I've never ever had a pair of DMs. Should I get some now? (mid 40s)

[30birthdaygirl]

I'm thinking they'd go well with my new skinny jeans.

If not DMs then what?

Who wears them now? Rarely see them. Ditto skinny jeans. So many more interesting options rather than reliving the past.

Loads of people wear them. If you want them, buy them.

I mean wear what you like but…

What’s your usual style op?

I'm quite dainty so can't wear baggy without getting completely lost. Different styles suit different figures.

And how am I reliving the past when I've never had any?

I'm trying to work with my shape more nowadays. I try to dress quite youthfully. I wear band shirts a lot with jeans but also tea dresses occasionally. Shoe wise I am guilty of falling into the sketchers rut, but I also have a pair of newly acquired Merry People boots which I love.

I have Chelsea boots I wear with my (oh so aging and out of style) skinny jeans - I live in them Nov-March

I wouldn’t they’re a bugger breaking them in

Wear them! Lots of people do and they are still worn a lot by sixth formers that I see. Skinny jeans never really went away did they, Gucci had them on the runway recently and even Vogue had an article on them.

They’re not what they used to be unfortunately - I’ve lived in DMs all my life but they’ve changed manufacturers and they’re so uncomfortable now I’m looking for alternatives 🙁

Yes, get some, I love mine, I have the pascal ones which were comfortable from the first time I wore them and they’ll be going into their 5th winter and still look new. I wear mine with leather leggings or dresses.

Oh, unfortunate to hear they aren't very comfortable this could be a deal breaker! Where stocks them as it sounds like I'll need to try before I buy?

I've never had a gonk.

They do take ages to break in but last forever once they have . And they dont have different widths .

I love the look of DMs. I would go for it, but a caveat: get them second hand (made in england) or solovair.

The quality of the current DMs is shocking. I have had two pairs in which the leather cracked, making proper holes for rain to get in, within 6 months. Shit!

It is possible to get ones manufactured in england second hand and they last for years.

I love my dm's. Still wearing my steel toe cap ones which I got in 2003. Unfortunately I've heard a lot of complaints about the new ones. Apparently solovair are the ones to go for now. As you say, try some in a shop and hopefully you'll find a comfy pair 🤞

What about 'Fly' boots? Chunky soles.

I had green dms at 6th form/uni and loved them.
I got a longer red pair about 15 years ago and walked through the sole in 6th months - returned them and got a replacement and the same thing happened. The new styles are not durable like the old ones were. They are a different construction.

If you're quite dainty they may look too chunky for you.

Most big brand shoe retailers (eg Schuh etc) stock them. They're certainly a lot more mainstream than they used to be.

Sadly the prices have increased whilst the quality has taken a huge nose dive over the past decade.

I got my first pair when I was 50, 3 years ago. I’ve got the soft leather ones so no hassle to break in. If you like them go for it.

Wear whatever you like, what makes you smile. It's taken me many years to be confident in that (I am having a bit of a wobble about an outfit for a very important wedding though)

Living in the past here, and very happily. I still wear a pair I bought in 1998, selected as the comfiest wear for a teacher. Still doing well, though couple of bits don't take the polish as they used to.

Dms boots are great but Lanx are better.
However Dm sandals are great for summer, especially their sliders.
I also like Dm mary Jane's with dreses.
What style DMs are you thinking of getting.

They’re not what they used to be unfortunately - I’ve lived in DMs all my life but they’ve changed manufacturers and they’re so uncomfortable now I’m looking for alternatives Have you loked at Lanx. I have three pairs and never had to break them in.

I still have my DMs from the 80s but the ones I bought 10 years ago were a big let down in terms of quality, although they’re fine comfort wise. I prefer Solovair now who still make them all in the UK

The soft leather ones take no more breaking in than any other shoe. I agree about the quality though, it can be hit dnd miss.

This 👆

@30birthdaygirl don't get DMs, get a pair of Solovair boots. Solovair were the factory that made DMs when they were good, so you're effectively buying a pair of Doc Martens, but without the yellow stitching as that was a trademark.

I love my DMs. I’ve got Chelsea boots, sandle and a pair of Mary Jane style ones I got in the sale. I bought their own brand double lined socks too and never had any issues. Lots of the major cities have DM stores plus Schuh stock them. They last forever.