UGGs and UGGs
Last month, on my short trip in Sydney, I noticed a rather interesting little thing that I've never noticed before. Did you know that there are TWO different brands named UGGs over there BOTH selling very similar looking sheepskin boots???? 
I never paid it much attention before, because I'd never really wanted to buy UGGs before. But apparently the UGG trend has finally filtered into Hong Kong, and my young 13 year old cousin's dearest wish on this trip was to buy UGG boots (since they don't sell it in HK). So we went on a hunt for UGG boots. At first I thought it would be a relatively easy task as I remembered vaguely seeing UGGs everywhere from souvenir shops to even the airport last time I was there! But upon stepping into our first souvenir shop to look at UGGs, we noticed that something was not right........
First of all, while the name "UGG" and the made in Aussie fact is correct, the logo and font is just not the quite right. Definitely not what we're used to seeing. And upon closer examination, while the styles all look the same, the quality of these UGGs were definitely not as good as the ones I've seen in the States. The fur was not as smooth and soft, the soles were shallow and not as intricate and the workmanship was simply not really up to par.
It reeked of fakeness. But then, we rationed that the Aussie government wouldn't allow them to sell fakes all over the place and quite so prominently right? And I mean, they even have this very authentic looking poster plastered all over the place!
With a little research, we finally found 'authentic' UGGs (as we are used to) in this touristy shop on the top floor of the Queen Victoria Building. The lady explained that there are two different UGG brands in Australia and the ones Americans are used to (above) are the better quality ones. They are also double the price of the cheaper brand. While the cheaper UGGs are about $150AUD each, the 'authentic' UGGs are about $300 AUD! And if you think that UGGs in Australia are cheaper than in the US (as I'd thought) then you are wrong. Turns out that while UGGs in US are about $200USD on average, a pair of tall UGGs in Aussie cost $295AUD= $268USD. How crazy is that? The lady made the point that the 'authentic' UGGs she is selling are actually made in Aussie, as opposed to the identical looking ones we find in the States, which are made in China. I guess that is where the difference is.
So if you happen to be looking for UGGs in Australia, and you want the higher quality ones, pay attention and try to look up the address of their dealers online first, before buying the first pair you see on the streets!
Image Source: UGG Australia
I never paid it much attention before, because I'd never really wanted to buy UGGs before. But apparently the UGG trend has finally filtered into Hong Kong, and my young 13 year old cousin's dearest wish on this trip was to buy UGG boots (since they don't sell it in HK). So we went on a hunt for UGG boots. At first I thought it would be a relatively easy task as I remembered vaguely seeing UGGs everywhere from souvenir shops to even the airport last time I was there! But upon stepping into our first souvenir shop to look at UGGs, we noticed that something was not right........
First of all, while the name "UGG" and the made in Aussie fact is correct, the logo and font is just not the quite right. Definitely not what we're used to seeing. And upon closer examination, while the styles all look the same, the quality of these UGGs were definitely not as good as the ones I've seen in the States. The fur was not as smooth and soft, the soles were shallow and not as intricate and the workmanship was simply not really up to par.
It reeked of fakeness. But then, we rationed that the Aussie government wouldn't allow them to sell fakes all over the place and quite so prominently right? And I mean, they even have this very authentic looking poster plastered all over the place!
With a little research, we finally found 'authentic' UGGs (as we are used to) in this touristy shop on the top floor of the Queen Victoria Building. The lady explained that there are two different UGG brands in Australia and the ones Americans are used to (above) are the better quality ones. They are also double the price of the cheaper brand. While the cheaper UGGs are about $150AUD each, the 'authentic' UGGs are about $300 AUD! And if you think that UGGs in Australia are cheaper than in the US (as I'd thought) then you are wrong. Turns out that while UGGs in US are about $200USD on average, a pair of tall UGGs in Aussie cost $295AUD= $268USD. How crazy is that? The lady made the point that the 'authentic' UGGs she is selling are actually made in Aussie, as opposed to the identical looking ones we find in the States, which are made in China. I guess that is where the difference is.So if you happen to be looking for UGGs in Australia, and you want the higher quality ones, pay attention and try to look up the address of their dealers online first, before buying the first pair you see on the streets!
Image Source: UGG Australia
posted by Anonymous at 11:36 PM
47 Comments:
Oye, I can't stand UGGs. I can't help but be disappointed in a person who is wearing them. That's all the girls on my college campus wear. And if I see one of them wearing UGGs the day after they wore a super cute outfit, my Fashion standards on them is lowered. Sorry.
I am not in Australia...Im actually in the States and this is shocking to me! I have to say Im a little "ugged" out and think they are waay over rated but wow, if purchased a "fake" pair Id be so mad!
