The Rock Opera “Tommy” by The Who was already a sensation when it first emerged in 1969. By the time the musical was adapted into a movie in 1975 with Roger Daltrey in the lead role, expectations were sky-high. One of the most talked-about aspects of the film was Elton John’s debut in a major feature film.
Perhaps even more legendary than Elton’s role in the movie were the gigantic boots he donned for his character. These were not just any boots; they were inspired by the classic design of Doc Martens boots. Standing at an astounding 54 inches—4 feet 6.5 inches high—the boots transformed him into a larger-than-life figure. These boots were a work of engineering as much as they were a work of art, modeled after the signature ‘cherry red’ Dr. Martens.
The Craftsmanship Behind the Boots
The boots were fashioned from molded fiberglass, crafted by the Northamptonshire chemical firm Scott Bader. The project was indeed ambitious, and the final assembly took place in the props department of Columbia Pictures. They featured platform supports built over metal calipers, designed to distribute the weight evenly. Leather straps connected the boots to Elton’s legs, allowing him the freedom to move as if he were walking on stilts. Inspired by the classic Doc Martens, they set out to create boots that stood at a remarkable 54 inches—equivalent to 4 feet 6.5 inches. The boots were designed to resonate with the ‘cherry red’ Dr. Martens, a staple in the counterculture fashion of the era.
Creating such colossal boots was no simple feat. The design was intricate, and the materials needed to be strong yet lightweight. Northamptonshire chemical firm Scott Bader took on the challenging task of crafting the boots from molded fiberglass, a material known for its durability and relatively low weight. Once the molding was completed, the boots were sent over to the props department at Columbia Pictures for the final assembly.
The boots had platform supports built on metal calipers, engineered to distribute Elton’s weight evenly. This would allow him to move freely without being weighed down by the boots. Leather straps were used to attach these monstrous boots to his legs, giving him the maneuverability of walking on stilts.
Elton’s personal Experience
Elton John, renowned for his flashy stage costumes, brought his own flair to the Pinball Wizard ensemble. His costume also included a pair of his trademark glasses. But the boots stole the show. These behemoth footwear pieces weren’t merely a gimmick; they contributed to the character’s allure and gave a visual representation to the mythical nature of the Pinball Wizard.
Stepping into those boots was like stepping into another realm. The boots were certainly cumbersome but ingeniously designed so Elton could move. They became an extension of his larger-than-life persona, and he embraced them wholeheartedly. Elton John has often expressed how those boots, though challenging to navigate, were instrumental in bringing the character of the Pinball Wizard to life.
Elton John’s look was completed with a pair of his signature glasses. Yet, the giant boots were the unforgettable pièce de résistance. They were not merely a design quirk; they were central to the character’s persona. These boots became a symbol of the character’s mythic aura and the flamboyant spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
Life After the Silver Screen
Once the filming wrapped up, Elton John, who is an avid collector of memorabilia, expressed his desire to keep the boots. His wish was granted, and these iconic pieces of movie and rock history became a part of his personal collection. In 1988, the boots were put up for auction at Sotheby’s, along with hundreds of pairs of Elton’s spectacles and other memorabilia. The boots found a new home when they were bought by boot and shoemaker Stephen Griggs for a staggering $20,200.
Today, these famous boots have a permanent residence at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, showcased in The Shoe Collection. Visitors from around the world flock to see this unique artifact that once adorned the feet of one of rock music’s most vibrant personalities.
