[SPECIAL RELEASE] Needles X Dr. Martens 2976 Boot

The first pair of Dr. Martens boots rolled off the production line on the 1st April 1960. With its trademark yellow stitch, grooved sole and heel-loop, it was a boot for workers, initially worn by postmen and policemen; comfortable, durable and lightweight in comparison to its competitors at the time. Throughout Dr. Martens history, the brand has been adopted and subverted by diverse individuals, musicians, youth cultures and tribes. These are the people who stand out from the crowd and their journey of self-expression has always been accompanied by a pair of DM’s. The simple silhouette allows people to customize each pair; whilst on a utilitarian level their famous durability and comfort make them ideal footwear for the world of gigs and street fashion. 

The Northamptonshire factory where it all began still exists to this day, in the village of Wollaston. A specific range of ‘Made In England’ products are manufactured here by a small, close-knit team of people schooled in traditional shoe-making and a process that hasn’t changed since Dr. Martens first pair six decades ago.

Dr. Martens are joining creative forces with Japanese brand Needles. Reigniting the ongoing partnership, we’re kicking off the year with a Made in England 2976 boot collaboration. And it’s the first they've ever done. Partnering with the West-Coast centric brand to rework the Original Chelsea boot, Dr Martens built a shoe that’s an amalgamation of Needles’ old-school Americana and Dr. Martens unwavering DNA. With Needles’ penchant for fusing the old and the new, the 2976 Chelsea boot is the ideal canvas. Taking Needles trademark ‘Papillon’ butterfly — inspired by the movie of the same name — and printing it just above the yellow stitching, two brand beacons reunite once again.

Nepenthes NY will be stocking the Black Smooth leather, whose 2976 Snaffle NDLS is crafted to perfection in Dr. Martens Wollaston factory. Detailed with a Needles tassel, in brushed silver on the Black Smooth, the boots is complete with a dual-branded sock liner. Finished with black and yellow heel loop. Made in England to the highest standards in the original Wollaston factory and loaded with decades of shoemaking heritage.

Releasing online and in-store Saturday 2/27