Doc Martens. Do you love them? Used to love them? Are you nostalgic and thinking of getting another pair? Or are you considering one of the other options like Solovair or Gripfast?

Have you bought a pair of the new ones made somewhere other than the UK? What are your impressions?

dontfeartheringo wrote: Wed Jun 09, 2021 10:28 pm

My first thought.

OF COURSE not crap. I'm interpreting "Doc Martens" like we use "xerox" or "walkman", i.e. one word to represent all articles of that class, even if they happen to be technically a different brand.

I didn't wear docs, I wore Undergrounds. They are much worse quality, but much more badass.

I first encountered them as part of rivethead fashion and thought they were consigned to that sphere. I was kind of shocked to see them on indiepoppers and so on.

I've considered getting a new pair of black oxfords but the store near me seems to only stock the kind with yellow stitching, made in China I presume, and I don't want those. Is it true there's a superior 'Made in UK' variant?

I have a pair of oxblood loafers that belonged to a dear departed friend when we were teenagers. I got them when he died and I like wearing them to fancy events, it's like we are going out together. And they look killer. And add height.

Teacher's Pet wrote: Thu Jun 10, 2021 7:17 am I've considered getting a new pair of black oxfords but the store near me seems to only stock the kind with yellow stitching, made in China I presume, and I don't want those. Is it true there's a superior 'Made in UK' variant?

Yes, you can see them here https://www.drmartens.com/uk/en_gb/unis ... c/04310000. (This is the UK store).

I don't know whether they are 'superior' in themselves, but presumably better paid workers etc etc.

I can't decide. My freshman year of college I bought a pair of the 3-eye shoes with their normal sole and wore them until the bottom had a giant hole in them. Best shoes ever. After college I bought another pair of the same size with the military sole and they've never been comfortable. I still have them and wear them for a few hours whenever I go to a wedding or whatever, still uncomfortable. The length is okay but it's real tight in the toe box. I should get them stretched. Probably a bad idea for 25 year old leather.

The problem is I wear a US 9.5. There is no direct UK size crossover. For that I guess I'll vote crap.

I have switched over to Solovairs (i think based partially on your recommendation, ringo) and they are great. made in UK. a little expensive but they last. have not tried the boots, just the shoes.

Of course now post COVID, i wear jeans and sneakers to the office every day. The fancy black leather shoes are waiting patiently for a wedding, court appearance or public speaking occurrence.

People look cool wearing 'em, it's just me who doesn't. NC

The only brand that I'm loyal to, but it's utterly irrational as the quality for the last 6 years-ish is shocking - I lived in a pair for 2 yrs when I was squatting, walked everywhere every day and they lasted well - now I barely get a year out of them before the soles wear down at the back and holes appear. Tried Solovairs a year back and didn't see much difference for a big jump in price.

I'll say N.C as I love how they look but I feel used every time I buy another pair.

I got a couple of pairs for free when I did sound for a Doc M. corporate event a few years ago. I've tried to wear them but they are mega uncomfortable. I've been told they take a long time to break in but man, it's tough to wear them long enough to get them there. A friend told me his started getting comfortable about the time another pair of boots would need a resole. Ain't got time for that.