Dr. Martens: British Footwear and Clothing Brand
Dr. Martens, often known simply as Docs or DMs, is a British footwear and clothing brand that originated in Northamptonshire, England. Founded by German doctor, Klaus Maertens, and English engineer, Dr. Herbert Funk, in the early 1960s, the Doc Marten brand has grown to become an internationally recognized brand associated with rebellious subcultures, fashion and grunge.
History of Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens was founded by a German doctor, Dr. Klaus Maertens, while he was recovering from a broken foot in 1945. After developing a new of air-cushioned sole, he joined forces with an English engineer, Dr. Herbert Funck, to develop an air-cushioned shoe.
The first Dr. Martens shoe hit retail in 1960, and before long, their reputation for comfortable and durable footwear was established. After finding a home with UK counterculture in the early 1970s and the punk scene in the 1980s, Dr. Martens flared up the US and Canada in the 1990s.
Design and Features of Dr. Martens
Dr. Marten boots are instantly recognizable. The iconic design features a thick, branded heel loop, and “bouncing-soled” boots with an AirWave or SoftWave sole, as well as Comfort Lasting for maximum comfort.
The boots are characterized by a yellow welt-stitching and a smooth, shiny leather upper. It also has a comfortable air-cushioned sole with a grooved side wall for extra grip and the words “Dr. Martens Airwair” embossed on the heel.
Types of Dr. Martens
The most popular Dr. Martens range of boots includes the 1460, Unisex 1490, Jadon and 1461 shoes, which come in both men’s and women’s sizes. These boots are also available in a variety of colors and textures, such as red, purple, snake-skin and glittery hologram leather.
Other types of Dr. Martens include their signature boots and shoes such as the “1460 Boot” and the “Classic Boot”, as well as sandals, work boots, safety shoes and sneakers. Dr. Martens also produces a range of accessories such as shoe laces, insoles and bags.
The Dr. Marten Culture
The Dr. Marten culture is one of rebellion, self-expression and individualism. The boots have been featured in punk bands, as well as on the feet of popular personalities, most notably the late singer, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. The brand has also been seen on many grunge fashion icons, like Courtney Love.
Today, the brand is still widely associated with youth culture, but is also loved by many for its comfort and longevity. Docs have become a wardrobe staple for anyone looking for easy, casual and edgy fashion.
Benefits and Care Tips for Doc Martens
The main benefit of Dr. Martens is their durability and comfort. The air-cushioned sole provides all day foot and leg relief, while the leather uppers resist wear and tear.
To maintain the lifetime of your Doc Martens, it’s important to always keep them clean. A soft brush with soapy water is all that is needed to clean the leather. The boots may also require polishing if they start to look dull or scuff.
It’s also important to break your Dr. Martens in properly to ensure optimal comfort and longevity. The best way to do this is to wear them for a few hours every day for the first few weeks or months, until the leather softens.
Dr. Martens are a classic yet timeless British brand, with a distinct sense of rebelliousness and style which makes them stand out in the footwear market. With an iconic design and elements, Doc Martens offer unbeatable comfort and are highly durable, making them a worthy investment. With a variety of styles, colours and textures to choose from, Dr. Martens have become an essential wardrobe staple. No matter the style or occasion, Dr. Martens makes sure you’re dressed to impress in all the best ways.
