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Dr. Martens has turned its iconic 1460 boots and 1461 oxfords into something that every card-carrying member of the Metallica fan club needs on their feet this season. Based on how quickly similarly buzzy Doc Martens collaborations sold out in the past, it's safe to say “nothing else matters” but snagging the drop and doing it quickly (those who know, know — sorry).
The two-shoe release, which went live on Wednesday, features the 1460 Metallica 8-Eye Smooth Leather Boot ($200). Reinterpreting an already-existing silhouette that has been spotted on everyone from Gwen Stefani to Halsey, the fresh, limited-edition stepper is taken to new heights — almost as high as you feel during thrash metal concerts — by way of artwork sourced from Metallica's Damaged Justice tour. That being said, none of the motifs here exude a sense of calm. Instead, the energy is dialed all the way up with skulls, bones, and the band's logo swathed in red across the toe.
Dr. Martens 1460 Metallica 8-Eye Smooth Leather Boot
The 1460 Metallica boot also benefits from special touches like a metal “M” stud at the heel, dog tags for showing off your allegiance to the world of metal, as well as extra laces whose pièce de résistance is the phrase “boredom comes from a boring mind” printed overtop. Of course, the shoe also retains all the qualities that make it a loved-and-trusted favorite, including a high-traction sole (for standing in the mosh pit or making your way across city streets, your pick), an AirWair heel loop for sliding it on with ease, and a full-grain leather composition whose subtle texture is “designed to imitate an art canvas,” per the label.
Prefer to go off “to never-never land” while wearing something more low-pro? Dr. Martens and Metallica have your back, thanks to the 1461 Metallica 3-Eye Smooth Leather Shoe ($160) that skips the latter's Damaged Justice tour in favor of art from the earlier Damage Inc. performances. The exact lettering used by the band to promote its 1986 shows makes itself at home next to depictions of yellow and orange bones. You'll find studs, dog tags, and exclusive laces upon unboxing this purchase, too: proceeding to relish in the Oxford's durability, comfort, and attractive welt stitching.
Dr. Martens 1461 Metallica 3-Eye Smooth Leather Shoe
Knowing its audience intimately, Dr. Martens employed the help of die-hard fans for this campaign's imagery, who posed in paraphernalia-filled bedrooms and by messy lockers — wearing patch-clad denim vests and, of course, the shoe styles in question.
Dr. Martens
How does it feel to be alive? This long-awaited launch just might have the answer.
