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Original poster

Doc Martens or Solovair? And which style?

44 replies

Stumpedasatree · 26/09/2023 10:04

I've not had DMs since I bought a £10 pair in a charity shop when I was 16!! This will be a big purchase so I want to get it right.

I quite like the DM chelsea boots, think I'd prefer them than the lace ups for ease of putting on. But not sure - would wear with jeans and skirts occasionally. Would the laced ones look better? I don't want platform heel. And are Solovair boots a better investment?

Anyone got some recently and can recommend??

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LaRevolution · 26/09/2023 10:08

I had a lovely looking pair of lace-up DMs - Pascale I think - but found them a bugger for getting on and off! They were also very heavy. (I'm aware this makes me sound lazy and weak 😆.)

I sold them and swapped them for a pair of zip-up Geox boots which I LOVE. I'd definitely go for Chelsea boot style. My friend has some older DM Chelsea ones that are very light and comfy - they're not fur-lined, I think they might have come from the outlet years ago.

The Solovair ones do look lovely, and I know they have some aficionados on here.i also like the look of the Birkenstock Chelsea boots - I think they're called Highwood - in brown.

KirstenBlest · 26/09/2023 10:09

I have some Solovair dealer boots. I wear them a lot. The quality is much better than DMs. I have lace ups too but those were via Toast. I find 8-eyelet boots a bit of a pain to lace up.

Original poster
Stumpedasatree · 26/09/2023 10:10

@LaRevolution super helpful thank you! I don't feel like I'd have the time to be bothered to do laces every time I went out, and if they are hard to get on and off....well no!

I like the look of the Geox chelsea boots!

OP posts:
KirstenBlest · 26/09/2023 10:26

Do you have a link please?

The lace-up Solovairs I have are 6-eyelet and that's fine. I got both pairs on ebay but I was on the lookout during the summer three or four years ago.

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ThePoshUns · 26/09/2023 10:31

I treated myself to a pair of DMs 2 years ago (pascals) and they were so uncomfortable compared to the DMs I had in my youth.
The soles were very stiff and squeaky. I preserved as they cost so much but I'm going to get rid of them this year.
Im fancying solovairs too but not sure of risking it at the moment

KirstenBlest · 26/09/2023 10:31

Thanks. I like them.

I have the Solovair monkey boots in burgundy rub-off and they're beautiful. I went down a size for all of them, but that might be my funny feet.

KirstenBlest · 26/09/2023 10:38

The Geox ones have zips so that's a no from me.

I have far too many shoes and boots not just Solovair. I get lots of nice comments on some of them and it's generally the ones that aren't black that get the comments. I usually reach for the dealer boots but they are still in good nick.

EraOfTheGrey · 26/09/2023 10:43

I'm in my 50's and have worn DM's since 16 years old. I had the need to purchase a new pair of boots some years ago and found that DM's were not the same quality they used to be. I found that they felt cheaper quality and inferior construction.

I discovered Solovair and now own 4 pairs - I sold all of my DM's (11 pairs to fund my new fund Solovair addiction.) I have both Derby and Astronaut boots. Think my next boots will be the Chukka boot.

Hobbes8 · 26/09/2023 10:45

If you have small enough feet…the junior DMs are softer and have a zip up the side so you don’t need to do the laces every time. I think they go up to a size 6.

KirstenBlest · 26/09/2023 10:49

@EraOfTheGrey, are you me? I got rid of my DMs when I realised that they were showing signs of wear very quickly. I had one pair I had only worn indoors in an office a few times (wore trainers for commuting to keep my boots pristine - I know!) and they should not have been wearing that quickly, so the whole lot went.

Zips on DMs are just wrong.

lemonraincoat · 26/09/2023 10:52

Solvair definitely. They are made in the UK. Dr Martens are now made in China and the quality has gone downhill rapidly.

EraOfTheGrey · 26/09/2023 10:56

@KirstenBlest I made a small fortune selling all my DM's as I had some really rare ones and most were only lightly worn as I disliked them after just a few wears. To my shame I had them stored up all around the house.

I proved Einsteins definition of insanity with my re-purchasing of DM's (over and over again, but expecting different results” – Albert Einstein.)😖

Motherhubbardscupboard · 26/09/2023 10:56

I know people on here love Solovairs and they are definitely excellent quality, but I found them less comfortable than DMs, the sole wasn't as soft and bouncy as I remembered my DMs being back in the day. I ended up selling them. They didn't take much breaking in though. This year I've bought some DMs and the sole is as I remember, however I haven't broken them in yet so can't give a full opinion on which is best!

LaRevolution · 26/09/2023 12:12

Are there any brands that MN universally agreed on in terms of sole bounciness?! Does anyone have the Birkenstock Chelsea boots, or Lanx ones?

KirstenBlest · 26/09/2023 12:25

I wouldn't say that bounciness was something I look for, but I'll bear it in mind when wearing various shoes. I'd notice if the soles were hard, stiff or heavy.
My DMs weren't noticeably bouncy.

MabelMoo23 · 26/09/2023 15:21

I really want some of the fur lined Chelsea boot DM’s but the thought of my heels being absolutely ripped to shreds is putting me off a bit!

KirstenBlest · 26/09/2023 15:34

My chelsea boots aren't fur lined, but my feet weren't ripped to shreds but they aren't DMs. I had non-furry DM chelsea boots but I was between sizes in them, and found the nearest sizes unwearable.

Lentilweaver · 26/09/2023 17:45

@KirstenBlest I love the Solovair monkey boots in burgundy, but are they as shiny as they look on the site? Do they go with dresses and trousers alike? I find it hard to tell sans a model. And they are expensive.

ChilliPB · 26/09/2023 17:57

I’d look at Lanx and Grenson too - I’ve got boots from both and they are much nicer to wear and better quality than my DMs. More expensive but Grenson in particular do amazing sales. I have Nanettes and Chelsea boots which I got for around £100 ish in the sales.

Saucery · 26/09/2023 18:00

Solovair every time for me, DMs these days are so cheap and nasty imo. I like 8 hole lace ups. The black ‘greasy’ leather benefits hugely from a couple of coats of their dubbin, then I alternate with black boot polish.

FannyBawz · 26/09/2023 18:02

To get decent quality leather now you need to go about £200 mark for dms.

I get mine off eBay. Too stingy for full price!

otherwise solo air is your best bet

Ihaveawonderfulpartner · 26/09/2023 18:07

I have two pairs of DM boots but as I am a size 5 I was able to buy the junior version that have a side zip. They are lovely and padded and I wear them constantly in the winter. The zip is never noticed by anyone and I have lots of compliments on my boots.