Surfers originally wore warm, pliable boots made from sheepskin to stay warm after sessions in cold water, and the UGGs evolved from that practical need into a broader cultural hinge between surf life and casual wear. Key points

• Origins in surfing culture: Australian surfers used sheepskin boots to dry and warm their feet after chilly dawn sessions, taking advantage of the natural insulation and quick-drying properties of sheepskin.
• Material and design fit: The soft, breathable interior and snug fit made them comfortable to wear immediately after surfing, helping feet recover more quickly in cool climates.
• Transition to fashion: As surf culture spread globally, these functional boots were adopted beyond the waterfront, eventually becoming a fashion icon in places like Southern California and beyond, while retaining their roots as post-surf comfort wear.

If you’d like, I can pull specific historical sources or quotes from brand histories to illustrate these points with precise dates and anecdotes.