A physical response to and celebration of Nine Inch Nails’ visceral, ground-breaking album.

30 years on, and The Downward Spiral still stands as a towering cultural landmark. Hailed as a masterpiece on arrival. This confrontational soundscape explores some of the bleakest themes and chronicles a descent, which threatens to overwhelm with an abrasive stripping back of its central figure’s beliefs, ideas, and ego, leaving only starkly exposed vulnerability. Intense and immersive. Ferocious and transgressive. A deeply personal musical statement that connected with millions of listeners. A cathartic exploration of the inevitable emptiness derived from self-destructive behaviour.

Few artists can claim to have created something born of despair that resonates so powerfully with such a massive audience. This revered musical monolith is celebrated with a singular DM’s collection. A tribute to the darkness that generates light using some of Doc’s hardest-hitting silhouettes.

“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 favour of innovation, with their distinctive ability to transcend genres and styles in a way that unique to each person who experiences them. The goal was always to make this collection feel as authentically Nine Inch Nails as possible, and I believe through close collaboration with the team at Doc’s we’ve succeeded in that.” — John Crawford, Creative Director, Nine Inch Nails

The 1460 Boot distorted with the album artwork ‘Wound’ by Russell Mills. Reworked in stark black and white. Each 8-eye boot is equipped with multiple fastening options, including a branded ankle zip and removable jungle zip front. A rubber-grained trim and toe cap for an industrial aesthetic and a tactile juxtaposition against the Backhand and Smooth leathers of the upper. Set on a hard-hitting commando tread sole and secured with a black-on-black welt stitch. Finished with AirWair heel loop and references to NIN and the Downward Spiral throughout.

The 1461 3-eye shoe deviates a rubber-grained leather NIN embossed toe cap, set against DM’s classic black Smooth and Backhand leathers used to construct the upper. Elevated with the iconic ‘Crystal Teeth’ image from the album’s inner art and ‘the downward spiral’ printed in a subtle gloss. Set on a pure black BEN outsole with a traditional Doc’s yellow welt stitch.

The 1490 is Doc’s 10-eye boot. In tribute to the wild and uninhibited live NIN performances, a custom print inspired by the band’s pre-show ritual of covering themselves in corn starch for a decomposing, post-apocalyptic aesthetic. Constructed from textured black and white Backhand leather. Fitted with an ankle zip that slashes across the inner ankle with branded hardware. Set on an ice commando outsole and fixed with double black and white welt stitches. Finished with a monochrome heel loop and 2 pairs of wrap-around laces.

Finally, an extra special edition of the 1490 boot has been created, built from leather embossed with the Downward Spiral album art in pure black. Unavailable for purchase instead some of the band’s most ardent fans will be gifted a pair. A fitting tribute to the unique bond shared by the band and those who have supported them for decades.

The Dr. Martens x Nine Inch Nails collection drops Friday 19th July 2024 and will be available at drmartens.com and select partners.

image courtesy of A.W.B. / A World Beneath