Leather expert EXPOSES Doc Martens
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- Опубліковано 30 тра 2024
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CREDIT:
Kangaroo footage - • Kangaroos Hopping!
Dr. Marten history B-roll - • The History of Dr. Mar...
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
1:44 History
5:51 Leather
8:47 The Guts
9:21 Biggest Offense
12:20 1 thing I hate
13:26 Cut In Half
14:28 The Garbage
14:59 Better or Worse?
15:24 Sell Out? - Навчання та стиль
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Oh darn, you just ruined Docs for me 😭. But thank you for exposing them for the greedy corporate mess they became
@@sventer198. Look for solovair boots. The original Dr.Martin maker in England.
what do you think of altberg and lowa
What's the most comfortable boot I can get that's quality built and under $300? Do you have any recommendations?
ey @RoseAnvil I have clock a pair of years on STEEL (uk) 10 eyelets and they have been good so far, haven´t seen any review on them yet on this channel, would you give them a go?
I can’t stand being ripped off by these companies. I don’t mind shelling out some cash for quality footwear, but you have no way of knowing what’s inside. Thank you.
On behalf of my family i apologise.. although that side is pretty distant lol.
Cop yourself some R.M Williams Chelsea boots. High upfront cost but they fucking LAST.
It's the way of the world it seems, I grew up with made in England DMs... Made in England DMs are now luxury shoes. I've always thought these Chinese ones look crap, now I've found out how crap they are... The UK made ones were not like this, they'd last year's and years. You do a deal with China, the deal is they'll make crap. You'll make a lot of money short term, but you'll damage your brand
@@TheDeadError £500 is way too much for a pair of leather boots. That's the equivalent to blowing a ton of money on some stupid pair trainers. The cost to value just isn't there. I don't care if it's blessed by the monks of Vatican £500 for a simple pair of leather boots is insane. They won't last last any longer that any cheap pair of leather boots from the 80s, leather has a wear point that regular use will meet quickly. It's insane to pay £500 for an acceptable quality pair of factory made shoes.
@@nxxynx5039 they're $AUD649, which would make it around £350. Besides, your paying for Australian Made and 20 years of regular wear.
1/4/1960 = 1st April 1960, shortened to 1460, hence the name. I lived in Docs the whole of the 1980's. Wouldn't go near them now after buying a Thai made pair about 10 years ago.
i still wear 80s docs to this day
have a pair on now
About the time I bought my first and last docs pair. They started nice but they fell apart in record time. Since then I’ve bought several better made pairs from BA Mason and golden fox.
Brill
my last pair i wore 8 years.
my feet haven't changed since i bought them. im 65 now, i bought 4 pair because the shipping from the UK took forever then.
I'm on my 3rd pair, regardless of the opinion, i like them, steel toe doc for me. these new ones, junk.
wish i could post pictures.
takes about 3 to 4 months to break them in, i do put upgraded insoles in then though, not going to lie, jel for the win.
THIS!
It just goes to show you that no matter how punk you think you are, it takes real effort to cut through all the marketing noise. We all need clothes-that’s just how it is-but you don’t need to be defined by branding and the execs that are paid to sell a product to you.
It's more punk to buy once, cry once. If you can keep a boot for 10 years they get less money from you than the guy that has to buy new shitty boots every year.
Nothing less punk than buying stuff from a company owned by a private equity firm.
@@ronmatthews1738 blah. public traded companies are evil..becasue capitalism..now equity owned? have the punks make their smartphones by themselves. or gov (co) owned chinese manufacturers. when you open the box, you cansmall the genocide, pollution and human rights violations.
There is no ethical consumption under capitalism. Your only shot of being as ethical as possible in your purchasing is if you live in one of those magical towns where they still have thriving mom-and-pop busineses that haven't been shut down by Costco and Walmart.
That, or you pay through the nose for some bespoke shit from a tiny Japanese atelier.
@@romxxiithose magical towns exist all over America. Get out of that NYC mindset.
I bought a pair in 1997, and those boots lasted me for decades, so when I finally went to retire them, I thought that there was only one logical choice. I didn't know that production had moved. The new pair lasted maybe a year or two before I found a hole in the upper where the leather had just worn through. Never again.
I bought a pair in 1997, and those boots lasted me for decades, decades?? 26 years later wouldnt be exactly decades!!
@@chriscoughlan5221well... 2 decades is more than one decade.. so there's that
@@chriscoughlan5221a decade is 10 yrs. 26 yrs ... Would be more than one decade 2.6 actually ,which would be classified as decades. Of course I didn't come here to argue pedantic nonsense..unlike you. The doc martens I bought back in the late 80's and nineties have a different sole and I agree they had much better quality before they farmed them out to Asia. I have a pair of their shoes that I bought in the late 80's and they're still kicking. So if you don't have a problem with math and calendars then you understand why decade has an s on the end.
@@B1B904 and maths!!!
@@chriscoughlan5221 In your mind what is the definition of 'decades'?
You don't need to be a leather expert to know how bad DM's leather is; even most of the 'made in England' ones aren't good(the Horween and CF Stead limited editions are an exception.)
I stumbled last time on a few vintage pairs of their shoes in a vintage clothing store in London and I was shocked how good the leather was. Grained, thick, smooth, NATURAL LOOKING, beautiful patina.
Reason: corporate greed.
