Dr Martens from function to fashion
On April 1st 1960 the first Dr Martens boot was produced. The 1460 eight hole boot had arrived. This was quickly followed by the 1461 three hole shoe. During the first few years, sales of Dr Martens were almost exclusively worn by postman, policeman, factory workers, builders and medics. Although they are designed in London (Camden),now only 1%, ‘The made in England range’ are still manufactured in Wollaston Northampton, 99% are now manufactured abroad.
Docs have been a big part of our music history. Pete Townsend of The Who, was one of the first high profile people to wear Dr Martens. Their film Tommy featured Elton John wearing an enormous brown pair. The Sex Pistols, The Clash, Madness, Ian Dury, even Slade, who were originally a skinhead band before glam rock, wore them.
Unfortunately during the late 60’s and early 70’s the menace of football hooliganism found a place for Dr Martens, the epitome of terrace fashion with steel toe caps adopted for extra menace. Thankfully those days are now behind us. During the 90’s Brit pop arrived, Blur, Suede all loved their Docs. These days Gwen Stefani, Bella Hadid and Ana Taylor Joy are often seen rocking a pair.
My personal journey started in the 1980’s with a plain black pair (1461) that I wore for school. I didn’t appreciate them at all, being desperate for a pair of patent slip on shoes from Ravel! My next pair (another 1461) were bought in the 90’s when I joined the police, they were still going strong up until I retired.
So what changed and caused me to become the proud owner/collector of a large number of Dr Martens? Many of which have been found in charity and vintage shops. About 20 years ago I bought a pair of classic cherry red 1461 boots. It was that simple, the love affair began and my collection grew from there.
Reasons why I love Docs;
Comfortable, once worn in. The new pascal softer leather ones are great if you don’t want to go through that painful ‘breaking in’ right of passage. The wonder balsam you can buy does help with this, It also lasts ages.
Practical, hence the function aspect as explained above.
Affordable, if you buy second hand, I also buy in the sales as they are expensive new. I will ask for them as Christmas or birthday presents. I rarely pay full price.
Versatile, You really can wear them with anything, I have worn mine with an evening dress.
Timeless. look at how long they have been around! Classics are still as popular as the new styles, they also do a vegan range.
Ageless, from 8 to 80 there is a pair to suit everyone. Amazing colours too.
Sturdy, with their bouncing rubber soles they will last you years.
Last but not least…..ICONIC
Top tip
Yes they can be expensive, so check out the charity and vintage shops or look out for a sale. I recommend going for a classic 1460 boot or 1461 shoe, in a classic black or cherry red, they won’t date. To get a ‘new look’ invest in a few pairs of different coloured or ribbon laces, starting from around £3.00. Voila a funky new look but the same pair of Docs.