Mario is many things. Plumber, racing driver, princess rescuer, but we never considered him to be a fashion trendsetter exactly. That could all change this Super Mario Day (March 10 = MAR10, yer see?) with the unveiling of a prototype for real-life Super Mario boots in New York.
Now, these are not exactly ergonomic barefoot trainers so we're not sure how practical they really are for leaping over Baddie Boxes or driving karts, but the bulky rounded clogs do look like they'd leave plenty of space to move your toes around. Moreover, the workmanship and attention to detail look fantastic (see the best Nintendo Switch deals if you want to jump into Mario's shoes gaming-wise).
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The prototype Mario boots revealed for MAR10 Day. Click right for detail(Image credit: Red Wing Shoes)
The boots are made from real leather(Image credit: Red Wing Shoes)
Toe caps make them fit for a working plumber(Image credit: Red Wing Shoes)
The Mario Boots' no-slip treads(Image credit: Red Wing Shoes)
Mario's trademark footwear has been brought to life by Red Wing Shoes. They say they used "legacy methods and innovative materials" for a "pixel-for-stitch recreation" of the iconic design, fit for exploring the Mushroom Kingdom.
The leather work boots-cum-fashion accessory have a reinforced toe box appropriate for a working plumber, a rounded heel and slip-resistant treads. The heel pad is even made from "mushroom-infused materials" as a bonus power-up.
The Super Mario boots are on display at Nintendo New York for MAR10 Day and will remain there into April. Sadly, there's no news of any plans to put them into production yet. For more Super Mario Day fun, enjoy these mind-blowing Super Mario character design facts. And if you're looking for a Nintendo Switch to enjoy some Mario action, see the best prices in your region below.
Joe is a regular freelance journalist and editor at Creative Bloq. He writes news, features and buying guides and keeps track of the best equipment and software for creatives, from video editing programs to monitors and accessories. A veteran news writer and photographer, he now works as a project manager at the London and Buenos Aires-based design, production and branding agency Hermana Creatives. There he manages a team of designers, photographers and video editors who specialise in producing visual content and design assets for the hospitality sector. He also dances Argentine tango.
