Dr. Martens launches collaboration collection with The Clash

This week sees the launch of a collaboration collection between heritage British boot brand Dr. Martens and iconic 70s punk band The Clash, described as “46 years in the making”.

The Clash famously wore Dr. Martens boots when they erupted on to the music scene back in 1976, and the collaboration 1460 8-eye boot and 1461 3-eye shoe - which will be available exclusively on the Dr. Martens website and from Dover Street Market from 6 October 2022 - have been made in England, as per the originals worn by The Clash.

Constructed from Dr. Martens’ original ‘Smooth’ leather, the heels of the boot and shoe have been marked with The Clash’s instantly recognisable logo.

Each pair also come equipped with a set of dog tags based on those worn by the band, and seven sets of laces inspired by the colours of their most iconic albums.

Also available from Dr. Martens’ main line are the 1460 boot and 1461 shoe constructed from ‘Arcadia’ high-shine leather, with a base dye and contrast top-coat. Over time the top-coat rubs off to reveal the underlying colour.

The 1460 boot has a military green base and the 1461 shoe a cherry red base, chosen by the band from the artwork colours from their ‘Sandinista!’ and ‘The Clash’ albums. Each pair is again embossed with The Clash logo on the heel, and come equipped with dog tags.

To celebrate the Dr. Martens x The Clash collection, legendary film director, DJ and musician, Don Letts, has collated a playlist of songs to tell the story of the iconic band from his perspective as their long-time friend and collaborator. ‘The Story of The Clash in 100 Tracks’ is a mix of cuts from the band’s albums and solo careers, as well as music that inspired them and artists inspired by them.

The playlist will drop on Spotify and through Dr. Martens’ channels. Talking about the playlist, Letts said: “A continuous clash of sounds provided the blueprint for my selection. I’ve often wondered what it is about The Clash that still resonates with so many. I think it’s something to do with the fact that they were a product of the vinyl generation, raised on music that could be a tool for social and personal change.

“They understood and believed in the power of music to actually make a difference. They also understood it was all for nothing if you didn’t have a groove and looked like shit. In the 21st century, these ingredients remain a crucial currency for the young.”