Dr Martins - are they really that good?

[Indecisivelurcher]

I've coveted DM's for years but never had the money. I like the style and imagine they'll last and ended up moulded to your feet like a waterproof comfortable foot glove. There are absolutely loads for sale on vinted these days which means I could afford / justify a pair. But if they're that amazing, why are people selling them on?!

Yes they are, but the breaking in period is painful!

I’ve had two pairs. Both were gorgeous and I failed to break them in!

But they looked amazing.

I think you should try them out and if you don’t like them then you can always sell on as they sell well!

I would recommend buying older ones that are already broken in!

Yep

My first pair are currently sitting wrapped under the tree as my Xmas present from DH so ill let you know in a few weeks!

I’m going try a 3rd pair from eBay and be totally patient! Haha!! I won’t give up (the previous pairs were different styles. Boots and brogues)

The quality has really gone down hill over the years. They’re still good, but the older ones were excellent.

They're definitely not as good as they used to be. That doesn't stop me wearing them though!

They have a few outlets and you can get bargains in the sales sometimes.

Sizing can be a bit unpredictable sometimes. So I would try some on before buying second hand.

They used to be.

I had some in the 90s. They were indestructible, but they didn't half take some breaking in.

I can't wear them now, it feels like my feet are encased in concrete.

I am still wearing my boots from the 90s. Still look great, still aren't very comfortable. Everyone used to say that once you get through the horrible breaking in period they'd be the most comfy boots ever, but that's not been my experience

I'm scared of breaking them in and unsure about the sizing... So I should look up a shop shouldn't I rather than risk the best part of £100 on vinted. Le sigh...

Considering we all share the same breaking in woes- has anyone found a good alternative?

Thing is, there no point in trying on any old selection of models in a shop and then buying something similarish second hand. The sizing is really variable. Need to try the exact model, finish and colour you’re planning to buy.

@woodlandarchitect

Considering we all share the same breaking in woes- has anyone found a good alternative?

Yes please share 😁

Mine have broken in well, they're the patent finish vegan boots. Lasting really well, though I'll add that I did get them new when the price was around £115. I really regret not getting a second pair before it went up to £150.

@woodlandarchitect

Considering we all share the same breaking in woes- has anyone found a good alternative?

Solovair - (the company that used to make DMs) mine rubbed the first few wears but are now incredibly comfortable

Not any more. They used to be really long wearing but I have had two pairs in the last 4 years on which the soles have fallen apart. I did get the second part as a replacement for the first pair, without charge, but exactly the same thing happened again. They are made in a different country now and the quality has gone right downhill from what it was a generation ago. It's a shame.

They are leather boots which don't need any more 'breaking in' than any other pair of leather boots! The cult like hushed tones around 'breaking them in' are quite bizarre.

The breaking in period is painful

You want the original British made ones though, they are now v inferior quality. Solovair are the old uk factory, who now make their own UK made version.

They don’t suit everyone’s feet. If you need arch support they won’t be right for you.

They're awful. Well made, good quality boots shouldn't need any breaking in.

ecco
ara
geox
all do similar style boots/shoes that area lot more comfortable.

Are you a small size? I'm a 4 so got kids ones which are softer and don't need breaking in

They aren’t as good as they used to be. The old British made ones were great.