In 1978, Brian Smith, a young Australian surfer, brought a core piece of "Down Under" to the United States. For years, craftsmen have been stitching sheepskin boots on the beaches of Australia and New Zealand, however it took a bold and enterprising Smith to introduce a quirky Australian tradition to the United States.

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 pair in his suitcase.

But Smith was persistent and more than a little stubborn. He knew that there had to be a place for his boots in the US market, so he traveled west to do little surfing in California. Arriving there he was shocked to find that there was 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 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 boots to incorporate casual footwear, slippers, and all-weather products made of the same fine Australian sheepskin.

"UGG Australia is the real deal," says Connie Rishwain, President of UGG Australia. "Once you wear UGG Australia, you’re hooked. They’re original, authentic, and the ultimate in luxury and comfort."