

However, it doesn’t hurt that they’ve been on the feet of more rock and roll icons than any other. Doc Martens have returned to being what they were always intended for - a quality, comfortable boot that looks good. Much of the cultural importance attached to DMs is no longer so poignant. This shifting role of fashion as class conscious identity grew even stronger with subsequent subcultures, evolving into part of the uniform for rude boys, punk, grunge and finally back into mainstream fashion thanks to the likes of Marc Jacobs in the 90’s. Sick of the “foppish” clothing popular in 60’s rock and roll fashion, Pete very purposefully adopted an utilitarian style as a symbol of solidarity with Britain’s working class. Pete Townshend of The Who is largely pointed to as the one who started it all. Built for function, they became popular in England amongst postal carriers, police and factory workers.ĭoc Martens may have remained just a quality leather boot, but they became a statement of ethos. Martens has kept the icon nearly identical since its first days with simple and sturdy production, a PVC sole that will soften with wear instead of cracking or splitting, and being oil and acid resistant. Martens 1460 was released in smooth, oxblood colored leather. Martens design, adjusting the heel to improve the fit, adding a rounder and more comfortable toe box, adding the now iconic aesthetic elements like the contrasting yellow stitch and anglicizing the name.įinished on April 1st, 1960 and named after the date (1-4-60), the most iconic work boots in history - Dr. Started in 1901, Griggs already had a reputation for sturdy, durable work boots from the heart of the British shoe industry in the English Midlands. Fortunately, the ad was answered by the owner of Griggs’ Footwear. Additionally, they were highly popular amongst hard-working, long-standing housewives.īy 1959, the company sought to expand the business and placed advertisements across European trade publications promoting the “bouncing soles” of their Airwair boot.


The air-cushioned soles were an innovation andĪrrived serendipitously as thousands of military men, tired of years spent in unforgiving army boots, joined the labor force.
DOC MARTENS LOAFERS FULL
By 1947, they were in full production and by the 1950’s, Maerten’s ambition and Funk’s engineering experience had produced the perfect work boot. Herbert Funk and the two went into business together using discarded and recycled military supplies. Maertens brought the idea to his friend Dr. Having had a background as a cobbler, he conceived of a soft rubber sole, but sealed with air pockets that would add extra cushioning. Klaus Maertens injured his foot in a skiing accident and needed more support than his standard-issue boots could offer. Martens footwear dates back to 1945 when military veteran Dr. Martens Made in England collection that perfectly rebuilds DM icons in their original Northamptonshire, England factory. Step aside, winter boots, there's a new shoe in town.Shop Dr. To get you started, we've got the 14 best pairs of spring shoes to rock your feet for the season ahead. With the change of the seasons comes the change in your footwear-embrace it. You may plan to wear skirts and want some new boots to match. Or maybe you plan to wear stonewashed denim on the weekends and want to pair it with a canvas sneaker. Maybe you have a lineup of weddings you could use some new heels for.

Think about what you have coming up in the next couple of months. From floral printed sneakers to lightweight loafers, there's a variety of ways you can approach shopping for spring shoes. It's a style that's playful and happy, something that channels the joy of the season. You might be wondering what exactly constitutes a spring shoe. A good pair of shoes for the season is exactly what the doctor ordered. Let's start with the foundation of every good closet: shoes. It's time to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new. The time for spring cleaning is just around the corner, and you know what that means.
