If you have ever owned a pair of Dr Martens shoes or boots, you know how insanely hard to break them in. My clown feet and heels as hard as elephant's skin are not genetic. They are the result of salvation after long years of battle with Docs. They seriously hurt you when bought new, giving you blisters and bruises all over your feet and ankles. Then after a while - by the time you feel tired of feeling the pain, the've sneakily become comfortable.
Renowned as heavy duty and popular among workers, Dr Martens last for years & years. My husband who is a nurse used to swear by it when he was working in a ward - there's nothing else like it in terms of durability. My last 10-eye boots lasted for 25 years and Chelsea boots 30 years (they were sold around £20 in late 1980's).
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Dr Martens For Men For Sale
A lot of Dr Martens are designed as unisex with a wide range of sizes from UK 3 - 15. Obviously small sizes fit children too, but they're often indicated "Unisex Adults". Part of the reason I guess is VAT, that should be zero rated on children's clothing including footwear. Whereas in this case a flat rate of 20% is charged and included in the price for any sizes. You wouldn't want your kid to go through the ordeal though. Give blisters to their feet or pierce their ears?
2976 Original “Chelsea” Boots
It only takes 2 seconds to wear a pair of "slip-on" Chelsea Boots, they're incredibly durable with the big front vamp and thick sole. Like any other Doc shoes, once they're comfortable they're extremely comfortable and I actually wear my Chelsea Boots when I go for a long walk in the rain, or walk my dog in muddy park. I used my last pair for mountain walk and outdoor festivals, made them last for 30 years - of course they're made of leather, not recommended to use this way. But it's amazing.
Material (inner & outer) 100% leather, cushioned footbed and PVC sole with 12.5mm heel.
1460 Ankle (8 Eyelet) Boots
I was proud of my 12-eyelet boots back in late 1980's - jeans tucked in, of course. (a) What was I thinking, and (b) wasn't I lucky never been beaten up by Neo-National Fronts. Actually London was already pretty integrated by the end of 80's; I remember my friends with different backgrounds all wore Dr Marten eyelet boots. Dreadlocks, Bhangra-punk singers and Acid-house ravers.
12-eye boots would be a bit too long and pointless, unless you want to appeal your skinhead roots (and have long thin legs!). Here are 8-eyelet boots, available in either black or cherry red. Wear a pair of long thick socks underneath and they make any of your outdoor activities comfortable in winter.
8-eyelet lace up boots, air cushioned sole, 100% leather with PVC sole. Yellow stitches all around. Heel-hight: 1cm.
1461 Lace-Up (3 Eyelet) Shoes
You would almost think these lace up shoes have no characters. But again these are so sturdy and handy. I choose to wear them when I'm in a situation where I need to dress up smart-casual but need to walk around longer than usual. Because they're so comfortable - though again, it takes a while to break them in. For example I wore them when I was doing a volunteer work in the kitchen (assist cooking, pop out to get some vegetables, delivering meals etc).
These come in various colours (Black, Cherry Red, Navy, Green or White). With air-cushioned sole, heel height: 3cm. 100% leather with PVC sole.
Dr Martens' Original Shoe Care
I've mentioned about walking in the rain with my Doc boots earlier, but of course I do take good care of my leather footwear. Especially when brand new - it's important your leather's hydrated and softened properly. I apply plenty of Wonder Balsam (shown below) all over the leather.
Dr Martens Shoe Polish
Dr Martens original polish is available in Black, Neutral or Cherry, each one to restore the colour as well as to maintain the leather. Apply a thin coat, wipe with dry cloth then brush to shine.
Dr Martens Wonder Balsam Waxes Natural
The "Wonder Balsam" is made of a natural blend of coconut oil, lanolin and beeswax and it comes with an applicator sponge. It can be used on any leather shoes (except suede).
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Dr Martens: Worth All The Pain and Agony?
I think so. Once broken in and relaxed, they are very comfortable and strong, last for years and years. Try any of the most popular three (lace-up boots, Chelsea boots or 3-eyelet shoes) in this page. Take it easy in the beginning - wear them only for a few hours and change. Take it slowly.
I only like black shoes. I had brown Dr. Marten and did not like the look. But I agree they are very strong and I walk when it is raining as well. It takes me many months to make them soft and I can start walk. Thank you.
Hi Ashley, I agree with you, I like black Dr Marten the most. What I used to do is to lace up with a coloured lace (yellow or red), that gave an accent to the boots. Coloured shoes such as white or blue are really for women in my opinion, but there’s no reason why men shouldn’t wear them. Thanks Ashly for stopping by.
Oh I worship Dr Martens boots 😮 Mine last for years & years. I’ve never used their own shoe polish, I might try.
Hi John, they’re fabulous, aren’t they? I’ve seen some Europeans looking to buy them for less price recently. When I’m in certain places in London, they come up to me and say “Doctor Martens! Excuse me but can I ask where you got them from?” They’re slightly disappointed to hear that I buy them on Amazon. I don’t know any outlets who sell Dr. Martens cheaper in Greater London, unfortunately. Their own shoe polish is great, though I don’t see any differences in polished result from other shoe polishes. Thanks for your visit John.