Frequently Asked Questions

Are you able to call them “Uggs”?

Originally created in Australia, for well over 50 years these sheepskin boots have been known as ‘Ugg boots’, sometimes also spelt as “Ug” or “Ugh” but more commonly known as “Uggs” or “Uggies”. Dozens of local manufacturers have made Ugg boots for many years including Westhaven where our history in the industry goes back well over 30 years. The large American Deckers Outdoor Corporation claimed in late 2004 that it had ownership of the Ugg name and began pressuring Australian manufacturers, including Westhaven to cease using Ugg or any derivate of it, threatening legal action if they did not cease using the name.

The much smaller Australian manufacturers combined, pooled funds and took on Deckers where it was determined through Court action that Ugg, Ug and Ugh were synonymous, generic terms used in Australia (just like toothpaste or meat pie) for well over 50 years to describe a type of sheepskin boot and that no particular company or individual had ownership of the names in Australia. Deckers’ claims attracted major Australian and international media coverage, most of which was highly supportive of the Australians (even from America) in what was seen as a ‘David and Goliath’ battle where ultimately, David (the Australians) won. The matter even reached debate in the hallowed halls of the Australian Parliament where much criticism was levelled at the Government for allowing Deckers to access the Ugg name in the first instance.

A similar case was brought in New Zealand in 2008 by Deckers and this case too was won by the local manufacturers.

However, through a position of financial strength, Deckers now have legal ownership of the Ugg name in other parts of the World and in these locations, any product not made by Deckers will instead need to be referred to as “sheepskin boots”.

To us and all Australians … Ugg is Australian as kangaroo, koala and meat pies and they will forever be known as Ugg boots!

What is the ASA?

This is the Australian Sheepskin Association, a group of Australian manufacturers and retailers who combined in 2005 to respond to the legal situation created by the Decker Outdoor Corporation (USA) which placed at risk the ability of Australian manufacturers to use the word “Ugg” to describe their products. Many manufacturers saw their livelihood at risk if Decker’s threats were allowed to continue unchecked. The ASA, with the strong support of its members and the wider community was ultimately successful in regaining the right for Australians to continue to call their boots “Uggs”.

The ASA continues a monitoring role to ensure that any breaches of product description and misuse of the Ugg name are reported.

What’s the difference between imported and Australian made Ugg boots?

Our observations are that most imported Ugg boots are either made from very poor quality non-Australian sheepskin or comprise a teased artificial fibre that is bonded to a cow or pig hide outer to give a sheepskin look to the product which often carries an official looking ‘leather label’. Care also needs to be taken with cheap products that are fully artificial and sometimes (illegally) described as “lambskin” on their label. Recently the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued warnings to several major companies importing into Australia such product which have been inappropriately described as “lambskin” in breach of the Trade Practices Act 1974. Another major retailer was warned in respect of advertising as Ugg Boots, imported artificial fibre boots.

Artificial wool substitutes are often course and ‘wiry’ to feel and may be itchy, do not wear as well as wool, do not ‘breathe’ or keep the feet fresh so that after a short time they may begin to generate a sour smell from foot perspiration, . The natural properties of wool allow the inside of the boot to breathe, remain fresh and retain its bulky, warm appearance and feel.

A widely promoted world brand carrying the word Australia as part of its branding is known to have most if not all of its product made in China, and through its branding and promotion, it implies that it is a genuine Australian product.

We do not sell the Ugg Australia brand and our products should not be confused with those of the Decker’s Corporation sold widely in the USA and throughout Europe.

Where are Westhaven products made?

All footwear and related products on this website are made by Westhaven in Dubbo, Australia unless otherwise noted. We may from time to time advertise products made by other Australian or New Zealand manufacturers and these will be noted accordingly.

We do not sell the Ugg Australia brand (Deckers Outdoor Corporation USA) which is generally now made in China.

Why does Westhaven so strongly promote wool and sheepskins?

We are proud to be associated with a quality Australian product which has many advantages to its users:

• With millions of tiny fibres, wool traps air making it a natural insulator – warm in winter and cool in summer. It is ideal in footwear, bed underlays, clothing and rugs.
  
• Although the wool pile may flatten over time it does not loose its warmth or comfort qualities and may be washed to retain its original appearance.
  
• Unlike the artificial fibres used in many cheap Asian products, genuine sheepskin does not smell from foot odour after a short period of use.
  
• Wool can absorb more than 30% of its own weight in moisture compared to cotton which can absorb only 8% of its weight and artificial fibres much less again.

Australia is known world-wide for its quality wool and sheepskin, a product which is grown over a wide part of the Australian continent from the cold hill country in Tasmania through to the dry, semi-arid plains of Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

Are there two sheep retailers in Australia and overseas?

Yes, we do have retailers however these businesses advertise independently and set their own retail prices.

Does Westhaven supply to the wholesalers (retailers)?

Yes, we are always keen to speak with established retailers wanting to take on a quality product and able to meet the high standards we set for retailing our products. If you are interested in retailing our products please contact us.