The British Boot Company in Camden still got some vintage NOS Docs from time to time.
@@TotallyNotKanye he doesn’t need to be an expert when it comes to DM.
@@TotallyNotKanye And I was referring the main comment, which someone doesn’t need to be expert to know how rubbish and terrible DMs leather are.
Ambassador and virginia leather for docs is great
Dr. Martens were bought by a company called Permira about 10 years ago. The quality of Dr. Martens declined drastically after being bought up by Permira.
I would love the "Alternatives to Doc Martens" video, especially if it can match the colors and styles they do with quality. They're fashion pieces more than practical, I think. And that makes them strange to compare to lost of boots. So I appreciate your sneaker comparison.
In America docs started outsourcing to China but I believe that the original manufacturers are still running under the name Solovair. 🤙
Solovair is made at the original dr Martin factory and was the owner of that patent for the sole I think. Almost all dr Mrs are made in Thailand and china now except the specific English made doc. You can still buy solovair boots made in England from that factory.
My experience with a pair of Docs wingtips, ten years ago, was exactly what you described here: At first they felt ok but nothing special as far as bounce, but very quickly the foam crushed flat and they started to feel like just walking on hard slabs. All of the cushion came from the foam, and the foam didn't last. Leather held up ok though.
I still have my 30 year old docs. Made in England. I am sure the other pairs I have are made in China or Southeast Asia. The price has spiked in recent years. You go to Europe, and they are much cheaper. I still like them. And I feel the bounce. Of course it isn’t like wearing running shoes. I always put inserts in all my shoes, because of PF, and pronation. Stiff as hell, but they kept me from getting frostbite, and slipping on icy sidewalks while in Europe
You go on self righteously talk about supporting corporations. Shit, everything you buy is part of an evil corporation. This is so tired. I might return my patent leather ones I just bought though. What is an alternative source? None. Go buy Blundstone, or Tuesday. How about Fluevog? STILL CORPORATE! Everything you EAT is CORPORATE, unless you are wealthy enough to buy everything at your local organic food store (Erewhon), or farmer’s market. Or if you are lucky enough to have a bit of land grow your own food. They’re great, but I can’t afford them
I wore docs all thru the 90s. My final pair was in 98 when the heel fell off. That was when I realized it wasn't stitched. It was glued and that pissed me off.
I'd like to see a "part 2" video of you showcasing some alternatives to Doc Martens, at equal and higher prices, that are also available internationally.
Personally, I've been wearing my 1460's every day (literally) for the past 2 years and I haven't encountered any faults so far. I love the appearance of them and if you know of any other manufacturers that offer a similar looking boot at a higher quality I would love to hear it! Love from Sweden :)
I bet in part 2 he literally starts bawling and crying about the goth girl that broke his heart lolol
Yes ! I came to the comments to say this as well. I love wearing boots and I've been looking for new ones but don't know what to get. Timberlands are too heavy and dr. Martens are too unbalansed for my feet (it feels like the heel is literally on the ground).
I hear good things about Solovair as an alternative to Doc Martens, though can't confirm as I don't own a pair.
I don't think there is an alternative because they sell on their image not substance. The people who buy them buy them based on image and not on feature or quality.
I used to wear Gripfast and TUK.... somehow gripfast seemed better and TUK seemed cheaper, but same price. Not sure if either are still around.
Doc Martens are what got me into watching every single one of your videos. Good to be back!
Back in the day we wore our boots and braces, until Martin began going over seas, or it's either that we grew up.
Either way....
@@thefrogking481 figured might as well get solovairs to relive those days.
southend sea front harrintons fred erry and red tab Levi......... RED BRASEES
damn same here
same!
To me, the main purpose of a boot is to protect feet from the elements. I used to have several pairs of Docs in different styles. One day, about ten years ago, it was raining pretty hard when I got to work. I walked in the rain from my car to the building, which was about 50 yards on pavement (with no puddles to walk through). By the time I got inside, rain water had gotten into my boots and made my socks wet. This happened again with another pair, so I got rid of them all. I now own other boots that are not Docs but keep my feet dry in moderate rain.
This was great and mirrors my experience with Docs over the decades. The only ones worth buying (back in the day anyway, I would never buy a pair now) were the versions with the deep lug sole which lasted much longer. And for those looking for an alternative, try Angry Itch. I have had a pair for over 4 years now and they still look new.
It’s certainly true to say Doc Martens has “sold out”. They were taken over by a private equity company, Permira ten years ago and were listed on the London stock exchange in 2021. They are very much a volume shoemaker today, aiming to sell as many pairs as they can. Nowadays they represent poor value for money.
They shouldn't be allowed to call that leather. They ought to call it "leather with plastic coating" so that the consumer knows what to expect.
It's still technically "leather" so they market it as that
@@Ichijou_Rena Okay... I'll take a shit on a pizza and market it as pizza because it's still technically "pizza"
@@Ichijou_Rena it does go in the direction of "i can't believe it's not butter". i think at least the " " you used should be mandatory.
Patent leather shoes don't say leather with a plastic coating.
Almost no footwear uses uncorrected leather.
I tried on a pair in a shoe shop a few years ago to see what all the fuss is about. They were the most UNcomfortable boots I’ve ever had on my feet! Needless to say, I gave them back to the sales person. I now have a lovely pair of very comfortable Fly London boots in bottle green, that everybody mistakes for “Docs”. They’re much better looking too.
