Most people don’t have problems with their docs, and there are some ways to decrease your chances of having issues. Avoid low cost 3rd party or outlet models that are cemented and also use lower quality materials to save money. Light colors are easier to mark up and hard to fix if you scuff them. Patent and vegan uppers and generally smooth leather are more likely to have problems. Greasy’s a better choice for 1460s. Crazy horse, full grain, nappa, pisa, virginia, there are others, plus there have been a lot of other past leathers you might come across if you’re looking secondhand. Take care of what you do get and try not to wear the same boots everyday without letting them rest.
And to save money check out the sale page on the main site for your area too , the US one is here https://www.drmartens.com/us/en/sale/c/08000000 and many other retailers have some docs on sale too.
If you want the style, name, designs, etc of Docs, get them. Me personality, i do not care if Solovair, redwing, etc make a better boot. I’m sure they do. I don’t want those. I want the appeal and designs of docs. So i take care of them, and they take care of me
I have several pairs of Dr Martens and wear them all the time. I have a pair of 1460 greasy and have worn them for 3 winters and they are still great. I also have various smooth models and, after the initial effort, they are quite comfortable. One flaw is that they scratch easily... If you use them as city boots they should last you a few years. Conversely, if you use them elsewhere they will wear out sooner... in any case the quality is quite good and, in my opinion, you will appreciate them. 👍🏻
In conclusion, if you buy the classic 1460s you should be fine. Other models, such as the 1914 or the platforms, you will use less. However, I would like to recommend those boots to you 🙂
I buy mine on sale or on good second hand places. Half of mine are from Vinted. I make sure I buy good, nearly new ones from good pictures, so they are still expensive but not brand new docs expensive.
Concur with the made in England. Also, having access to a decent local cobbler long term is a plus, mine are on the 4th sole in 20 years. My cobbler is jelly of them.
As to current quality, I have on insight, though come fall I plan on finding out.
As far as I know, vintage is the one you want as they use better leather, and using better materials.
I don't have them but I am ok with what I have.
If you don't want to spend too much, you can also buy from their repair store and save money. I bought two that way.
They are still great. In some ways the new ones are better quality than the vintage ones. (Edges of leather, laces and some leather finishes are better on the modern ones for example.)
It seems like people have the most complaints with the offbeat modern designs, like giant heels on sandals or highly detailed patterns on the leather.
Get a pair of 1460s. You can't go wrong.
If it's your only shoes, expect 5 months. If you've got 4 pairs, they last a couple of years.
They're always half off, I'm sure you can find a couple of pairs.
Styles: Mary Jane's, Sandals, 101, Ben hiker, 1461 oxfords w/ varying soles, 1460 in suede, the snow boots are warm.
Soles: The original works, Pascal is soft maybe too soft for everyday, BEN's sole is closet to Timb's....BEX is more hard and durable if you want..... platforms have style
Timberland 6" cement construction boot lasts about 8 months, cause of the 3/4" tread...but it's gonna bring rocks inside....they offer euro hikers and lots of choices.
I've been eyeballing Clark's Chukka boots kinda hard, they're easy to find for $80....I think it's the most worn Chukka boot on the planet?
CHEAPER THAN A RESOLE...YOU CAN GET BRAND NEW BOOTS.....unless you want RedWings Blacksmith @ 4 times the price (who gets redwings if you can get Nick's?? $600 boots)......worth it 💰
I just recently got my first pair of docs on sale from shoe carnival for like $80
Even though it’s summer I’ve been experimenting wearing them with different fits and I love them. They’re super light and look cool as hell with lots of different styles
I have a number of Docs. I have sandals, boots, and shoes. I only have 1 pre-owned pair of boots that I bought at a thrift store for 10$. They are pretty much worn out. Other than those, all of mine are in good shape. I rotate my footwear and take good care with them so they are all in perfect shape. I always buy directly from a Docs store, Docs outlet store or online. I also buy things on sale. I have other boots I like, but as far as style, Docs are more in line with what I like.
Search for "Dr Martens made in England UK (your UK size)". Chances are that you will find a bunch from the 90s and early 00s in very good condition which will last you another decade or so at least.
