Throughout the majority of the legendary heavy metal band’s existence, Metallica has actively been involved in a myriad of philanthropic endeavors and activist causes, though in 2019 the band took things one step further, launching its Metallica Scholars Initiative, which saw $1M divided up amongst ten community colleges to bolster their respective career and technical training programs. For 2020, the initiative is aiming to expand the initiative’s reach to 15 schools. To fund the project, Metallica’s joined forces with famed work boot purveyors, Wolverine to deliver two limited edition boots.
The first is the Wolverine x Metallica Scholars 1000 Mile Axel, a special version of the existing 1000 Mile boot, made in America using a Vibram lugged outsole, silver hardware, and Horweeen Chromexcel leather. The second boot’s the Wolverine x Metallica Scholars Hellcat UltraSpring, a modern work boot with a nylon shank, Ortholite footbed, ETPU midsole, waterproof full-grain leather uppers, and Goodyear Welt construction. These special edition versions are decorated in a bevy of Metallica branding on special metal heel-plates and toe-kickers, metal-tipped laces, and metal guitar pick tags. Both boots are currently available for preorder on Wolverine’s website, with the Metallica Scholars Hellcat UltraSpring going for $150 and the Metallica Scholars 1000 Mile Axel priced at $400.
