All About UGGs

Anyone who has ever put their foot inside a pair of these incredible boots or slippers is sold for life on UGG®. They are extremely comfortable and so warm! This post is for those who are not sure whether to get some or not, for those who think they are UGGly and refuse to get them, and for you UGG-lovers out there--you just might learn something new about your beloved boots.

A Little History
UGG® Australia began in 1978 when Brian Smith, a young surfer from Australia, took a trip to California with a bag full of sheepskin boots. The brand really took shape in California as Smith perfected the boots. Deckers Outdoor Corporation acquired UGG® Australia in 1995 and expanded the brand. Under Deckers ownership another boot, slippers and a few casual shoes were added. In 1998, UGG® took its first steps into the world of luxury footwear and Nordstrom was the first high-end department store to be known as an UGG® destination.

UGG® boots turned out to be a great fit alongside other high-end brands and established its reputation for luxury, quality and comfort that the company still stands by today. In 2003, UGG® Australia was named "Brand of the Year" by Footwear News magazine.

UGG® is also responsible for creating an entirely new category of footwear. Sheepskin shoes have been seen on the runways in Milan, Paris and all over the world. They are also one of the newest staples that most women find essential for their fall/winter wardrobe.



It's all in the sheepskin...
UGG® Australia uses only the highest-grade sheepskin available. Most UGG® products are made from twin-face sheepskin. Twin-face sheepskin is treated on both the fleece and the skin sides. Grade-A sheepskin is extremely dense and soft, providing the ultimate level of comfort and durability. Lesser quality materials and synthetics are coarse, scratchy and suffocating on your feet.

UGG® Australia's sheepskin breathes naturally, wicking away moisture and allowing air to circulate freely which keeps your feet dry. The thermodynamic qualities of sheepskin keep your feet close to your natural body temperature regardless of the temperature outside. Because of these properties, UGG® shoes can be worn yearround.

How to Find the Perfect Fit
Any UGG® product should be considered as an investment. As with any investment, you want to make sure it lasts you for a long time which is why the fit is so important. UGG® shoes should fit snug, but not to the point that it sacrifices comfort. The leather will give as you wear them, and we usually suggest going down half a size from what you would normally wear.


UGG® footwear is designed to be worn barefoot to maximize the cushioning and warmth of the sheepskin. Remember, sheepskin has thermodynamic and wicking qualities, so your feet will not sweat which makes socks unnecessary. The wool will keep your feet warm in temperatures as low as -30°F and cool in temperatures up to 80°F. The fleece footbed will mold to your foot creating a personalized arch support.

Avoiding Counterfeits
The best way to avoid wasting your money on counterfeit boots is by purchasing them at an authorized UGG® Australia retailer, like Solemates! If you didn't buy them from us, here are some things to look for.

1. The sole of authentic UGGs are recessed. If yours have a totally flat, smooth bottom, then they are fake. Real UGGs also have a very flexible sole that is easily bent back and forth. Any boot that has a stiff, rigid sole that will not bend, is a fake.

2. Fake UGGs do not run a size larger like authentic ones do. We always suggest purchasing your UGGs so that they fit very snug, even going down a size because real UGGs stretch and mold to your feet.

3. The label on the inside should stay "Made in China." UGGs were originally manufactured in New Zealand and Australia, but they have been manufactured in China for the past 3 years. Anyone claiming that the boots they are selling are made in New Zealand or Australia is selling counterfeits.

4. The natural fur lining should be full and a creamy color with no stray hairs or shedding. You should also be able to brush it with a wide tooth comb with a lot of difficulty.

5. Real UGGs are made of one solid piece of twin-faced sheepskin. Fake UGGs are usually made of two separate pieces of material, an outer suede-like material and then fur fibers on the inside, and are sewn together around the edges.

If you did not buy your UGGs from us, or you purchased them from an un-authorized dealer, there is a good chance yours are fake. Check over them, and compare them to pictures here. If yours are counterfeits, you are missing out on an amazing product, and you should come let us introduce the real thing!