From Work Boots to Fashion Forward: A Look at Doc Martens Over the Years

A Guide to Learning About One of the Most Popular Shoe Brands of All Time

Photo courtesy of Shopbop.

One of the most popular shoe brands of all time has been creating shoes since as early as the 1940s. Doc Martens was first created in order to aid the then 25-year-old soldier and creator, Dr. Kalus Martens.

Instead of using a hard sole like other boots sold at the time, Marten wanted to create an air-cushioned sole to alleviate any pain during his recovery after a foot injury in the war. With the help of his friend and engineer, Dr. Herbert Funk, the shoe was put on the market and became increasingly popular over the first ten years. Over time, the business only continued to grow, going from a working shoe to everyday wear.

The brand is all about taking something that anyone can wear, no matter their style, and making it their own. As the shoes are quite versatile, this makes styling the shoes very easy. Whether you’re looking to wear an all-black outfit, or something preppy, Dr. Martens has a wide selection of shoes to fit any of your style needs.

The shoes have changed a great deal since they were first created. When the shoes were sold in England in 1960, the shoes only cost $3. That’s almost $165 less than the average pair sold for in the past decade. Not only has the price changed significantly over the past sixty years, but the style of the shoe and the craftsmanship have changed as well.

In order to maintain their good craftsmanship, the shoe had to go through some alterations to adhere to the needs of the customers in the 60s. From changing the heel of the shoe to the unique sole pattern and to adding the iconic yellow stitch, the shoe was altered into what we know and love today.

The ‘60s was a decade full of experimentation in fashion and Doc Martens was by no means an exception. This article will guide you in learning more about one of the most versatile footwear brands of all time that altered its then-exotic look to become what it is today.

Doc Martens Most Popular Shoes

Doc Martens is most famous for its popular footwear, ranging from everyday boots to sophisticated Oxford’s. A good shoe never goes out of style and the footwear sold by the brand is a great example of that. The shoe is well known for its good quality as each shoe is made out of premium leather and air-cushioned soles that conform to any foot.

The only downside to owning any of the shoes from the brand is that it takes a few months to break them in, as the shoes need time to conform specifically to your foot. Once the shoe has molded to fit your foot, it will be one of the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever own. The first few months of breaking in the shoes will be worth it when you think of the longevity of the footwear. The shoes are made to last for years, so the break-in process is all worth it in the end.

A classic black boot never goes out of style. Photo courtesy of Shopbop.

The classic Doc Martens boots are one of their most iconic items. Whether or not you have purchased a shoe from the brand, everyone has heard of their boots or at least knows someone who has a pair. This is one of the most versatile shoes that the company sells as the shoe can be paired with any outfit for any time of the year, no matter the season or the weather. Their boots can be worn wherever and whenever only adding to the popularity of the item.

This brown boot with a low heel is perfect for a more casual look. Photo courtesy of Shopbop.

Doc Martens platform boots are some of the most popular shoes that the brand sells. The only difference from the classic Doc Marten boot is the extended platform under the sole of the shoe. The increased height of the platform shoe draws attention to the shoe, elevating any look. This elevated look allows for the wearer to appear taller all while alleviating the stress that’s usually put on the ball of the foot.

A white loafer is a very functional shoe, perfect for almost any outfit. Photo courtesy of Shopbop.

As the sole of any Doc Martens shoe conforms to the shape of your feet, this makes them the most perfect shoe for anyone. The loafers specifically are both timeless and made of very high quality. A polished and classy loafer is a shoe that never goes out of style, no matter the type of loafer you purchase. Doc Martens has a variety of different styles and colors to choose from, so finding a good shoe that you know will last through all the fast fashion trends is important to keep in mind.

This tan Oxford shoe is perfect for formal wear. Photo courtesy of Shopbop.

As Doc Martens shoes are built to last, the classic Oxford shoe is no exception. The shoe is made out of smooth leather that will never go out of style. The classic leather in a nice tan color is made to match any outfit, no matter the occasion. The addition of the air-cushioned sole also allows the wearer to have both style and comfort for as long as 5-7 years, give or take considering how well the shoe is cared for.

Why Doc Martens Are So Expensive

Doc Martens is an expensive brand and is known for having high prices. But this isn’t to say that the quality isn’t high in numbers as well. The price of the shoes is a reflection of the quality of the brand.

While every shoe from the brand is handcrafted, they are also created using high-quality materials such as leather and PVC. After being sold by the family in 2014, the brand was sold to Permira, a British global investment firm, the brand began selling vegan leather in addition to the other materials listed above. This only continued to increase the popularity of the already globally known brand, making the prices skyrocket along with the acclaim.

These classic black boots decked out with the brand’s trademark stitching gives an edgy 90s-inspired look. Photo courtesy of Shopbop.

The process of creating each shoe is very intricate, meaning that each shoe is created with the intention of being long-lasting. In order for the shoes to last, they need to be made of materials that won’t wear down after a short amount of time. Because of the materials used, as well as the rising inflation, the brand has no other choice but to continue to raise prices as of recently, every few years.

The Doc Martens Trend

The simple reason that Doc Martens shoes are back in style is because the shoes are timeless. Because they are made with materials that are made to last and come in a large range of colors, this makes all of the shoes timeless. The emphasis on the bold style of the shoes allows the brand to remain trendy no matter the year.

You can rock any pair of Doc Martens boots with every outfit. Photo courtesy of Shopbop.

It’s common for fashion trends to come in and out of style every thirty years, but because every single pair of Doc Martens is aesthetically pleasing this isn’t the case for the popular footwear brand. The unisex shoes allow anyone to purchase a pair, allowing them to increase in popularity over the years. Because of how durable and classic the style of the shoes are, the fluctuation of the popularity may differ from year to year, but they will always remain incredibly popular.

Who Wears Doc Martens?

When the footwear was first created, it was sold as a shoe solely for older women who had feet problems, more specifically older women who needed more comfortable everyday shoes. Slowly but surely the popularity of the shoe spread to working class men and women, allowing the brand to expand and continuity to grow at a fast pace in sales.

Whether you’re in a professional or casual setting, anyone can be seen sporting a pair of Doc Martens. Photo courtesy of Shopbop.

Now 60 years later, Doc Martens are a popular shoe brand for everyone. No matter your gender or your age, people can be seen sporting the shoes at concerts, work, or just as casual everyday wear.

So you may be asking yourself: Are Doc Martens good work boots?

The answer would be yes. Although the variety of colors and styles that the footwear brand has released since the shoe was only considered a working shoe has increased, doesn’t mean that the shoe isn’t made to support everything that it was once used for.

The versatility of the shoe, especially the boots, allows anyone to comfortably work while wearing them. As they grow to become molded to your foot, the more you wear them, the easier they will feel on your feet. So, the more you wear them to work, all the more comfortable you’ll be when you start your work day. It’s all in routine. The shoe was created to make the person wearing them all the more comfortable, including those who work hard on their feet.

Doc Martens Is a Brand That Will Never Go Out of Style

This classic shoe brand is one for the ages. The versatility of the shoes as well as their craftsmanship allow the shoes to last longer than the average purchased shoe. Because of this, there is no arguing that the shoes are worth the price, as it equally matches the quality of their products. No matter your favorite style of shoe, you’re bound to find something long-lasting that you’ll wear for years.