Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery has partnered with Wolverine on a limited edition 1000 Mile boot. All proceeds from the collaborative boot will benefit the mikeroweWORKS Foundation Work Ethic Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to people getting trained for in-demand, skilled jobs.
The limited edition Old Rip X 1000 Mile Cap-Toe Boot features a heel crafted from white oak Bourbon barrels previously used in the aging of Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbons. The boot is handcrafted in the U.S.A. with Horween Cavalier Squash leather and is hand-numbered, with gold hardware and a special edition metal tag. It will release this fall alongside Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbons.
“The collaboration celebrates the legacy and spirit of the American worker, a cause to which both Wolverine and Old Rip Van Winkle are genuinely devoted,” said Tom Kennedy, global brand president for Wolverine. “These are two American brands with deep roots coming together to showcase their love for American craftmanship, bourbon and boots.”
“We are proud to partner with Wolverine to create a boot for Old Rip Van Winkle collectors and fans that will raise funds to support the future American workforce,” said Preston Van Winkle, fourth generation business owner of Old Rip Van Winkle.
The Wolverine 1000 Mile x Old Rip Van Winkle limited-edition boot is available for pre-order now ahead of the release date on October 1, 2020. It can be purchased for $400 on the Wolverine official website. All proceeds from the boot will go towards the mikeroweWORKS Foundation Work Ethic Scholarship Program.
“The skills gap is real and getting wide every year,” said Mike Rowe, founder of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation. “Our country faces a growing shortage of skilled tradespeople, and my foundation is committed to helping more people get the necessary training they need to fill these in-demand jobs. Wolverine and Old Rip Van Winkle understand this problem better than most, and their commitment to the American worker is laudable. I’m grateful for their support and leadership, and I’m hopeful more companies will follow this example.”
The iconic Bourbon distillery and bootmaker are both known for making products of enduring quality and through their collaboration celebrate the American worker and top craftsmanship.