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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think I'm not "too old to wear Dr martens"...

214 replies

Newfoundzestforlife · 06/01/2025 23:10

Just that really.
Told my neighbour (she's mid 30s, I'm 42) that I was looking out for a nice pair of platform dr martens as I've heard the bouncing sole is good for those with back pain (I have sciatica) and she chuckled and said they may be good for my back but not for my street cred as I'd look like mutton dressed as lamb...!
I'm more than a little put out but not put off the idea of docs!
Opinions everyone? Is 42 too old for boots that have been popular with all kinds of different folks since the 1960s?!

OP posts:
Nothungrycat · 07/01/2025 06:58

I'm 63, and one of my best purchases last year was a pair of DM mules, which I've been wearing around the house almost constantly. I also have DM suede boots in a fetching shade of green, which a complete stranger once admired... She's talking rubbish!

XWKD · 07/01/2025 06:55

She sounds like she's neurotic about projecting an image. Nobody cares.

Timble · 07/01/2025 06:55

I’m 44 and I have two pairs of boots, some loafers and sandals. I think dr martens are suitable for any age and I think your neighbour was very rude!!

menopausalmare · 07/01/2025 06:52

I'm 51 and wear mine all the time.

AWellReadWoman · 07/01/2025 06:51

43 and the proud owner of 5 pairs of DMs. No such thing as too old for DMs.

Northumberlandgirl · 07/01/2025 06:51

I’m 72 next week and am looking at buying my first pair. The only thing that is stalling the purchase is being undecided as to colour.

Sandandsea123 · 07/01/2025 06:46

I’m 39 and love my dms. All I wear in the winter. My 64 year old mum wears dms and looks great. They are ageless… maybe not the crazy colour ones!!

Pigsinblankets13 · 07/01/2025 06:34

Cheeky bitch! I'm early 30s and a) don't think that and b) would never say that to a neighbour! 🫣

Valeriekat · 07/01/2025 06:28

I am 65 and I wear them!

DeathNote11 · 07/01/2025 06:07

I'm mid 50s, I have 12 pairs: 1 thigh high, 2 knee high, 6 ankle, 3 sandals & they are all I ever need & wear. I'm being buried in 1B60s.

NewYearNewDietAgain · 07/01/2025 06:01

I'm nearly 49 and I own 6 pairs! Wear them a lot.

Eviebeans · 07/01/2025 05:38

I am 62 - have three pairs

Cappuccinowithonesugarplease · 07/01/2025 05:37

I'm 38 and I got my first DM's last Christmas. They're my favorite boots and i will be buying more. Your neighbour is a dick.

Newfoundzestforlife · 07/01/2025 05:24

MonkeyRum · 07/01/2025 00:04

What an insipid turd!

im a bit older than you and have 10 pairs.

Great use of words! I love learning new words...off to Google insipid....😁

OP posts:
Newfoundzestforlife · 07/01/2025 05:21

Yup. Those were her words. A feeling of Instant dislike washed over me.

OP posts:
EarthyMamma · 07/01/2025 02:57

Don't people say the most idiotic things?

She probably thinks that DMs have only been around for a few years and that they are a fashion item, rather than the enduring style icon of many years.

I don't find the classic DM boot comfortable but love many of the other styles.
I have 6 pairs at the moment. 2 of the pull on fleece lined boots are 20 years old. I must admit I only wear them when it is dry as they leak a little, but I love the style.
Other pairs are 10- 15 years old and still perfect.

OP you must buy a pair and wear them proudly!

Oh, and I am 70 years old.

magicstar1 · 07/01/2025 01:43

I'm nearly fifty and have Dr. Martens, Solovair and New Rock boots. Don't listen to her!

Turophilic · 07/01/2025 01:30

Your neighbour isn’t just judgemental, she’s dead wrong, Docs are for any age.

AtomHeartMotherOfGod · 07/01/2025 01:28

DMs are ageless IMO. It's not like they scream 'Shag me', which must be required for a mutton dressed as lamb comment to be relevant?

StrikeForever · 07/01/2025 01:23

No one is too old for them. I have dodgy feet (arthritis and ruptured Achilles), so don’t wear them because I can’t deal with any footwear that needs breaking in. I do though wear other, softer boots in the same style. I’ll be 66 this year. My plan is to live into my 90s and I’m pretty sure that my taste and style won’t change.

RichPetunia · 07/01/2025 01:23

You are never too old for Doc Martens. To be honest, whenever I see someone slightly older wearing them I think it says a lot about their character (independent, individualistic, arty).
Stuff your neighbour and her stupid opinion 😁❄️

ThePolarBearWhoLostHisCrown · 07/01/2025 01:15

What a twat. I'm off to ebay to find another pair just to spite her.

parfaitamour · 07/01/2025 00:28

Gibberish. I wore mine to a bunch of gigs this year after realising my other shoes were not up the job. I've had this pair since 2000. I'm 55.

Winenota · 07/01/2025 00:22

And is she a style icon?

Livelovebehappy · 07/01/2025 00:22

I’m in my 50s and wear my Dr Ms to all the gigs I go to (bit of a punk fan), and, shock horror, with a short skirt (but do wear a pair of thickish tights…). I love them.