"I'm Sorry, I Bought It Too"... Those 2000s Ugg Boots Are Back in Style [Song Seung-yoon's Pa.Al.Bot]

'Ugg Boots' Loved Nationwide 20 Years Ago
From Unfashionable to 'Hip' Item
Originated as Warm Footwear Worn by Australian Surfers
Trendy Look When Matched with Loose Socks and Jogger Pants

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The 'Ugg boots' that dominated the early 2000s have made a comeback.

Ugg boots, which began entering the domestic market about 20 years ago, gained huge popularity in Korea when actress Lim Soo-jung frequently wore them in the 2004 hit drama "I'm Sorry, I Love You." Sheepskin boots have long been synonymous with the original and most famous brand, UGG.

Back then, every winter, the streets were flooded with people wearing similar-looking sheepskin boots. Although they became seen as outdated fashion in the 2010s and were rarely seen, they have recently become a "hot" item again, riding the wave of the so-called "Y2K fashion" craze. This is because the main customers have shifted from the 30s and 40s generation who wore Ugg boots about 20 years ago to the 10s and 20s generation, who now see them as a fresh and hip fashion item. According to Shinsegae International, which imports and sells UGG, sales of the UGG brand from January to last month increased by 75.1% compared to the same period last year. Considering that November and December usually record the highest sales of the year, the overall sales growth rate for this year is expected to be even higher.

Ugg boots originally originated from sheepskin footwear worn by Australian surfers in the 1960s to keep warm before and after surfing. Because they were made primarily for warmth, these boots were originally called "ugly boots" in Australia. In 1978, Brian Smith, an Australian surfer, registered the trademark in California, USA, inspired by these boots, and turned it into a brand that has since become loved worldwide.

Following last year, Ugg boots are expected to continue their popularity both domestically and internationally this year. Recently, a wide variety of details, designs, and colors have been applied to Ugg boots, expanding the range of choices. For example, the sandal-type "Fluff Yeah Slide," which has been available since the 2018 FW season, became a "must-have item" for women last year and enjoyed great popularity. Platform sandals with high heels are also popular, following the resurgence of platform shoes. Especially this year, riding this wave of popularity, UGG's clothing line has also been launched domestically.

In the past, pairing Ugg boots with jeans, miniskirts with leggings, or long dresses was considered the "national rule." However, this winter, riding the retro trend, the "kitsch look" style?matching Ugg boots with trendy items like loose socks, leg warmers, or knee-high socks?is expected to be popular. Pairing them with jogger pants also emphasizes a trendy vibe.

Famous model Bella Hadid matching Ugg boots with leg warmers. Photo by Online Community Capture