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The Truth About Ugg They Don't Want You To Know

You're going to rethink buying Uggs after you learn about the brand. Here are better alternatives you should try!

By Nicole Dominique2 min read
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Shutterstock/Dulin

If you bought Uggs long ago, you've certainly experienced their comfort and durability. More than likely, they lasted you years. Yet, many women have been reporting that their Ugg boots are no longer as amazing as they remembered them to be – and there's a likely reason for that, one that I wish I could have known about sooner.

Your Uggs Are Made in China

I'm assuming that when you purchase a pair of these adorable boots, you're under the impression that they're high-quality inside and out. Why wouldn't you? They're pretty expensive, after all. So, it might surprise you to learn that the pricey Ugg boots and slippers you find at Nordstrom or Amazon may not be as fancy as you thought.

Let's rewind. In Australia, "ugg boot" was used to describe sheepskin boots. In the 1970s, a Cali-based man named Brian Smith put on his Australian sheepskin boots to warm his feet after a late-night surf in the cold. He realized that ugg boots were nowhere to be found in the U.S., so he created his own brand. His company was co-founded by Doug Jensen, who applied to be the U.S. distributor for the Western Australian boot manufacturer known as Country Leather. Smith wasn't pleased with the brand, so he trademarked "Ugg."

Then, in 1995, Deckers Brands acquired Smith's business for $14.6 million, and they began manufacturing the boots in places like China, Vietnam, the Phillippines, and other Asian countries around the early 2000s. According to Aussie-based company, Ugg Since 1974, 96% of the world's Ugg boots are made in Asian countries and are probably not authentic.

Like many corporations, Deckers got pretty greedy. There have been disputes between Australian manufacturers and the giant retailer regarding the word "ugg" and whether or not it's a protected trademark. I don't know about you, but learning about Deckers' attempt at taking ownership of a word used in New Zealand and Australia and how the Ugg boots are manufactured in China is a turn-off for me.

My last pair of Uggs did not last me long whatsoever. They also felt cheap, and I never bought boots from them again. Luckily, I learned about Australian brands focusing on quality rather than quantity.

Ugg Alternatives That Are Better Quality

Uggs Since 1974

As I've mentioned, Ugg Since 1974 has a pretty good rep based on their many online reviews. The company's TikTok page even uploads videos of their amazing craftsmanship. The prices are about the same as Deckers', but remember that these are from Australia and made with love! They also look better in quality than the Uggs we're familiar with.

Emu Australia

Emu Australia's ugg boots are made with "the best quality, natural materials" and "100% real Australian sheep skin and merino wool," according to their official website. Their booties and slippers feel luxurious, perfect for this winter.

Mortels Sheepskin Factory

Mortels Sheepskin Factory is Australian-owned, and they've established their reputation on expertise and experience. Since 1958, the company has been manufacturing and retailing sheepskin. "Our UGG boots and other sheepskin products are made from Australia's finest sheepskins," they shared in their statement.

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