The UGG Company, Founded in 1978 By An Australian Surfer, Is Known For Its Sheepskin Boots, Slippers And Gloves Along With Fashion Wear. Their Boots Are One Of The Most Popular In The USA. The Sheepskin Truly Makes Great Wear During Cold Weather.
Company Info
Designer Brand: UGG
Established: 1978
Location: 250 Coromar Drive Goleta, CA 93117 with over 3,000 stores worldwide.
Contact: 1-888-432-8530
Company Slogan: UGG – A Distinctive “Classic” Sheepskin Boot For Both Men And Women
Company Ownership:
The UGG Company is a division of Deckers Outdoor Corporation. It is a registered trademark in the United States and over 130 other countries. Brian Smith, the original owner and designer from Australia, used sheepskin because he was determined to help people have as much passion for the usage of sheepskin as he did. In 1995 the company was acquired by Deckers Brands under the name of UGG Australia. They expanded the brand presence globally as well as added additional product lines. It trades under the ticker symbol DECK as a publicly help company. Deckers Brands continues to source much of its sheepskin from Australia. In 2016 Deckers dropped the name “Australia”, so UGG is no longer known as UGG Australia, but just by the name “UGG”.
Deckers has aggressively marketed UGG; however one of its best marketing sources is celebrities. In 2000 Oprah claimed one of her favorite things was “UGG” and Vogue featured their boots and slippers as stylish luxury. In 2003 the “Pastel Colored Boot” was introduced and became an instant success. By 2006 it took Soho Manhattan, New York City by storm opening its first store for men. In 2008 UGG teamed up with Jimmy Choo to design a fashionable boot with emblems and other embellishments. In 2013 The Twinsole was introduced making it possible to inter change the insole with a traditional cushioned or luxury wool insole.
Product Lines: Real Genuine Leather Wear products include boots, slippers, sneakers, sandals, handbags and outer wear such as coats, jackets, vests, gloves and cold weather hats and ear muffs with Bluetooth connectivity.
UGG Footwear Technology
Brian Smith envisioned wearing sheepskin footwear year round. This is possible because Grade-A sheepskin breathes and is naturally thermostatic. The fleece side breathes wicking away moisture and allowing air to circulate freely. The sheepskin side keeps bare feet close to the bodies natural temperature regardless of the outside temperature because it is thermostatic.
The Twin Sole introduces the option of choosing between two insole types 1) A leather rich lining or 2) A luxurious natural wool lining which keeps the feet warm and wicks moisture away. Both insole types are cushioned with dual-density foam outfitted with antimicrobial protection and a Poron shock-absorbing heel. Regardless of which insole is chosen, the insole is meant to be worn without socks. There is no need to be concerned about keeping it clean because the insole is removable, machine washable and replaceable.
The Poron shock absorbing heel is urethane with an open cell foam structure, making the insole flexible and capable of cushioning, padding, and compression. It helps reduce friction, prevents calluses and absorbs shock when used as a heel pad for the insole.
The wool insole is Grade A Fleece; therefore it is very dense and molds to the natural contours of the feet thus creating natural arch support.
Note: The older version of Twin Face was one insole with two difference facings. One side had the traditional leather and dual form density and Poron supportive heel. The other side had the wool fleece. Today some boot collections provide a pair of both insole types.
Twin Face refers to the fact that both the skin side and the fleece side of the sheepskin are treated so both sides can be used for the boot upper. UGG boots use the sheepskin side for the upper outside giving them a rich suede appearance and the fleece side next to the bodies skin giving soft comfort, warmth in cool temperatures and coolness in warm temperatures. Only Grade A sheepskin is used because it is more dense. offers more comfort, breath ability, thermostatic capability. and more durability. Grade A sheepskin means that the wool side has an even “stand up” thickness across the entire piece.
Treadlite refers to the construction of the sole. Rubber, along with foam, is one of the ingredients used to provide maximum elasticity, cushioning, and rebound without adding weight. Treadlite increases the “bounciness” of the sole and gives tread for grab and holding power. It is featured in the Bailey and Classic Boot Collection. Compared to the traditional EVA outsoles, UGG claims Treadlite has 16% more durability, 20% better traction on wet and dry surfaces, and cushioning that lasts 25% longer.
DryTech adds waterproofing to boots. It is amazing! It is a 2-ply waterproof-breathable fabric that’s very soft and comfortable. The micro pores of this super-thin membrane do not allow fluid water to pass through but allow water vapor molecules to pass through.
Dual-density EVA midsole provides cushioning and protects the feet as they hit a hard surface when walking, hiking or running. EVA is Ethel Vinyl Acetate which consists of thousands of tiny air holding bubbles joined together and compressed to make a foam that cushions and absorbs shock. Dual density means there are two layers jointed together in a predetermined effective fashion. EVA is a good choice for boots because it is light weight, soft, flexible, tough, stress-crack resistant, waterproof, and resistant to UV-radiation. The Adirandack boot has been updated to include EVA.
Notable Facts: UGG continues to achieve its goal to prove to the world that sheepskin is a highly versatile and usable leather. Scientific Studies prove it can be worn in minus 30 degree temperatures and eighty degree temperatures with comfort. It is very serviceable since it can be washed. It continues to get endorsements from around the world as it fashions serviceable and attractive footwear.