Thanks for sharing this! I love your blog! xoxo ~shelli
ugg boots are from New Zealand originally.. not many know that.. and it's just the name of the boots that one company have "made" their own brand.. funny..
my cousin saw UGGs here in Turkey sold by the price $700 (U.S.), which is CRAZY. I can see how comfy they can be, but one has to be STUPID to pay that price for a pair of ugly boots. the saddest part is I've seen girls wearing them, I don't know why these fugly things which have been around for years are suddenly getting all trendy here in Istanbul, but it definitely is one trend I will pass!
That's crazy. I didn't know that.
OMG I had no idea that's insane. I got black UGGs for christmas and get this there are ugg wristlets!!!!!!!!!1 I now own a black and everyone is like ooo and aaaaa ok good bi
Like you, I'm also from Hong Kong (even though I don't spend the majority of my time there... I wish I did though, for all the obvious reasons :D)... and I CANNOT BELIEVE that the Ugg trend has reached HK. Yuck. HK is way too hot for this. Just watch all the local girls try to be "caucasian" and wear this atrocious... thing. I'm on the verge of poking my eyes out. x_x
their only $140 for classic tall and $120 for classic short here in minnesota.
Still seems wrong, like someone should be getting sued...
Fashion/Skateboard Blog
oh gosh, a good friend of mine just purchased uggs. stupid ugly things, i wish she didn't. is it just me, or have uggs made a comeback or what? *shudders*
as an AUSTRALIAN here, let me just point out - HARDLY NO-ONE WEARS UGG BOOTS HERE!
it's a bit of a joke actually, to see ugg boot ads in teen vogue etc, as it is not really a "fashion" trend as much as it may be footwear for comfort at home. they aren't really sold much outside "tourist" shops. most comfy thing ever are ugg slippers and i swear by them in winter, but there are housewear ONLY!
also fashionholic is right, there isn't one sole brand of "uggs" SO THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A FAKE PAIR unless you have your heart set on the "ugg australia" brand. it may seem that way to people overseas as they do market them as "ugg australia", but you can buy ugg boots from a variety of brands, even for $20 in target. basically, suing someone is not even for consideration.
and no-one here would spend $150 on ugg boots. talk about a rip-off!
anyways, barneys girl what did you think of the QVB? whenever i head down to sydney, i always check it out because it is super cute! :]
as an AUSTRALIAN here, let me just point out - HARDLY NO-ONE WEARS UGG BOOTS HERE!
it's a bit of a joke actually, to see ugg boot ads in teen vogue etc, as it is not really a "fashion" trend as much as it may be footwear for comfort at home. they aren't really sold much outside "tourist" shops. most comfy thing ever are ugg slippers and i swear by them in winter, but there are housewear ONLY!
also fashionholic is right, there isn't one sole brand of "uggs" SO THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A FAKE PAIR unless you have your heart set on the "ugg australia" brand. it may seem that way to people overseas as they do market them as "ugg australia", but you can buy ugg boots from a variety of brands, even for $20 in target. basically, suing someone is not even for consideration.
and no-one here would spend $150 on ugg boots. talk about a rip-off!
anyways, barneys girl what did you think of the QVB? whenever i head down to sydney, i always check it out because it is super cute! :]
Everyone in LA wears Uggs. We don't wear them to be fashionable, we wear them because they are comfortable.
I live in New Zealand and to be honest, no one here wears uggs out- EVEN in winter. They're called uggs because it's short for ugly. I wear them around the house in winter- but I just buy super cheap $20 ones.
Hi there! I loooove boots! It doesn't matter whether they're ugly or not, as long as I'm comfy in them.
I hope you can link me up to your site. I'm just currently starting out my fashion blog. But my main site is http://sexynomad.i.ph. Thanks!
In England, uggs are quite big and have been for a few years. But they're sold everywhere, literally, in shops and at markets, sometimes for as little as £6. Personally I think theyre really comfy and warm, and I love them, but wouldn't pay out loads for a pair, because I only really wear them casually, for school and going out with friends shopping and stuff. x
Hello.
This is really funny because I was just watching a documentary about Ugg boots on Aussie TV (I'm Australian)..Anyway as Mimi said there is no such thing as "fake ugg boots" because there is not 1 brand that makes them, its just a name of a style of boot...In the doco an American company called UGG Australia (yes its USA owned) was suing local makers of Ugg boots for using its brand name...but the local makers have been making the boots for more than 50 years and calling them Ugg boots...So UGG Australia lost. And yeah you can get cheapo Ugg boots at Target for $20 but no one wears them outside, they are used as slippers for the house.
