dr. martens aw26 | the buzz is back

Dr. Martens.

Classics never go out of style and Dr. Martens has decided that one of its biggest recent footwear hits deserves another lap around the block. After its debut quickly found a following among people with a healthy appreciation for chunky shoes and a distinctly unhealthy relationship with the 1990s, the Buzz sole is back for Autumn/Winter 2026 with more texture, more colour and absolutely no interest in blending into the background.

Inspired by the oversized footwear that filled Dr. Martens’ 1990s archive, the Buzz sole has become one of the brand’s newer signatures thanks to its inflated, barrel-edged shape. The construction keeps plenty of familiar Doc’s distinctive features intact, from the air-cushioned sole and yellow welt stitching to the grooved edges and a leaf-patterned undersole, while the arc-shaped waist gives the whole thing a slightly more exaggerated profile.

Dr. Martens.

Dr. Martens.

For AW26, the franchise expands again through a mix of new heights, leathers and finishes. Leading the collection is the Buzz Hi in Milled Gloss Brown, a high-top version that takes the already substantial silhouette and gives it a richer, more refined finish. Milled Gloss is a full-grain leather with a high-shine surface, adding a slightly smarter edge to a boot whose sole is very much still having a party.

Alongside it comes the Buzz 5-Eye in Shine Croc Emboss Oxblood, bringing a textured crocodile effect to the lower-cut silhouette. The Buzz Hi Croc Emboss continues the same embossed treatment at a higher proportion, while the Buzz 6-Eye in black Wyoming leather introduces another take on the platform franchise. The original Buzz design has already appeared in everything from classic leather and leopard-print hair-on finishes to mixed-material constructions and calf-length boots. The sole remains the unchanged element: chunky, air-cushioned and with an unmistakable silhouette.

Dr. Martens.

Dr. Martens.

The new collection arrives as Dr. Martens continues to stretch its classic footwear language beyond the familiar 1460 boot and 1461 shoe. Previous additions include the Buzz Strap Wyoming, a utilitarian velcro adaptation, alongside the Buzz Ballerina Gloss Leather, a subverted take that combines a dainty Mary Jane upper with the signature heavy sole tread. For colder months, the line-up includes the Buzz Lace Up Faux Fur Lined boot for winterised utility, alongside the rugged Buzz Boxer Mixed Material mid-calf hybrid. The leather texture directory has also been updated with heavily grained Buzz 5-Eye Grizzly and Crazy Horse finishes, alongside textural statement pieces like the Dalmatian Hair On leather styles. To coordinate the collection, a Top Handle Croc Emboss Leather Bag drops in a matching rich burgundy hue. 

The Autumn/Winter 2026 Buzz range is available through selected Dr. Martens stores, retailers and online. Find out more here.

photography. courtesy of Dr. Martens
words. Gennaro Costanzo