Material Used:
Real Genuine Leather from sheep and cattle is used for most of the footwear, jackets and tote bags.
Where It Comes From: The sheepskin and cattle hides used come from Australia, UK, Ireland and the United States.
Leather Selection
UGG uses Sheepskin, Full Grain, Top Grain, Nubuck and Suede Leather.
Sheepskin
Only Grade A is used because Grade A offers the highest density to support body weight and withstand machine washing for years.
Sheepskin is an amazing material. It acts as a temperature and moisture regulator and it is dense and soft enough to give comfort and arch support. It is ideal to wear year round.
Sheepskin Breathes And Regulates Temperature
The fleece side breathes which means it wicks away moisture and allows air to circulate keeping the feet dry. When the feet sweat the fleece will wick the sweat away. Fleece is most effective when it is next to the skin; therefore it is recommended for full effect not to wear socks. Since the bottom of the feet sweat most, the boot sole is removable and washable.
The sheepskin itself is naturally thermostatic which means it will keep bare feet close to ones natural body temperature regardless of the outside temperature. This is why sheepskin can be worn year round. Scientific tests have proven that it can be worn in minus 30 below Fahrenheit temperatures and still keep the feet warm as well as in eighty degree Fahrenheit temperatures and keep the feet cool.
Sheepskin is so cozy warm for boots, slippers, coats, vests, gloves and hats.
Sheepskin’s One Drawback
As perfect as sheepskin is, it has one drawback. It is water resistant but not waterproof.
To accommodate consumers needing waterproof boots, UGG uses DryTech. The outer layer (the Outside Upper) is made of either Full Grain. Top Grain Nubuck, Top Grain with Grain stamped or Suede cow leather. Next, a thin membrane of DryTech is placed behind the leather just in front of the fleece lining. DryTech stops water from entering the boot and thus keeps the fleece lining which encases the legs and feet from getting wet. DryTech is such a marvelous material that it is also used to prevent water from entering cracks in basement walls.
Full Grain Leather
UGG uses Full Grain cow leather, the best grade of leather, because it retains its natural grain appearance, is very strong and very durable. It looks rich and natural and gains in patina as it ages. Full Grain leather is a great choice for boots, slippers and shoes to be worn in cold weather because a fleece lining can be added. If DryTech is placed against the backside of the leather during construction the footwear is waterproof.
Top Grain Leather
UGG uses Top Grain leather for tote bags and handbags. The texture is stamped on the leather after it is sanded and buffed. Because the natural grain has been altered the leather will not have the same beautiful patina as it ages but Top Grain leather is still good leather.
Nubuck Leather
Nubuck Top Grain Leather looks very fashionable because it is velvety and the fibers are very dense giving it a uniform look. The velvety look is achieved by lightly raising the nappa on top grain leather. Nubuck is far superior to Suede and is more durable. UGG uses Nubuck leather for its fashion boots, shoes and slippers . Nubuck footwear is waterproof when UGG adds the DryTech membrane.
Suede Leather
UGG uses Suede for its everyday less formal boots, shoes, slippers, handbags, and jackets. Suede is real leather; however it comes for the skin side of the leather and therefore is more openly fibrous. When brushed the skin side known as Suede has a more shaggy look.
Though Suede is the lowest grade of real leather, Grade C, it is still leather and very wearable. When UGG adds DryTech to its backside it becomes waterproof. Because of its lower grade, shoes, boot and slippers made from it are less expensive.
Sheep Fleece
UGG uses fleece extensively for lining, insoles, and top cuffs on boots and slippers to keep the cold out. Grade A Fleece is used so it is very dense and provides the utmost level of warmth, comfort, cushioning and ease of care especially since it can be machine washed. Using it as trim gives a nice soft, warm feeling.
UGG Leather Products
UGG is known for its Sheepskin Cold Weather Boots, Summer Sandals, Moccasins and Slippers. Sheepskin also makes a great leather type for coats, jackets, vests, ear muffs, gloves, mittens, hats, pouches, headbands and more.
Cattle leather is used for cold weather and fashion boots, shoes, sandals, handbags, wallets, jackets, gloves and such things. These leather goods are made with Full Grain, Top Grain, Nubuck, and Suede.
UGG leather products are filled with great footwear technology to make them comfortable, supportive and waterproof. The most frequently used innovative technology includes Twin Face, Twin Sole, Treadlite, DryTech. and Dual Density Eva. To guarantee the Grade A quality of their fleece, they use the UGG Pure label.
- Boots, Shoes, Slippers, Moccasins – Many Heights, Many Styles, Multiple Leather Types, Many Features, Colors and Sizes
- Head Wear – Caps and Hats, Headbands, Ear Muffs, Bluetooth Technology and Non Technology Ear Muffs
- Hand Wear – Gloves and Mittens – Many Styles, Lengths Colors and Leather Types
- Bags – Backpacks, Tote Bags, Handbags, Wallets, Pouches and More. Many Sizes, Shapes, Colors and Leather Types
- Coats, Jackets, Vests