Its a lot like Mukluks, in Canada. They are a type of boot but it also means winter boot. So many people are advertising their winter boots as mukluks. These are Canadas fashion boot and are wuickly becomming an alternative to the ugg boot in colleges and universities. Check them out here. www.tecumsehbrand.com I loves these boots!
i think uggs look like close relatives of crocs.
The above-recounted situations may be easily avoided by being a good fashionista and staying away from UGGs, real or fake.
I see it as which do i want and can i afford them. I see so many nockoffs of the real Ugg brand boots. Here in seattle uggs go for $99-$200 or so depending on the style and if they are short or tall, color and size. Why is it that certain colors and sizes are all different prices. Why not make a one set price, one that everyone can afford. Better on the pocket book that way I say.
A funny name for a boot, Ugg, since an ugg boot in Australia is just what you pull on to schlep about the sheep pen.
I do not want to contradict what Australians are saying but I've been to Melbourne last summer (Australian summer) and EVERYONE was wearing UGGs (I'm not sure if the UGG Australia brand or the similar styles one which are apparently sold everywhere) and NOT at their homes. I mean, I do not live it in Australia but I've seen it with my own eyes, so...
Wow!~This post was very interesting! I always thought Uggs would be cheaper in Austrailia....apparently not!~I really like ur site, I'm gonna add it to my blog. (I'm trying to build my links!)
Thanks :)
I'm Australian; lived in the US for three years and i'm now two years into a tenure in the UK. Firstly, as previously stated anyone can make ugg boots. I can guarantee UGG AUSTRALIA weren't the first, and the certainly didn't make up the name. Secondly, you can still get cheap ugg boots in Australia, just don't go to the most overpriced shopping centres (ie: QVB). I bought a great pair, mid calf length for $30aud at a Tweed Heads manufacturer. Tweed heads is hardly a hick town.
Lastly, DON'T WEAR THEM OUTSIDE YOUR HOUSE!
They are very comfortable, but very ugly and 99% of them aren't designed to be worn outside...
I used to want a pair of UGGs, until I found another brand called Pajar that I fell in love with!
-MizzTissa
sexy high heel boots
Theres an UGG boot blog.
www.IGotUGGs.com
It's not fair!!
My mum used to have loads of uggs when she lived in Newquay (UK), she said the UGG shop was just around the corner from where she lived, and they were quite cheap too! But only a few years ago she gave them to..... wait for it................ A SECOND HAND SHOP =O
Why, oh, why didnt she keep them =[
ugg boots are really popular here in england and everybody as a pair whether they are real or fake, i have had my uggs about a year and when i first got them not many people i knew had them but know everyone as them so i dont think much of them anymore. They are about £100 - £170 when i first went to school in my uggs there was like 3 people in the whole of the school and everyone was wearing fake ones and i felt well proud but now they are going out of fashion nd i think they will have long gone by winter
To be frankly honest UGGS are the best.
People judge them because they may have a different look about them, or may be because they can't afford them, because they are ridiculosy expensive (£110-£180!!)But they truly are worth it. If they can't afford them, I suggest looking around for sales or discount on UGGS.
UGGS are still, apparently, really big in the UK and USA.
I am soon to recieve some Mini Chocolate UGGS, from an online store :)
Sorry I am just reading this blog now and I need to defend the Ugg boots. I wear them a lot during winter times and they are very durable, comfortable and warm. In fact, style wise, I think it's very versatile. You can wear it with tight jeans, or with leggings etc. I don't think it's a bad fashion piece at tall. I will continue to buy Uggs - am glad to know that they have new colours for F/W 08. And I am from Hong Kong - it does get cold here in the winter, for a few months.
i just purchased my first pair of uggs and i LOVE THEM. they are soooo soft and confortable. to be perfectly honest, i used to think uggs were ugly and overrated until I TRIED A PAIR ON. and then i had to buy them. :) i bought classic short uggs for $200 cdn. i think it's a bit expensive but not too expensive. the sales guy said it would last 4 to 5 years so it should be worth it (if i do wear them for that long) :) and it's interesting to see that it's famous in hong kong too. my next trip to hong kong, i'll be wearing them there for sure ;) unless it's summer of course.
Seriously. Winters in Seattle get pretty cold and though I said I would never wear Uggs, I tried on a pair for kicks (no pun intended. :)) and I was sold! Comfy, comfy and comfy. Who cares if they're ugly. When you're running around downtown doing errands and it's cold out, I could care less if someone looks at my feet and thinks "Yuck. Ugly". My tootsies are warm, suckas!
