UGG® Launches Fall/Winter 2026 Collection With New Boot Styles

UGG®, a brand established in Southern California in 1978 by an Australian surfer, has introduced its new Fall/Winter 2026 collection, featuring three distinct styles: the Classic Micro Distort, the Classic Distort Boot, and the Heritage Utility Grizz. These new offerings aim to build upon the brand's established reputation for comfort while presenting fresh silhouettes through varied design approaches. UGG® gained initial popularity for its sheepskin boots, which were adopted by surfers to warm their feet post-surf. This latest collection revisits the brand's foundational elements of soft comfort, re-examining staple designs with a focus on both form and function. The Classic Micro Distort and Classic Distort Boot, part of the "Distort Collection," reimagine the iconic UGG® Classic Boot by warping, splitting, and expanding its familiar design codes into what the brand describes as "slightly uncanny" forms. Despite these alterations, the boots retain recognizable UGG® identifiers such as twin seams and the Classic outsole, ensuring immediate brand recognition. The Heritage Utility Grizz distinguishes itself by incorporating two-tone faux fur alongside functional hardware. This design expresses comfort through a novel approach, leveraging the cushioning, traction, and protection of the Heritage Utility tooling. It integrates ratchet straps, reminiscent of snowboard boots, to create a deliberate contrast between the softness of the fur and the ruggedness of the hardware. For the promotion of this collection, Hypebeast Japan collaborated with rapper LEX to model in a special editorial. The photoshoot's concept, "A Familiar Strangeness," was directly inspired by the designs of the three new shoes, aiming to merge elements of reality and unreality. Subtle surreal touches were introduced into minimalist settings surrounding LEX, cultivating a mysterious atmosphere where an uncanny mood permeates otherwise familiar scenes. In conjunction with the collection's release, Hypebeast Japan conducted an exclusive interview with Pierce Lopatic, Sr. Director of Design for Global UGG Men's Footwear. Lopatic, based at the company's California headquarters, discussed the design philosophy underpinning the Fall/Winter 2026 collection, the genesis of the new footwear models, and the meticulous attention paid to the development process. The interview provided insights into how UGG® continues to innovate its classic designs while maintaining its core brand identity.