Alternatives to Dr. Martens

[Invisimamma]

I have been wanting a pair of DMs for so long, it's a lot of money for me but finally took the leap but the two pairs I ordered I had to return as they didn't fit properly.

The DM chelsea boots I loved were far too narrow in the calf and difficult to get on and off and the Pascal 1460 I had to spread the laces really wide to get them on and they just didn't look right.

What else can I try? I want a nice pair of chunky, flat, black boots to wear with dresses and jeans and pretty much everything. Budget around £150 but ideally less than that.

Blundstone boots?

I was also going to say blundstones. They're much lighter than doc martens. I wear mine loads and I walk loads.

I know you've asked for alternatives to DMs, but I have some DM Chelsea boots that zip up both sides so really easy to get on and off. And they were quite narrow around the ankle once zipped up, but have loosened over time. I love them and wear them with everything.

If you can stretch your budget just a tiny bit, Solovair are the original makers of DMs and have the classic fit.

my DM Chelseas took a while to bed in- they actually bruised my lower calf/ankle the first week, now... like slippers.

Fairfax and Favor Boudicas might be worth a look- you might catch some in the sale for that budget? They are comfy from day 1.

Just looked up bludstone boots and I'm looking for something a bit dressier than those. I'm early 30s and they're giving me older person on a country hike kind of vibe.

Solvier look gorgeous, something like that but I don't think my budget with stretch.

Solovair

Another shout for Solovair!

As well as Solovair, I’d say Grenson - which are above budget, but they have amazing sales so worth having a look.

LANX boots

@Invisimamma , I have a pair of the Solovair chelsea boots - the high shine dealer boots. I got them on ebay for about £45, in an as new condition.
They run large, so you can go down a size or half a size. The monkey boots are also lovely, especially in the burgundy rub-off, but I'd go down a full size in those.

I wore my dealer boots the other day and must have walked 8 miles in them. I wear them with jeans, leggings, tights + dresses etc.

Solovair do look lovely! Coveting a pair of those now. Are they more generous sized in the ankle? I think that was my issue with the DMs.

Solovair or Rieker. Rieker are cheaper, the soles are more like DMs IME

Hmm what about vagabond? Although DM Chelsea boots do stretch out a lot! I thought mine were too tight at first and now they fit like a glove.

Forgot to say, the reason I say look on ebay is, chances are someone will have bought them new and not worn them more than once or twice before realising that they are too big and by then it's too late to return them for a refund.

If you are going to get some, look carefully at the sizing guide on the Solovair site or and ask on here. The women's styles tend to run smaller than the unisex styles.

I would recommend you visit a DM store, they are so helpful and can advise you on the best shoes for fit etc.

Rieker are great

stevemadden.co.uk/products/skylar-black-leather?variant=33626922614921&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2-2eBhClARIsAGLQ2RnZYxb3WN7U5ZXve_-dEZFTd79f4Uy4gTZEGN5PAtkvjXLbLDFd7ekaAvwVEALw_wcB

I have these (in khaki actually) and they are similar to DM’s. Barely been off my feet since October

Take a look at Wolky

https://www.wolkyshop.co.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3K3PpcH3AIVSeztCh22UwqAEAAYASAAEgKMBfDBwE

I like the Fly boots, I've had my pair a few years and they're still going strong.

Solovair made the original dm boots, iirc.

@quirkychick , they did, and the quality is good. I cleared out my DMs and got Solovairs instead, and have not regretted it.