Merino sheepskin comes from Australian Merino sheep. This type of sheep is highly prized because the skin is amazingly soft and the wool is some of the most densely packed of any sheep variety. This incredible wool is warm (keeps the feet toasty in the cold weather) and also wicks away moisture from the foot (great for hot weather). The porous and breathable quality of the sheepskin allows the moisture to escape.

UGG boots are incredibly popular. Because of this popularity, there have been lots of manufacturers that make UGG knock-offs. These imitations don't use Australian Merino sheepskin - in fact, they often don't use sheepskin at all. Sometimes they use a lower grade of wool lining and glue it to cow suede or pigskin. Instead of having wool that wicks away moisture, or skin that allows for breathing, you have an imitation that traps the moisture in the boots.

Some manufacturers use a synthetic material and try to pass it off as authentic sheepskin. Although these manufacturers may promise a boot that has the same benefits of fine Merino sheepskin, there's simply no comparison. Merino wool has chemical properties that make UGGs very unique. Some of the benefits are obvious - the ability to insulate and natural softness. But Merino sheepskin also has the following characteristics:

• Extremely durable
• Strong
• Flame resistant abilities
• Static resistance
• Elastic

The characteristics that are unique to Merino wool make these exceptional boots. The durability and strength make these high-quality boots ideal. You can wear these boots for years. With reinforced heels and toes, UGG boots are made to withstand the test of time.

The natural elasticity of Merino sheepskin means UGGs will maintain their natural shape with minimal care. If your genuine UGG boots get wet, simply let them dry naturally and the boots will keep their shape. The elasticity of the sheepskin also means that the boots will stretch slightly to conform to each foot. You won't have rubbing or blisters with these incredibly comfortable boots.

UGG boots were created originally by Australian sheep shearers. These sheep shearers knew the exceptional quality of their sheepskin and wool. They wanted the boots for themselves, because they knew how comfortable and warm these boots would be. Doesn't it make sense to have the same kind of comfort that the true experts wanted? With UGG boots, you get the comfort, warmth, endurance, and breathability that only come from natural Merino wool. UGG boots are made from the best quality materials - something the imitators simply can't compete with.