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!

The greasy boots are matt leather. and have a waxy sort of look.

My Solovair monkey boots did take a bit of breaking in, but not the lace up shoes (Gibsons I think).

I like the oxblood too - I find it more versatile than black. From memory I think the Derby boots had quite a sheen, but this was a couple of years ago so I wouldn't want to guarantee it.

Ooh @SunshineThelma it's the burgundy rub-off I was looking at. I guess I could always send them back if they're too shiny.

The last pair of DMs I bought showed wear to the sole after I wore them only a few times, and I only wore them indoors. They were the Flora ones.

Thanks for all your help everyone - I've just spent four times more than I intended to spend on a beautiful pair of Solovair burgundy boots with a zip up the side. Ahhhh I'm very excited!

Were they these ones?

@WhoppingBigBackside yes they were!

I loved docs, but the quality just isnt the same. I've still got 20 year old pairs still going vs two modern purchases where the soles have worn or the zips broken.

I've not got a pair, but fans of "old docs" swear by Solovair. They are still made in the uk and use the original doc machinery (so I hear!)

I have the kids ones with the zip and it's so handy 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I have the pink metallic ones, so childish but I absolutely love them. I got mine at cheshire oaks for £29! I also got the black Chelsea type boots (no laces) for £19! I was so chuffed.

Very nice.
I want the astronaut ones.

I have the black derby 8-holes. Got them on ebay. As new. £35. A while ago now but they were listed Buy it now and i spotted them when they had just been listed.

I have the solovair dealer boots ones too but twice the price of the derby boots.

I too sold almost all of my DM's to purchase several pairs of Solovairs. I have the Derby boots and 2 pairs of astronaut boots.

I'll be selling some of the solovairs I think. House is starting to look like a shoe shop. Am very tempted to get the Astronauts.

I think there is some connection between Solovair and Hawkins. Or it might be that both made Astronaut boots.

I also have Hawkins boots

Blundstones?

www.amazon.co.uk/Blundstone-Unisex-Original-Chelsea-Terracotta/dp/B07SV7BGSD/ref=asc_df_B07SPTNVVX/?hvlocphy=9046070&linkCode=df0&hvptwo&psc=1&hvnetw=g&hvadid=523841338974&hvpone&hvlocint&th=1&hvpos&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl&hvqmt&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&hvtargid=pla-1271176317582&hvrand=12487943702261520693

I've been looking at the Emmeline Arcadia red ones - will these fade / scuff to very light though? I like the idea of some fading / scuffing, but some of the pictures online are a bit too faded / scuffed.

I posted upthread about Floras, they weren't floras they were Emmelines.

Bought about 5 yrs ago. I only wore them a few times,in an office, not outside or for driving at all.

I'm not heavy on my shoes, but the soles showed signs of wear. I wore them a maximum of 10 times, probably fewer.

I sold them, because I did not think they would last. They were also slightly too big as they didn't have half-sizes. They did look nice but the wear on the sole was ridiculous.

I am planning on getting the Solovair Astronauts as a replacement

Oooh I need a pair of the Solovair burgundy brogue boots.

And a pair of the hi-shine astronaut boots in black please.

Loving this thread. Bought a pair of Solovair Jade Derby boots in burgundy from Toast. I love them, my husband loves them, my critical 15 yr old DD even loves them...and they are half a size too small, and 7 is the largest size Toast stocks.

Waaaaah.

I have been drooling over the solovair website all afternoon: should I get the burgundy astronaut or the zip Derby boot like you OP? Decisions, decisions....

Ooh @sydenhamhiller I didn't mean to inspire! I liked the look of the zip ones, and also thought they would be more practical... just imagining struggling in on a damp and muddy day and having to balance on the doormat to undo the proper ones, I'm not ready for that!

@sydenhamhiller, get both. They do free returns.

Found these Solovair chelsea boots, if anyone is interested. Price is good. Plumo sale.