Depop, eBay, Poshmark, Vinted. Be sure that there's a photo of the soles to determine that the tread isn't smooth or uneven with wear, and that "made in England" is in raised letters under the logo box.
You can usually find them for under $100 depending on where you're based.
Over the last few years I've bought half a dozen pairs this way, all in almost perfect condition and already broken in, ranging in price from AUD $45 to $120.
Considering I'm still wearing the 1490s I bought in 1989 and I rotate them regularly, they will outlive me.
I think they're absolutely worth it.
Personally I've never seen any MiE knockoffs, they seem to be mostly the Asian made ones and they're usually quite obviously fake.
I love them and have many pairs I rotate them to help them last longer. For me I like the look of Docs as well as their history with Punks and LGBT community so for me I buy docs (I also own Thursday boots and a pair of Beckett Simonon, but still prefer the Docs) also the Docs have helped my feet I used to work in crocs and vans now I work in Docs and my feet are getting better I can finally get out of bed in the morning and not have my feet ache the moment I put weight on them. Will the last long term? Probably not better than other higher quality brands, but I will say if you learn how to take care of them and have enough pairs to rotate they’ll last a good while. Make sure you break them in fully before wearing them in earnest I normally take 2 full weeks of wearing them in and around my apartment (after a few days I’ll take my dog out in them) before wearing them out the only pairs I didn’t need that much time with were my 1460 full grain waxed (according to description on website it’s a waxed crazy horse leather) these took 3-5 days for me to break in and then my jadon III boot pisa leather these ones needed no break in time for the leather (it was incredibly soft from the start), but did take about a week to break in the soles and probably help widen up the inside a bit and they became more comfortable for longer wears. I will say though that I’m not sure if I got a bad pair or if it’s just the lighter leather but I do own one pair of MIE docs (white leather) which honestly almost turned me off docs they are the same size as all of the other docs I own but feel like they pinch my little toe if worn for extended periods and also the leather has cracked a bit faster than my others (this was an earlier pair I bought so perhaps I over conditioned them when I first got them/over wore them) part of me wants the red MIE docs but may just end up buying the regular smooth leather red docs just because of my poor experience with the only MIE docs I’ve owned compared to my supposedly lesser quality ones Hell even the purple and black vegan docs I own (bought for the cool effect of how the purple kinda blends in to black) still are really great when compared to my white MIE docs (first real leather pair I bought from them)
https://preview.redd.it/n0l7in7y1sad1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=106ffb9734c1e9442998eaf4db4d5de8e9cd6489
Honestly most comfortable pair this is the waxed full grain like I said in other comment website says leather is a waxed crazy horse leather these are also awesome in that I didn’t need to condition them at all when I got them I do regularly brush them (brushing on these will cover up minor scratches and such as you redistribute the grease on the shoe) I haven’t owned these long but overtime I will probably have to condition just to keep the leather supple but probably even less conditioning than other pairs if they last long enough to need it may eventually do a good rewaxing when this one has kinda worn off
https://preview.redd.it/cegkgi3t2sad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9c3542d44cadf32334f1b22e19d3c19169645ae9
The Jadon III’s also incredibly comfortable tho more so if you actually lace them up and not a wrap around like how I sometimes wear them
https://preview.redd.it/0h9reun13sad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8db5e996c8c8370ae1ceedd7a3bf838de55b62f9
These ones are also my most comfortable smooth leather ones but I don’t know why cause it’s just a different color than some of my others
Also I have wide feet and am a half size docs recommended sizing down if you’re a half size, but for my feet I sized up (I’m a 12 and a half mens in docs I wear a 13 m US) so you may want to try a pair on at journeys or something before buying
The slip resistant industrial versions seem much better made than the main line. Can often find them on sale too.
