Someone actually made Mario’s shoes!
Imagine breaking in those soles.
Red Wing Shoes – the work-boots manufacturer – has teamed up with Nintendo to bring one of Mario’s most beloved, hardy accessories to life: his boots. The retailer says it worked with the creative team on the upcoming film The Super Mario Bros. Movie to translate each pixel into “a real-life stitch”.
Seemingly sturdy enough that it would take Bowser (or at least a seasoned Dr. Martens wearer) to break them in, the shoes are actually made with usability in mind. Red Wing says they’re constructed from durable, quality leather and come with slip-resistant treads for grip. True to the franchise, the boots are also flame resistant, with a reinforced toe box. As a fun final touch, the heel pads are made using mushroom-based mycelium for a built-in “power-up”, as Red Wing puts it.
Red Wing has taken to social media to reveal the construction of the shoe, which uses traditional craftsmanship to interpret elements from Nintendo’s original design.
Unfortunately for fans looking to grab a pair, the boots are one of a kind, made specifically to promote the new Nintendo release. They were unveiled at Nintendo’s flagship store in New York on 10 March to celebrate Mario Day – an annual celebration of the entire Mario franchise, apparently.
Dave Schneider, CMO at Red Wing Shoes, states: “At Red Wing Shoe Company, we’ve been supplying long-lasting, durable and comfortable footwear that protects trades workers on the job site for 118 years. We were excited to deliver that same ambition and energy to Mario’s Boots as one of the most famous plumbers in the world!”
Now, where are Luigi’s?
Red Wing Shoes / Nintendo: Mario’s Boots (Copyright © Red Wing Shoes / Aaron Rice, 2023)
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