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Style and beauty

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Original poster

Dr Martins - are they really that good?

110 replies

Indecisivelurcher · 18/12/2021 17:31

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?!

OP posts:

SisterAgatha · 18/12/2021 19:20

I have 4 pairs. You’ll find there are a lot for sale because people sell them on when they get bored of them and want a new pair and cannot justify having 10+ pairs of the same boots, not because they are rubbish. I want a new pair, my oldest ones are 7 years old and still spotless. I wear them almost daily and the soles are barely worn. If I said to DH I was buying another pair he’d put in in rehab I think.

Wear the soft leather ones for no breaking in period but bear in mind you won’t get the same longevity. And do expect bruises from the breaking in period as it’s quite bad but once it’s done it’s like walking on air, omg I just love them.

SisterAgatha · 18/12/2021 19:20

My bruises are always across the top of my foot btw. Wear loads of socks.

PumpkinCrumble · 18/12/2021 19:21

I used to love Docs, but as I’ve got older I’ve found them really heavy and my feet are cold in them. I got some fur lined ones but I just couldn’t cope with the clumpinesss anymore.

doglikescheeseontoast · 18/12/2021 19:25

I don't have any trouble 'breaking them in', I have at least 12 pairs. My feet are small, so I am able often to wear children's sizes, which is brilliant from my point of view as they are a fraction of the cost of adult ones 🤣

They are the most comfortable, versatile, colourful, wonderful boots ever. My mother hates them - 'why ON EARTH would you want to wear something like that?'.

tiredandveryhungry · 18/12/2021 19:27

Mine are the best footwear I've ever bought. I LOVE them. Wear them all winter. I recommend them to anyone who asks!

Wallabyone · 18/12/2021 19:41

I have the Pascals and they are soft and very comfortable. I tried on the traditional hard leather ones in the shop on Oxford Street and my ankles hurt from the rubbing after two minutes of having them on.

I would also recommend Grenson for chunky boots-I have the Nanettes and they are light and comfortable.

Throughabushbackwards · 18/12/2021 20:05

I saved up for ages to buy my pair and they fell apart! Wouldn't buy again.

Itsabeautifuldaytosavelives123 · 18/12/2021 20:08

They are amazing, I didn't need to break my Leonores in

Original poster

Indecisivelurcher · 18/12/2021 20:13

To be honest this thread has put me off, so glad I asked. I would prefer some arch support and don't have narrow feet. And am also a total wimp about any rubbing or blisters. I don't think I'm prepared to risk an expensive mistake.

OP posts:

KimikosNightmare · 18/12/2021 20:35

No. The only pair I owned were the most uncomfortable footwear I've ever had.

KimikosNightmare · 18/12/2021 20:39

@Tippexy

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.

So they're actually meant to be cripplingly painful?

ranoutofquinoaandprosecco · 18/12/2021 21:08

I got some last Christmas, took me about a week to break them in and then I've lived in them, so comfy!

TiddleTaddleTat · 18/12/2021 21:11

I wear mine all winter. Bought new about 3-4 years ago. No breaking in needed. Standard brown lace up leather docs. I have narrow feet and high arches.

VioletRose91 · 18/12/2021 21:27

I have the Jadon ones and omg they are so heavy! I love them tho 😭

Kione · 19/12/2021 03:39

Not anymore. I have had them for 30 years, the last pair I bought a couple of years ago were lovely looking but the inside of my heel wore off so they hurt and give blusters every time I wear them. This pair is made in Thailand, orly the originals are made in the UK, so maybe those are still good.

Anyway, after some research I found that the factory that used to make Boots for the Dr. Martens brand makes boots called Solovair.
The Dr. Martens brand was sold and the contract with Solovair ended, now 80% of their boots are made cheaply in other countries, you are just paying for the brand, not quality. Solovair have upped their game and started making more designs, the original ones look identical to Dr. Martens minus the yellow thread which is TMd.

So, if you want good quality boots, I'd look for Solovair. Will try to find their page.

Kione · 19/12/2021 03:46

uk.nps-solovair.com/collections/womens/derby-boot

Looks like those too are made by yet another company now. But I hope they are keeping on the strength that they are making GOOD boots, not just the brand.

sashh · 19/12/2021 05:34

I have two pairs bought on the same day 20+ years ago. One pair have always been comfortable, the other, still breaking in but I don't wear as often.

Most boots are made in Asia these days but if you want the originals they are still made in the UK, they are usually sold as 'vintage' and they are more expensive.

CiaoForDiNiaoSaur · 19/12/2021 05:51

I've never found 2nd hand ones comfortable. They've been 'broken in' but have moulded to someone else's foot.
Possibly totally psychological and 'not a thing' but that's my experience.

Chrispackhamspoodle · 19/12/2021 07:02

Mine have cracked across the top.Badly.Only worn a few months and used the DM wax.Really can't recommend them as leather terrible quailty.I had a pair in the 90s that lasted years do it's true the quality has gone downhill.I do have some Solivair chelsea boots though and totally recommend them.They do a beautiful DM style boot.Handmade in UK and lovely leather. I'm a full size smaller in them though so might be tricky buying 2nd hand but they have a measurement guide on their website

gofg · 19/12/2021 07:11

I have owned two pair of boots - athough not the traditional syle - and found them uncomfortable. They didn't need breaking in, but they just didn't suit me for walking in so I onsold them.

StormyTeacups · 19/12/2021 07:14

I've had a few pairs over the years, in honesty I find them too clumpy. Which I know is the thing, I just feel too heavy footed.

My latest pair have started cracking around the top, which isn't great

20viona · 19/12/2021 07:18

Yes. You want the pascal ones they are soft and don't need breaking in.

OverByYer · 19/12/2021 08:46

I have the Pascal and agree they are soft. I wish I’d sized up though.
I’m a 5.5 so bought the 5 as the 6 felt massive. It’s taken a while for the sole to break in and feel comfortable.
I used to wear DMs about 30 years ago and they were so comfortable then

Kione · 19/12/2021 10:30

@CiaoForDiNiaoSaur

I've never found 2nd hand ones comfortable. They've been 'broken in' but have moulded to someone else's foot. Possibly totally psychological and 'not a thing' but that's my experience.

Agreed. In the process of breaking them In they mold to your foot shape and way of walking.

SisterAgatha · 19/12/2021 12:03

They are heavy, it’s true but I kind of like that really. I did a sponsored walk in mine a few years back and was really grateful for the weight of them, it kept me sure footed if you know what I mean.

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