7/15/2024

Nine Inch Nails & Dr. Martens Are Celebrating 30th Anniversary of ‘The Downward Spiral’ With a Collab

The NIN x Dr. Martens collaboration arrives soon. Here's how fans can shop the collection.

By Latifah Muhammad

Latifah Muhammad

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Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails in 1994.

Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails in 1994. Nothing/TVT/Interscope Records/Courtesy Everett Collection

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Nine Inch Nails and Dr. Martens are collaborating on a new collection in honor of the 30th anniversary of band’s multi-platinum sophomore album, The Downward Spiral.

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First teased on July 8 and officially revealed on Monday (July 15), the upcoming footwear collection features artwork from the Grammy-nominated album and a design inspired by NIN’s unforgettable live performances.

“This collaboration just makes so much sense,” John Crawford, the band’s creative director, said in a statement. “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, 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.”

Dr. Martens X Nine Inch Nails | The Downward Spiral Collection

Dr. Martens X Nine Inch Nails | The Downward Spiral Collection Dr Martens

The collection includes a 10-eye 1490 boot that is inspired by the band’s cornstarch pre-show ritual. The lace-up boot is made from textured black and white Backhand leather and includes an ankle zipper on the side.

The eight-eye 1460 collab features artist Russell Mills’ album art as well as other references to the album. It also boasts a commando tread sole and multiple fastening options, including a branded ankle zipper.

For those looking for a shoe rather than a boot, the collection includes 1461 three-eyed piece that features The Downward Spiral‘s “crystal teeth” artwork and the name of the album printed in a subtle gloss.

Dr. Martens X Nine Inch Nails | The Downward Spiral Collection

Dr. Martens X Nine Inch Nails | The Downward Spiral Collection Courtesy of Dr. Martens

The fourth piece of footwear in the collection is one fans won’t be able to purchase, though a few lucky ones will be gifted a pair. The 1490 10-eye boot features all-black leather that is embossed with the album’s artwork. According to the press release, the boot is “a fitting tribute to the unique bond shared by the band and those who have supported them for decades.”

Crawford participated in a Reddit AMA discussing the “inspiration and design choices behind the collaboration.” The AMA was held from 8 to 9 a.m. PT on July 15; fans were able to submit questions ahead of time for a chance to win one of five pairs of the fan-exclusive boot.

Dr. Martens X NIN Collaboration: Reddit AMA with John Crawford
byu/Leviathant innin

The Nine Inch Nails x Dr. Martens collection drops on Friday, July 19, at drmartens.com and select retailers. Until then, fans can click here to sign up to be first in line to get notified when the collection arrives, and hit the Reddit AMA for more details on the giveaway.

The Downward Spiral, released in 1994, became a pivotal album for Trent Reznor, the band’s mastermind. The critically acclaimed LP debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and went on to sell nearly four million copies.

Atticus Ross, who joined NIN in the early 2000s and with Reznor has become an Oscar-winning scoring duo, teased that he was “excited” to work on a new album. “I think we’re in a place now where we kind of have an idea,” he told GQ in April, as Ross and Reznor discussed their new multimedia company — With Teeth — and hinted at upcoming projects. NIN’s music is currently featured in the new season of The Bear.

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