Music industry puts the boot in

The legend of the Joy Division shoe

What?: Shoe manufacturer, New Balance, is – if you believe current Internet reports – in the final clearance stages for its new line in Joy Division-inspired trainers. The footwear depicts the famous ripples on the sole from the band’s 1979 album Unknown Pleasures.

We spoke to New Balance and they were adamant that the shoe was a one off created by an independent artist and that they have “no plans to bring the shoe to retail production” The artist in question Dylan Adair echos the sentiment. He also comments, however, that New Order liked the shoe and are keen to do something this year despite New Balance passing on the project.

So what?: It’s doubtful that New Balance would enter into any sort of niche retail such as this, although a tie in with the upcoming Joy Division film may be worthwhile. Having said that, would any self-respecting Joy Division fan actually wear it anyway? “I would not wear white shoes,” said one JD fan. He then went on to say that should the shoe come to market he “will cross his fingers that, whatever the design, the color will be black”

Johnny Marr recently did a spot of trainer designing alongside PF Flyers, but an actual Meat is Murder shoe is very unlikely to get clearance any time soon.

Doc Martens latest shoe and music campaign fell particularly flat recently. The company drew widespread criticism for using dead rock stars in their advertising without seeking permission. The ads featured Kurt Cobain, Sid Vicious, Joey Ramone, and Joe Strummer wearing Doc Martens boots amid the clouds in heaven.

Offending the dead is never a smart move, especially those with colossal fan bases. Dr Martens were quick to distance themselves from Saatchi & Saatchi London as a result.

So where next for Music and shoes?

Has anyone used United States Patent 5159768 for a shoe with a music generating unit in the tongue yet?

Now if the Joy Division shoe actually played Love Will Tear Us Apart, that might put a whole new spin on things.