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Like Dr Martens but better!

86 replies

hby9628 · 15/12/2025 21:16

I have some Dr Martens Chelsea style boots which I love. Love the shape and the fit however, in the winter they don’t keep my toes warm. I’ve tried fleece liners but they are too thick so make the boots uncomfortable. Are there any brands that are similar in style but would actually keep my feet warm?

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IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 16/12/2025 15:40

YY to Solvairs. I go up half a size and add Sheepskin insoles. Actual sheepskin, fro eg; Celtic and Co, not polyester.

Eastar · 16/12/2025 15:41

Lanx are worth a look. But I'm not sure Solvair will be any more roomy, although they are better quality than Docs.
I used to wear Blundstones for riding/yard work they'd fit a thick sock, Ariat might be an option too.

hby9628 · 16/12/2025 16:05

@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroadsits the Celtic & co liners I tried in my Docs. Could barely get my foot in!
yes I liked the ariat boots that someone suggested actually. It’s my job tonight to have a proper look at some options

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Kokonimater · 16/12/2025 16:57

Have a look at Rocketdogs. And sale at mo. I love them

hby9628 · 16/12/2025 17:10

Rocketdogs pinch my toes unfortunately

I’ve just looked at Lanx & they have a shop in the Northern Quarter which I’m heading to on sat so I could pop in there. I also like the look of the Solovair classic boot with the zip on them. Bit of a change from the Chelsea style but easy to get on!

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hby9628 · 16/12/2025 17:18

I really like the Lanx Reed too

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TeachersHR · 16/12/2025 17:54

How about Women's Boots | Ladies Flat & Ankle Boots | Barbour?

notacooldad · 16/12/2025 18:43

I have the Lanx Reed and absolutely love them!. I also ha e two pairs of laced boots by Lanx and love them.as well.

Gentlesquids · 16/12/2025 18:57

another vote for Lanx boots. Amazing local company

I have two pairs. They have a new range with a vibram sole too.

They usually have brilliant sales on periodically: try them on and then bide your time (online store)

watch out as different colours feel different in the same size - something to do with the leather I was told

hby9628 · 16/12/2025 19:00

I’ve just been eyeing up the Lanx Dinkley in dusk. Down to £144 from £210 with a 10% code. However, it looks like they did a good black fri sale so I’m not sure if I should hold off.

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Aparecium · 16/12/2025 19:00

You need good wool socks. I’ve just bought some Bridgedale Merino Banded Socks, and they are wonderfully toasty. They are thicker than ordinary cotton socks, about like thick cotton sports socks. But, being wool, they are far more compressible than cotton, so you can wear them in any shoes. I have loads of wool socks, live in them in the winter, but these are my most recent buys.

I don’t understand people complaining that DMs are not waterproof. I bought my first pair last year, and have not had wet feet at all. I wax them once a month in winter. Water just rolls of them.

I had a pair of Reiker boots before the DMs. Utterly gorgeous and instantly comfy. Totally waterproof - which was a problem, because the synthetic material was not breathable. I ended up with the worst athletes’ foot. It didn’t matter how I treated my feet and sprayed the boots, I had chronic athletes’ foot until I stopped wearing the boots.

silverwrath · 16/12/2025 19:33

Oneofthebest · 16/12/2025 06:58

As mentioned above, Solovair ( the original DM’s).

Or Lanx, British made, beautiful shoes and boots.

https://lanxshoes.com/pages/we-are

Love the look of their Boots. Seem high quality and as a bonus, they're made in the UK? What's not to like? Apart from the price of course. 😂

Mumof2wifeof1crazytimes · 16/12/2025 19:48

Lanx boots are lovely, very good quality and so comfortable.

TeachersHR · 16/12/2025 19:56

@silverwrath , the price is ok for the quality. They should last for years.
Look for pre-loved for lower prices.
Solovair has an outlet on its website. If you're lucky and don't mind factory seconds you can get them half-price

justasking111 · 16/12/2025 19:56

TeachersHR · 16/12/2025 17:54

I've just wrapped up a pair of Barbour boots for my DS he lives in Yorkshire does a lot of walking most days, living outside Leeds now it's 20 minutes walk to the train station, then walking to university from the station. He wanted these because others said they're warm, waterproof and comfortable.

TeachersHR · 16/12/2025 20:00

@justasking111 , I've got a pair of Barbour boots somewhere. They are comfortable.

justasking111 · 16/12/2025 20:08

I have a pair of 12 year old Ugg leather boots, sort of slouchy, great with thick socks. I liked them so much bought another pair in the sale. Glad I did. Labrador puppy ate one pair a couple of years ago 🙈

My friends daughter has around a dozen pairs of DMs 30 years old approximately. They're still going strong.

I think good leather boots are something you just have to pay for.

hby9628 · 16/12/2025 20:50

@Apareciumthanks for the sock tip off I’ll look at them. My DMs have never been waterproof. I didn’t realise this when I got them about 6 years ago and when I went on the field and it was wet I soon discovered this was the case. I did a bit of research & apparently it’s to do with the stitching. I don’t know how true this is. However as a day to day dry weather boot they are comfy and I like the style of them but when it’s wet & cold they don’t cut it. They have worn well and I’ve not looked after them and they still look decent.
@justasking111i absolutely love uggs. They fit me well and I’ve had some brilliant ones in the past that I’ve worn and worn until they have worn out! I’ve just not found any styles I like in recent years.
I agree, I think for decent boots you have to pay.

ive been on this boot quest for about 3 years now and every year I fail. I think I get worried I’m going to invest in expensive boots & still have cold feet!

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hby9628 · 16/12/2025 20:51

The Barbour amble boots look good actually. Nice solid sole on them. I’m wondering if a good sole is the key to warmth.

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ChardonnaysBeastlyCat · 16/12/2025 20:57

hby9628 · 16/12/2025 19:00

I’ve just been eyeing up the Lanx Dinkley in dusk. Down to £144 from £210 with a 10% code. However, it looks like they did a good black fri sale so I’m not sure if I should hold off.

I have the Dinkley.

They run a bit small, but are very comfortable.

I have some Solovairs as well. they are roomier and they have lasted me years.

silverwrath · 16/12/2025 20:59

TeachersHR · 16/12/2025 19:56

@silverwrath , the price is ok for the quality. They should last for years.
Look for pre-loved for lower prices.
Solovair has an outlet on its website. If you're lucky and don't mind factory seconds you can get them half-price

I'm not disputing the quality. But the price is only 'okay' if you can afford them. Even preloved are likely to be over £100. So pricey for those who aren't flush. And many people aren't.

hby9628 · 16/12/2025 21:00

@ChardonnaysBeastlyCatdo the Dinkley keep your feet warm? Would you think there is space in them for a wool liner or would I have to size up?

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TeachersHR · 16/12/2025 21:06

@silverwrath , Try ALL – NPS Solovair Outlet.

ChardonnaysBeastlyCat · 16/12/2025 21:14

hby9628 · 16/12/2025 21:00

@ChardonnaysBeastlyCatdo the Dinkley keep your feet warm? Would you think there is space in them for a wool liner or would I have to size up?

You have to size up, I think.

Mine are really smug. Then again, it depends on the liner.

Maybe you can write to them and ask?

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