Ugg boots, also spelled ugh boots and ug boots, are a style of sheepskin boot, with wool as the inner lining and a tanned outer surface. Ugg boots often have a synthetic sole, although this is not universal. They can be used for indoor slippers, to everyday auto shoe wear.

The origin of the name ugg boots is not exactly known, but there are two different theories. Sheepskin hides were used in Australia from the 19th century to make all kinds of clothing, including footwear. The first theory says that ugg is short for ugly, and the name is a result of the original models just being ugly. The other says that the they got its name from the Aussie way of dropping the letter “h” from the beginning of words. Originating from the word "hug", the they really do hug your feet.

Armed with only a few pairs of UGG sheepskin boots and a positive attitude, Smith hit the streets of New York. However, his reception was not a friendly one, and he was sent packing with the same few pairs of UGG Boots in his suitcase.

But Smith was persistent and more than a little stubborn. He knew that there had to be a place for his UGG Boots in the US market, so he traveled west to do little a surfing in California. Arriving there he was shocked to find that there were already a small group of well-traveled surfers who'd brought similar sheepskin boots back from Australia. He'd found his niche, and he never had to leave the beach.

His first season in business Brian sold 48 pairs of UGG Boots to 5 accounts. Of course, it was the California surf market that grasped the genius of these sheepskin boots. UGG Australia became a must-have for surfers just out of the water.

Since then, UGG Australia has gone from a small time surf brand to the global leader in luxury sheepskin footwear. The product range has also grown beyond just UGG Boots to incorporate casual footwear, slippers, and all-weather products made of the same fine Australian sheepskin.