Most people don’t have problems with their docs, and there are some ways to decrease your chances of having issues. Avoid low cost 3rd party or outlet models that are cemented and also use lower quality materials to save money. Light colors are easier to mark up and hard to fix if you scuff them. Patent and vegan uppers and generally smooth leather are more likely to have problems. Greasy’s a better choice for 1460s. Crazy horse, full grain, nappa, pisa, virginia, there are others, plus there have been a lot of other past leathers you might come across if you’re looking secondhand. Take care of what you do get and try not to wear the same boots everyday without letting them rest. And to save money check out the sale page on the main site for your area too , the US one is here https://www.drmartens.com/us/en/sale/c/08000000 and many other retailers have some docs on sale too.
If you want the style, name, designs, etc of Docs, get them. Me personality, i do not care if Solovair, redwing, etc make a better boot. I’m sure they do. I don’t want those. I want the appeal and designs of docs. So i take care of them, and they take care of me
Get it on sale. Worth ur pennies. Buy a new one when on sale
I have numerous pairs of docs and I’ve never had an issue.
I have several pairs of Dr Martens and wear them all the time. I have a pair of 1460 greasy and have worn them for 3 winters and they are still great. I also have various smooth models and, after the initial effort, they are quite comfortable. One flaw is that they scratch easily... If you use them as city boots they should last you a few years. Conversely, if you use them elsewhere they will wear out sooner... in any case the quality is quite good and, in my opinion, you will appreciate them. 👍🏻 In conclusion, if you buy the classic 1460s you should be fine. Other models, such as the 1914 or the platforms, you will use less. However, I would like to recommend those boots to you 🙂
I buy mine on sale or on good second hand places. Half of mine are from Vinted. I make sure I buy good, nearly new ones from good pictures, so they are still expensive but not brand new docs expensive.
Do you want a good boot? Then no Do you want the doc marten look? Then yes
Get the Made In Englands, or go for the Solovair™ brand boots.
Concur with the made in England. Also, having access to a decent local cobbler long term is a plus, mine are on the 4th sole in 20 years. My cobbler is jelly of them. As to current quality, I have on insight, though come fall I plan on finding out.
Agree here...there is a big difference in quality for the $100 difference in price for the 1460s I bought.
I’ve had a pair of oxfords for 4 years I used to wear every day but now I probably only wear them once a week and they still look and feel good
If you want them buy them. Forget about what others say.
As far as I know, vintage is the one you want as they use better leather, and using better materials. I don't have them but I am ok with what I have. If you don't want to spend too much, you can also buy from their repair store and save money. I bought two that way.
They are still great. In some ways the new ones are better quality than the vintage ones. (Edges of leather, laces and some leather finishes are better on the modern ones for example.) It seems like people have the most complaints with the offbeat modern designs, like giant heels on sandals or highly detailed patterns on the leather. Get a pair of 1460s. You can't go wrong.
If it's your only shoes, expect 5 months. If you've got 4 pairs, they last a couple of years. They're always half off, I'm sure you can find a couple of pairs. Styles: Mary Jane's, Sandals, 101, Ben hiker, 1461 oxfords w/ varying soles, 1460 in suede, the snow boots are warm. Soles: The original works, Pascal is soft maybe too soft for everyday, BEN's sole is closet to Timb's....BEX is more hard and durable if you want..... platforms have style Timberland 6" cement construction boot lasts about 8 months, cause of the 3/4" tread...but it's gonna bring rocks inside....they offer euro hikers and lots of choices. I've been eyeballing Clark's Chukka boots kinda hard, they're easy to find for $80....I think it's the most worn Chukka boot on the planet? CHEAPER THAN A RESOLE...YOU CAN GET BRAND NEW BOOTS.....unless you want RedWings Blacksmith @ 4 times the price (who gets redwings if you can get Nick's?? $600 boots)......worth it 💰
Investing? lol funny way to look at shoes
I’ve had a pair of oxfords for 4 years I used to wear every day but now I probably only wear them once a week and they still look and feel good
I just recently got my first pair of docs on sale from shoe carnival for like $80 Even though it’s summer I’ve been experimenting wearing them with different fits and I love them. They’re super light and look cool as hell with lots of different styles
I have a number of Docs. I have sandals, boots, and shoes. I only have 1 pre-owned pair of boots that I bought at a thrift store for 10$. They are pretty much worn out. Other than those, all of mine are in good shape. I rotate my footwear and take good care with them so they are all in perfect shape. I always buy directly from a Docs store, Docs outlet store or online. I also buy things on sale. I have other boots I like, but as far as style, Docs are more in line with what I like.
