Vicky ParryFor all of those that know me, this “Loves” comes as no surprise. My feet are (semi) permanently adorned with Doc Marten shoes and the scars on my feet pay homage to my levels of dedication.
I got my first pair of boots when I was eleven, I started secondary school thinking I was going to impress all my classmates with multi coloured tartan laces with bells attached; I was very much mistaken. My love for them however never died down, despite the mocking.
The historical connotations of the brand tie in with so many British traditions, some less positive than others, yet the boot only arrived here in 1960.
The History
Designed by Doctor Klaus Märten in 1945 the boots were a result of him twisting his ankle whilst skiing in the Bavarian Alps on leave from his army duties. Finding his usual army boots a discomfort to his injured foot Märten fashioned a more comfortable counterpart; with the now infamous air cushioned sole.
Two years later, with the help of an old university friend, Märten went on to produce more of the boots (with discarded rubber found on Luftwaffe airfields). Within no time British shoe manufacturer R. Griggs Group Ltd had bought rights to manufacture the shoes in the United Kingdom. Then, with a newly Anglicized name, a slightly re-shaped heel and their trademark yellow stitching, Dr. Martens as we know them were born.
By the early 1970’s the boots became heavily associated with Britain’s subculture and skinheads. Due to the hard wearing nature of the boot and the skinheads love of hard-wearing “work ware” they became synonymous with society’s undercurrent of anarchy and discontent. So much so that even wearing the boot could warrant negative associations (think today’s “hoodie” connotations in a more graphic form). Even the colour of laces worn were symbolic and could determine peoples positions within a gang or their level of criminal activity (much be-known to the 11 year old me with my multi coloured laces).
The last decade has seen the brand go in and out of favour.
2003 saw the production of the boot sadly leave the UK, due to a decline in popularity, then within five years the brand was back, in full fledge, with a “Vintage” line manufactured back on British Soil.
This last year has seen the emergence of their “Made in England” line, alongside their classic style boots they have introduced Brogues and other classic shoe designs. Their “re-invented” line has also seen them trying something new, with shoes made from hair and the brands interpretation of Brothel Creepers they have proven to be constantly upping their game.
I really hope that their recent successes continue, if not purely for selfish reasons then because of the historic weight of the brand.
“It’s not class or ideology,
Color, creed, or roots
The only thing that unites us
Is Dr. Marten’s boots”
