Marking 30 years of Nine Inch Nails‘ seminal album The Downward Spiral, Dr. Martens unveils a collaboration blending iconic footwear with industrial music’s raw intensity.
The collection features three silhouettes crafted from premium backhand and smooth leathers: the 1460 Boot showcasing Russell Mills’ “Wound” artwork with multiple fastenings including a branded ankle zip; the 1461 3-eye shoe displaying the album’s “Crystal Teeth” image and “the downward spiral” in subtle gloss; and the 1490 10-eye boot inspired by NIN’s corn starch-covered live performances. Each model boasts unique soles: commando tread, BEN outsole and ice commando outsole respectively. A special edition 1490 boot embossed with the album art will be gifted to select fans.
John Crawford, NIN’s Creative Director stated: “This collaboration just makes so much sense. Not just because of the countless fans I’ve seen wearing Dr. Martens at NIN concerts over the years (myself included), but because NIN and Dr. Martens are both known for rejecting convention and expectation in favor of innovation.”
“I think each of the 3 designs conveys different components of Nine Inch Nails’ artistry,” Crawford continued to share with Hypebeast, pointing to the 1460 as the collection’s centerfold.
“Once we decided the collection would be themed around The Downward Spiral, we knew we’d have the advantage of using elements from Russell Mills’ incredible paintings that were created for the album’s packaging … We hid the repeating text ‘Nothing can stop me now’ – a mantra from the album – behind the zipper.”
Launching July 19 at Dr. Martens official website and select retailers this collection celebrates a cultural landmark album that explored themes of despair and self-destruction resonating with millions.
