Regarding sneaker collaborations, all genres are getting their chance in the spotlight. Music, in particular, has been a massive inspiration for sneaker designs for many years. Brands such as Dr. Martens, Nike, Reebok, adidas, and Bape, to name a few, have all shown design inspirations from all types of music, with some leading to official collaborations. Dr. Martens is widely known for its connection to rock music and all its sub-genres. With that being said, Dr. Marten’s has linked up with famous bands such as the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Black Sabbath, and more. Dr. Marten’s is set to collaborate with legendary industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of their infamous album, The Downward Spiral.
The Downward Spiral was initially released in 1994 and was the second album from the Trent Reznor-led group. This album helped solidify their place as one of the greatest bands of the 90s with hits like March of the Pigs, Closer, and Hurt. Closer was one of the most-played music videos of all time on MTV, crossing over to many mainstream circles due to its catchy, confrontational chorus, which was labeled extreme at the time (IYKYK). Hurt had a second lease on life when Johnny Cash covered the track as one of his final songs before passing away in 2003.
Thirty years later, Dr. Martens is set to honor this groundbreaking album with a special NIN capsule. The Nine Inch Nails x Dr. Martens The Downward Spiral 30th Anniversary Collection consists of three models: the 8-Eye 1460 boot, the 3-Eye 1461 shoe, and the 10-Eye 1490 boot, each paying homage to NIN and their The Downward Spiral era. All pairs are dressed in black, sporting premium materials and unique detailing. Two of the pairs also feature white accents furthering the design.
The 8-Eye 1460 comes in black and white, tying back to the album artwork. The 3-Eye 1461 in black features a “Crystal Teeth” design throughout, another element taken from the album. Lastly, the 10-Eye 1490 pays homage to the band’s look during The Downward Spiral era, specifically their live shows in which they would cover themselves in corn flour for a decayed, post-apocalyptic look. Two iterations are seen, one in all-black and the other in black and white. Each pair comes in special packaging with The Downward Spiral album cover printed on the tissue paper.
The Nine Inch Nails x Dr. Martens The Downward Spiral 30th Anniversary Collection will release on July 19, 2024, through Nine Inch Nails and Dr. Martens online and in-store. Coming in unisex sizing, the 1461 will retail for $160, the 1460 for $200, and the 1490 for $210. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via Dr. Martens
Nine Inch Nails x Dr. Martens 1460 8-Eye Boot The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails x Dr. Martens 1461 3-Eye Shoe The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails x Dr. Martens 1490 10-Eye Boot The Downward Spiral
Nine Inch Nails x Dr. Martens 1490 10-Eye Boot The Downward Spiral Corn Starch
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Steve Jaconetta is the Head of Content based out of Connecticut. An encyclopedia for sneaker releases, he's covered the industry for over fifteen years. His stops have included Sole Collector, Complex, and StockX, to name a few. He considers the Air Jordan 11 Concord the greatest sneaker of all time and has a strong affection for 80s pop culture. Email: steve@soleretriever.com
