UGG Australia is a brand name for fashionable sheepskin boots. Sheepskin

footwear has long been popular in the rural areas of Australia, and its

popularity increased as the product was discovered by surfers and others.

Even though one would think lined sheepskin is very hot, the way they allow air to circulate prevents feet from overheating.

The boots achieved some notoriety during the world wars when pilots searched for footwear that was warm and comfortable on their cold flights in high altitude. Swimmers and surfers also discovered the product in the 1960s and took to wearing them in public even though the boots had previously only been worn around the home. They became even more popular and gained worldwide exposure when Brian Smith, a surfer from Australia, took a pair of UGG Australia Boots to the U.S. and impressed California surfers.

Soon UGG Australia Boots were seen all over the U.S., and UGG® Australia was purchased by Deckers Outdoor Corporation (1995). They developed new designs over the years, and the line now includes slippers, casual shoes, and many boot designs. Now the brand is recognized as a popular, high-end fashion footwear and is even seen on runway models in popular fashion shows worldwide.

Even Oprah Winfrey has enjoyed the fashion statement. Oprah featured the UGG Australia boots three times on her shows. In 2000, after receiving a pair of Ultra Boots, she featured them on her well-known "Oprah's Favorite Things" show. Again in 2003 she featured the Baby Pink Classic Boots and Baby Blue Classic Boots and once again in 2005, Oprah featured the Uptown boot on "Oprah's Favorite Things."

The resulting exposure (and her high opinion of them) is one of the many reasons for the boot's increased popularity.

In fact, Oprah was so excited by the comfort and warmth of UGG Boots that she ordered them for her entire staff of 350 people.

Despite trademark conflicts, the Deckers Outdoor Corporation has made the UGG Australia Boot a household name. Even those who don't own a pair recognize the designs and make (like them or not).

Occasionally an actor will be seen in UGG Australia Boots, although there seem to be more and more these days.

Pamela Anderson wore them during shooting for Baywatch, and several others have worn them for advertisements for the UGG Brand.

Jessica Simpson, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, just to name a few.

UGG Australia has popularized sheepskin boots, slippers, and shoes and now distributes the product worldwide.

The most popular Ugg Australia Boots are the Classic Tall and Short Boots, although there are now hundreds of styles.

These include Classic Cardy Boots, Crochet Boots, Locarno Boots, Ultra Boots, Upside Boots, Ultimate Boots, Wilshire Boots, Sandra Boots and many, many more, all in a variety of colours.

Ugg Australia now also cater for children and men, with many different sheepskin slippers, shoes and boots available.

Each season, new exciting styles are released.

Love them or hate them, Ugg boots have been around for decades and look to be around for many more.