Never thought I'd be interested in boot construction.
I'm off to check out a 3rd video!
During my early years as a police officer in the UK I wore DM's and I found the super comfortable, but as they became more of a fashion statement, they became more uncomfortable. The inner sole would wear through quickly, the soles would detach and they became more narrow fitting. This was seconded by the salesman in the shop I always purchased them from. They lost my business and shot themselves in the foot (so to speak) as far as I'm concerned. Many people still wear them, so I doubt they are too worried. I'm now retired and wear Under armour leather boots for walking after trying many other makes.
That sounds familiar. I started wearing them 30 years ago and back then they would last. They have definitely got narrower, and the inside now falls apart even before the sole is worn.
Looking for an alternative - I still like the look and the only thing more comfortable I know are my old army boots but they're not great for the office...
@@rvallenduuk Try Under Armour Valsetz with leather uppers. Totally waterproof, light and comfortable.
My DM's started squeaking as I walked but just in one shoe. It made for some interesting night time foot patrols.
Have had some Dr M shoes 5 years worn most days. Absoloutly fine other than expected heel wear.
I found that to be true as well. I got my first pair in a out 1995 maybe 1996. By the time I got my 4th or 5th pair in 2005 or so, they hurt my feet so damn bad I couldn't wear them- like at all.
I got my first Doc Martens because of a strong recommendation of my best friend. I was told how comfy and high quality they were and that they would go well with my kilt. They did indeed go well with my kilt, but the rest was bull. When I received them in the mail, I was immediately surprised and disappointed in the leather. And after a full day of wearing them, my feet were so messed up (heel and arch) that I couldn't walk for several days. But like a bad relationship I blamed myself for the abuse. I thought I must be doing something wrong. That led me to researching the boots which led me to the Rose Anvil channel. Like good therapy you made me realize that my abused feet weren't my fault. Then I went and bought a pair of Nicks Urban Loggers (based on your positive opinion of PNW boots), and my feet are super happy again after the appropriate break-in period.
So a boot 5 times the price of the Docs was better? Unbelievable!
Solovair is the OG doc Martin
What crap
Ok but dr martens are notoriously hard to break in. It takes about a month. Dr. martens are good for the price imo. Might not be top tier quality but if you take good care of them they can last half a decade or more
... So you didn't break your docs in, and you're surprised that a shoe that has to be broken in... Was not broken in?
This comment doesn't say what you think it does. There's way more expensive and high quality boots than docs that also require breaking in. That isn't "a bad relationship" that's a well known thing that was on the tag of the boots you bought before you exchanged them for ones you didn't need to break in.
Docs are comfy once broken in. Not sure I'd agree modern ones are high quality but after the breaking in period they are among the comfiest boots you'll ever wear. Even people who despise Doc Martens agree they're comfy (just not worth the price for what they are)
This whole comment is just embarrassing.
What absolutely love to see a video on the alternatives to docs! Thanks! Great content
I LOVE that you know leather and have just explained it to me. I love learning new things! Thank you!!
I've been wearing Docs since the '90s and the last pair I got 4 years ago just aren't what they were. I'm so glad you made this video. It's deterred me from buying another pair. I still love the look of them, but I'd really love to see a video of alternatives!
solovair derby boots.
I just got some Thursday boots they're truly amazing
Solovair, Gripfast, Grinders, Shelly’s rangers. All better quality boots that look just as good while also coming in styles that Doc Martens just refuse to sell nowadays (steel toes, 14 eyes, cherry red leather)
Bought a pair of brown Docs shoes in the early 90s and loved them. They lasted many years and once they were a bit worn I wore them to work while I was slinging freight for a giant shipping company (the brown one). They lasted several more years under that daily abuse. The leather was great and the soles were durable. I can’t believe how awful they’ve become as a brand. Wolverine went the same route once they stopped making them in Rockford, MI. Too bad. Luckily that’s how I found Red Wing and have LOVED wearing them both at work and for normal daily use. Channels like yours are invaluable in demystifying the corporate greed and laziness that seems pervasive. Appreciate your expertise and reviews.
Rampant capitalism allowed by legal bribing called lobbying. In a proper democracy, with a proper justice and tax system, this kind of sh!t wouldn't fly. The CEOs would have some cool off time and learn not to be greedy SOBs with the unitary value of a burnt light bulb.
I got a pair in London back in 1992. I wore them all the time and in the spring of 1993 wore them every day for a month traveling around Europe. I was walking 5-10 miles every day except on days I was on a train. They were one of the most comfortable boots I ever owned. I still have them, but only thing that failed was the insoles. The leather piece came unglued, but still have the original soles, and a lot of the tread is left. Oh and they cost me under £40 at the time or about $55. In the US you would have been lucky to find them for around $100. Now the first two weeks wearing them were brutal. The break in was harsh, but once the uppers got a bit of flex to them, they were fantastic. Best thing I bought during my year in England. 10 years ago, I bought a new pair with the softer leather uppers. They didn’t need to break in at all, but I don’t wear them as much now. Back when I was in England, it seemed like every university student had a pair. Usually the black, but you’d see oxblood frequently.
I love the Doc Marten's alternatives video idea. I'm curious what you'd pick! And it'd be really interesting if you could check availability too, because different regions in the world have a different selection of boots.
