As fall approaches, bringing with it the promise of cooler days and cozy fashion, UGG has unveiled a timely surprise for ethically conscious consumers. For those who have longed to indulge in the snug allure of UGG boots but were deterred by their non-vegan composition, the iconic footwear brand has introduced its first-ever line of boots crafted entirely from vegan materials. This exciting collaboration with Collina Strada, a New York-based label renowned for its commitment to social issues and sustainable fashion, marks a significant milestone.

The latest vegan UGG collection showcases vibrant and eye-catching designs, maintaining the brand’s signature boot silhouette along with a variety of modern styles. In a departure from previous collections, these boots utilize eco-friendly materials such as sugarcane, TENCEL, and recycled polyester microfiber, completely avoiding the use of animal-derived products.

The lineup includes a range of striking and vividly colored designs, featuring notably a pair of tall black platform boots adorned with ruffles, expanding the traditional aesthetic associated with UGG.

They are available for purchase online and at selected retailers, with prices ranging between $160 and $220.

UGG has notably underplayed the vegan aspect of their new collection, choosing instead to spotlight the collaborative effort’s unique features like creative prints, ruffles, and bold patterns. On the other hand, Collina Strada proudly emphasizes the vegan credentials of the shoes on its website, highlighting the eco-friendly production methods and the reduced carbon footprint of the footwear.

PETA has played a crucial role in urging UGG to shift towards cruelty-free alternatives. Over the years, the animal rights organization has engaged in various initiatives, including purchasing shares in UGG’s parent company and mobilizing support through heartfelt appeals, such as one from PETA Honorary Director Pamela Anderson, and over 30,000 emails from its members and supporters.

These efforts have begun to bear fruit, as reflected in the comments of PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman, who remarked that the launch is a “step in the right direction” and that the new vegan UGGs will “help spare gentle sheep being pinned down and often cut and hit so that humans can steal the wool that belongs to them.” While acknowledging this progress, PETA continues to advocate for further change, urging UGG to “give wool the boot by making all its footwear animal-friendly.”

UGG has been evolving its product lines to align with the growing consumer demand for sustainable and animal-free options. Previously, in 2021, they introduced the Plant Power collection, utilizing plant-based materials like sugar cane and wood pulp. Following this, in 2022, Deckers Brands, the parent company of UGG, committed to discontinuing the use of alpaca wool in their products.