UGG Classic Boot Colors Compared: Black, Chestnut, Sand & Caribou

When temperatures fall below freezing, the only shoes I want to wear are UGG Classic boots (especially the Ultra Mini and the Mini). They’re the kind of shoes that get worn hard, so I never miss a chance to stock up on replacements. I picked up several new pairs to swap out my well-worn ones during Anthropologie’s recent sale and decided to photograph them side by side and share my thoughts on current colors and fit.

I’ll let the photos speak for themselves, but this year’s “Chestnut” brown color is a touch more desaturated compared to the Chestnut color from as recently as 2023, but remains a warm and versatile neutral.

Caribou is a cool taupe that feels muted but modern: this option will likely work best for those who wear a lot of gray and black.

Sand is a pale, warm beige with cream undertones. This is the color I wear most as it pairs wonderfully with winter whites and light denim.

While this year’s staple colors feel familiar, there’s a noticeable fit change between the current Ultra Mini and versions from the last few years.

The older pair had a wider ankle opening, which allowed the boot to function like a true slip-on once broken in. The current version has a narrower opening and fits slightly smaller overall, which subtly but meaningfully changes the experience. The tighter ankle opening means the boot is no longer fully hands-free; most wearers will need to use the pull tab at the back, especially when wearing socks.

While the shearling does soften and mold to the foot over time, those who fall between sizes may want to upsize this season for a more comfortable fit. The update adds a bit more structure around the ankle, giving the boot a cleaner line, but it does come at the expense of the slipper-like ease that earlier versions offered.

If you’re replacing an older pair or deciding between shades, I hope these side-by-side comparisons help clarify what’s changed and which colors make the most sense for how you actually wear them.

Happy shopping!