The Evolution of UGGs, Available on eBay

UGG shoes are synonymous with Southern California beach culture. Before UGG became the preferred comfort footwear in Hollywood, these shoes gained popularity among Australian surfers.

In 1978, Australian surfer Brian Smith traveled to the United States. He brought his favorite twin-face sheepskin boots. After visiting several Southern California surf shops, he realized that retailers didn't sell anything like his comfortable sheepskin boots. Smith founded UGG Australia and brought the classic boot to the California surfing scene. In 1995, Smith sold UGG to Southern California-based Deckers Brands.

UGG's Classic Boot

Modeled on the surfer boot, the original Classic Boot debuted over 40 years ago. Featuring a minimalist design, the boot used sheepskin for both the upper and the interior lining. This worked well since the authentic sheepskin lining was an excellent option for providing warmth and comfort. The simple design also made it easy for beachgoers to slip on after surfing or swimming in the ocean. UGG's boot was available in either a sand or chestnut color.

In the early 2000s, UGG entered the mainstream fashion world. UGG also released the Classic Short in new colorways, including baby pink, baby blue, and lilac. This launch propelled the boot into the fashion pages. Paparazzi frequently photographed celebrities pairing the Classic Boot with miniskirts or velour tracksuits.

UGG soon expanded the Classic Boot line to include a mid-calf version called the Classic Tall. Over the years, UGG launched variations of the classic pull-on boot that added design elements like sequins, embroidery, and bows. The Bailey Button added side buttons and elastic for easy on-and-off. In 2021, the company debuted the Classic Ultra Mini, an ankle-high version of the Classic Short. It quickly became a new favorite for celebrities.

For 2022, UGG reimagined the Classic Boot and other boots in the lineup with a fashion-forward platform sole. The Ultra Mini and the Neumel chukka boot also received a platform sole. Capitalizing on the combat boot trend, the company also released UGG combat boot styles with plush sheepskin interiors and platform soles.

UGG's Sneaker Lineup

UGG fans and sneakerheads welcomed the expansion of the UGG brand into sneakers. The new line of shoes began with slip-on sneakers and mules for spring and summer. Styles like the Ricci featured the iconic sheepskin on the exterior of the shoe, a change from previous styles. As UGG added more styles to its sneaker line, UGG sneakers moved away from sheepskin as the signature material. UGG introduced an engineered knit upper and PORON footbed in the Sammy. Other sneakers, like the men's UGG x Mastermind CA805 Neumel, used a recycled wool blend in the sock liner instead of sheepskin.

Sneaker fans interested in trying out the maximalist shoe trend will find several styles from UGG that fit the bill. UGG's lineup includes the Dinale, a white leather lace-up with brown or animal-print accents. The Marin features a sleek black upper with a chunky platform sole. For the 2022-2023 season, the Marin evolved into the Marin Mega, which features a 2.25-inch platform sole, suede upper, and bold UGG logos.

UGG's Ode to California

UGG responded to the chunky dad sneaker trend with a line that used elements of its California heritage. The first sneaker in this line, the CA805, referred to the Southern California 805 area code. This sneaker featured a rich nubuck upper in a variety of exciting colorways. The Tasman braid detail on the tongue recalls early UGG boot styles that featured a braided seam. Treadlite midsoles provide added durability and traction without adding weight.

The Westsider continued building on UGG's California heritage. This sneaker featured a suede and nubuck upper designed for tough weather. Made from more recycled materials, the shoe exhibited UGG's shift to more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. The LA Cloud took the chunky outsole trend one step further. Crafted with a mesh textile lining and a foam footbed, this sneaker is the next step in comfort from UGG.

UGG's Collaborations

As the UGG brand evolved, it partnered with iconic fashion designers and up-and-coming streetwear brands to give UGG's classic styles a bold new look. Popular shoes like the Neumel chukka boot and the Tasman slipper received new details and embellishments. Some capsule collections, like UGG x Denim Tears, integrated Indigenous and Black American cultural stitching. Other collaborations, like Star Wars and Sesame Street, focused on integrating pop culture into various UGG styles.

UGG x Jimmy Choo

One of the first collaborations was with fashion designer Jimmy Choo. Known for handmade women's shoes, the Jimmy Choo UGGS took the Classic Boots to new heights. Available in four different styles, this capsule collection featured black or chestnut Classic Boots with added embellishments. The Jimmy Choo UGGs featured an upper covered in gold and silver studs, hearts, and stars. Some shoes included a fringe around the collar.

UGG x BAPE

Japanese streetwear brand BAPE integrates bold graphic patterns into hats, hoodies, and tees. In this 2018 collaboration with UGG, UGG x BAPE reimagined UGGs sneakers. The collection featured five different sneakers that took key elements from UGG, including the brown textile upper and sheepskin lining. BAPE added details like their camo print and star logo. Rapper Lil Wayne was a fan of this collaboration.

UGG x Telfar

One of UGG's most well-known collaborations to date is with the handbag and accessories brand Telfar. Established in 2005, this New York City brand is known for its unisex shopping bags. UGG's collaboration with Telfar began with small, medium, and large shopping bags with UGG's signature sheepskin. The partnership expanded to include unisex boots, UGG slippers, and loafers embellished with the Telfar logo.

UGG x Feng Chen Wang

Menswear designer Feng Chen Wang collaborated with UGG on a line of boots, sandals, and sneakers. The collection applied Feng Chen Wang's future-modern aesthetic to UGG's classic styles. Wang's version of the Classic Short added rugged straps and buckles. This style can be worn in three ways: as a boot, a sandal, or combined. Available in black, white, and gray, the slides featured bursts of sheepskin and zippers.

UGG x Tschabalala Self

For 2022, UGG collaborated with artist Tschabalala Self to create a 10-piece capsule collection of footwear and apparel. Self took her mixed-media art that features bold geometric designs and applied those designs to the collection. The result is shoes like the Classic Short boot with a black-and-white diamond print. UGG x TS Self-Contrast Heel Boot features a light blue and yellow suede shaft with a blue and yellow block heel. Inside the boot, UGG adds a leather lambskin lining and sock liner. A PORON and foam footbed provide maximum comfort.

UGG Celebrates Pride

With UGG's Pride For All collection, the brand introduced a line of unisex apparel, footwear, and accessories for adults and children. The collection included slippers like the Fluff Yeah and Fluff Yeah Cali Collage with bold rainbow prints. Showcasing its commitment to inclusion and representation, UGG expanded its All-Gender styles beyond the Pride line. The brand added All-Gender styles like the Neumel Low and CA805 sneaker in classic colors like black and olive.

UGG's Continued Evolution

What began as a simple sheepskin boot for surfers has evolved into a fashion-forward brand that constantly reinvents itself. Men, women, and children turn to UGG for good sneakers year-round.