Disillusioned with Dr Martens. Alternatives?

[lookingatthings]

I've worn Dr Martens pretty much exclusively since I was 15. In fact, 16 years later, I still have the pair I wore when I was 15- purple, knee high, bloody indestructible.
And here lies the problem. In the last five years I've bought three new pairs- two 8 hole classics and the Flora Chelsea boots. All three pairs have worn through the soles, or the leather has cracked. In the summer I also bought sandals that had to go straight back after the buckle snapped the first time I put them on. Dr Martens are definitely not made they way they used to be- one of the 8 hole pairs were the fabled Made In England variety, bought in the hopes they'd live up to the longevity of my previous pairs.
No. Such. Luck.

So. So I need new boots. Long lasting. Comfortable. Easy for pregnant me to put on so maybe a pull on style rather than a lace up.

Where do I look?

Have you looked at Solovair? They seem to be the most similar to the old indestructible 1990s style DMs that I miss! Sizing comes up large tho so I'd recommend following their measuring advice

Like you I've worn DM's for 30+ years. Any DM's made after 2003? have been made in China and are awful quality IMO. The leather is cheap and coated in that hideous plastic coating. They have also removed the shank from the sole which lowers the quality. They are now just a fashion brand instead of a quality brand.

I 100% recommend Solovair, I own 3 pairs and they are comfortable straight away and require little break in time. The leather is far superior to DM's too. Solovair boots can also be re-soled unlike DM's. If you didn't know Solovair used to make DM's until 2003.

Solovair. Look on Ebay for nearly new ones. Check the NPS-Solovair site for sizing.

I had some DMs and I sold them after just a few wears because I could tell that the soles wouldn't last long. Shame as they were beautiful. Replaced them with a lucky cheap and immaculate Ebay solovair find.

Yep, Solovair or old style DMs on eBay.

Thank you all. I'll have a look a Solovair. The name rings a bell, possibly from other Dr Martens / boots recommendations threads.

I want these: uk.nps-solovair.com/collections/solovair/products/s6-969-bk-g?variant=19778886336576

but I have the 8-eye gibsons uk.nps-solovair.com/products/s8-551-bk-g?variant=19776612335680.

and I have shoes.

I'm thinking about these uk.nps-solovair.com/collections/all/products/s0-900-bk-g?variant=28825672941632

Anybody have them? I need them to be able to withstand a good old muddy stomp with the kids and dogs....

They are objects of beauty but I generally don't get on with chelsea boots, but you could order them and find out. Have a look at the reviews.

I wouldn't wear them in mud, I'd wear wellies.

I might get on with those chelsea boots though

The DM Floras I had were unwearable - the size that fitted in the shop were too small when I got home and the next size up too big.

@KirstenBlest

They are objects of beauty but I generally don't get on with chelsea boots, but you could order them and find out. Have a look at the reviews.

I wouldn't wear them in mud, I'd wear wellies.

I don't get on with wellies. Too floppy round the leg, I've never found a pair that felt comfortable and stompable.

I agree with KirstenBlest that they are indeed a thing of beauty so wouldn't wear them in the mud.
I have the astronaut boots which are the same last and leather as those Dealer boots so can only comment that they are really comfortable and so very well made.
I also have the 8 hole Derby boots and those are wider across the foot and equally comfortable.

I've got those Solovair dealer boots, but in a waxed brown leather (crazy horse, I think it was called).
They're excellent. I've had them on in the snow today, perfectly comfortable and dry. I sized down (usually a 7 but I got a men's 6) and they fit well. Mine were an eBay bargain, so it's worth keeping an eye out.

I don't mind buying new if they are robust. Im going to take the plunge I think. Thank you all for your input!

One thing with them is that the sizing is weird. I bought several pairs on ebay until I got ones that fit. I resold the ones that didn't fit and I got bargains so all-in-all they didn't work out expensive.

I went down a size in the 8-eye boots and down half a size in the postman shoe, but I ordered other styles in the same sizes and there didn't seem to be any correlation.

The ones I kept fit beautifully, but I am someone who has many shoes in different sizes - it depends on the make - although most of my shoes are the same size.

I hope you like them - this is the finish I've got, but I do love your shiny ones... uk.nps-solovair.com/products/s0-900-ch-g?countrycode=GB&variant=32070623199312
Mine are standing up well to their second winter of stomping about through all conditions with children and prams and don't show any wear (although they're very muddy, I should clean them up). My only complaint is that they're quite heavy, but I guess that goes hand in hand with sturdy.

I bought these in the end uk.nps-solovair.com/products/s8-551-bg-g?countrycode=GB&variant=19778717483072 as the dealer boots weren't in my size and these were my second choice. I'm very excited. I used the measuring guide and got a 7.5 so hopefully they'll be a good fit- I wear an 8 DM

Haven't quite given up on the dealer boot though, hopefully they come back in stock soon / come up on eBay

How exciting! Next some good wool socks. I've reached an age where this is important

Probably more practical OP - it was getting the elastic muddy that concerned me.
Great choice.

@JofraArchersFastestBall

I hope you like them - this is the finish I've got, but I do love your shiny ones... uk.nps-solovair.com/products/s0-900-ch-g?countrycode=GB&variant=32070623199312 Mine are standing up well to their second winter of stomping about through all conditions with children and prams and don't show any wear (although they're very muddy, I should clean them up). My only complaint is that they're quite heavy, but I guess that goes hand in hand with sturdy.

I'm a big believer in clothes, and shoes, for wearing. Properly wearing. With gusto. Glad to hear yours have held up so well. Im still going to get them when they're back in my size as I've got three more months of not being able to tie my own laces (I'm very pregnant 😂) and feel that's definitely reason enough. If they come back in stock in time. If not I'm sure I'll find another reason to get them

Have you looks at Heavenly Feet boots.
They are super comfy and gorgeous

I love these

I have sone irregular choice boots. They are amazing quality and have metallic details. I got them in the sale after Christmas one year so look now!

What about Blundstones? Leather, very comfortable and waterproof so great in mud. I have a pair from Toast from a few years back (they still sell them) and they are great in wet adn muddy conditions.

I also have Solovairs (but only the shoes), again from Toast.

I have a few pairs of Dr Martens too.

Blundstones have a whole website. They come up generously which allows for the thick socks. The half sizes aren't extra long, just extra wide. My husband wears them too.

www.blundstone.co.uk/collections/women

These ones look great, although, being suede, probably not so good for mud. Having said that, my husband has a blundstone boot which looks suede but which brushes mud off really easily.

www.toa.st/uk/product/womens+footwear/f0pai-f0pas/blundstone+suede+chelsea+boots.htm?clr=F0PAI_Olive_sw

@lookingatthings

I bought these in the end uk.nps-solovair.com/products/s8-551-bg-g?countrycode=GB&variant=19778717483072 as the dealer boots weren't in my size and these were my second choice. I'm very excited. I used the measuring guide and got a 7.5 so hopefully they'll be a good fit- I wear an 8 DM

Haven't quite given up on the dealer boot though, hopefully they come back in stock soon / come up on eBay

How exciting! Next some good wool socks. I've reached an age where this is important

I was just about to recommend those ones! I have them and wear them everyday with everything! . The size should be fine too. I’m usually a 4 but got the 3.5 which is still a bit loose but fits perfectly when I wear thick merino socks from mountain warehouse or Falke socks.

My muddy blundstones after a walk yesterday, love them.