Dr Martens boots

[PersephoneParlormaid]

I’m in my 50’s but suddenly want a pair of these boots. Just the Chelsea boot style ones, but are they really as bad to wear in as people say?

Gel socks are great if they do rub a bit.

Mid 50s and got y first pair this year. They are not uncomfortable but did need some wearing in. I couldn’t wear them everyday but they are fab and I get loads of compliments. Lots of new pairs on Vinted at half the price. Worth a look.

@PersephoneParlormaid , someone's beaten me to it, but I have these
Black Hi-Shine Dealer Boot | Solovair | Handmade in England – NPS Solovair UK They didn't need breaking in, but I wore them for a short while each time a few times before wearing them all day. I wear them with skirts/dresses and opaque tights.

Mine came from Ebay for £45, but I bought them a few summers ago, and they looked as good as new.

(I'm about your age.)

I loved the idea of them when I was 50ish, bought a couple of different pairs but they were just so uncomfortable! The soles are really thin and I could feel every tiny piece of gravel. Ended up putting them on Ebay because every time I wore them my feet ached. I now wear Oxygen Taff, which are sublime comfort by comparison.

I know DM's have a very devoted fanbase and I'll be told it's a me problem, so I acknowledge that it probably is. I still love the look but my feet didn't love them.

@CoubousAndTourmaIet , the DMs aren't all that, but they're a definite look. That's why I recommend a far better quality boot.

The Oxygen ones look comfortable, a bit like Moshulu, what's the sizing like?

Soft leather have not rubbed me. However, I am a bit ‘cankle’y’ and they are not loose at the top! Those of slender ankle will be fine.

True to size for length, but fairly wide fit with generous toe room. I don't need to size up in Oxygen, whereas I would for Clarks etc.

Totally agree, DM's rubbed my cankles horribly! Definitely better for slim legs.

I got some DM Chelsea boots last year. It took about a week for them to get really comfortable, but now they are a dream to wear. Depends a bit how thick your ankles are.

There's a reason that docs hold their value second hand. Someone else has done the work for you!

Thanks all for your replies, will read them all and decide which to go for.
Ive always bought Clark’s Chelsea boots before, but they just aren’t the same quality anymore, and for the price I’d rather get longer lasting DM’s.

Totally agree!
My Solovair boots are on their 4th winter and only just beginning to show and signs of wear. They were comfortable straight out of the box. Similar price to China-made DM, far superior quality. DD has been through a pair of DMs whilst I’ve had my Solovairs.

Another vote for Solovair here. How DMs used to be - will last a lifetime with care. DMs now aren’t worth the price tag.

Dumb thing to care about really. If they were just made and they fit my feet how much more "up to date" could they be.

Another for Solovair. Much more ethical purchase apart from anything else, made in UK.

I got a pair last year. I lived in DMs as a teen. I can’t wear these new ones. They hurt as are very stiff and they feel a heck of a lot clunkier than they used to. I feel like I have clown’s feet - and I regularly wear walking boots without feeling this way. I have significant buyers remorse.

the ones I have:

www.drmartens.com/uk/en_gb/1460-pascal-mono-lace-up-boots-black/p/24479001

I do think you should try before buying OP. I'm the same age and I just cannot get some Chelsea boots on these days. Some are fine, but others, no chance. And then getting them off again is another ballache.

The DMs I wear the most are the kids ones with the zip on the side. I have other pairs but I wear these way more as they are just easier to get on and off.

I bloody love Chelsea boots too, and so I was non too charmed about the on off battle that now seems a thing. I have average ankles, not super slim but not too chunky either so I don't really know what the issue is.

I have a pair of DM Chelsea boots. I’ve had them 12+ years and they still look new. They have never rubbed. I don’t struggle to get them on and off either. Love them!

@BitOutOfPractice , are they the standard DM chelsea boots or the Made in England ones?

Just got my first pair - and probably my last! I have wide feet and they’re still tight. But… I’ve been filling them out with scrunched paper when not wearing them and just wearing them around the house to break in. I am also older. Wear what suits you and makes you happy :)

I used to love my DMs but recently I've found they're too flat for me (dropped arches).
They can take a while to break in, depending on the style, so wearing around the house with two pairs of socks can help with that.
Durability can be an issue too. My newer pairs definitely don't last as long.
Fly London boots are a decent alternative if you find DMs aren't for you.

Wore DMs all the time as a teenager even to school. Bought a pair a couple of years ago and they were the most painful boots ever, they were tight to the point my feet went numb as they wouldn't bend and I got terrible blisters even with DM socks.
I stick with Flys now, I find them far more comfortable

Fly London boots are great if you like the styles.

DM quality now is not what it was in my schooldays. The styles are good, the quality isn't.

Im not sure but when did they start producing abroad. I got these in 2014

I do love my DM's. Just replaced my Chelsea boots - will see if they last as long and predecessors.

I also love Fly but find they leak So can't wear them in wet weather.