It is often said that success has many fathers, while failure is an orphan. Such is the case with UGG boots, which have been a popular style of boots for over a decade now. Though there origins are in dispute, we do know that they were developed in either Australia or New Zealand. In fact, manufactures of UGG-style boots from both countries were embroiled in bitter disputes with an American company that owned the trademark to the name UGG. The locals claimed that "UGG" was a generic term and therefore was ineligible for trademark protection. Who was right? Let us take a moment to examine the puzzling history of UGGs.
What's in a name?
If you want to trace the history of anything, it is often best to start with its etymology. What are the origins of the word UGG? Whilesome surmise that it is simply a shorter, catchier way to say ugly, there is ample evidence that UGG boots were once called fug boots. Worn by aviators during the First World War, flyboys called them "flying UGG boots," or "fugs," for short. When the boys got their feet back on the ground and civilians started following the fashions of their heroes, the boot were known simply as UGGs.
A small company called Blue Mountains UGG Boots began manufacturing the new style in the early 1950s by the our, and there were several makers of UGGs in both Australia and New Zealand. One reason local companies claim they should be able to use the word UGG to promote their brands is that the term appears to be a generic one. Closely related terms like ug, ugh and UGG have all been used to describesheepskin boots made in either Australia or New Zealand since the early 1970s, at the latest.
While the exact origins are in doubt, we do know the name of the man who was responsible for taking global UGGs. In 1979, Brian Smith established UGG Holdings, Inc. in the United States. The former Australian surfer UGGs had been using for years, as they were a popular form of footwear with surfers Down Under.
Soon after Smith sold his company to Deckers Outdoor Corporation in 1995, the boots have become a fashion trend. They first appeared on the famous feet of fashionable-conscious porn movies like Kate Hudson and Pamela Anderson, which meant they were also appearing on the covers of countless magazines. Before long, it seemed like every teenage girl in America was wearing them. In thein the blink of an eye the trend spread to Europe and then around the world. Sales of UGGs went from a respectable $ 14.5 million in 1995 to an incredible $ 689 million dollars in 2008, making them more than just a fashion fad. They were the trend.
To answer our original question, Deckers Outdoor Corporation was the American manufacturer that held the trademark to the name UGGs. But in 2006, an Australian regulators agreed with the locals and removed from the register of trademarks UGG. This means that any company that wants to make UGGs-style boots can use the word in their name.
Styles
As we mentioned, the word UGG has always been used to describe boots that are made from sheepskin. Turn the wool into leather Tanners and the upper part of now boots also constructed with fleece onthe inside. The soles are often synthetic and the stitching is typically prominent on the outside of the boot. In fact, the conspicuous outside stitching is often the easiest way to spot a genuine pair of UGGs.
While it is true that most people purchase UGGs because they are fashionable and trendy, they quickly discover that they are also comfortable, well-made boots. Not only are they tough, but the natural animal skins and fibers help keep the feet toasty and dry.
Who Buys UGGs?
Because they are an establish fashion trend, people who care about fashion will always be their core customers, and that means girls and young women. But you don't go from annual sales of a million to 8 million in thirteen years without expanding your customer base. Most of the companies that manufacturer UGGs these days make models for girls, boys, men, and women. Some of the larger brands even offer boots or booties for infants and babies.
UGGs for Women and Girls
Since they are far more popular with the fairer sex, UGGs are available in a variety of styles and colors for female customers. In addition to the classic slip-on version, there are now lace-up boots and heights that go from above the ankles up to the knee. The two most popular styles are the Short boots and the Classic Tall. For women who refuse to wear natural animal products, most manufacturers offer a synthetic version of the boots at affordable prices. The following is an abbreviated list of popular colors for girl's/women's boots: chocolate, pink, sand, paisley, chestnut, terracotta, metallic gold, gray, magenta, and eggplant.
UGGs for Men and Kids
As you might expect, boots for men and kids are not available in nearly as many colors or styles as they are for the gals. Both can find UGGs in the classic style, either tall or short. Children's sizes range from toddler to youth and are available in chestnut, black, chocolate, and sand. UGGs for men are virtually indistinguishable from women's boots of the same style, with the obvious exception that they are not available in as many colors. Most boots for the guys only come in black or chestnut.
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