Classic American boot company Wolverine is riding the lighting, introducing a new collaboration with the kings of thrash themselves. Through a partnership with Metallica’s All Within My Hands foundation (AWMH), the bootmaker has just dropped a limited-edition assortment of three Wolverine boots, hoodie and beanie, alongside a graphic t-shirt designed by long-time Metallica collaborator Brandon Heart. And naturally, they all come in black.
Taking a revamped approach to Wolverine’s classic 1000 Mile Boot, the new Plain-Toe Rugged is handcrafted in the USA and comes complete with matte black Horween leather. But in a fitting touch to Hetfield and Co, the classic boot has added a rugged edge with AWHM blue stitching, limited edition tongue-tag, metal toe-kicker, and a brutal Vibram outsole.
The new Wolverine x Metallica Collection also sees a Wolverine Hellcat UltraSpring Work Boot, designed with trade workers in mind and the Wolverine Hellcat UltraSpring Wedge, an everyday boot that features metallic and AWMH blue details in a casual wedge style.
But while the Wolverine and Metallica collaboration might just sound like a linking of ideas, there’s more to this story than just good boots. Wolverine’s long-standing commitment to trade workers actually founded the basis of the partnership, which sees 50% of all sales from the collection will support the Metallica Scholars Initiative. The workforce education initiative provides direct support to community colleges to enhance their career and technical education programs. In fact, since launching in 2019, Wolverine has contributed more than $300,000 to the Metallica Scholars Initiative.
“We are grateful to be part of helping the world’s workforce stay strong through the Metallica Scholars Initiative, and Wolverine shares our passion for supporting and celebrating the people who are the future of the workforce,” said Metallica’s James Hetfield. “This partnership will continue to shine a light on the opportunities in the skilled trades and support students as they work toward establishing rewarding, sustainable careers.”
The new Wolverine x Metallica collaboration also includes a custom hoodie and beanie featuring the Metallica Scholars logo, and a graphic t-shirt. Featuring artwork by Metallica collaborator Brandon Heart, the custom-designed art is inspired by Metallica’s signature aesthetic and features a skull and tool cross bones, a tribute to the trades program. In a further boost, each of the more than 900 Metallica Scholars students across the country this year will receive a pair of the collaboration work boots and a graphic t-shirt as part of the partnership to celebrate and thank them for pursuing training in the trades.
“We’re proud to continue celebrating and supporting the next generation of skilled tradespeople through partnerships with exceptional organizations and initiatives like Metallica Scholars,” said Tom Kennedy, global brand president for Wolverine. “We hope Metallica fans will love and wear this collection with pride knowing they are joining us in supporting the future American workforce.”
Available for pre-sale today, the collection will be available on Giving Tuesday, November 30 through the Wolverine online store.
You’ll also like:
Wolverine and Old Rip Van Winkle Team Up for Batch 2 Boots
Danner’s ‘No Time to Die’ Tanicus Tactical Boots Hit the Slopes
Wolverine and Old Rip Van Winkle Made a Perfect Boot
