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Are Dr Martens worth the money?

79 replies

Myusernam · 16/07/2020 20:52

I live for a chunky boot with a floaty dress. I have a bad back so I need comfy foot wear. Are Dr Martens worth the price tag?

OP posts:
Katharinablum · 17/07/2020 23:19

@SanFranBear they are lovely. Can I ask what the name of those is please ?

moomoogalicious · 17/07/2020 23:19

I have worn docs in various guises since i was 17 so for over 30 years. I've had boots in red and black, knee high boots, sandals, ankle boots... yes they're worth the money

Myusernam · 18/07/2020 10:08

The vegan ones are cheaper too, that's a shame they weren't good.
I've just ordered the blaire sandals in a 6 which I am, I'm hoping they are not too big. Cant wait for them to come in!

OP posts:
evilharpy · 18/07/2020 12:00

I love them. Although I have a patent pair and in several places the coating has sort of bubbled and is lifting away which I believe is quite common.

Gilead · 18/07/2020 13:04

I'm 61. I have half a dozen pairs, live in them and have done since my twenties. They're worth every penny, I've not had a pair last less than ten years.

EraOfTheGrey · 18/07/2020 13:36

I have a dozen pairs but I must admit the last 2 pairs I've bought have been disappointing. They seem to have a more plastic feel to them and are harder to break in. I really want a pair of solovair boots but want to try them on in a shop. I have my eye on these or these.

MikeUniformMike · 18/07/2020 13:49

@EraOfTheGrey, I have the derby boot and I went down a size.
My suggestion is to order normal size and 1 full size down.

GreekOddess · 18/07/2020 13:54

I only have to look at a pair and I come out in blisters. I've never got the love for them, I don't like the look of them either.

Perhaps they are the shoe version of marmite.

EraOfTheGrey · 18/07/2020 13:54

@MikeUniformMike thank you that is really helpful. I've looked at the solovair size guide and I came up more confused.

nancybotwinbloom · 18/07/2020 14:05

I have the painted leather lace up boots. Comfy AF and didn't need much breaking in

MikeUniformMike · 18/07/2020 14:51

@EraOfTheGrey, it depends on the style, but I'd say the sizing is like the unisex DMs of yore.

If you are looking at buying some or DMs, now is probably a good time to try eBay. Fewer people looking for them in the summer.

borninastorm · 18/07/2020 14:58

I love mine. Best boots I’ve ever bought, wore them every day last winter. Added lambswool insoles to make them a little bit warmer.
I’ve got pretty small feet (size 4) so bought mine in the youth section saving me some cash, but the best thing ever is that the boots have a zip on the inside. I never have to tie the laces!!!

EraOfTheGrey · 18/07/2020 17:05

@MikeUniformMike I don't think I'll be buying anymore DM's as I have over a dozen already. Have every style from classic boots, shoes, heeled boots, knee high boots and sandals but the quality of the 1460's etc has definitely diminished over the last 10 years or so.

Its a 0 birthday in a few months so perhaps I'll buy the pair of solovair I have my eye on.

MikeUniformMike · 19/07/2020 06:27

I like the Astronaut in the burgundy colour but am not getting any as I have too many shoes and boots.

Toast has Solovair but when I looked I saw these www.toa.st/uk/product/womens+shoes/ffpav/sturlini+brogues.htm?clr=FFPAV_Burgundy_sw
They are not brogues. Grr.

midnightstar66 · 19/07/2020 06:32

I put dd in a pair of doc marten boots last October break after the shoes I got her at the start of term were absolutely destroyed he s in one term. She wears them most weekends too and right through lockdown. She'll be wearing them to school again next month until her feet grow. I find the sizing quite generous.

DidoLamenting · 19/07/2020 06:45

I have one pair of Doc Marten boots- they are the most uncomfortable footwear and biggest clothing mistake I've ever had. Really horrible, no amount of persevering/ breaking them in has made the slightest difference.

MikeUniformMike · 19/07/2020 06:48

@midnightstar66, IME unisex DMs are more generous than the women's.

I couldn't get on with the Kensington Flora chelsea boots. One size fitted but were uncomfortable and the nearest size too big.

Mumdiva99 · 19/07/2020 06:58

I had a lace up green pair years ago and they were indestructible.

A few years ago I bought a pair of mid zip up DMs. I walked through the sole in 6 months. Went back to shop and exchanged them (shop said 6 months wasn't good enough)....the same happened. I took them to the cobbler to see if he could help and he said they sell 'fashion' shoes these days which aren't worth it.. because of the design of the sole he couldn't patch them. He said you need to buy the work Wear boots for them to last.

midnightstar66 · 19/07/2020 07:14

@MikeUniformMike I find slip on shoes/boots in general far harder to get a good fit.

MikeUniformMike · 19/07/2020 07:35

I don't have any other slip ons, but I gave up on the Floras.
The Emmeline ankle boots are nice. I wear them with thick tights in the winter.

I'm glad it's not just me with lots of DMs.

SwedishK · 19/07/2020 08:04

Yes! Love my Dr Martens. I actually bought them when I was 16-17 and I’m now mid forties. I don’t wear them every day but they still look more or less new.

Branleuse · 19/07/2020 08:07

The classic 8 hole are hard wearing still.

MsSweary · 19/07/2020 08:11

I've got about 5 pairs of UK DM's and I love them, they're all really comfortable and I bought a pair of the DM double lined socks to wear when my 8 hole boots were new - no rubbing, chafing at all with those on.

Floisme · 19/07/2020 09:25

I took them to the cobbler to see if he could help and he said they sell* fashion' shoes these days whicaren't worth it..*
That's the conclusion I came to. And there's nothing wrong with that - I like fashion. But it's the way they still promote themselves as rebels and free thinkers that gets up my nose. They are nothing of the kind.

Floisme · 19/07/2020 09:26

Soz - bold fail.