Like Dr Martens but better!

[hby9628]

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?

Cheers for the link. 😊

But I was actually talking about the Lanx Boots.

I thought you might @silverwrath . I like the look of the Lanx but am put off by needing to get them mail order/pre-loved when I don't know if they run large or small.

I checked my usual size and what I think might fit on Vinted and there are about 3 pairs £100 or under. The bad news is i only like one of them, and I don't like them enough to justify buying them.

Stitched leather boots are never properly waterproof unless they are regularly waxed. Very old fashioned! Most modern shoe polishes are about making the shoe look good and keeping the leather supple. You need good old-fashioned oily wax, and rub it well into the seams. When my DMs were new I would gently blowdry them after waxing, to ensure that the wax melted and was absorbed, rather than just sat on the top of the leather. I’ve gone through puddles, had water poured over my feet, and regularly walk across wet playing fields. Bone dry and toasty inside my DMs and wool socks.

Dubbin. Get it from an equestrian outlet.

All the Aussies & Canadians I know swear by Blundstone.
Not sure where the middle ground between those climates is but should do all right in soggy Britain.

@Apareciumill try that tip re the wax. Thanks

Solovair is the original Northamptonshire based factory that DMs were made at
https://uk.nps-solovair.com/

Lanx are quality handmade boots

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

This! I have these in brown, they are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned and are so warm & cosy. I have a pair of DM which I like a lot, but hardly ever wear them now as I always reach for the Westland ones first ! In fact I’m just about to order the black ones as I love them so much.

I think i read a thread on here years ago that explained that Dr Martens had sold to an overseas company and that the books were now mass produced outside the UK and, thus, not to the same standard despite retaining the same prices in the shops.

There was an alternative brand - I think it may have been Solovair - who manufacture in the Midlands to the same/higher standard of original Dr Martens. In fact, I think Solovair actually made the first Dr Marten’s boots back in the 50’s?

They mat be pricey, but mine are on their 4th winter and look new.

Absolutely agree with this. I bought a pair of their Mary Jane shoes and the buckle just pinged off literally a week into wearing them. Incredibly disappointing.

If you really want DMs, the "Made in England" ones are said to be fine. Otherwise you are buying fashion shoes.

Made in England

I bought a pair from Solovair earlier this year, they were disgraceful. They arrived with scuffs in the leather and massive gouges out of the side of the sole, they should only have been sold as seconds. At best. To be fair their customer service was very good.

Lanx are fantastic.

Fairfax and Favor Boudicca have a sheepskin lining and are amazingly cosy and come in all sorts of colours and finishes.

I bought my last pairs through here. I didn't buy Chelsea boot style I got the graffiti ones. They're wider than the normal DMS seem to be nowadays. so I could put a gel insoles inside to keep my feet cool in summer.just removed that and out a fleece One in instead
sale.dhgate.com/XMb1uz64

Blundstones are excellent.

Brill! Despite this some may still be unable to find that kind of money. I'm not denying their worth.

Another vote for Solovair, they're like DMs used to be, before the quality went downhill

@silverwrath , if you want nice boots try Women’s Ankle Boots at M&S

TK Maxx often have nice ones. They had a couple of pairs of Solovairs for £56(!) the last time I went in my local branch (not in my size), but they often have Clark's and Timberland.

@SucksToBeYou , there's a fake Solovair site. You might have ordered from there by mistake.

https://stridewise.com/dr-martens-vs-solovair/#:~:text=In%20short%2C%20I%27m%20the,UK/11.5%20US%20for%20Solovair.
Just found this I don't know if it'll help anyone. Have a great Christmas 🎄 🎁

The price of the 'Made in England' DMs is much higher than the regular DMs.
If you want the authentic iconic boot, then go for it.
Made In England Originals | Dr. Martens

I love pavers boots, lot of flex, comfortable and generally lighter wider so you can wear thicker socks. Some gorgeous trendy designs well.

So I’ve finally bitten the bullet & ordered a pair of lanx! It’s taken me all this time to be brave enough. They’ve got Hothersall down to £160 but an extra 10% off that too so thought it was worth a try. Fingers crossed they are everything I’m dreaming of in a boot 🤣