Doc Martens

The History of Doc Martens

Doc Martens are beloved shoes of punks, students, and anyone who likes their fashion on the alternative side.

It may come as something of a surprise, then, to learn that Doc Marten himself was none of these things. In fact, the subcultural hit was the result of a skiing injury near Munich. In 1945, German physicist Dr. Klaus Maertens injured his foot while skiing and built shoes of his own to wear while healing. They had the air-cushioned soles the legend is still made of. Matching minds with an inventor friend, Dr. Maertens overcame the "gimmick" stigma of his new soles. Companies didn't want to distribute such a "trend" as air-filled soles. Finally, an English manufacturer bit and produced a work boot in Dr. Maertens' style.

By the 1960s, the shoes had been adopted as part of the uniform of choice by the skinheads. However, the sturdy, hardwearing Doc Marten style was soon picked up by other sectors of society, such as the police force.

In the late 1970s and 1980s, Doc Martens shoes were all the rage. Podiatrists were happy. Girls were a little less cutesy in their Doc Martens shoes and floral dresses, but men were able to make a fashion statement all their own.

Although they used to only be made in black or oxblood red, the 1990s saw the start of a trend for customization. Doc Martens began appearing in color designs – some of which were hand-painted.

Today, Doc Martens are no longer the style standard of disaffected youth. The shoes are now thoroughly mainstream, so much so that the company has now branched out into creating flip-flops and sneakers. Doc Martens are now worn by everyone from teenage girls to working men who need a strong, reliable shoe that will last for a long time.

Doc Martens Signature Style

Comfort. The main selling point for Doc Martens shoes is the comfort they offer. Air-filled soles turned out not to just be a gimmick. Instead, it's a sole staple for feeling like you really are walking on air.

The hip-factor. The reason Doc Martens shoes are so hip is that there's something in their line for everybody. There are the clunky black lace-up boots for the goth kids, all-American casual brown boots, and a business casual selection for those who are past the youth years but don't want to let go of their beloved Doc Martens.

Versatility. No matter what your culture, age, or sex, you're sure to find Doc Martens shoes that fit your needs. You might choose a sandal, or you may go for their unusual pair of white lace-up knee-high boots. Either way, your feet will be comfortable and a statement will be made.

Warranty. Not lifetime like the rumor says, but Doc Martens shoes do come with a limited warranty. It covers manufacturer's defects, but not wear and tear. You just take them back to the store where you bought them. The manager can take care of it from there.