I think it would be interesting to see you do a review of the work boot docs (The ones you would find on an actual work boot website, not Docs website bc there’s a difference). I used to work at a shoe store and I’ve had some people swear by them but agree that the regular ones are dog shit. I was skeptical as to how true that actually was so I think it would be interesting to see.
+1
100% Agreed 👍.
A Ton of the Police here in Switzerland wear the "Work Brand" Doc's. I believe there more expensive and ive been told they HATE the fake Docs that are sold to kids.. those are garbage.
+2
Which actual boot website? My wife loves Docs and I want to get some work ones.
The Workwear Boots are basically no more… they stopped making them I’ve been told when I recently went to get some to replace my worn ones… composite safety toe… gore-tex lining… and where so comfortable… most certainly had a better sole than traditional Dr Martens… so no the work work range has been dropped in favour of the ‘traditional’ fashionable retail range… it’s rubbish really as they where far better than Cat Boots… Wolverines are good comfortable boots but I was really looking to replace like for like…. But you can’t… currently a couple months into a pair of Grinders Mens Kestrel Steel Toe Cap Boots - Black… I’m told they’re made in the UK? But I was able to get them for £55? Which is cheap for such a boot really… seem well made… fitted nicely… but are taking a little bit to wear in… it would be interesting to see if any Grinders have been cut in half yet?
i'm surprised you didn't talk about solovair the company formed by the people who created the original doc's but when doc's went abroad they took their experience and started their own company creating the original doc's
that's why they are called solovair(sole of air)
I just took a look at them They appear to be impressive.
he has a couple vids on solovair
@@amishjim not exactly only in contrast to Dr. M
Actually Solovair existed way before. They were the one of the shoemakers contracted by RGriggs to manufacture DMs back in the 1960s. Their shoes might be slightly better constructed but they still suffer from having poor quality leather.
@@krisjonesuk Hey, at least my 3 years old Solovairs don't have holes in them.
Yes. Some alternatives that are affordable as well. I almost bought a pair of DM's as I have problems with my feet, but thought better of it after seeing the inside of them. And now that I have watched your video, I would like to know other brands you may be impressed with. Thanks.
I'm 62 and part of the original Doc Martens market of older women needing comfortable shoes. I don't mind them being like a sneaker because they have better toe room than a sneaker and will help me to avoid developing hammertoes. I have very long toes and need a big toe box. Doc Martens have that and I look badass in them, too. I always get compliments on my Docs. And I have several pairs so I suspect they will last me plenty long enough. 🎉
This is really bloody sad. I got a pair of factory-surplus Docs back before the British factories closed and if I could have afforded to get them re-soled they'd still be going now.
I had these boots in the mid 90s (grunge era) and wore them all the time. They were so comfy and never cracked or split. Sad to see what they’ve become.
It would be really interesting if he could get hold of a pair of classic 80s/90s Docs and then break those down to see what the differences are between the old and new versions.
they really REALLY ont make them like they use to!!! mine are OLD, worn outside, gotten then wet(and dried) and Still they are going strong
They were absolute garbage back then. I bought my first pair in 1986 and destroyed them within a few months. They were never made to do anything but go to the mall.
Same here. Had a pair in the late 80s, and the soles split in less than half a year.
I dunno man you could get yourself one of those made in England pairs which are double in price, maybe they last longer. Let me know if they do
Thank you for this.
I keep getting e mails from them and their advertising is pretty disgusting and phony. I never had a pair but had thought about it recently. I went to an actual store where they’re sold and thought they looked and felt cheap. I’m on my feet all day but I didn’t think they would be a good work boot. I use hiking shoes usually. Which reminds me. Can you do one on Keen and one on Merrill?
I have a pair of Doc Martens made in England almost thirty years ago. Even then, they were not even close to what their price suggested about comfort and quality. They were $130 USD in 1994. I never wore them nearly as much as I thought I would because they just weren’t that comfortable.
I wore Dr Martens exclusively for years and they were awesome. I kept to their Made in England line and they were great but steadily went downhill in the last 10 to 15 years around the time they started doing high profile collabs with brands like Stussy or Engineer Garments. I still have scars on the back and top of my feet from the last pair.
Scars?! do you not wear socks?
@@stoneocean4760 of course I do. Usually heavy boot socks and even Dr Marten’s own boot socks. The boots would crease about 2 inches above my heal and the knuckle of my big toe. I even tried putting plasters on those spots for the break in period and the boots would wear through the plasters in a few hours of walking. I was measured like 3 times so I know I had the correct size. I have no issues with red wing or similar. I think it’s because I have a very high instep so the boot creases a lot and dr martens leather is cheap so they didn’t soften easily at the creases.
Seems like I was very lucky to buy a pair back in 2002 or 2003, they've got some scuffs and scrapes now but still showing no signs of falling apart. The longevity of the old ones is absolutely crazy compared to what they pump out now.
I've seen pairs from then and the 80s and 90s wear out just as fast. They have neverbeen very good. You're just lucky with them or very good to them.
New ones are built so cheaply !
He's right. I've had about 4 pairs. 2 pairs during the best of times. They were indestructible. I've had a pair of brown low cut steel toes for this job I used to have and the job I'm currently at. They've survived a really long time. I had a pair of full sized boots where the foam completely was collapsed and it made wearing them tough versus the two during the best of times that I never had that problem with.
