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?

Solovairs!
They still take a little breaking in, but they are just like docs were before they sold out and the quality plummeted
They are made in Northampton using the same lasts they used to make docs back in the day

DMs never in slightest appealed to me. But they may be perfect for OP. Go with your gut feeling.

ps: thinking about heavy warm boots in this hot weather feels esp. bonkers right now, but you do U !

I have worn Docs since the 90’s. I can tell you without hesitation that they are not what they used to be. I have some 30ish years old that have been worn hard and they are in very good nick. The newer ones often have soles that split or come away within a year. I don’t believe they are worth the investment.

I love mine and so comfy. Summer I have DM sandals Josef and in winter I have soft leather boots (if your a 5 you can get kids ones which mine are) so comfy and also have a pair of the double platform ones but the name escapes me again in the soft leather

I have a 20+ year old pair of Doc Martens but that was from when they were made in UK. Now they are made in China I believe.

I wouldn't buy them now...I'd go for locally made https://www.johnlewis.com/solovair-made-in-england-8-eyelet-hi-shine-leather-derby-boots/p5123562

Obviously you can wear whatever you want but I’d say that clumpy boots are not fashionable now… at least in my area.

I've never owned a pair. Not in the slightest bit interested in owning some either. Just not my style.

I used to wear them 30 or so years ago but I don’t have the patience to break them in now. I’m almost 50 and I need a shoe/boot that comes out of the box and onto my foot ready to wear.

They are very popular school shoes these days.

I wear Solovairs whole autumn and winter, really love them. I have a warmer pair of DM lined with fake fur to use when it’s snowing and below -10 and I agree the quality is much worse than Solovair.

My boots are classic shape, not clumpy, no thick soles. They are such a classic shape and style that I can’t imagine they would be ever out of fashion, everything is a matter of styling.

I recommend Solovairs, mine are brogues and a joy to wear.

I am sorry for your troubles. Thoughts and prayers.

Solovair are absolutely great. I wear their monkey boots.

I think if you are quite petite a Chelsea boot might work well. Slim legs, skinny jeans and classic Doc shape risks making your feet look disproportionately big.

Loads of people wear DMs, but not so much the original 8-hole (which as a PP says are awful to break in!)
Have a look at DM Sinclair, they have a thicker sole and are made of a much softer pebbled leather; lots on Vinted but be warned lots of fakes!

My DD has 2 pairs and I think frankly for the money they're shit. The first pair the leather started peeling off after a year and both pairs still give her blisters after about 3 years. She actually prefers her slightly platform Converse for summer or a pair of lace up Pavers for winter.

I just got some and I'm mid 50's! They last forever so are a good investment. Not sure about skinny jeans, never seen anybody look good in them. Just buy straight jeans if you don't like boot cut.

Totally get where you're coming from! To explain- I'm holidaying in the southern hemisphere this summer!

They do sandals too!

Awesome, thanks!

Get Solovair instead. DM quality has now dived since they moved production overseas. Solovair are made in the original factory, with the original designs etc and done original staff.

I had two pairs in the 90s and I often wish I had kept them! They’re not the same anymore, much poorer quality.
They do look good though, my teen DD has a pair.
For myself I would probably be looking for similar alternatives though

If you want them get them. Personally I wouldnt because I dont do leather, they are expensive and apparently hard to break in.

I do however live in the Primark version every winter! I have them in brown, black, cream and tartan and love to wear them with dresses and mini skirts and thick tights. Plus they are only about £20!
I dont think they are very popular or fashionable but Im over 50 and couldnt give a rats arse!!LOL😆

I'm 50 and own about 4 pairs of DMs, some boots, some shoes. I always get lots of comments and compliments when I wear them from people of all ages. I usually wear them with dresses and colourful tights. Although not generally in the summer!

Birkenstocks in the summer!!

I had them, black lace ups, Shoe version, many years ago and they were supremely comfortable. I’m not sure if they’re made the same way now?

No. They’ll rip your feet up and they’re cliche.

I am 54 and have at least 3 pairs - standard black 8 hole, pink suede 8 hole and white trainers style ones. If I dug through my wardrobe, I might still have a maroon steel toe pair circa 1988.

DMs are timeless and no one is ever too old or dainty for them!