranges and offered in darker neutrals 1.

Classic Mini

The Classic Mini (a shorter version of the original Classic boot) remains one of UGG's enduring silhouettes. It features the brand's signature fleece lining and a lightweight outsole for casual wear. Past listings showed seasonal colorways such as patchwork variants and listed sizes in whole sizes only in some runs; current sizing and color availability vary by season and region 2.

What has changed since the 2000s

UGG now operates as a global lifestyle brand under Deckers Brands and updates its core styles regularly. The company has introduced new materials, technical treatments and more varied silhouettes while keeping sheepskin-lined boots at its center. For exact, current specifications - materials, waterproofing technology, available colors and sizing - refer to UGG's product pages or authorized retailers, since individual model features change across seasons and markets.
  1. Verify whether the Adirondack Boot II currently (or in specific past runs) used a GORE-TEX membrane and a removable sheepskin sockliner, and which genders/size ranges it was marketed to.
  2. Confirm the exact existence, naming and historical specifications (materials, lining, outsole, target gender and colorways) for the Brooks Tall model.
  3. Confirm Classic Mini past colorways (e.g., patchwork) and whether some releases were limited to whole sizes only; verify current sizing options for the Classic Mini on UGG's site.

FAQs about Ugg Footwear

Who founded UGG and when did it start?
UGG traces back to Brian Smith, an Australian surfer who introduced sheepskin boots to California in 1978. The brand later grew in the U.S. market and was acquired by Deckers in 1995.
Does UGG still use sheepskin linings?
Yes. Sheepskin-lined interiors remain a defining feature of many UGG styles, providing cushioning and natural insulation in classic and seasonal models.
Are Adirondack and Brooks models waterproof?
Some historic listings for models like the Adirondack Boot II and Brooks Tall described waterproof membranes (including GORE-TEX® in specific runs) and treated leathers, but waterproofing varies by model and year - check current product specifications on UGG's site or with retailers .
Is the Classic Mini available in half sizes?
Sizing options for the Classic Mini have varied across releases and regions. Past runs sometimes listed whole sizes only; current availability of half sizes depends on the season and market .