Supreme X Dr. Martens Announce New Footwear Collab
Supreme puts a funk twist on the British footwear brand’s classic 5-Eye shoes.
Not quite a month out from their collaboration with Rick Owens, Dr. Martens has announced their newest joint venture. The powerhouse brand is pairing with cult label Supreme to release a Spring 2021 footwear collection that’s the epitome of street style. The Supreme x Dr. Martens collab, set to debut online and in stores on April 8th, will feature three reworked versions of Dr. Martens’ classic 5-Eye shoe. As the name suggests, each of the shoes in the collection has five eyelets, as well as a treaded outsole for improved grip.
Design options range from classic black and punchy orange to an eye-catching zebra print that truly steals the spotlight. The first two colorways are made of smooth vintage leather, while the zebra colorway uses ponyhair for an extra-soft, uniquely textured upper. All of the shoes have the same hard sole, while AirWay cushioning maximizes comfort. Despite a relatively small amount of variety, the shoes tap into three different styles for a broad appeal. The bold dresser gets the funky animal print, the pop of orange gives just the right amount of flair for streetwear fans, and the basic black delivers quiet classiness for the shopper who needs sensibility.
This collection isn’t the first time the two iconic brands have teamed up. In 2015, Supreme worked its magic on the Dr. Martens 4-eye shoes and 6-eye boots. 2017 had two more collaborations between the brands, riffing on the suede Rousden Creeper and incorporating the religious symbolism of the Sacred Heart. Of course, we can’t forget the epic four-way collab between Dr. Martens, Supreme, Undercover, and Public Enemy in 2018—perhaps the most ambitious crossover in footwear history.
For Dr. Martens, which is pushing past a half-century of existence, frequent collaborations are a means of staying current while appealing to a wider audience. If you were on the fence about getting a pair of Docs because of the price point (or you weren’t sure if you needed yet another pair), a collaboration with a well-known property could be just the push you need to make the purchase. The brand’s latest effort with Supreme demonstrates their mastery of a winning formula: combining the appeal of the familiar with the excitement of the new.