Maybe you already have a collection of boots or maybe you're wondering where to start, but either way here are five reasons to love Dr. Martens! There is so much to know about this brand thanks to its long history. Over the years Dr. Martens footwear has evolved with emerging subcultures and new styles. What makes these shoes so unique is their quality construction, so here's a chance to learn about a variety of different styles Docs makes.
THEIR ORIGIN –
Docs have been around for a while, and they are built to last. Starting in 1901, the Griggs family from Northamptonshire, England made sturdy, durable work boots. Over six decades they gained a solid reputation in the English shoe industry until their footwear adopted a new sole design created by none other than Dr. Klaus Maertens. This new boot was named after the date of its inception (April 1st, 1960). Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth Leather Hi Top Black has become the most iconic style Doc's has to offer. These 8-eyelet boots are made of high-quality black leather and the upper can be polished to a shine or scuffed to your discretion.
DR. MARTENS 1460 SMOOTH LEATHER HI TOP BLACK
DOCS CULTURE –
Throughout Doc's long history, the utilitarian style has appealed to everyone from gardeners to punks. The leather shoe has been assimilated into the style of various subcultures within the UK and beyond. Today Docs aim to reflect self-expression and individual style. That evolution comes from glam, goth, and everything in between, from factory workers to rock stars. A testament to unique style is the Dr. Martens Jadon Smooth High Top Platform Black Polished boots! These platforms are a step up from your regular Docs with an elevated rubber sole and come complete with signature yellow nylon stitching. The upper is based on the silhouette of the popular 1460 boot which connects practicality to fashion.
DR. MARTENS JADON SMOOTH HIGH TOP PLATFORM BLACK POLISHED
THE AIR-CUSHIONED SOLE –
The most recognizable feature of Dr. Marten's shoes is their rubber sole with a signature yellow welt stitch. This originated in 1945 when Dr. Klaus Maertens invented an air-cushioned sole to aid in the recovery of a broken foot. The design took off and in 1960 the Griggs shoe company officially bought the rights. Subsequently, they rebranded as "AirWair: With Bouncing Soles" which is still seen on Docs today. All Docs are built over this reinforced chunky rubber sole, which is resistant to oil, fat, acid, petrol, and alkali. For example, the Dr. Martens Womens 1B99 Virginia Hi Top Black is a mid-calf height soft leather boot that features the AirWair cushioned soles, laces up the entire boot and a side zipper so easy on and off.
DR. MARTENS WOMEN'S 1B99 VIRGINIA HI TOP BLACK
STYLE OPTIONS –
Of course, the 1460 boot is iconic but there's so much more to Dr. Martens footwear, including styles that aren't boots at all! Docs does everything from heeled Chelsea's to velcro kids' shoes, to strappy sandals. The main alternative to the 1460s is the 1461s: Docs take on the classic oxford shoe. The 1461s can be classy and dressy or a perfectly practical shoe for school or work. Dr. Martens 1461 Smooth Leather Low Top Cherry Red has the standard oxford silhouette in a fun, cherry red. Made of a smooth burgundy leather upper, built over an oil and alkali-resistant chunky rubber sole just like the boots.
DR. MARTENS 1461 SMOOTH LEATHER LOW TOP CHERRY RED
HIGH-QUALITY LEATHER OR VEGAN OPTIONS –
A brand known for its durable leather materials, Dr. Martens uses a wide variety of leather types, from standard black to sparkly pink, always of fine quality. Some of their most popular styles include the classic smooth leather, the oh-so-soft Pascal leather, stylish milled Nappa leather, and of course non-leather Vegan options! Designed to perform just as well as the real thing, the Felix Rub Off is a non-leather material that is soft and supple. Dr. Martens Vegan 1460 High Top Black Felix Rub Off is the vegan version of the original 1460 boot without sacrificing any of the classic features.
DR. MARTENS VEGAN 1460 HIGH TOP BLACK FELIX RUB OFF
To learn more fun facts and see more shoe styles, check out our site or visit us in-store for even more new arrivals!
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