Our Story: Australia's Last Sheepskin Tannery Since 1981 | UGG Australia®
Founded in 1981, UGG Australia® has proudly spent more than four decades crafting an Australian icon.
Today, we are the only Australian sheepskin footwear manufacturer with our own tannery right here in Melbourne — giving us complete control over quality, craftsmanship and authenticity from start to finish.
Every pair of sheepskin boots is cut, stitched and finished locally in Melbourne using premium Australian materials.
We believe customers deserve to know where their products come from, and we are proud to continue manufacturing on Australian soil.
Every pair is fully traceable — from farm to finished boot — delivering exceptional warmth, durability and comfort.
When you choose UGG Australia®, you support:
- Australian farmers
- Local craftspeople
- Ethical manufacturing
- High environmental standards
- Fair wages
- EPA-compliant, innovative tanning processes
Materials - Twinface Sheepskin
At UGG Australia®, we use premium Twinface sheepskin — a specialised process that preserves both sides of the hide to create:
- A durable suede exterior
- A soft, insulating fleece interior
Sheepskin is one of nature’s most remarkable performance materials. Its unique structure naturally helps to:
- Regulate temperature in both warm and cold climates
- Wick away moisture while remaining breathable
- Maintain softness without compromising durability
Each pair is meticulously hand-cut and stitched by skilled artisans in Melbourne. With more than four decades of craftsmanship behind every pair, we don’t simply make boots — we craft products designed for longevity.
1st Stitch Golden Tag
Every pair carries the 1st Stitch Golden Tag — your assurance of authentic Australian craftsmanship, made from genuine twinface sheepskin and locally tanned through ethical, sustainable and fully traceable processes.
Roman Tannery | Australia’s Last Twinface Sheepskin Tannery
Roman Tannery stands as the last remaining twinface sheepskin tannery in Australia—an enduring symbol of true local craftsmanship.
Operating under the strict environmental standards of the Australian EPA, every stage of our process is carefully controlled to ensure responsible chemical use and minimal environmental impact.
Our eco-conscious tanning process takes approximately two weeks, during which each hide is meticulously cleaned, combed, buffed, polished, and dyed to achieve exceptional softness, strength, and finish.
Owning and operating our own tannery gives us complete control over quality—something few can claim.
With over 40 years of handcrafting expertise, we select only A-grade hides—resulting in boots with greater wool density, better shape retention, and longer wear. Australian Merino sheepskin remains the benchmark for footwear, and every pair we produce reflects that standard without compromise.
Purchasing from Overseas
If you would like to purchase our products from overseas please visit our international website where you will find some of our products for purchase under our International label Sheepskins Downunder at www.sheepskinsdownunder.com