WHY DOC MARTINS ARE THE MOST INFLUENCIAL SHOE

Do you own a pair of DOCS?, don't they just make you feel so powerful!

DR MARTINS, the shoe made with AIR WAIRs' bouncing soles that put that empowered spring in my step.

Doc Martins were founded back in 1901 as a modest work-wear boot, how did this utilitarian boot transform into (in my opinion) the most culturally relevant boots of the past and modern era. They were first created in Northamptonshire and were at the very heart of the English show industry for six decades.

“Dr Martens’ appeal to people who have their own individual style but share a united spirit – authentic characters who stand for something. People who possess a proud sense of self- expression. People who are different”

They left their print in the 1945s as an aiding recovery shoe, advancing the technologies of footwear with the new and now well-loved air-cushioned sole, moving away from the previously known traditional hard leather sole. The icon colour combo of the black boot with yellow stitching took their name as date of inception, APRIL 1ST 1960, 1460 Dr. Marten boot was born.

The 60s, when the boots where truly born, saw a wave of change of new ideas and social revolution with the birth of extravagant and inspirational out their fashion joining hand in hand with the Doc Marten boots kicking against the norm. Following this Dr Martens were adopted by multicultural heads who were proud and championed their working-class roots and the boots became a symbol of class rebellion changing the boots brand to a subcultural essential.

Which controversially now I feel can relate to the fashion trend of working-class romanticisation, wanting to look scruffy and unique when now to do so this style of fashion costs more. Ironic isn’t it, to look poor you must pay more, but this all links back to capitalist growth and further class inequalities.

Famously Doc Martens were known for their £2 work wear boot, selling quantities to Britain’s working class which is what started the main branding take off. However now firstly due to inflation and secondly to capitalistic branding schemes and competition, the classic 1460 Docs are now retailing at £149, which for anyone in the working class, including myself, that price is not very affordable, however the Doc is the only shoe I would ever save up for and invest in due to their long life and the absolute love I have for the pair I own.

“Made like no other shoe on earth.”

THE JADEN BOOT

I wear the platform Jaden boot every day, to do anything, clubbing, long walks, university and even around my accommodation; simply because they are just so comfortable and make me feel so effortlessly powerful. (Not to mention the platform adds me a couple of power inches, not to sound like an insecure 18-year-old boy).

Doc martins are an iconic shoe later worn in the 1980s had not only adopted the anti-government riots but were rocked too by the scooter boys. By the 1990s mainstream Grunge were rivals with the British Britpop fans both wearing the same iconic 1460 boot. Early punk and emo also were wearing the same shoe and the boot became known as the ideal festival shoe due to its durability.

What interest me here is that by the sounds of it anyone and everyone in every subculture ever throughout the 20th century was wearing these boots yet still felt a sense of self identity and individuality. which to this day I still feel stands strong, hence why I believe Doc Martens are the shoe of the century!

DAISY D.