Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Wolverine Boots Collabs with 2 Other Michigan Brands for Limited-Edition 1000 Mile Boots

Image used with permission by copyright holder

As a native Michigander, I sometimes take umbrage at the short shrift my state gets in popular culture. People don’t realize we have the best backcountry skiing in the Midwest, a world-class mountain biking course, and winter waves so fearsome that only the hardiest (or foolhardiest) surfers dare try it. Hell, people don’t even realize we have two peninsulas half the time, let alone that it’s spanned by a bridge whose architectural beauty rivals that of the Golden Gate.

Recommended Videos

Instead, when people think of Michigan, they think of industry. Cadillacs and Fords sliding off the assembly line, or carts of copper ore being lifted out of the ground, or 1000-foot freighters steaming through the frigid expanse of Lake Superior. One industry they don’t think of is the fashion industry. Which is a real mistake, especially in these days when workwear and fashion are so — forgive the pun — hand in glove.

Thanks to its industrial past, Michigan is home to some deeply rooted heritage clothing brands, and three of them are coming together in a new collaboration among Wolverine Boots, Stormy Kromer, and Detroit Denim Co.

We caught up with Wolverine designer Rea Verburg to get the details on how these three legendary Michigan apparel makers came together.

The Manual: How did this collaboration come about?

Rea Verburg: This collaboration is a celebration of two Michigan brands that we love. In addition, they share our commitment to craftsmanship and exceptional materials. Our Michigan tour, from the Upper Peninsula to the east and west side of the state, showcases one of the many things that we love about Michigan: authentic, high-quality brands with products that we wear ourselves. While Stormy Kromer and Detroit Denim may be smaller than Wolverine, we’re drawn to their passion and unique story.

TM: What elements in each of these collaborating brands (Detroit Denim Co. and Stormy Kromer) made it a good pairing with a Wolverine boot?

RV: Stormy Kromer has an authentic heritage similar to ours. They were founded in the early 1900’s, we were founded in 1883! We wanted to showcase their beautiful plaid designs, integrating their wool into the tongue and lining of the 1000 Mile Wedge Boot. Detroit Denim is a newer brand, but they share our value of homegrown Michigan craftsmanship and we loved being able to collaborate with the east side of the state. Their deep, rich selvage denim pairs perfectly with our boots, and we wanted to develop the perfect color to elevate the indigo hues in their products. We developed a bright orange leather from Horween which we both loved instantly, and excitingly it’s a color we’ve never done before for 1000 Mile. Together, Stormy Kromer and Detroit Denim understand the importance of USA-built construction and supporting our local workforce which aligns with our 1000 Mile footwear stance. We love partnering with companies and brands who support the same people we do.

TM: Wolverine started as a workwear company and has since branched into outdoor gear and streetwear. How would you define Wolverine’s legacy today, and how do you see this collaboration adding to it?

RV: As we continue to expand our brand offerings and collaborations, we are always mindful of keeping our workwear heritage integrated into every detail. Wolverine supports those who forge their own path and are building our future and we will never lose that part of our purpose. Keeping a portion of our products made in the USA is the backbone of what 1000 Mile stands for and will continue to be an authentic part of our brand. Collaborations like this with Detroit Denim and Stormy Kromer allow us to reach a new consumer and further expand our audience. It allows us to showcase other brands that we love while still providing the consumer with a fantastic, eye-catching product.

Wolverine 1000 X Detroit Denim Original Wedge. Image used with permission by copyright holder

TM: Define Detroit fashion. What drives it? What sets it apart from fashion coming out of other parts of the country?

RV: Detroit is authentically itself. It is a timeless city, and while it has been through its own share of ups and downs, it is incredibly resilient. Detroit natives are effortlessly true to who they are. Their fashion and style is not necessarily swayed by trends; rather, it’s a classic style inspired by the genuineness of the city. There are a lot of innovative, entrepreneurial people and designers in Detroit and that is reflected in their fashion. We wanted to make sure we captured the essence of this with Detroit Denim, as it’s very much a part of Michigan heritage.

