Unpacking the True Story Behind Australia’s Iconic Sheepskin Boot

If you’ve ever shopped for winter boots, you’ve probably heard the word “UGG.” But here’s something many people don’t realize:

In its homeland of Australia, “ugg” was never meant to be a brand name—it’s simply what we call a classic style of sheepskin boot.

AU The Real Origin of“Ugg Boots”

As far back as the early 1900s, Australian and New Zealand surfers, farmers, pilots, and shearers began wearing simple boots made from a single piece of sheepskin—soft wool on the inside, durable tanned hide on the outside. They were warm, breathable, and incredibly comfortable. Locals called them “ugg boots” (pronounced “ug”), likely short for “ugly”—because let’s be honest, the early versions weren’t exactly fashion-forward.

But that was never the point.

What mattered was function, comfort, and connection to the land. Over time, ugg boots became a quiet staple of Australian life—from beach shacks in Byron Bay to farmhouses in Tasmania.

In Australia and New Zealand, “ugg” is a generic term, much like “esky” for cooler or “thongs” for flip-flops.

✅ It belongs to no single company. Anyone can make and sell genuine ugg-style boots—so long as they follow tradition.

But Overseas,“UGG®”Became a Trademark

Things changed when this humble boot crossed the Pacific. In the 1970s, an American entrepreneur introduced it to the U.S. market—and eventually, Deckers Outdoor Corporation registered “UGG” as a trademark (UGG®).

This means:

In the U.S. and many other countries, “UGG” is legally protected as a brand, not a style.

Other companies cannot use “UGG” as a product name or imply any connection to the UGG® brand.

However, descriptive or educational references—like explaining the history of Australian ugg boots—are generally permitted, as long as there’s no consumer confusion.

The result? A global misunderstanding:

❌ Many now believe only one brand makes “real” ugg boots.

✅ But the truth is: the original spirit of the ugg lives on in dozens of independent Australian makers—including MelSyd.

MelSyd: An Authentic Australian Boot Brand

MelSyd isn’t inspired by Australia—we’re from Australia.

✅ Officially registered as an Australian brand with IP Australia;

✅ Made with 100% Australian sheepskin, sourced from certified farms in South Australia and New South Wales;

✅ Crafted using traditional methods: unshorn merino wool lining, wide-toe box, hand-stitched seams, and minimal processing to preserve natural properties;

✅ Designed and quality-controlled in Australia, honoring decades of local bootmaking heritage.

We don’t call ourselves “UGG,” out of respect for trademark laws worldwide.

But we proudly carry forward the true essence of the Australian ugg boot: honest materials, functional design, and uncompromising comfort.

MelSyd isn’t an alternative to UGG®—we’re part of the original story.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is MelSyd an Australian brand?

A: Yes. MelSyd is an Australian-registered brand, rooted in local design, materials, and craftsmanship.

Q: How are you different from UGG®?

A: UGG® is a trademark owned by Deckers Outdoor Corporation. MelSyd is an independent Australian brand focused on traditional ugg-style boots made entirely with Australian sheepskin and heritage techniques.

Q: Why do you talk about “Australian ugg boots”?

A: Because “ugg” is part of Australia’s cultural heritage—not a marketing term. We believe consumers deserve to know where this iconic boot truly comes from.

Whether you’re walking through snowy streets in Chicago or stepping off a beach in Noosa, a genuine Australian sheepskin boot delivers a kind of warmth that goes beyond temperature—it’s the comfort of knowing you’re wearing something real, natural, and true to its roots.

Welcome to MelSyd—sunshine from the Southern Hemisphere, stitched into every pair.

[Explore Our Australian-Made Sheepskin Boots →]

✅ Trademark Notice (Recommended for Website Footer)

“UGG” is a registered trademark of Deckers Outdoor Corporation in the United States and other jurisdictions. In Australia and New Zealand, “ugg” is a generic term used to describe a style of sheepskin footwear. MelSyd is an Australian-registered brand that produces traditional Australian-style sheepskin boots using 100% Australian sheepskin. MelSyd is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or in any way connected to Deckers Outdoor Corporation.