Founded in Southern California in 1978 by an Australian surfer, UGG® introduces the Classic Micro Distort, Classic Distort Boot, and Heritage Utility Grizz as its new Fall/Winter 2026 styles. These three pairs inherit the comfort the brand has cultivated while adopting different approaches to create fresh silhouettes.UGG® has long been loved for its sheepskin boots, originally worn by surfers to warm their feet after leaving the ocean. Starting from that core of soft comfort, this latest collection reexamines the brand’s staples through form and function.The Classic Micro Distort and Classic Distort Boot from the “Distort Collection,” which adds a twist to familiar silhouettes, take the design codes of the iconic UGG® Classic Boot and warp, split, and expand them into something slightly uncanny. At the same time, they retain recognizable details like the twin seams and the Classic outsole, ensuring their identity as UGG® is immediately clear.The Heritage Utility Grizz combines two-tone faux fur with functional details, expressing “comfort” in a new way. Building on the cushioning, traction, and protection of the Heritage Utility tooling, it incorporates ratchet straps reminiscent of snowboard boots to create a striking contrast between soft fur and rugged hardware.For this release, Hypebeast Japan tapped rapper LEX to model in a special editorial. Inspired by the designs of the three shoes, the shoot was built around the concept of “A Familiar Strangeness,” blending reality and unreality. By injecting subtle surreal elements into an initially empty space around LEX, the imagery creates a slightly mysterious world where an uncanny mood creeps into familiar scenes.Additionally, Hypebeast Japan conducted an exclusive interview with Pierce Lopatic, Sr. Director, Design – Global UGG Men’s Footwear, based at the California headquarters. We dive into the design philosophy behind the Fall/Winter 2026 collection, the origins of the new items, and the deep attention paid to materials and details—uncovering the design stories that lie beneath the surface of the products.Hypebeast: How do the Classic Micro Distort, Classic Distort Boot, and Heritage Utility Grizz carry forward the UGG® DNA while evolving into new designs?For UGG®, the brand’s DNA is a crucial foundation for creating anything new. In these three styles, we carried forward the comfort and heritage unique to UGG® while applying different approaches to add fresh expressions.What is the intent behind the asymmetrical stitching and distorted designs of the Classic Micro Distort and Classic Distort Boot?The Classic Micro Distort and Classic Distort Boot are our love letter to the Classic Boot. We wanted to explore how far we could evolve it while maintaining its recognition as an iconic design.Using the silhouette of the UGG® Classic Boot, the twin seams, and the Classic outsole as a base, we intentionally warped, split, and expanded the stitching, collar lines, and outsole to create a somewhat uncanny, deconstructed silhouette. Yet, we kept the presence that makes it instantly recognizable as UGG®. The goal of this design was to boldly transform an existing icon while preserving its essential identity.What new expressions or character did you hope to bring to UGG® with the Heritage Utility Grizz’s distinctively voluminous silhouette and fluffy fur?With the Heritage Utility Grizz, we heavily featured two-tone faux fur to highlight the material’s presence, reimagining UGG®’s “comfort” in a different form.At the same time, we aimed for a shoe that lets the wearer assert their own presence through styling. It’s a bold style where you can feel the appeal of the materials and make a statement with your footwear. I think it’s perfect for anyone looking to have fun with a bolder-than-usual shoe choice.How is the “Utility” in the Heritage Utility Grizz name expressed in the boot’s design?While fur is the main feature of the Heritage Utility Grizz, what I find especially interesting is how it’s paired with utility-driven details.By intentionally combining the soft texture of fur with rugged, functional elements, we created an unexpected contrast. We built upon the “Heritage Utility” tooling, which enhances cushioning, traction, and protection, and added a ratchet strap to the upper—something you’d typically see on a snowboard boot. Rather than simply following traditional codes, we blended new forms and functionality to evolve the look into something unprecedented while retaining the UGG® feel.The Classic Micro Distort is priced at ¥35,200 and the Classic Distort Boot at ¥44,000, both available in Chestnut and Black. The Heritage Utility Grizz is ¥44,000. All styles are currently available at the UGG® official online store, UGG® Tokyo Flagship Store, UGG® Ginza Matsuya-dori, and UGG® Osaka (Heritage Utility Grizz only). Be sure to check them out. (*All prices include tax.)〈Model Wearing Credits〉Look 1 (1-4)Shoes “Classic Micro Distort” ¥35,200, Jacket “Xayden UGGbraid Puffer Jacket” ¥44,000 (releasing 11/5), Gloves “3 Point Leather Glove” ¥16,500 <all UGG® / Deckers Japan>, other items stylist’s ownLook 2 (5-9)Shoes “Classic Distort Boot” ¥44,000 (tax included) <UGG® / Deckers Japan>, Tops <Inspiration / @inspiration_zzz_zzz>, other items stylist’s ownLook 3 (10-12)Shoes “Heritage Utility Grizz” ¥44,000 (tax included), Jacket “UGGbraid Full-Zip Jacket” ¥27,500 <both UGG® / Deckers Japan>, other items stylist’s own[Inquiries] UGG® / Deckers JapanTel: 0120-710-844
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