Ugg, an American footwear brand, specializes in sheepskin boots and slippers. Founded in 1978 by Brian Smith, an Australian surfer living in California, the brand's origins trace back to Australia, where sheepskin boots were traditionally worn by shepherds and later adopted by surfers for their warmth and comfort. Initially selling only a small number of boots, Ugg experienced significant growth, becoming a pop culture phenomenon in the early 2000s thanks to celebrity endorsements and appearances on influential lists. In 1995, Deckers Outdoor Corp. (now Deckers Brands) acquired Ugg, significantly expanding its reach and product lines. The brand's success has continued, particularly with its Classic Short boot, but it has also expanded into more rugged styles and introduced new silhouettes like the Classic Ultra Mini Platform. More recently, Ugg has emphasized sustainability by incorporating recycled materials and using sheepskin from regeneratively farmed land into its Regenerate collection.