This was really helpful and enlightening. I was planning to buy one of these, but now, for that price? No way. Thank you so much!
I bought a pair in the mid 90's. Wore them for 20+ years, I DID have to repair the sole at one point around 10 years in, it did come loose like you showed. A local cobbler fixed them and they were fine. They were comfortable until the end - and I didn't retire them for wear, but I didn't wear them for a few years and my feet changed and they were way too tight. Bought a new pair a few years ago and they just aren't the same. The way they fit, the way they feel, I didn't care for them. I found them really tight on the top of the arch.
I felt that exact same thing. I made a few small cuts in strategic places to relieve the pressure. Now they fit great, but the sole gets hard, like plastic, in these North Dakota winters. Basically I can only wear them for 6-8 weeks per year.
Bought a brown pair back in the early 2000s. They say maden in England on the sole, so I guess I got lucky. Have worn them all over the world, and they have held up great.
thanks as always. Would love to see a comparison of the construction of some of the motorcycle boot brands
I've never owned this brand, but I do find that the fluffier and lighter-feeling a boot is the sooner it wears out. Something with a little bit of break in that isn't soft will wear longer and be more comfortable for me. For hiking, I've beat the hell out of a pair of Scarpa boots that were hard as a rock when I first started wearing them but soon became very forgiving and reliable. I've put thousands of hard miles on them over the years, and they just keep coming back for more. I have also got a lot of wear out of a pair of Carolinas that have gone through several sets of soles and show no signs of giving up. Thorogood boots have been good to me. A pair of their lace-to-toe roofer boots have been amazing. I like that they are made in the USA. I have no problem spending a lot on something that I know is going to give me superior comfort and service. My co-workers are shocked at what I will spend on shoes, but I watch them spend more buying several pairs of fluffy crap that soon become uncomfortable. Shoes are, in my opinion, one of the most important pieces of clothing you can own. $170 for a pair of Doc Martens looks like a rip-off to me when I can get something much better for a little more.
I switched from Docs to NPS Solovairs because of your channel.
I would refer to Docs as "painted" leather as the thickness is nearly the same as a decent coat of paint.
So many of my Martens fell apart that I have started buying buts that are similar quality to Martens but saves me so much money ! Thank you for this video !!!
I wore a pair of Dr. Martens for a couple years. The boot held up, I eventually just wore through the outsole once it was flat. I didnt bother getting them resoled. The funny part about it was when I was in the dead of winter in Minnesota the outersols got so hard whever you would waslk into a shopping mall you would end up with "clack" "clack' "clack"
I have an unworn pair of 1460's from the late 1980's. They were bought and then put into a closet and forgotten about for about 12 years. The leather is still perfect, not dry rotted or cracking or anything because once I found them I started applying a leather conditioner every few years and kept them in a fabric dust bag in climate control with medium levels of humidity (around 50-60% and around 65-70F) but the outsole is dried out and cracked. I wonder if Dr Marten would repair them or if I should send them to a better shop? By the time I found them, I could feel that the rubber outsole was hard and cracked in places, so I didn't want to try wearing them. But I'd like to get them repaired for sure.
I have a pair of made in England DMs from the late '90s. I would love to see those cut in half, if you can get your hands on a pair! I don't wear them much anymore, but they've held up great over the years. The leather is definitely much higher quality than the modern DMs.
Also, it would be neat to see a comparison between DM and Solovair.
I have a pair that I've been wearing for 4 years, almost daily and still in great shape. Best pair of shoes I ever had!
I bought my first and last Martens mid 90es, and they were incredibly durable but very expensive, incredibly heavy, and my big toes were permanently enlarged because of the very uncomfortable steel cap which was too narrow for my foot so it kept scraping on the side. It took me decades for my big toes to revert to normal size. Never again will I wear those shoes. Today I wear much better boots that look similar to Martens but are more elegant and much more comfy and no visible branding. I think it's Geox. I managed to rip the stiches on the side where laces are, but had it fixed at a cobbler. I have them for at least 6-7 years now, they are a keeper.
I learned so much. Thank YOU for sharing 💛
I bought my first pair in the 70s from an ad in the back of Rolling Stones because there were no stores in the States that sold them. You would out your foot on paper and outline it, send it in with $40 and then wait forever. After three months an beat up package would arrive. They were the steel toe, leather toe cap oxfords that I loved for about 6 months but that sole would wear down pretty quick. I would just buy Tanker Boots from the surplus store for $10 and wear those for a few years.
RIP commander salamander. Awesome vid and an amazing channel. My inner hot topic stan is getting schooled and it was def sorely needed.
Yes! Please make a video on the best alternatives to Docs!!
Would love to see you do this to another British boot company called Tredair. I use to wear them back in the day (think 90’s early 2000’s). They’re still around today and were basically the only competitor to Doc’s. Meaning they had the same look, design, similar price point and made in the same country. I actually preferred my Tredair boots to Doc’s when it came to comfort and support.
Or Solovair, which look identical to Docs but are produced only in their UK factory and supposedly to a higher level of quality
Tredair were made by White & Co., I talked to Nick White once and they closed the factory. All production was contracted out to the company that makes Solovair(NPS). Except for veganline I haven't seen Tredair for years, I really liked them.
This channel convinced me to get Solovair and they just better then Docs.
