Are Dr Martens really worth it?

[RightHereRightNowish]

So I'm fed up of buying a new pair of boots every winter. It's annoying and obviously terrible for the environment.

I'm looking for a more durable option and I'm wondering if Dr Martens are really worth the price? I'm put off by reading how uncomfortable they are for ages.

So, are they worth the money and effort?

Standard DMs are no longer durable and long lasting. My DDs split after about 13 months.

My pair from the 90s and my DDs guaranteed for life (no longer made) are still going strong.

I don't know if the more expensive boots in the UK are better quality.

I agree with PP. They used to be fabulous. Even the normal ones lasted ages. The guaranteed for life were a fantastic deal, but I didn't have the money at the time.

I have heard that the made in England boots are more like they once were, but I have no direct experience I'm afraid.

What boots only last one winter? Doc Martens were cripplingly unwearable for me but I've never had to buy new boots every winter.

I have boots that are years and years old.

No, really poor quality now. Mine split over a few months. Not workwear quality any more.

The first pair I purchased in 2018 lasted 4 years. When I eventually wore them out, I purchased another pair of the exact same style boots. Unfortunately, they only lasted 1 winter and are sat in the garage used as my gardening shoes. Personally, I wouldn't buy another pair of boots. The price seems to be increasing and the quality is decreasing.
I also have the heeled Mary Jane's. They look lovely but are so heavy and uncomfortable.

I’ve got a pair of the soft ones I’ve worn every winter for 5 years. They look a bit scruffy now but they’re still waterpoof and very comfortable.

The hard leather ones are impossible to break in IMO.

Try Merril boots. Pricey but last aaaaaages.

DMs are not what they were when I bought my first pair over 25 years ago. From what I understand most are now made in China.
Try Solovair OP. Their shoes and boots are amazing and made on DM lasts.
They are expensive but totally worth it IMO.

I think they used to be great but sadly are now just poorer quality. The last pair I had just wouldn't "break" in and I donated them to the charity shop, my ankles were begging for mercy. The best pair I ever had were years old, cherry red and then we got a puppy who chewed the soles off - I was devastated.

+1 for Solovair

Far closer to what Docs used to be.

Not worth it anymore . I bought some few years ago and they ripped on second wear . Got a refund and bought a different pair . I tried every single trick to wear them in but it still took 6 + months and I still can't fully trust them . I bought a pair of new rocks and they fit like a glove from the go and have never rubbed . They've survived download festival and many outdoor gigs and still look great . My mum still has a pair of DMs she bought in the 90s . They don't make them the same anymore unfortunately.

Also yes to the made in England and solovair

I have had Chelsea boot style ones for three winters, have worn them lots including a lot for work. They're worn but still going extremely strong, my regret is that I dithered about them for a whole winter beforehand and I should have just bought them!

Another vote for Solovair.

Docs have had their day. Try Solovairs. Made in the same factory as Docs used to before they left for cheaper climes.
Lovely boots
I have these - totally worth the money

uk.nps-solovair.com/collections/womens/products/s8-551-bg-g

Lanx are actually more comfortable than Solovair.

I have 3 pairs my first pair bought 7 years ago they have lasted 7 winters and 3 muddy festivals !! They are the cherry red leather lace ups I also have the sandals and pairs for my children worth every penny for me.

Solovair makes boots that look like DMs but the standard is so much better than DMs. NPS Solovair | Official Online Store | British Made Since 1881 – NPS Solovair UK (nps-solovair.com)
I don't like their vegan leather.

I have some old-school Dr Martens that are 28 years old and still going strong. I agree that the new ones are nowhere near as good. I love the variety of boots and sandals you can get.

While limited in style Blundstones are very good and have a dress boot version.

The creme de la creme is RM Williams, also limited in style, and they cost an arm and a leg.

I've never had trouble wearing any of these in, though naturally I'm careful not to go on along walk first time out.

Not anymore. Try Solovair instead OP. Original boots made in the UK in what used to the DM factory I believe. They're basically what DMs used to be.

Back in the 90s (and earlier) absolutely. Now no, horrible uncomfortable bastard things that just don't last.

Nope, over priced fashion brand nowadays
Lanx are beautiful solovair are popular and blundstone boots ( not just Chelsea boots)

Grenson (buy when on sale)
Lanx
Solovair

All would be much better quality than the new DMs.

Ooohhh yeah Grenson boots are beautiful
(I'd forgotten about them)

Yes I've got three pairs that are still going strong 4 years later.