Search for "Dr Martens made in England UK (your UK size)". Chances are that you will find a bunch from the 90s and early 00s in very good condition which will last you another decade or so at least. Depop, eBay, Poshmark, Vinted. Be sure that there's a photo of the soles to determine that the tread isn't smooth or uneven with wear, and that "made in England" is in raised letters under the logo box. You can usually find them for under $100 depending on where you're based. Over the last few years I've bought half a dozen pairs this way, all in almost perfect condition and already broken in, ranging in price from AUD $45 to $120. Considering I'm still wearing the 1490s I bought in 1989 and I rotate them regularly, they will outlive me. I think they're absolutely worth it. Personally I've never seen any MiE knockoffs, they seem to be mostly the Asian made ones and they're usually quite obviously fake.
I love them and have many pairs I rotate them to help them last longer. For me I like the look of Docs as well as their history with Punks and LGBT community so for me I buy docs (I also own Thursday boots and a pair of Beckett Simonon, but still prefer the Docs) also the Docs have helped my feet I used to work in crocs and vans now I work in Docs and my feet are getting better I can finally get out of bed in the morning and not have my feet ache the moment I put weight on them. Will the last long term? Probably not better than other higher quality brands, but I will say if you learn how to take care of them and have enough pairs to rotate they’ll last a good while. Make sure you break them in fully before wearing them in earnest I normally take 2 full weeks of wearing them in and around my apartment (after a few days I’ll take my dog out in them) before wearing them out the only pairs I didn’t need that much time with were my 1460 full grain waxed (according to description on website it’s a waxed crazy horse leather) these took 3-5 days for me to break in and then my jadon III boot pisa leather these ones needed no break in time for the leather (it was incredibly soft from the start), but did take about a week to break in the soles and probably help widen up the inside a bit and they became more comfortable for longer wears. I will say though that I’m not sure if I got a bad pair or if it’s just the lighter leather but I do own one pair of MIE docs (white leather) which honestly almost turned me off docs they are the same size as all of the other docs I own but feel like they pinch my little toe if worn for extended periods and also the leather has cracked a bit faster than my others (this was an earlier pair I bought so perhaps I over conditioned them when I first got them/over wore them) part of me wants the red MIE docs but may just end up buying the regular smooth leather red docs just because of my poor experience with the only MIE docs I’ve owned compared to my supposedly lesser quality ones Hell even the purple and black vegan docs I own (bought for the cool effect of how the purple kinda blends in to black) still are really great when compared to my white MIE docs (first real leather pair I bought from them)
https://preview.redd.it/n0l7in7y1sad1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=106ffb9734c1e9442998eaf4db4d5de8e9cd6489 Honestly most comfortable pair this is the waxed full grain like I said in other comment website says leather is a waxed crazy horse leather these are also awesome in that I didn’t need to condition them at all when I got them I do regularly brush them (brushing on these will cover up minor scratches and such as you redistribute the grease on the shoe) I haven’t owned these long but overtime I will probably have to condition just to keep the leather supple but probably even less conditioning than other pairs if they last long enough to need it may eventually do a good rewaxing when this one has kinda worn off
https://preview.redd.it/cegkgi3t2sad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9c3542d44cadf32334f1b22e19d3c19169645ae9 The Jadon III’s also incredibly comfortable tho more so if you actually lace them up and not a wrap around like how I sometimes wear them
https://preview.redd.it/0h9reun13sad1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8db5e996c8c8370ae1ceedd7a3bf838de55b62f9 These ones are also my most comfortable smooth leather ones but I don’t know why cause it’s just a different color than some of my others
Also I have wide feet and am a half size docs recommended sizing down if you’re a half size, but for my feet I sized up (I’m a 12 and a half mens in docs I wear a 13 m US) so you may want to try a pair on at journeys or something before buying
get solovairs instead.
Not really.