Solovair followup would be cool ;) Thanks for the update!
Well done. Just discovered your channel. Informative and fun.
I'm a NYC Tour Guide. Female. Age 61. I was professional horse trainer for over 20 years and doing that in cowboy boots and riding boots for most of my lifetime utterly ruined my feet. As a tour guide, I walk miles every day. When I started guiding, I tried at least a dozen types and brands of shoes to find something that 1) I could feel safe wearing in all weather and all conditions - a shoe wouldn't slip, a shoe that helped me to not roll my ankles, etc. and 2) would help to minimize foot pain. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING did these things for me until I tried my first pair of Docs. They were, and are, a total game changer. One of the most important things is that they are absolutely slip-proof. No matter where I am or what I'm walking on (wet, smooth sidewalks to black ice), I always feel secure. I have tried numerous all weather, rain and snow boots and they were all slippery at some point. Not my Docs. I don't understand how they do it, or from what material the sole is made, but I never have to worry about slipping and falling in my Docs. They second thing is that the minimize my foot pain. Do my feet start to hurt after 3-4 miles? Sure. With foot issues like I have, of course they will, BUT I get at least 2-3 miles that are totally pain free. Everything else I tried, EVERYTHING, hurt my feet (and knees, and back) within an hour. Finally, my Docs last and last. I have tall boots, short boots, insulated winter boots (could be warmer in all honesty), Mary Janes, Oxfords and even sandals and I can still use my first pair that I bought 7+ years ago. I have never had any pair split or be defective in any way. And my Docs work HARD. They just work and work and work. Once every couple of year or so, I replace to sole inserts with genuine Dr. Marten inserts, and they feel just like new. They are, seriously, the only brand of shoes that I wear now. Everything else is scary and hurts my feet.
What model do you use for walking on ice? All my soles have a compound that turns to hard plastic in the cold.
As a long time wearer of Doc Martens, I've also noticed the change since the 90's til now. My question to you is: what is your recommendation for a DM replacement? Something that has variety of styles but has the much better quality.
I like this channel. You give good info, PLUS who doesn't like watching boots get sawed in half!
Solvairs
Solovairs
I had Docs back in the 90s, and in every pair I had, the leather split along the edge of the sole. The leather took ages to break in, and never was very comfortable. A real case of style over substance.
I had a pair late 80's - early 90's and similar problems including pretty painful experiences - not just discomfort.
I've worn them since the early 70's and I noticed the quality went when Taiwan was making them. When they were being made again on the UK I was pleased to see they gad that original feel to them and now own some of their forlife in 1460 and the shoes and wow they are worth the £170 fir a pair
@@KahlilDechaineof all the ones I had back in the eighties and nineties... The leather never wore out or split or cracked but the souls just wore down after a few years of daily wear because I walk on the sides of my feet. I have a pair of early nineties wingtips that I didn't wear daily and still wear and they're holding up wonderfully. I wish I could attach a picture. It's a shame they sold out their quality for production numbers and profit margins.
My son had 3 pairs 8n a row do this within 2 weeks in 2019.
It's the folding effect that occurs about two inches back from the tip of the toe that descends down onto my foot with each flex of the foot that caused a massive growth on my bone below my big toe from years of wearing them.
Great video, thank you so much.
I wore pairs of these 50 years ago for farm work. They were comfortable but only lasted up to 6 months before the OVC soles started splitting.
My friend had the same problem so always took them back for replacement. He only ever bought one pair because he took each pair back under warranty.
Amazed that they are still geting away with asking high such prices for a junk product which would likely cost less than £10 to produce...
Fantastic editing guys. Def use this format for your historical stuff. And its worth it to take this format and do a trip to the PNW. Do a tour of all the bootmakers and use this format as your mini documentary style ... Love it..
Fantastically informative video 👏
"I purchased my first pair of boots back in the early 90s, and I absolutely loved them. They were sturdy and seemed indestructible. Unfortunately, I eventually outgrew them. Recently, in 2019, I decided to buy another pair. However, the quality was not as good as I remembered. After only two uses, the leather started peeling, and I noticed the sole was coming apart. This was a terrible experience, and I doubt I will ever purchase another pair of boots from that brand again." Glad you made this video so I know it was not only my thoughts on these
Those old doc marten videos are what got me to subscribe around 3 years ago. Amazing how far your channel has come in that time, great job!
Repping the “sick last name” 🤘🏼
As the saying goes, "They don't make 'em like they used to," which is also to say that you could pretty much wear them regularly or even on the daily [back in the 80s or perhaps even the early 90s], but not anymore. DMs nowadays are basically something you'd wear once in a while or on occassions. They're not meant to be worn often -- like your school shoes, which again, something you could do back in the day.
Great video! Learned some Docs history out of it too. I've had tons of Docs of all kinds and still have most of them. They are still my favorite footwear ever in general. Other than looking great and going with literally nay outfit I really like the sewed in and welded on soles. I've never had a sole rip off or crack in half like the soles of other glued on shoes/boots constantly do. Constantly.
The only ones I've sold off are exactly the kind you showcased here - newer made in Vietnam or Thailand. I've had two pairs of those - my first ones - and while I thought they were fine at first, once I got my first pair of old British ones... that opinion changed big time. They had always squished my foot in the area just before the toes begin and were generally less comfortable. My first made in England Docs just fit so much better it was immediately noticeable. I can't speak on the sole wear since all mine are second hand and I don't know how long it took the previous owner to wear them out.