TM: Detroit has been through a lot in the past several decades. How can Detroit’s fashion industry be a part of revitalizing the city?

RV: The people of Detroit are proud to be from there, and there is a sense of camaraderie between the entrepreneurs in the city. As we see companies like Detroit Denim continue to rise up, it will continue to bring in more startups, but also fashion startups. Detroit is an epicenter for local, luxury products (i.e. Shinola) and they’re able to build on the rich heritage and pride of the city. The foundation that they have built through their many industries is something that they are proud to expand and build on. There are excitement and buzz due to the growth and expansion of the city. People are investing in Detroit in a variety of industries, including fashion, which has been amazing to witness and organically become involved in.

We can say from experience that Wolverine 1000 Mile boots live up to their name. No matter how rough you are on your feet, these boots retain their rugged integrity while getting softer and more supple with age. The Wolverine 1000 Mile x Detroit Denim Original Wedge features a bright orange Horween Essex leather upper, a natural tongue and backstay to bring out the signature accent stitching found in Detroit Denim, making these the perfect boots to wear with a pair of high-quality handmade jeans. The Wolverine 1000 Mile x Stormy Kromer Original Wedge features classic and versatile rust Horween Chromexcel leather with iconic Stormy Kromer cotton flannel plaid on the tongue and lining of the boot, ideal for wintry weather.

Personally, I couldn’t be happier to see this iconic Michigan brands getting the attention they deserve. But then again, these boots are limited edition. You know what, forget everything I said. Michigan is lame. Nothing to see here—move along.

Topics
Chelsea Batten
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Chelsea Batten is a writer, photographer, and Kerouac groupie. One of the original digital nomads, she was seduced from life…
Ming unveils 29.01 midnight worldtimer in limited 25-piece edition
The batman to bruce wayne: ming's dark worldtimer gets the midnight treatment
Ming 29.01 midnight worldtimer

Ming has presented a darker version of its well-received worldtimer. The new 29.01 Midnight is a timepiece with a black DLC-coated titanium case. Production is limited to 25 pieces, and its price is CHF 22,000.
After the successful 29.01 worldtimer, this variant adopts the color combination first seen on the brand's 37.09 Uni model. The Midnight edition keeps the original's functions but adds a nocturnal look. The brand describes it as suitable for secret night missions or private assignations.
The 40mm grade 5 titanium case features a deep sapphire box crystal, which serves as both the front crystal and bezel, seamlessly connecting to the case body. This construction gives the appearance of having no bezel at all. The watch is water-resistant to 50m. It also features "flying blade" lugs, which allow it to sit comfortably on a variety of wrist sizes.
Ming’s dial design uses several layers to create a sense of depth. A rotating metal 24-hour disc works with static city names, which are printed on two levels of the sapphire dial. Cities include New York, Rio, London, and Pago Pago.
The watch is easy to read at night. Every feature on the sapphire components and hands is coated with ceramic Super-LumiNova X1. The orange numerals add a pop of color against the dark layout and glow orange in the dark.
A Schwarz-Etienne ASE 222 caliber powers the 29.01 Midnight. Ming has modified this movement, giving it a skeletonized barrel for monitoring winding. The bridges are coated in 5N rose gold and finished with diamond-cut anglage. It also features a redesigned tungsten microrotor. Ming Thein designed the bridge, matching the brand’s style.
The microrotor has a new, donut-like shape. It uses ceramic ball bearings and a modified mounting system for improved winding. A four-level staircase acts as the rotor guard, adding another visual element to the movement, which is visible through the domed sapphire caseback.
The timepiece comes with a black molded FKM rubber strap, attached to a DLC-coated flying blade buckle with micro-adjustment. Buyers also receive a strap of their choice.
Shipping of the Ming 29.01 Midnight will start in June 2025. The watches are available at ming.watch and through retail partners. Ming notes that only 25 pieces will be produced. Ming notes that "chances of spotting another one in the field are vanishingly small."

