Sneaker news & release updates

UGG

UGG is the California footwear brand founded by Australian surfer Brian Smith in 1978 and owned by Deckers Brands since 1995. Known for sheepskin boots like the Classic Mini, UGG has become a sneaker-world regular through the Tasman and Tazz slippers, the Lowmel hybrid sneaker and collaborations with Palace, sacai, Gallery Dept., Telfar and Willy Chavarria. The Tasman in particular now drops in new colorways and collaborations every fall and winter. This page tracks JustFreshKicks coverage of UGG releases, restocks and collaborations as the brand keeps crossing into streetwear.

Browse the stories
About UGG & FAQs
Browse all related topics

Latest UGG stories

No posts to display

About UGG

Curated by the editorial team.

Quick Facts
Founded1978, Southern California
FounderBrian Smith
Parent companyDeckers Brands (since 1995)
HeadquartersGoleta, California
Iconic modelsClassic Mini, Tasman, Tazz, Lowmel
Key collaboratorsPalace, sacai, Gallery Dept., Telfar, Willy Chavarria
Fiscal 2026 net sales$2.74 billion

UGG started in 1978, when Australian surfer Brian Smith brought sheepskin boots to Southern California and began selling them to surfers. Deckers Outdoor Corporation, now Deckers Brands, bought the business in 1995, and UGG is headquartered with Deckers in Goleta, California. Sheepskin boots have a longer history in Australia, and the brand's right to the UGG name was contested there for years. It dropped "UGG Australia" and became simply "UGG" in 2016. UGG and HOKA are Deckers' two largest brands, and UGG posted $2.74 billion in net sales in fiscal 2026.

Key UGG models

  • Classic Short, Mini and Ultra Mini: the sheepskin boots that built the brand, with the shorter Mini and Ultra Mini now the most visible versions.
  • Tasman: a suede slip-on slipper with a braided collar and a rubber outsole, made for wearing outside. The current version is the Tasman II.
  • Tazz: the Tasman shape on a platform sole of about 1.75 inches, with a brighter braided collar.
  • Neumel: a sheepskin-lined suede chukka and the inspiration for the Lowmel.
  • Lowmel: a hybrid sneaker inspired by the Neumel chukka, joined by the Minimel skate sneaker in 2026.

Collaborations

UGG's collaboration list reads like a streetwear guide. Y/Project made thigh-high boots in 2018, and sacai reworked the Classic Mini that same year before returning with a loafer and hiker in 2025. Heron Preston made a Classic Mini Urban Tech and a Tasman in 2019, Molly Goddard showed a floral Classic Mini in 2020, and Telfar's collection followed in 2021. Palace has turned the Tasman into a holiday tradition: its first Tasman landed in December 2023, and its fourth collaboration, a Looney Tunes themed Ultra Mini and Tasman, arrived in December 2025. Feng Chen Wang designed a convertible boot and sandal in 2021, Children of the Discordance reworked the Classic Boot and Neumel in 2022, and Gallery Dept. dropped two collections in 2024. HIDDEN.NY added a hardware-detailed Tasman in January 2026. In September 2026 designer Willy Chavarria released a five-style UGG collection of leather boots and slippers inspired by biker culture.

Wearing UGG

UGG sheepskin is designed to be worn with or without socks, and it helps regulate temperature and wick moisture. Classic boots are not waterproof, though UGG sells treated and waterproof styles for wet weather. For more comfort-first footwear, see our Crocs and Timberland coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are UGG Tasman true to size?

UGG sells many styles, including the Tasman, in whole sizes only. Its sizing guidance says half sizes should pick the whole size they usually lean toward, and sheepskin-lined styles can feel snug at first before the lining molds to the foot.

What is the difference between the UGG Tasman and Tazz?

The Tazz uses the same slip-on Tasman shape but sits on a platform sole of about 1.75 inches and has a different braided collar. The Tasman has a lower, flatter sole.

Who owns UGG?

UGG is owned by Deckers Brands, which bought the business in 1995. Deckers is based in Goleta, California, and also owns HOKA.

When did UGG come out?

The UGG brand began in 1978, when Australian surfer Brian Smith started selling sheepskin boots in Southern California. Sheepskin boots were worn in Australia before then, but the UGG brand as it is known today dates to 1978.

Can you wear UGGs without socks?

Yes. UGG designs its sheepskin footwear to be worn barefoot or with socks. Sheepskin wicks moisture and helps keep feet warm in the cold and comfortable in warmer weather.

Are UGGs waterproof?

Classic UGG boots are not waterproof. Some styles get a water-resistant treatment, and UGG sells dedicated waterproof boots and a protector spray for wet conditions.

What sneakers does UGG make?

UGG's main sneaker is the Lowmel, a hybrid inspired by the Neumel chukka, and it added the Minimel skate sneaker in 2026. Its platform slippers and collaborations with Palace, sacai and Gallery Dept. also get regular sneaker-style release coverage.

Stay Connected

248,393FansLike
503,038FollowersFollow
657,345FollowersFollow