Basically, if you want actually good Docs, get old British made ones. I got all of mine with the exception of one pair of pretty rare, very tall ones for $60 or less. Canadian $. Ones that may initially look pretty bad clean up very easy with some leather cleaner and a $8 bottle of leather dye.
I wore Doc Martens from my teens until my early twenties. 1988 - 1998, and Docs were always reasonably priced, long lasting, hard-wearing, comfortable boot that you could wear to work AND socialise in. Last pair I ever bought was sometime in the mid 2000's after not buying a pair for several years, and I was shocked at how flimsy they were. The tongue tore off one of the boots as I tugged at it, only a few months after purchase.
I love my scratch and dent card/money holder. Natural creases in the leather are awesome and can't wait to see this thing in the years to come and watch the patina and aging. Thank you for the simple beautiful work!
I bought a pair of these in the early 90’s and they were awesome. Had them for 10 years before I finally outgrew them. I think I still have them somewhere.
I just found your videos and they're super interesting. Seeing how boots are made has given me a new tool to use when picking up new boots in the future.
I was wondering though if you have done or could do a video on some vintage Biltrite ANSI combat boots? I have a pair I found at an antique/thrift shop (Biltrite ANSI Z41.1-1991/75) that are my go-to punk boots and was curious what your thoughts would be on Biltrite boots.
Some 20+ years ago I got a pair of used Docs (obviously the UK ones) from a thrift store, and they lasted me a good 3-4 years of very regular and heavy wear. So I'm sure it used to be a bit better than now, but I knew nothing back then. And it was mostly for the symbolic value they were perceived to have for a rebellious teen from a former Bloc.
Now I have three pairs of Becket-Simonon boots - thanks to Weston our man here, and could not have been happier with the quality and the value for money. Any Docs look truly pitiful, like some cheap plastic crap that they are next to these.
I'm currently wearing a pair of UK Docs I bought in June 2018 and they still look fairly new and have no problems. That's not to say all of them are that long lasting, I went through two pairs of UK Docs and two pairs of Solovairs in the four years prior to that, and they all had that heat-welding split that's mentioned in the video. All of them are otherwise still in great condition, so I'm hoping to find a cobbler soon that might be able and willing to put Vibram soles on them.
All that said, I have had Asian made Docs before, and they lasted me between 4-8 months tops, with way worse splits across the soles and leather.
@@SymbolicSplenetic That's all good, mate, but once you see real boots next to your docs, you'll know what I mean.
I'd love a best alternatives to Dr Martens video!
Solovair (avoid their smooth leather options like docs) and Trickers. Trickers aren't quite the same thing (won't find the loud stitching) but some of their shoes have a quirky/clunky Brit country boot aesthetic.
Agreed
Grinders are pretty good and cheap as well, best avoid the fake toecap ones though as that stitching can give up fast.
I personally have still 3 pair of Dr. Martin from the 80s and 90s, I love them. Six hole black boot, eight hole green boot, and Oxford.
I’ve worn mu Jadons every day for the past 6 years. The thicker sole on Jadon keeps my damaged left foot comfortable. I love that and if they ever do need to be replaced, I’ll buy them again!
weston, thanks for revisiting these "boots". i AGREE with all you said & proved, YET i still love my docs. i have two pair of boots & three pair of their shoes. i always use arch support inserts in all my shoes (nearly flat feet), so it lessens the dismal inside conditions of most shoes. i wear my docs about once a week & they don't have to work hard, just look good. i have been wearing docs for 40 years & i have noticed the decline in their products in this century. i think the reason i still love & buy docs is because they're so familiar. they complete the silhouette, so to speak, of what i consider a kick-ass outfit. they dress up & down, they come in interesting colors & textures, & they really are classic. they're a vibe. a hundred & seventy dollar firggin' vibe.
Would love to see a "vertical" dissection of pairs from different years. And also, would love to see a teardown of the current UK made ones, if they're still doing that.
it's the same shit
It's all already been done on this channel, including comparison with a 1990s pair, Uk made ones, and Solovair, which are still made by the original British manufacturer => www.youtube.com/@RoseAnvil/search?query=martens
Buy Solovair if you want an 80s style DM but better!
I have a pair of doc Jadon from Wich I quite like the the comfort however this coat is ripping of like everywhere after 6 months of wearing. I’ve tried to take off this layer on one of the boot but now whatever I do the leather is sticky and always dirty. Do you have any advices to get to the leather of the shoe and have a normal maintenance shoe instead of a always dirty and sticky shoe ?
Thanks a lot
I always kinda felt this way, and your video just backs it up. I've been wearing these fancy boots for like six years now (John Varvatos), and honestly, they were a bit pricey, but totally worth it 'cause they're still holding up
Defo need best alternatives for Doc Martens video please! 👍
Check out Solovair. Same outward style built in England using the traditional Doc Marten techniques.
@@ivanheffner2587 thanks for the suggestion, Ivan! Already got like 3 pairs 😄 they are definitely so much better. Would be great to know if there any other alternatives out there?
I'd love to hear about alternatives in the same video, but in the mean time I've been wearing my Docs for the 7 years practically every day, walked 100's of km's in them, and they still remain the most comfortable and reliable pair of shoes/boots I've ever owned, no cracks, holes, whatsoever.