Read more
Omega brings back railmaster with improved properties
From railway to wrist: omega's anti-magnetic icon makes a gradient-dial comeback
Omega railmaster

Omega has brought back its Railmaster collection. The new models combine a design that evokes earlier times with up-to-date watchmaking technology. The latest versions feature color gradient dials. The clean, functional appearance that defined the Railmaster since its 1957 debut continues.
As part of Omega's "professional line," the Railmaster was first introduced alongside the Speedmaster and Seamaster 300. These three timepieces were created for specialists in different fields: the Speedmaster for racing drivers, the Seamaster for divers, and the Railmaster specifically for railway workers, engineers, and scientists-people who worked in environments with strong magnetic fields.
The original Railmaster stood out for its anti-magnetic capabilities. A specialized inner case provided protection against magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss, far exceeding the typical 60 gauss resistance from competitors at the time. Because of this, it served as an important tool for professionals working around railways and industrial equipment.
The 2025 Railmaster revival continues this tradition while significantly improving anti-magnetic performance. The new models use Omega's co-axial Master Chronometer calibres (8806 and 8804 for the small seconds version), which can withstand magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss-fifteen times more than the original models. These movements are certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS), representing the industry's highest standard.
The revived collection includes two 38mm stainless steel models. One features a grey dial with a black gradient and a minimalist look. Only the Omega logo and Railmaster name appear on the clean dial. Large indexes and numerals in white Super-LumiNova ensure excellent readability.
The second variant offers a beige dial with a black gradient and a small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock, a feature that appeared on the 2004 Railmaster. Vintage-colored Super-LumiNova is used for its markers and numerals, giving it a retro character.
The watches are available with either leather straps (black for the grey dial, golden brown Novonappa for the beige dial) or stainless steel bracelets. The bracelets have redesigned links, improved integration with the case, and an easy comfort adjustment system.
In terms of appearance, the new Railmaster models align with Omega's Seamaster Aqua Terra collection. Since 2003, this design approach has connected the collections. The cases and bracelets combine polished and brushed surfaces, creating an interplay of finishes that catches the eye.
With this revival, Omega maintains the Railmaster's working-class heritage while enhancing its performance and appeal for today’s watch enthusiasts.

Read more
Piaget introduces obsidian-dialed polo perpetual calendar watches
Stone and steel: piaget crafts obsidian-dialed polo perpetual calendars
Piaget polo perpetual

Piaget added two new models to its Polo perpetual calendar collection. Both display natural obsidian stone dials in striking blue and green shades.
The latest models of the well-known Polo line, which began in 1979, continue the company’s tradition of combining ultra-thin mechanical expertise with special material craftsmanship. The volcanic stone dials give each watch a unique character, as the natural shine produced when mineral-heavy sulfides are trapped in fast-cooling lava ensures that no two watches are the same.
Both models come in 42mm stainless steel cases that showcase the Polo's signature shape-in-shape design-a round bezel set on a cushion-shaped case. The watches offer 30 meters of water resistance, despite their luxurious appearance.
Inside each watch is the ultra-thin caliber 1255P automatic movement, only 4mm thick, which provides full perpetual calendar functionality. The movement displays day, date, month, and moon phase. The moon phase is positioned at 6 o'clock and will remain accurate for over a century without adjustment.
The obsidian blue version has a more understated look, with its deep blue stone dial and a matching rubber strap. The case features both polished and satin-brushed surfaces for added visual contrast.
For extra distinction, the obsidian green model is limited to just 18 pieces. This version elevates the luxury factor, with a bezel set with 56 brilliant-cut emeralds surrounding the natural green obsidian dial.
These stone-dialed models follow Piaget's 2023 limited edition, which reportedly sold out quickly. This continues the company's focus on expanding its technical prowess while maintaining its unique design language, as seen in recent releases like the Polo Tourbillon Moonphase.
The price for the obsidian blue model is €108,000. The gem-set, limited-edition obsidian green model is priced at €149,000-placing these watches firmly in the high-end segment of the sport-luxury category, where Piaget continues to showcase its expertise and creativity with materials.

Read more