Alternatives to Docs?

[Swearwolf]

I know it's august but I'm thinking ahead to autumn already. I want to replace my trusty Ugg Chelsea boots and I like the look of Doc Martens with midi skirts and jumpers. I was looking at the kids ones as they have a handy side zip (I'm a size 3).

I haven't heard good things about the quality, though, and I want to look for alternatives. Any recommendations would be very much appreciated!

I have them and I think the quality is fine.

Have you looked at Timberland? They're more expensive but are honestly the best quality boots i've ever had and lots of different styles. Or if you want to save a bit of money Marks and Spencer have lots of Doc style boots in just now that are very reasonable

Sorry I can't link at the moment but Solovair - still made in the UK.

@Swearwolf The quality isn't as good as it used to be but they're still fine, if you see what I mean?

Do not get the patent leather ones though. They're horrendous quality!

I love my docs. No quality issues here.

Moshulu always has some lovely biker style ankle boots.

Docs today aren’t like the ones of the 80s or 90s but they’re still the best quality boot there is in terms of durability and build. Agree with avoiding the patent ones.

I love my Docs. Find the soft leather ones the best.. Come in amazing colours too.

There's a Northampton boat company or something akin still manufacturing U.K.

@gogohm

There's a Northampton boat company or something akin still manufacturing U.K.

That's Solovair.

I have red patent Docs and no quality issues at all with them tbh

@CMOTDibbler

I have red patent Docs and no quality issues at all with them tbh

Mine bubbled/peeled/scuffed really bad 😒

Love all my Docs,even the patent ones.

For those who had problems: were you doing regular boot maintenance. They do need a bit of TLC

@Floisme those look great!

[quote Swearwolf]@Floisme those look great! [/quote]
I think so too! I much prefer them to Dr Martens, who still act like they're an indie brand when they're really just another corporate now.

Also if you're anywhere near Northampton, the Solovair factory shop / outlet is excellent - last time I was there I got some monkey boots and lace-up shoes at 50-60% off.

Sadly I am nowhere near Northampton!

My docs look brand new still and I've been wearing them hard for 6 months. I got the pascal soft leather ones and love them!

@Brefugee

Love all my Docs,even the patent ones.

For those who had problems: were you doing regular boot maintenance. They do need a bit of TLC

Yes 😔 I've got q fair few pairs but would never buy patent again x

What's the fit like on the Solovair, please? I find Docs a bit narrow. Thanks.

solovair

Quality is the same as DMs from decades ago.

I have several pairs including some of the Toast ones.

The Solovair sizing is about the same as DM, but there is sizing info on the site. It depends on the last.

With DMs it depends if it is a unisex or woman's style. The unisex ones are wider.

I sold all my DMs and now wear Solovairs

So say I've just talked myself into a pair of Solovair Derby... do I get the ones with zips, and what colour do I get????

I have a pair of black ugg Chelsea boots, last year was probably the end of the brown ones I had but I wore them with everything. I plan to waft about in midi skirts and big boots this autumn. Would black or oxblood be better, and how shiny?!

I like the ox blood especially if you have black boots already. It's hard to tell quite how 'high shine' they are though from the picture. That would be important to me

I love my solovairs - I used to swear by docs and had many different pairs as a teen/early 20s but once they moved their manufacturing offshore I've found the quality hasn't been as good. The solovairs I have are the dealer boot in the burgundy ruboff and they're gorgeous. Lovely to wear and no issues with blistering/breaking in. I'll accept they're a bit pricey but I really think the quality is worth it.

The high shine is about the same as for DMs ( e.g Flora or Emmeline Kensingon Arcadia). They are not shiny,just look polished. The rub off burgundy is nice and compares to the same in DMs.

The patent leather Solovairs are ok but the DMs are not.

Another plus with the Solovairs is that they do half sizes.