Having just seen MSCHF’s Astro Boy boots, we now see another pair of footwear that’s made its way from cartoon make-believe to reality. Taking part in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Nintendo and Illumination worked with Red Wing Shoes to “translate every pixel into a real-life stitch,” making a prototype pair of Mario’s iconic shoes.
“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!” said Dave Schneider, CMO of Red Wing Shoes.
The 3-eye prototype pairs are made of durable, natural leather with slip-resistant treads designed for a super plumber. Extra touches include The Super Mario Bros. Movie fabric tabs and heel tabs made of mushroom-based mycelium, providing a “welcome power-up to help Mario take on Bowser and his army.”
The Red Wing Mario Boots will arrive at Nintendo New York at Rockefeller Center via a Super Mario Bros Plumber Van on March 10 and will be displayed there throughout April. Meanwhile, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is set to hit theaters on April 5, 2023.