Doc Martens advice please !

[BookWorm45]

I'm wondering about buying some DMs (probably ankle boots, or could be the shoes).
This is after realising that cheap trainers take a horrendously long time ever to break down in landfill..... and they wear out so that I probably buy 1 pair a year. I'm thinking of DMs as they look so long lasting and sturdy (though they also cost a fair bit).

So my query is:

1. From people who wear DMs now, do you find them really comfortable ? or do they take a while to wear in (like walking boots would do ?)

2. Given that my style is very much basic jeans-and-a-top most of the time, and I'm in mid 50s, would DMs look odd with this or at my age ?

Thank you everyone for comments - really helpful. I am now thinking possibly something more like the Hotter range as they are typically a lot more comfortable without having to wear them in....

Do look at the soft ones, if DMs are what you hanker for... they need no breaking in at all. They're the only pair of boots I've ever had (from any brand) that have rubbed no blisters at all. I walked miles in mine on their first wear.

DMs are no longer particularly good quality. The current range looks like classic DMs but are made in the far east and the leather is not great.
Comfort also much worse than the original ones.
Solovair are basically the proper old type DMs. They used to make DMs when they were still made in the UK.
Much better quality and comfort than current DM range.

Also have a look at Blundstone

I used to wear them to work and walked 3miles there and back in them 4x a day, after the initial breaking in they were great.
But I've had no luck with recent ones and I'm done with them. I have a pair of Liberty pattern boots, they were OK to break in, but are so hard in the sole that they've triggered my plantar fasciitis, which has been dormant for ages. DD has been breaking hers in for 18mths and they still make her feet bleed some days, there's loose stitching on them and the surface looks like it would crack easily.
Solovair used to make DMs, so they might be worth a look.

The soft leather Pascals are fantastic, I've worn mine almost everyday since I got them, they are really comfortable.
For comparisons sake, I have quite wide feet, probably an E or EE fitting. They are also fairly sensitive, and I struggle to find shoes or boots I can wear all day. My alternatives are Fitflop trainers and Birkenstock Chelsea boots. Sadly they are all quite expensive!

I have 3 pairs of pascals and haven't needed to wear any in. They are really comfortable

I'm only commenting as by coincidence I had to email today about my 3 year old vegan boots which look nearly new but both soles have detached. They were pretty expensive and I loved them.
Email back basically says bad luck, a years warranty with proof of purchase direct from them or go to retailer.
I've had good DMs in the past but won't risk another pair.

I have a pair of Chelsea boots, no breaking in needed. I've just replaced the soles, Keystone Cobbler in the lake district did a fantastic job.

I wear them a lot, but also have trainers for spring and summer. DMs are heavy and my feet and ankles were really tired for the first few weeks! I love them now though.

I have some older patent red DMs which I bought second hand and are still going strong after 5 years. I got some bright blue Solovairs for Christmas, and they are taking a bit of breaking in, esp across the tongue seam, but with double layer socks, no blisters.

I have soft leather pascal ones. They needed no breaking in and have a lovely lace up, always get compliments on them

Deffo get get the pascal ones... If you live anywhere near York the outlet shop usually has some in.

Most recent pair are fur lined Chelsea boot style and they didn't need any breaking in (and I'm a wuss when it comes to shoes rubbing!)
Haven't been off my feet since the end of October

I've got the soft leather pascal ones and they didn't need braking in at all- super comfy from first wear.,

Iv had mine 18 months but I cannot break the bloody things in!
They shredded my feet!

Doc martens aren't as good as they once were. My older ones are still beautiful.

My newer ones have cracked leather and the soles have split.

I'm going to go with Solovair for my next pair. Made in Northampton with all the traditional DM equipment

As for comfort I've not had a problem wearing them in. The only pair I've not found to be as comfortable is a pair of glittery purple ones which aren't leather x

I have two pairs of DMs and I was concerned about them destroying my feet, so I bought some silicone pad/sock things off amazon and have worn them with my DMs ever since - no pain whatsoever! They're super cheap and effective, you just need to wear a very thin sock, then the silicones, then another sock over the top and they won't budget even if you go on a 4-hour hike (tried and tested!). I think I just typed in "silicone socks doc martens" on amazon.

I have the patent leather boots.. I love them but they’re really not comfortable.. so if I’m walking far, I can’t wear them. I would love the really soft leather ones but they’re about £180 x

Absolutely love mine, they did take a bit of breaking in. My leather 16 hole ones are most comfy. My patent 8 (I think) hole ones are still a bit stiff after a couple of years so I would recommend leather over patent finishes personally. I'm mid 40s and wear them with so many outfits.

As others have said, the soft ones don't need breaking in. However, the soles wear down really quickly so you're not getting a long lasting boot. That said, I love them and really could not be arsed breaking in a pair of boots.

I have the Chelsea boots which are fur lined and they are soooooo
Comfy

My docs are my favourite shoes. Ever. I don't personally recommend the soft leather, they aren't long lasting. Whilst the hard leathers do take some breaking in (my recent pair took about 3 weeks of regular wear) they truly do mould to your feet making them so comfy. They also last years.
I have one pair that I've had for 8 years, and they have some scuffing, but soles and leather are as intact as they were when I first bought them.

I bought a decrepit pair from eBay for £18. Old and unloved. Cherry Red polish, new laces and boom! They are amazing and Made in England! Already worn in. I wear them constantly with jeans.

I have these uk.nps-solovair.com/collections/womens/products/s8-551-bk-g?variant=19776612335680 @BookWorm45,

Better quality than DMs but similar style.

I'm about your age