News of the launch of the Wolverine 1000 Mile collection first came in February of 2009. It was around that time that I met some of the people from Wolverine and wrote about the collection. Later, Wolverine invited me to a little event they put together in the city and I got a chance to meet all of the people involved in the 1000 Mile line – all good people. After that we started talking more and eventually Wolverine hired my public relations firm to help out with the 1000 Mile Collection – which has been a lot of fun. (In case you missed it, that was my full disclosure.)
A project that we have been working on over the past several months is the special edition, limited-quantity Wolverine 1000 Mile boot with the imprint 721LTD. The undertaking, which is named for the original 1000 Mile boot reference number, was pulled directly from the company’s archives from over 125 years of boot making. To celebrate the provenance of the 721LTD boots, Wolverine commissioned a film series (directed by my friend Sean Sullivan) to document the journey of these unique 1000 Mile boots. The opening chapter takes you on a pilgrimage to Chicago to visit the Horween leather company, America’s finest tannery and supplier of shell cordovan to the 721LTD 1000 Mile boots.
I’m proud and excited to share this short film with you and to take you inside Horween, a truly special place and national treasure. These kinds of projects are what it is all about for me. To work with good people like the folks at Wolverine, Sullivan and all of the people at Horween on something as legitimate as the 1000 Mile boots.
Bought a pair of Wolverine 1000 Mile boots last year. Love them! Great film!
Beautiful film and great story. Surprised to learn that the football I was tossing around with my nephew was likely the work of Horween Company (as well as their amazing materials for shoes). Thanks for telling their story and I hope they continue their craft for another 100 years. Too many of these great craftsmen have faded away.
Very nice job! I love seeing the process – I think this is very important, and beautiful.
You gonna get out to Wolvorine’s headquarters in Rockford Michigan at all? I’m right down the road in Grand Rapids.
Chris — I was in GR last fall. Great city.
from another west michigan dweller… its exciting to see a local company getting some attention. Nice work Michael!! cant wait to see more on these limited edition boots.
Cheers!!
Now that my friends, is Americana.
Brilliant stuff. A great little film on a great product.
Fantastic. I read this article from Andy Grove yesterday – it is great and I wish US manufacturing wins support from government and businesses and really makes a comeback.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-01/how-to-make-an-american-job-before-it-s-too-late-andy-grove.html
That and Tony Hsieh’s articles really get me going and even a little misty… (the corner office series is excellent, btw)
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/business/10corner.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=tony%20hsieh&st=Search
Great inside look. I’m excited for the next installment.
Dope vid! I liked seeing all the ppl involved in making this stuff. Good ol Midbesters!
Just learned from a nice lady at Sebago (Wolverine owns them too) that the company was Michigan based. I’m from good ol South Haven, MI on the west side of the mitten. Shout out to all my Michiganders!
Great little film. Shepherding consumers through the process of the craft is so key.
Stunning video. Craftsmanship just can Not be underestimated.
That’s real.
When are the 721LTDs launching?
I used to work for the UK distributors for Wolverine and fell in love with the boots instantly. I have a pair of the original 1000 Mile boots from their latest collection and they are easily the most comfortable and talked about footwear I have ever owned. Love the boots, love the brand and will definitely be trying to get my hands on a pair of the 721LTD’s.
Savile Joe
Anticipated street date?
Great film and great company, but as a resident of the neighborhood the thing we most associate with Horween’s is the ungodly smell the place puts out, especially in the summer. In August, the most hellish place in the city is waiting for the #9 Ashland bus in front of the Horween plant.
I’ve taken a tour of the tannery , and its really nothing you’ve ever seen before. Words cant describe being in there. What the video doesnt give you , is the very unique smells in the factory , something I’ll probably never forget.