Posted on: January 20, 2024 Posted by: Sylvia Comments: 0
What is Koolaburra by Ugg?

When you hear the name “Ugg,” chances are a vision of soft, cozy sheepskin boots comes to mind. What started as a modest footwear company in the late 1970s blossomed into a global fashion phenomenon by the early 2000s. But what many don’t realize is that before Ugg was Ugg, there was Koolaburra. Discover what is Koolaburra by Ugg vs Ugg, and you’ll find the evolution of a brand that has left an indelible mark on the world of comfortable and stylish footwear.

From Surf Shacks to Sheep Farms: The Early Origins of Ugg

From Surf Shacks to Sheep Farms: The Early Origins of Ugg

The origins of Ugg boots can be traced back to the shores of Southern Australia. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, sheepskin boots were worn primarily by Australian surfers and competitive swimmers to keep their feet warm pre and post-surf. These early “Uggs” were rudimentary in design, created by small surf shops and sold locally.

During this time, an Australian surfer named Brian Smith discovered these sheepskin boots while on vacation. Recognizing their potential, he brought several pairs back with him to California in 1978 and began selling them under the company “UGG AUSTRALIA.” With the help of his business partner Doug Jensen, Smith steadily grew UGG into an international success.

But even before Ugg was founded, another Australian, Graeme Richard Lynn, saw an opportunity in sheepskin boots. Lynn was fifth-generation sheep farmer in rural New South Wales. In 1970, using the sheepskin from his family’s farm, he launched the company “Country Leather” and began producing sheepskin boots under the brand name Koolaburra.

From Down Under to SoCal – The Transcontinental Journey of Koolaburra

For two decades, Koolaburra operated exclusively in Australia, manufacturing boots, slippers, and shoes from Merino sheepskin. While successful down under, the company remained unknown abroad.

That all changed in 1991 when an American businessman named Shane Stedman discovered Koolaburra while traveling in Australia. Impressed by their craftsmanship and comfort, Stedman worked out an agreement with the Lynn family to begin distributing Koolaburra in the United States under the name “Koolaburra by UGG.”

Stedman opened Koolaburra’s US headquarters in Santa Monica, California and steadily grew the brand’s reach through the 1990s and early 2000s. Unlike Ugg, which focused primarily on women’s fashion, Koolaburra marketed its core products – boots, slippers, and sneakers – for the whole family.

They also differentiated themselves by using suede on the outside of some boots rather than just sheepskin. This made them suitable for outdoor wear, whereas Ugg remained an indoor shoe.

The Introduction of “Fashion Function” – Koolaburra’s Formula for Success

In 2005, the Lynn family sold Koolaburra to the Deckers Outdoor Corporation – the same parent company as Ugg. This led to several changes for Koolaburra.

Most significantly, Deckers introduced the “fashion function” formula to Koolaburra’s product line. This philosophy blended fashionable style with functional comfort. As a result, Koolaburra branched out into new categories like wedge boots, leather sneakers, and moccasins.

Under the leadership of Global Brand President Andrea O’Donnell, Koolaburra also redefined their target demographic. While still marketed as a family brand, their primary focus shifted to trend-conscious women aged 16-35 seeking fashionable footwear with all-day comfort.

O’Donnell played an instrumental role in making Koolaburra cool again. By rounding out its casual footwear selection with dressier silhouettes suitable for work or a night out, Koolaburra expanded its relevance beyond weekends and cold weather.

Standing Out from the Sheep – What Makes Koolaburra Unique

Standing Out from the Sheep - What Makes Koolaburra Unique

With Ugg and Koolaburra now sharing the same parent company, it begged the question – how would Koolaburra differentiate themselves in the sheepskin footwear space?

The answer lay in the product collections Koolaburra developed to stand out:

Koola Short

The Koola Short boot for women combines soft suede and plush sheepskin in a sleek ankle silhouette. This style encapsulates Koolaburra’s “fashion function” ethos, delivering sophistication and comfort in one chic package.

Koola Sneaker

Koolaburra’s line of suede and leather sneakers fuse athletic styling with cushioned merino wool insoles, offering wearability for everyday adventures both inside and out. Their casual vibe provides an alternative to sportier active brands.

Men’s Rogue Boot

Rugged, durable and masculine, the men’s Rogue boot offers both weatherproof suede and premium sheepskin options. With a rugged rubber sole, it’s built for performance while exuding casual refined style.

Cozy Bootie

As the name suggests, the Cozy Bootie is like a snuggly slipper transformed into an on-trend ankle boot. Fully lined with plush genuine shearling, it delivers cloud-like comfort with indoor/outdoor versatility.

Kids Klassic

Koolaburra didn’t forget their younger fans. The Kids Klassic boot features overlock stitching and funky prints on suede. As a well-priced option built to handle active kids, it allows parents to share the Koolaburra experience.

By diversifying their product line, Koolaburra carved out a distinct brand identity rooted in fashion, function, and family comfort.

Impact and Influence – The Koolaburra Legacy

Impact and Influence - The Koolaburra Legacy

During the 2000s sheepskin boom, Ugg and Koolaburra undeniably dominated the market. However, as trends shifted post-recession in the early 2010s, demand began to wane industry-wide.

Rather than cling to their sheepskin roots alone, Koolaburra evolved for longevity. Their focus expanded from core silhouettes to offering a well-rounded footwear brand for men, women and kids.

Koolaburra’s legacy remains defined by flexible comfort and quality craftsmanship. Through smart collaborations with big names like fashion designer Christian Siriano, they inject style into coziness.

Today Koolaburra continues to hold the largest market share behind Ugg in sheepskin footwear. Their success proves a brand doesn’t have to follow trends to stay relevant, as long as it remains committed to its values.

By sticking to their roots while expanding their range, Koolaburra found balance. They offer consistency to loyal fans while giving new shoppers plenty of on-brand options to discover. For over 50 years and counting, Koolaburra has brought Australian-inspired coziness to the world.

FAQs

Q: Is Koolaburra the same company as Ugg?

A: Koolaburra and Ugg were founded separately in Australia in the 1970s. However, since 2005 they have shared the same parent company, Deckers Brands.

Q: Where are Koolaburra shoes made?

A: While originally made exclusively in Australia, today Koolaburra footwear is manufactured primarily in China to allow for more competitive pricing. Their products are held to the same standards of Aussie craftsmanship.

Q: What materials are used in Koolaburra boots?

A: Most Koolaburra boots feature a suede exterior with an interior lined with plush merino sheepskin. Some styles incorporate leather and wool blends on the upper as well. The soles are typically EVA or durable rubber.

Q: What is Koolaburra’s sizing like?

A: Koolaburra boots tend to run large to accommodate thicker sock pairings. It’s recommended to size down 1⁄2 to 1 full size from your regular shoe size for the best fit. Extended sizes are available.

Q: Are Koolaburra products waterproof?

A: Most classic Koolaburra boots are not waterproof. However, styles like the Rogue boot for men feature waterproof suede. Some also have Scotchguard protector sprays applied to resist moisture and stains.

Conclusion

Koolaburra has come a long way from their Aussie sheepskin boot origins. Through strategic evolutions that play to their strengths of family-friendly flexibility and fashionable function, Koolaburra by UGG has become a footwear force with international appeal. Understanding the subtle nuances, it answers questions like what is the difference between UGG and Uggs? with precision, defining its unique position in the world of cozy fashion. Their story remains tied to generations of Australian heritage while looking ahead to the future. For those wanting comfort with style, Koolaburra aims to provide cozy solutions for every occasion that are Made Comfortable.