Are Doc Martens really that amazing?

[Howtotameyourtoddler]

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?

I used to wear DMs as a student ... I had blue suede shoes aka brothel creepers!

@badacorn, and others who experienced narrow soles with DMs: that's because DMs have different sole shapes depending on the style of the shoe/boot. Some are narrower than others. I have wide feet, and need to wear thick socks as a matter of course (Doc Socks most days), so I had to work out whichof those sole shapes I needed, and find a pair of boots built around that. I have the winter snowplough boots (verra comfy: no breaking in needed), and a pair of The Who boots (because I'm an old fart, and it would have been rude not to replace the ones I bought aged 17 with anything else ). I'm 50 now, and those knackered old original MIE docs are still comfy as slippers.

My teenage DD got a pair of DM for last Christmas. It took about a month to wear them in and she had horrific blisters but they are comfy now and she loves them. She wears them often but mostly at weekends. Not pleased to see that soon there will be a hole in one of them - I took this photo earlier today to complain to DM customer service.

Solovair all the way here.

Great shop in London too.

My fur lined Leonores will be doing their third year this year (in secondary school, pastoral role so heavy on footwear as do 3 duties outside a day in all weathers etc). Love them.

A PP mentioned Fly boots. I've had 2 pairs and thought they looked beautiful, but they haven't lasted more than a couple of months without soles splitting or buckles breaking. They're more fashion boots.

DMs all the way for me.

I have Leonores and they are comfy straight out of the box as they are really soft leather.

I have a pair of cherry red boots that I also wear all the time in winter. I got a pair of fur lined brown boots as well (can't remember the name) and they are awesome.

Silicone socks are your friend if they rub - they cover your heel and I can wear my boots all day with those on. I've had two winters from my Leonores and know I'll get loads more. The soles are immaculate and I wear them all the time!

And I have wide feet and onset bunions and find them comfy!

Another vote for the leonores… softer leather than other DM styles and they’ve never rubbed me or needed breaking in. I am a size 8 with a high arch and usually struggle with all shoes and boots rubbing but was pleasantly surprised with these DMs.

Dr Martens get right up my nose these days. They talk as if they're still some kind of indie company, strictly for rebels. They're not, they're a corporate like any other.

Solovair for me.

@popularinthe80s

Honestly, go for Solovair. No breaking in required. Supporting UK employees on decent wages. No air miles. Quality far better than my young friends' DMs. And each time I've worn them, they've been complimented.

I was saying to DH this morning that I'm going to get some docs when my current pair of shoes wear out. I'm getting some from Solovair instead, definitely. And he might get some too, he's a size 13 & struggles to get stuff he likes that will fit!

Will have to start saving up now!

@LegoCaltrops sorry for late pick up, but you won't regret it. I had mine 2 weeks and my DH asked for a pair for himself for his birthday...

To people with wide feet - the other great thing about Solovair is that they do half sizes (getting the length exactly right is really important if you have wide feet) and differently shaped foot beds. So you can check if they're going to be roomy.

I went for these - they were comfy from the moment I slipped in my small but virtually round feet
uk.nps-solovair.com/collections/womens/products/s8-551-bg-g?variant=19778717483072

Just to add another couple of suggestions of UK based manufacturers, Grenson and Lanx.

Grenson are expensive but they do have really good sales (I got a pair of vegan Nanettes for about £130). Lanx I haven’t bought from but heard about them and they do some similar styles to DMs.

lanxshoes.com/pages/womens
www.grenson.com/uk/

DMs are shite nowadays.

Years ago I sold 6 pairs of used Dm's on eBay and bought 3 pairs of new Solovairs. It is something I've not regretted as the Solovairs were comfortable straight away and the quality is just brilliant. 2 pairs of my DM's still hadn't been broken in even after owning for a while and I couldn't stand the discomfort. I also think the current DM's look cheap and plasticky.

Solovairs are comfortable, quality, British made with no air miles. Its a no brainer really.

I buy them and they still last me a very long time. I only buy from the factory shop though as they are a massive amount cheaper.

The most comfortable boots I have ever owned were a pair of Fly London boots. Sadly they no longer make the exact model any more but I bought a similar pair last winter and they still look like new despite daily winter wear.

Link to how to break DMs in. Must agree though, liking my Solovairs. I have just ordered some green ones from Toast.
www.instagram.com/tv/CS9GQdLAcJp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

I've never been able to break in my Leonore. I so wanted them, but they are so small even though I bought my size. Try them on first before spending your money.

I LOVE mine. They are worth every penny in my opinion. They are comfortable, warm, polish up when when I trash them and ive been wearing them every day for 3 winters and they still look great.

I have the Solovair dealer boots and the Fly London 'mes' boots.
Fly London are also excellent and comfortable.

With DMs, look at buying unisex not women's because the sizing is different.

With Solovair, they do some of the styles listed in the men's shoes and boots in smallish sizes. The dealer boots start at size 3.

All the DM chat reminds me of this brilliant scene in This is England

I have the fur-lined Leonore (in brown), the plain black lace up boots, and the Polley buckle shoes. Love them all (although the Polleys need to be on as tight as I can get them or I get blisters)

I need practical boots and have Blundstones, love them.

Dd has two pairs of dms, despite wearing them for school they never softened, they look plastic as the leather is heavily top finished which also meant they scuffed really badly. They are also so heavy I can't believe they are any good for you!