Combat boots
Doc Martens: That’s why the shoes are and remain timeless classics
The first prototype of Dr. Martens was developed back in 1945
© Olena Kovalova/Getty Images
Based on the idea of developing a comfortable safety boot, the doctor Klaus Märtens unknowingly created a trend shoe in 1945: Dr. Martens – Docs for short. There were already 200 different models in the 1950s and combat boots are still available in different designs today.
Classic Dr. Martens are characterized by three typical features: an air-filled rubber sole (also called “Air-Wair”), yellow stitching and black leather as an upper. After the combat boots were worn by many skinheads, but also punks and autonomous people in the 70s, fans of the grunge scene like Kurt Cobain also discovered the sturdy boots for themselves – and thus triggered a renewed hype in the 90s. At the turn of the millennium, however, the Docs experienced a real low point when no one seemed to be interested in the shoes anymore. Nevertheless, the models never disappeared from the scene: instead, production continued happily. And lo and behold, suddenly everyone wanted to wear Docs again. Since 2010, demand has increased noticeably again and continues to this day.
This is what characterizes 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, that is black combat boots, there is Dr. Martens shoes come in countless designs these days. Not only do the colors vary, but also the shaft and sole height. But it doesn’t matter whether it’s monochrome or… colorfulmatt or glitteringprinted with floral prints or with Fur lined: The range is so extensive that there should be something to suit 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 would relieve the strain on his feet. In short, he developed the so-called Air-Wair sole made of plastic, which is filled with air cushions. This should allow the wearer to be on their feet for hours without experiencing pain in their feet. Really comfortable were (and are) Dr. However, Martens has not to this day – at least at the beginning.
That’s why docs have to be broken in
Anyone who has ever had Dr. Martens knows that at the beginning the shoes are very stiff and press on all corners. Bending doesn’t help either; instead, it simply takes time for the material to adapt optimally to the feet. However, when the time comes, the leather shoes (there are also… vegan models) more than comfortable. The somewhat unpleasant shrinkage is at least as much a part of the Docs as their classic appearance.
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