Wolverine, the 139-year-old boot and clothing company based in Rockford, today announced a collaboration with 343 Industries, developers of the blockbuster “Halo” franchise, to release a limited-edition boot inspired by iconic protagonist, Master Chief.
The collaboration and one-of-a-kind boot were originally inspired by Wolverine’s Hellcat boot. After the brand released a video demonstrating the strength of the boot’s safety toe in August 2020, fans and video gaming enthusiasts pointed out that the boot looked like gear straight out of the “Halo” universe.
The company says comments rolled in asking the brand to make the boots a reality. Now, after nearly a year of design and collaboration, Wolverine and 343 Industries are releasing 117 pairs of the Wolverine x Halo: The Master Chief limited-edition boots, on sale for $225 beginning March 29 at 12 p.m. ET on wolverine.com/halo.
“This collaboration is a true testament to the devotion both Wolverine and 343 Industries have to our fans, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to bring a boot inspired by the “Halo” universe to life,” says Tom Kennedy, global brand president of Wolverine.
From the colors to the shape and design, the boot’s aesthetic is recognizable to “Halo” fans, while providing the comfort, strength and support Wolverine is known for in all their work boots. Each pair of boots is outfitted with:
- A “117” — the Master Chief’s Spartan number on the exterior heel of the left boot.
- UNSC (United Nations Space Command) insignia can be found throughout the boot.
- Outsole is furnished with the in-universe logo for the “Materials Group,” the manufacturer of the Master Chief’s Mjolnir armor.
- Equipped with an UltraSpring high rebound ETPU midsole for a lightweight, energized ride and rubber lug outsoles to grip the ground for traction.
- Outfitted with gold-rated premium full-grain leather and includes a hook and loop lace cover over the laces.
The boots come after the December release of “Halo Infinite,” the latest and largest launch in the franchise’s history. In January it was announced that more than 20 million people are playing. Furthermore, the “Halo” television series premiered exclusively on Paramount+ on March 24.
“Given our roots in military science fiction, we’ve often heard from our fans that there is an appetite for a boot inspired by the Master Chief,” says John Friend, director of “Halo” and Xbox consumer products at 343 Industries at Microsoft. “So, when Wolverine approached us about a collaboration, we were ready to answer the call.
“The limited-edition boot gives ‘Halo’ fans a chance to step inside (the boots) to become Master Chief and bring the Halo universe into their everyday life, and we’re eager to see how fans react to the collaboration and forthcoming launches as part of our partnership with Wolverine.”