Solovair boots, especially with the insole they sell 10/10 quality boot and comfort
Same here. I have used mine consistently for a while.
@@XTC95 was looking for this just bought some Burgundy rub offs and was worried about the quality since I bought them from England
@@isaiyanez4543 burgundy rub off's look really good in person :)
For the same price you’re better off with any half decent boot brand making combat boots. They’re literally the lowest quality possible.
Excellent video!!
I've been wearing the SAME pair of Doc's for 40 years. I bought mine on Carnaby St. in London. I had 2 other pairs stolen that I bought around the same time. I have newer ones, but my go-to's are my old ones. They are my lucky charm on motorcycles. Never dumped it wearing those. Show me another boots/shoes that last 40 years & still are comfortable and not worn out.
I got my daughter a $100 Doc Marten gift voucher as part of her Christmas gift two years ago. The boots she wanted and ended up getting were $311 not including the gift card. So $411 all up. For low quality boots. Thankfully I only contributed $100 although now I see that was too much. I genuinely thought they were good quality.
400$ US?? She got ripped off lmao I bought 2 pairs brand new (one of them being the exact pair in this video) in the last 5-10 years and they we're 220$ Canadian a piece, meaning about 320$ US for both pairs.
!
WTF pair of Docs were over 200!?!?! Are you not in the US or something?
@@Carmine.Falcone No we’re in Australia. There were cheaper Docs but she wanted a specific one.
I loved my Docs back in the 90s, but they would last a maximum of twelve months, which I found acceptable as I'm one of the heavies and they were really comfy and worn every day. I then went through a spell, testing other brands of boots, more expensive, but not better. When I went back to the Docs, I had a pair of their boots replaced after a month as they failed catastrophically. The replacement pair only lasted three months. That's the end of the Docs for me. I am now on my first pair of Italian Grisport, which have been annoying me as I want a new design, but these won't give up the ghost. They're five years old and get worn daily, for work, leisure and even to ride my motorcycle (which has caused me to drop it a couple of times as the laces get hooked on the frame).
Audio sync is on point
I was about to but the same color Doc Martens. Thanks for this video.
Modern DM’s are total rubbish as you indicate. The previous made in England ones, which are basically what Solovair are now are were very good. I have never had any spit leather on them at all.
I came to the same conclusion in the mid 90's. These were my footwear of choice as a rebellious teenager. The inner sole collapsing within days of being new, leather splitting, ribs digging into your heels, and the hard steel shell getting dislodged and hurting your toes were the trademark of DrMarteen. All this happened well before the production was sent to china. I remember paying about 650 Francs which would be 100 Euros back in 1993. Only one store would sell them in town.
Made in China, nuffsaid.
Similar problem for me.
@@elih9700 Except he's talking about his mid 90s docs, which were made in England, so not really "nuffsaid"... Docs could be shit back then in the UK too.
@@mountainpeakcloud8442 Chinese goods are poor, nuff said.
Thanks for the video. Im new, have you reviewed RM Williams boots?
I had a pair similar to those back in 2002, but I found them to be very durable (walked hundreds of miles in snow) and extremely comfortable (but quite heavy).
Is this is a different finish or are all of them like this cheap yellow one now?
I bought my first pair of Doc Marten boots in 1991 and these are the only pair I still own. Construction and quality of materials used is totally different than what you get these days. I belive the last pair I bought was in 2016 and after two days I gave them away because they were just aweful. The old ones were aniline dyed, took forever to break in and after that always felt great. The newer ones wore like cheap rubber boots. Including the constant odd sweaty feet you get in rubber boots.
Nice content. Good to see you looking back into this. Would you consider do the same for solovair?
He had cut one in half before. Definitely liked it more.
@@QuickQuipsi know, thats why I said consider do the same “look back” for solovair too
Has the quality changed recently? I’ve got a new pair in 2017 and they’re a bit sad now they’re textured leather and not as comfy but I’m only replacing them because I have a pair with a zip and it’s broken after 6 years?
I have mine and wore them almost every day. Im on my second pair in last 10+ years. I still find them comfortable and I don't have any problems with sole. I do have leather cracking, but that is only probrrm I'm having. ( taking in consideration that I have never put anything on them whole time I'm having them)
I've owned several pairs of Docs over the last few decades, and genuinely loved a couple of them. I hate the OG soles with the thin lugs. I owned two pair of those and wore them only for a short time. The ones I loved had what I think were called "Ranger" soles, which had a design more similar to traditional combat boots. Those performed well for me and lasted for several years of daily wear. I've been considering getting another pair, but would absolutely LOVE to see a video of Doc alternatives with better quality and/or comfort.
Grinders are great
Bought a pair of these for an ex a while ago for a christmas present. They were on sale but still twice what I'd paid for any shoe I'd bought for me. When they arrived I was astonished at how cheap and nasty they appeared, so much so that I spent a few hours looking up how to spot fakes as I was positive I'd been ripped off. Turns out I had been ripped off, but by the genuine article rather than a forged item. Will never spend my hard earned money on them ever again for anyone. Ahh and the boots only laster her about a year before they looked too tatty and the sole had started to detach.
Which boots are still good? Corcoran? I used to wear their jump boots years ago... the were awesome back then (for an o,d military jump boot)