I need a pair of sturdy but fashionable boots - come and talk to me about Dr Martens...

[PeterRouseTheFleshofMankind]

I keep destroying all my shoes in my quite hectic and physical job and have decided I need something a bit more sturdy, but that maybe I can also wear outside of work as well. I do need something with a good tread on the bottoms as I'm often running around in the mud etc! Not waterproof as such but something that won't give me wet socks at the slightest glimpse of rain either.

One of the obvious choices is Dr Martens. I think I would just go for classic black so that they go with everything. The Pascal ones seem to be the ones for easier breaking in, but looking at the they seem to be slightly taller and narrower at the top that the regular 1460 smooth ones? I am kind of chunky of calf (although my ankles aren't too bad) so I don't know if this will be an issue, or how different they actually look when on. The Pascal ones also seem to be a bit of a nicer shape. Can you tuck skinny jeans into them? I guess as they are lace up, you can have the laces as tight or loose as you want?

I would really like the big platform ones but I'm not sure my budget stretches quite that far plus they might be a bit too clumpy for work!

Does anyone have any suggestions for any other types of DM? Or any other type of boot that might also fit my requirements?

I like blundstones: www.blundstone.co.uk/

Oooh thank you, will have a look.

I am on my third pair of DM boots in 25 years they are amazing. Also buy dc the shoes for high school as they are the only thing that lasts.

Mine Pascal and yes I do tuck jeans into them

Oh, I was going to start a thread about DM shoes. Can I hop on here rather than start another? I might be persuaded by boots too. I am short (5'2") so the whole ankle gap with boots thing looks daft on me, emphasises my shortness. So, I end up in ballet pumps which I am bored of and it is autumn, so I want warmer footwear.

I thought a pair of DM shoes might work better, so was eyeing up the patent Lamper.

Boots would take me back to my student days - can nearly 50 year olds wear DM boots (yes, I know I can, but will people think it a bit sad?!).

I'm 52 and have 3 pairs, pale sugar pink shoes I wear with trousers and skirts/dresses, blue watercolour painted boots worn with jeans, and new black shoes with peace signs and graffiti on - love them all, go for it!

Yes, please join in GooseFeather!

Yes I know what you mean about the ankle gap thing not working. I'm also 5ft2 but with particularly short legs so if I try and do that it almost literally looks like I have no legs! 😂 But it's not too bad with boots tucked into skinny jeans or with tights/leggings.

I have patent black ones.
Had them about 4 years. They are amazing! Love my DMs

I have the ankle high pull on version with the woolly insides...no break-in time needed, comfortable, warm and stylish. I’m 40.

I have a pair of patterned ankle boots and wear them with just about everything. I have had so many compliments on them, from young (20s) to old (80s). I am in my 50s.

I live in my Docs and I’m 52. I’d say the Pascal ones are narrower and as I have wide-ish feet, I prefer the traditional shaped ones. Black or cherry red are classics but you’ll find that’s a gateway drug. I now have DMs in just about every colour going.

I've just bought Fly London Goretex Chelseas as a softer alternative to DMs and absolutely love them!

Hmmm, so it seems that the originals might be better for my feet/legs if they are a bit wider, but they take more breaking in....?

Got a pair of dr martens last autumn. They have done me for everything from with trousers and blazer at a broadway show to watching kids play football at the weekend with jeans and coat to long maxi dress and leather/blazer for dressed up daywear and sequin mini and t shirt for night out. I can’t go anywhere without people complimenting me on them (I’m not especially stylish and I never ordinarily get compliments). They smarten you every outfit. Do it. Mine are the vegan brush 8 hole.

I've just tried on a pair of dm elshams in a sort of mock croc leather.

Do they give much? They were a tiny bit tight over the front of my foot down the bottom of the laces. Otherwise they were very comfy.

Also they seemed a little bit flimsy - they had all the stuff about being acid proof etc on them and whilst hopefully that's not needed I do want them to be weatherproof.

I know the solution may be to just try a different style but I only really liked these ones-.

I think I'm getting these from Whitestuff when I find a discount code/get paid.

Pascals are definitely softer, I’ve got 3 pairs now. DMs are addictive. I find pascals are narrow across the end of the lace/ tongue section IYSWIM, they can give you blisters and pain across the top of your foot. I’d size up by at least half or maybe a full size.

Still better than the originals though, they take blood and time, many plasters required!