Worth every penny. Plus now they have waterproof boots too, not just the usual house-slipper looking kind.
There are other brands out there sold at REI which are also fur lined and just as comfortable too. But I can't say those other made-for-comfort brands are inexpensive either.
Aaaahh....someone found the right pair of boots when they chose Pajar. They are an amazing boot and made in a country where boots are a must "Canada" they are truly waterproof and a hell of better designed boot for someone who still has fashion in mind. But if you truly need something that looks like the UGGs then get yourself a pair designed by Bearpaws, they have a better designed sole more structure, waterproof and slightly cheaper......and the best part about these two brands are....."Your not wearing what everyone else is"
I think they are ugly, yes. But nothing keeps me more warm and comfy than my tall zippered Uggs. I grew up in the Caribean and now I live in NY. I couldn't survive the winter without them.
hi, I'm from Bulgaria, these kind of boots haven't come in here yet.. so do you think they will come to us? And are they so trendy in USA?
For all you people who think Uggs are ugly yadda yadda yadda... Wait till you live someplace where it is -40 degrees celcius, then you will appreciate how awesome Uggs are!!! I'm from Canada, I wear Uggs because they are super warm in the winter not for fashion purposes at all!
Uggs are for girls who act like they don't care about looks by wearing ugly boots because they are "comfortable" - trying to be modest ya know. but honestly whats so good about wearing the same boots all the time with sweaty feet, ewwies and everyone in HERe knows they wear uggs because they're fashionable, why not wear other boots they aren't THAT comfortable. Im glad scene kids don't wear them or i'd die in my school
The “Ugg Australia” brand above is a registered Trade Mark of the USA’s Deckers Outdoor Corporation Inc.
This American corporation manufactures the bulk of its range in China for the US, UK, European and Asian markets.
In Australia UGH, Ug, UGG and various other spellings are generic or common names for sheepskin boots and as such in many cases appear as part of a brand name.
I like the ugg a lot my husband bought me a pair and they are awesome. I also like my Emu's too. I kinda think there the same! Only thing though is the dye ended up all over my foot when I was out in the snow all day.
Other than that My feet are always warm!
: )
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I live in America and everyone in my school has UGGs. They are just like basic requirements of your closet. 75% of girls wear uggs. unless they cant afford them or parents wont let them wear them. the most popular kind are the chestnut classsic short-mediumish boots. people have different colors of it too. everyone wears skinny jeans with them and tucks the jeans into them. some people wear leggings and skirts or just skirts with them too. and the slipper uggs are also popular. most people wear them with skinny jeans. also the knit ones are becoming quite popular too the cardy style knit one that can be folded over. A lot of girls wear that kind with skinny jeans or with leggings and a dress. you gotta love uggs <3 =]
Im born and raised in australia, but my family is from hong kong, and i'm all for uggs!
Yes, traditionally, uggs have been worn as shoes for home, but unless you're blind or something you surely must have noticed how big a trend its become.. Open a magazine and you'll find hollywood stars rocking them (not that I endorse or follow trends from hollywood). But still, its very common for high school and uni kids in Aus to wear uggs around because they're damn comfy.
To all those ugg haters; maybe you should stop being so narrow-minded and consider the fact that your perception of what is stylish and cool may not be what others think or what is right. People should be able to wear what they feel comfortable in and you have no right to judge whether they are stylish or not (same argument with thongs).
Also, in agreement with other comments above, a word to people thinking about buying uggs made by the "UGG Australia" brand.. they're an American company who make their boots in China. They claim to be authentic UGGS and I have no doubt that their sheepskin is of high quality, but if you're looking for a true aussie boot, go for the other brands. They're cheaper, available at more places, yet the quality is not compromised.
Most people in Australia tend to buy uggs made by Australian companies in Australia, and NO they are not fakes. In fact, they're more real than the UGG Australia ones.
I'll be wearing my uggs in hongkong this christmas! :)
Thanks for the post. Ugg are for girls who dont care how they look and just care if it is comfortable.. very modest.Even i tried to be modest but could not stand the looks of the people so opted for another which is better than ugg in looks.
I can't live without Ugg boots in winter time. I have cold feet and
the boots helps me to get through the harsh weather.I had tried so many other types of boots but I've found Ugg made of sheep skin and fur is the best.It covers my feet with soft and cotton candy texture of fur and feels really comfortable and warm.That is it.
Thanks for an interesting and informative article! We appreciate it!
Beth
www.prissymag.com
Really, This is the very interesting blog, I like your information. first I thought it would be a relatively easy task as I remembered vaguely seeing UGGs everywhere from souvenir shops to even the airport last time I was there!
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