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?

Redwings are nice - Free People stock them too so you can sometimes get a discount code

These might not really be what you're after but I bought these from All Saints recently and they are lovely and seem really well made.

My last pair of DMs were patent leather, bought a couple of years ago and the patent coating has bubbled in a few places. I can't imagine that happening in the 1990s. They're definitely not what they used to be.

I'm wearing the hell out of my Grenson Nanettes!

@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

They are lovely!

Do report back on sizing, I'm usually an 8 too

I have just bought these from the white company - really comfortable and they have a side zip to make thingsv easier.

whitecompany.scene7.com/is/image/whitecompany/Leather-Lace-Up-Biker-Boots/LLCBO_90_MAIN_B_P?$TL_PLP_313x401$

@ToastCosILoveIt

My muddy blundstones after a walk yesterday, love them.

Ooh now they are very nice! Off to have have a look 🙂

@thetrees will do! I used their measuring guide and it was super simple, although you do have to check it for each style.

They don't ship until the 4th of Jan, but that hasn't stopped me sitting by the door waiting for them 🤣

@Coffee4Queen oh excellent! Have you had them long? My hopes are so high that I've found my new for life brand. Theres quite a few styles I'd rather like

@ToastCosILoveIt

Can I ask what size DMS you wear v what size blundstones? Im sorely tempted

Hello @lookingatthings, I wear sixe 5/38 in both but the blundstones are definitely more roomy.

I have to recommend blundstones too, mine stood up to a walk through a (unplanned) boggy mud in the park yesterday with no leaks. They’re a couple of years old, look like new and are so comfortable to wear. I got mine from Toast.

@hammeringinmyhead could tell me more about your nanettes, what’s the fit like and are they in anyway waterproof?

@lookingatthings I have size 6 DMs and size 6 blundstones, both fit well with a pair of thick socks. The blundstones don’t need any wearing in though.

Plumo have some Solovair and Blundstones in the sale at the moment
www.plumo.com/categories/Shoes/

I have both heavenly feet & Ecco boots. Both are very comfortable I have worn a hole in the sole of one pair of my Ecco boots because I usually drive at least 100 miles a day although they are still wearable.

My DM style heavenly feet boots have started to look like the material might come unstuck I'm one place although again wearable and not noticeable

I still rate both of them as the cushioned soles are so comfortable.

@ShivD

I have to recommend blundstones too, mine stood up to a walk through a (unplanned) boggy mud in the park yesterday with no leaks. They’re a couple of years old, look like new and are so comfortable to wear. I got mine from Toast.

@hammeringinmyhead could tell me more about your nanettes, what’s the fit like and are they in anyway waterproof?

The fit is fine - generous to roomy and they have a good thick sole. They're not "waterproof" though, in the same way DMs aren't, or anything leather without taped seams isn't. They're for average walks, bit of mud, shallow puddles really.

Embassy London boots in the "Hatter" or " Brick Lane" style are so so comfortable ( also zip up the side for pregnancy ease of use!)

Some of their patterns are a bit lary but there are some more restrained colour ways too.

embassylondon.co.uk/collections/sale/products/hatter-black-phyton

[quote lookingatthings]@Coffee4Queen oh excellent! Have you had them long? My hopes are so high that I've found my new for life brand. Theres quite a few styles I'd rather like[/quote]
I’m a recent chunky boot convert so only got them in October but have worn them with everything from skater dresses to joggers. With nothing else to do but walk they have been getting a lot of use!

My boots came today and are beautiful. But disappointingly they came without laces. Is this right? Was I supposed to purchase them seperately? I was so looking forward to wearing them 😔

@lookingatthings I know what you mean about the standards of DMs. I've got 11 pairs (I even got married in a pair ); most have cracked, the patent ones tend to bubble and peel and the only ones that have lasted properly are the 'For Life' ones.

As DMs are so popular now, the price keeps rocketing but the standards are appalling

I have Mountain Horse paddock boots I bought ages ago and they're fantastic. Totally waterproof and really comfy.

Shame your boots didn't come with laces. Never heard of that happening before - can you tweet them?

www.celticandco.com/womens/footwear/leather-boots/woodsman-boots?colourid=59&glCountry=GB&gclid=CjwKCAiAudD_BRBXEiwAudakX9P_oavjBLqXEgmOySy33W8_WYMYaN4UN5gKYq63ZDukcdewMhythxoC_k0QAvD_BwE

Lusting after those but they're way out of my budget. 😕🤷🏻‍♀️

@lookingatthings

My boots came today and are beautiful. But disappointingly they came without laces. Is this right? Was I supposed to purchase them seperately? I was so looking forward to wearing them 😔

How strange. Laces are definitely included! Have you contacted them yet?

@Coffee4Queen just been on the phone and the lady was very apologetic. Sending out some laces asap so I should have them by tomorrow or Thursday. And my lovely DH rescued my old DMs laces from the clothes recycling bag he took to the tip this morning and has just come in with them so I can wear my boots today after all ☺️

@QuestionableMouse oh now they are gorgeous! And zips too! Lucky for bank balance they're out of stock in my size.

@Snackz I got married in dainty pale blue court shoes that matched my petticoat and murdered my feet. As soon as the photographs were taken I swapped to my boots and had a much better time 😂

@lookingatthings

My boots came today and are beautiful. But disappointingly they came without laces. Is this right? Was I supposed to purchase them seperately? I was so looking forward to wearing them 😔

The Derby boots are just fantastic, I haven't stopped wearing mine since I got them. They require no breaking in and are so comfortable. I would buy them in every colour if I had the funds.

Having said that I do have 3 pairs of Solovairs with an eye on another pair . Shame they never have sales.

[quote lookingatthings]@QuestionableMouse oh now they are gorgeous! And zips too! Lucky for bank balance they're out of stock in my size.[/quote]
I absolutely love them. Too expensive sadly (and I really don't need more boots!)