While The North Face’s mainline body supplies Supreme with jackets, hoodies and more to be decorated with illustrative artwork from Raymond Pettibon, TNF Purple Label, the brand’s Japan-exclusive subdivision, is focusing on its proficiency in the footwear realm, teaming up with Dr. Martens on a fusion style of boots that evoke the urban-outdoor influence behind The North Face Purple Label.
Where previous releases focused on traditional styles that are more suited to Dr. Martens’ usual area of expertise, this latest iteration looks to retro hiking wear for inspiration, resulting in what is essentially a contemporary take on the classic Duck Boot, popularised by American outfitters such as L.L Bean across the latter half of the 20th century.
Taking the base principles of rubber soles & mudguards attached to leather uppers, TNF Purple Label transports the classic style into the modern era, building on Dr. Martens’ 6-eye 101 boot with a split, water-resistant nubuck and moulded pvc construction, with jacquard laces held together by D-ring and speed hook eyelets added to intensify the traditional hiking boot feel.
</br>
Branding hits include the embossed TNF Purple Label logo beneath the outer collar and Dr. Martens’ signature “Air Wair” pull tab (with appropriate purple lettering) at the heels.
</br>
Priced at ¥39,600 (approx. $264 USD), The North Face Purple Label x Dr Martens Sub Boot releases exclusively in Japan via Nanamica this Friday, October 18th.
