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Style and beauty

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Original poster

Are Doc Martens really that amazing?

73 replies

Howtotameyourtoddler · 09/08/2021 13:52

I'm not sure my go-to ankle books are going to survive another winter, and I'm looking for something to go on my birthday wishlist.

Considering the DM Leonore (the fur-lined chelsea boots), but I've never worn Doc Martens before, are they worth the money? I wouldn't usually spend more than £80-100, even on boots I'm going to wear to death.

I'm looking for a sturdy, hard-wearing brown leather ankle boot. I've had a pair of Orinocco Club boots from Clarks which have lasted me about 3-4 winters of heavy use, but I've always found them slightly too narrow for my feet and not especially comfortable! I've got quite bad bunions so I need something with a wide-ish toe.

Any DM fans? Or any recommended alternatives?

OP posts:

Saucery · 09/08/2021 14:00

Modern DMs are fashion only, nowhere near as hard wearing as they used to be.
The soles on my Triumphs wore away incredibly quickly. Knee boots lasted a little longer but not great.

this company used to make them pricey but worth it.

Original poster

Howtotameyourtoddler · 09/08/2021 14:04

Oh gosh @Saucery these are some beautiful boots 😍 maybe I'll just ask for contributions to a new boot fund for my birthday...

OP posts:

FenceSplinters · 09/08/2021 14:07

DMs are the only shoes that last me more than a term at school (I’m a teacher) so are well worth the money.

KirstenBlest · 09/08/2021 14:09

I came here to recommend the company Saucery linked to.

dancinfeet · 09/08/2021 14:10

My DMs still give me blisters on my heels and I have had them two years, nowhere near as comfy as they were back in the 90s when I was a teen!

AnyFucker · 09/08/2021 14:12

I have the Leonore DM’s. I bought them the winter before last and have barely had them off my feet except during warm weather.

They go with everything. They are comfy immediately and still look great. They have the odd slight scuff but that just adds to the look.

They have been worth every penny I paid (£149)

InpatientGardener · 09/08/2021 14:12

I found them ridiculously hard and uncomfortable, tried to persevere but they didn't really soften up. I had a flat pair and a pair with block heels, and those ones were sooo heavy on my feet. I don't think they're worth the money and the official website leaves a lot to be desired in terms of despatch time and customer service.

AnyFucker · 09/08/2021 14:14

The fur lined Leonore broke in immediately for me. The fur is very comfortable.

Doodlebug71 · 09/08/2021 14:15

I still have an old pair of DMs bought in the late 80s when I was a teen. They're no longer watertight, because the leather finally split, but they remain comfy.

The new ones I bought a couple of years ago are also very comfy, and doing fine. They're supposed to be winter boots, but I've worn them every day for most of the last year.

AmandaHugenkiss · 09/08/2021 14:16

I have a patent pair of DM and I adore them. Super comfortable and hardwearing, had them two winters and still looking good.

AmandaHugenkiss · 09/08/2021 14:17

Should say though, I had to wear them every day for about a month to break them in.

DazzlePaintedBattlePants · 09/08/2021 14:21

Another vote for Solovair. I have some brogues from there, which are fab.

Original poster

Howtotameyourtoddler · 09/08/2021 14:23

Bit of a mixed bag then! I do really love the look of the Leonore and I think they'd go with everything, but maybe it would be less faff for me to go and find a pair to try on before I buy. I don't fancy the prospect of taking weeks to wear them in!

Anything else similar I could consider?

OP posts:

User2309 · 09/08/2021 14:24

I love my leonore dm boots. Wore them all of the autumn and winter...I've actually just got out of the shoe cupboard and they look as good as new. Defo worth the money in my opinion.

AtalantaRun · 09/08/2021 14:27

I love my fur lined Leonores they are great. I'm known for wearing boots out within a winter as I don't tend to have different shoes for different outfits I just wear the same thing day in day out regardless of the weather. My DMs are the first boots that have lasted.

Marylou2 · 09/08/2021 14:28

They used to be great quality and worth the cost. Alas no longer! Solovair are so much better.

AmandaHugenkiss · 09/08/2021 14:29

Just wear with a thick pair of socks and breaking in is painless. Mine rubbed a tiny bit round the ankle for about a week until they softened, so I had to wear thick tights to stop it. Absolutely no rubbing after the first week.

FatAnkles · 09/08/2021 14:35

Had some DM Mary Janes. The buckle on one completely snapped off, with little effort. Tried to get them fixed at the cobblers (no joy) and asked DM for advice but they couldn't help either. They lasted all of two months. If I could get the buckle fixed/replaced they would have been as good as new. What a waste. 😭

I've heard brilliant things about Solovair...yes they are pricey but they are still made in Northamptonshire so you reduce your consumer miles by tons, plus you are investing in British manufacturing which is always a good thing. I'd start saving!!

MapleMay11 · 09/08/2021 14:38

Not a fan. I don't believe any boots should need breaking in. There are so many gorgeous styles around that are comfortable from the very first wear, so why bother. I also hate the idea of wearing something that so many other people wear.

Crowsaregreat · 09/08/2021 14:41

Don't really know how they fare in terms of fashion but I have some Blundstones www.blundstone.co.uk/ that I love.

Going into my third winter of supportive, warm, pretty much waterproof boots.

ShowOfHands · 09/08/2021 14:43

I'm wearing DMs right now that I've had for 22 years. They're as good as new. The more modern ones? Really not worth it.

LidoLady · 09/08/2021 14:44

I bought my daughter DM shoes for school at the start of year 7. They've outlasted school and she still wears them everyday at university!

QueenBee52 · 09/08/2021 14:45

Im early 50's ... still wear mines from over 30 years ago...

comfy and functionable.. my happy place 🤣

onelittlefrog · 09/08/2021 14:45

@InpatientGardener

This. The boots are very clumpy and hard, I didn't get on with them at all. I think they do "lightweight" ones now but even those are clumpy compared to other brands.

I had a pair of suede lace-up shoes from them once which were nice but also not really worth what they cost. I think the price was inflated for the DM label.

EllaPaella · 09/08/2021 14:52

I have soft leather DM's and they are very comfortable and no breaking in required.
The solovaire boots look lovely but pretty identical to classic DM's - I can barely see a difference in style so maybe it's just the quality that's better?

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