Shoes like classic DMs but not ACTUAL DMs

[AuntyJackiesBrothersSistersBoy]

I have really painful feet. They’re basically fucked (was classical ballet dancer). Am now 56 and though I’ve had DMs in the past I just cannot face the “wearing in” phase that I’ve found I’ve needed. I actually gave one pair away a few years ago as no matter what I did, they were just too tough in my feet.

Anyone any suggestions? Thanks so much 😊

Have you tried the soft leather DMs - Virginia leather? I found those didn’t need a wearing in process (although mine are from a few years back now).

Monkey boots are similar to DM's but softer leather and not so deep in the foot.

This isn’t a cheap option but I’m going to save up for Solovair next time. Sorry I’m on my phone and can’t link but they appear to be a genuinely independent company who make everything in the UK. From what I can gather Dr Martens quality has gone downhill and these days they just strike me as yet another corporate masquerading as an indie.

I'd also love a pair like this. I have size 7 feet so I'd like a pair that are similar but not quite so BIG as DM's. I used to own a pair of leather hiking boots, they were blissfully comfortable but not so good for day wear.

Pascal boots from dms are so soft, much much softer leather than the original ones. I would give those a go before writing them off.

ASOS and H and M have plenty of Dm type boots otherwise. Or consider buying a secondhand pair of dms from eBay so you avoid the wearing in stage!

Love all the boots but, it’s shoes I’m looking for really. Quite like www.drmartens.com/uk/en_gb/p/22526001 but, reading the reviews, again they say then need some wearing in 😐

I've a pair of DM-alike brogues from Office - they did need a bit of wearing in but nothing as extreme (they were also half the price of DM brogues which may or may not have influenced my purchasing decision.)

Oh I haven’t seen any like those - typical! They’re very nice.

I’ve seen a lot of these - m.asos.com/asos-design/asos-design-mystify-leather-lace-up-flat-shoes/prd/9872154?clr=black&SearchQuery=&cid=6459&gridcolumn=2&gridrow=24&gridsize=2&pge=2&pgesize=72&totalstyles=153 - like the lace up shoes.

These ones
https://www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/2,30/3217461835

these red or dead shoes

Ooo these are similar to the ones you linked to- www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/2,30/1564106511?rec1=1

Honestly @Fairylea, I'd buy Office shoes again in a heartbeat - these brogues have lasted a couple of years and look new. Comfy too.

My dm was also a ballet dancer and has struggled with her feet for the last 20 odd years. The only shoes she wears are by Green Shoes - they’re a little woman’s co-operative in Totnes, fairly hippyish do it depends what look you’re after really. I have one pair of shoes from there, they make the shoes/ boots especially for you and they’re lovely.

Thanks all! Some great suggestions here.

All my dancer friends are my age now and having hip/knee replacements and living on steroid injections. It’s bloody awful. I was 12 yrs old when I had my first steroid injection to my hip (no one thought twice about it back in 1974) so, it’s not surprising that at 56 I’m hobbling about like a 90yr old!

Hopefully will find something comfy from the suggestions made.

Yy monkey boots! Op I won't wear DMs for the same reason (mine left my socks glued to my feet with fluid from burst blisters) but monkey boots are much lighter and softer and mine required no wearing in at all.

I'm usually a 7.5 - 8 and I felt the 8s were too big so I bought 7s and initially I was afraid they were a bit short. I have the beginnings of a bunion and I'm paranoid about anything touching the corner of my big toe. They are comfy though, no problems at all.

just as an aside, have you tried gel insoles with any shoes? They are lovely at providing a soft protective layer for your feet

I got these Red or Dead shoes from Schuh and loved them so much I bought them in another colour too. Really soft leather and have required almost no wearing in. They look really smart too.

www.schuh.co.uk/womens/red-or-dead-jam-tart-black-flat-shoes/1340727020/

Yep, got me a nice set of bunions! Also, broke my right ankle years ago, it healed awkwardly and it rolls inward so, that’s just another little “treat” for me! I’ve always had ugly feet; gnarled and shredded but now they’re gnarled shredded and excruciating.

Yes, have tried the gel insoles and they do help but I guess what’s going on with my trotters is at a deep, inner level. DH says they’re the ugliest looking freakshow he’s every encountered and they sound like a pepper grinder when I walk barefoot 😆

Lots to go on there. Like the schuh choices. Interestingly, no one has mentioned fitflop shoes....