Combat boots
Doc Martens: That’s why the timeless classics never go out of style
The first prototype by Dr. Martens was developed back in 1945
© Olena Kovalova / Getty Images
Out of the idea of developing a comfortable safety boot, the doctor Klaus Märtens unwittingly created a trendy shoe in 1945: Dr. Martens – Docs for short. Already in the 50s there were 200 different models and even today the Combat Boots are available in different designs.
Classic Dr. Martens are characterized by three typical features: an air-filled rubber sole (also called “Air-Wair”), yellow seams and black leather as the upper material. After the combat boots were worn by many skinheads, but also punks and autonomous people in the 1970s, fans of the grunge scene such as Kurt Cobain also discovered the sturdy boots for themselves – and thus triggered another hype in the 1990s. At the turn of the millennium, however, the Docs experienced a real low, when nobody seemed to be interested in the shoes anymore. Nevertheless, the models never disappeared from the scene: instead, production continued happily. Lo and behold, suddenly all the Docs wanted to wear again. The demand has increased noticeably since 2010 and continues to this day.
This is what distinguishes a Dr. Martens shoe off
The air-filled rubber sole, a curved cap and the yellow seams have established themselves as trademarks to this day – and can be found on all Docs. In addition to the timeless classic, so black combat boots, there is Dr. Martens shoes nowadays in countless designs. Not only do the colors vary, but also the shaft and sole height. But it doesn’t matter whether it is monochrome or colorful, matte or glittering, printed with flower prints or with Fur lined: The range is so extensive that there should be something for every taste. However, the price is almost always the same (high).
A rubber sole with a health factor
Klaus Märtens was a German doctor who served in the Wehrmacht and had to wear conventional work boots. For this reason, he came up with the idea of inventing a comfortable shoe that takes the strain off the feet. In short, he developed the so-called Air-Wair sole made of plastic, which is filled with air cushions. This should make it possible for the wearer to be on their feet for hours without experiencing pain in their feet. Really comfortable were (and are) Dr. Martens, however, to this day – at least in the beginning.
That’s why docs have to be broken in
Anyone who has ever received Dr. Martens, who knows: At the beginning the shoes are still very stiff and squeeze in all corners. Bending doesn’t help either, instead it simply takes time for the material to optimally adapt to the feet. But when the time comes, the leather shoes (there are also vegan models) are more than comfortable. The somewhat uncomfortable break-in is just as much a part of the Docs as their classic appearance.
You might also be interested in:
This article contains so-called affiliate links. Further information are available here.