Dr. Martens and the industrial rock band NINE INCH NAILS present a collaborative collection: The Downward Spiral.
*The Downward Spiral* is Nine Inch Nails’ second studio album, released in 1994. It is a concept album about a man’s descent into self-destruction and addresses themes such as depression, addiction, and suicide.
The album blends industrial rock with alternative and electronic music and is characterized by the innovative production of Trent Reznor and Flood. The best-known tracks are “Closer,” “Hurt,” and “March of the Pigs.” The album was highly praised by critics, was commercially successful, and is considered a milestone in industrial rock.
Intense and haunting. Cruel and boundary-pushing. A deeply personal musical statement that resonates with millions of listeners. An arthistic exploration of the inevitable emptiness that results from self-destructive behavior.
Few artists can claim to have created something born of despair that resonates so deeply with an audience.
This celebrated musical monolith is honored with a unique Dr. Martens collection. A tribute to the darkness that gives rise to light, featuring some of Docs’ toughest silhouettes.
“This collaboration just makes so much sense. Not only because of the countless fans I’ve seen wearing Dr. Martens at NIN concerts over the years (myself included), but also because NIN and Dr. Martens are both known for ignoring conventions and expectations in favor of innovation, with their distinctive ability to transcend genres and styles in a way that’s unique to everyone who experiences them. “The goal was always for this collection to feel as authentically Nine Inch Nails as possible, and I believe we’ve succeeded in doing that through our close collaboration with the Docs team.”
— John Crawford, Creative Director, Nine Inch Nails
The 1460 boot has been reimagined with a distorted version of the album cover for *Wound* by Russell Mills. The 8-eyelet boot features multiple lacing options, including an ankle zipper with the brand’s logo and a removable “Jungle Zip” zipper at the front.
A rubber rand and toe cap, adding to the industrial aesthetic, sit atop an upper made of suede and smooth leather. Underneath is a rugged Commando lug sole with black stitching. Rounded out with an AirWair heel loop and references to NIN and the *Downward Spiral* album throughout the shoe.
The 1461 3-Eye shoe features a NIN-embossed toe cap made of leather-like rubber, which stands out from the classic black smooth and full-grain leather typically used for the upper.
It’s embellished with the iconic “Crystal Teeth” artwork from the album and features a subtly glossy “The Downward Spiral” print. It comes with a black BEN outsole featuring the traditional yellow Docs stitching.
The 1490, Docs’ 10-eye boot, is considered a tribute to NIN’s wild and unrestrained live performances; a special print was designed, inspired by the band’s pre-show ritual of covering themselves in cornstarch, to create an aesthetic of decay and the post-apocalyptic.
It is crafted from textured black-and-white backhand leather. It features a zipper at the ankle that winds around the inner ankle, as well as an Ice Commando outsole and double black-and-white stitching.
Last but not least, a very exclusive special edition of the 1490 boot has been created, made of black leather embossed with the cover of the album *Downward Spiral*. It is not for sale; instead, a few of the band’s most loyal fans will receive a pair as a gift. A tribute to the unique bond between the band and those who have supported them for decades.
The Dr. Martens x Nine Inch Nails collection launches on Friday, July 19. Keep an eye on our sneaker releases.
Photos via Dr. Martens, Edmund Fraser Studio
