Dr. Martens

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  Dr. Martens The 1B99 14 Eye Zip Boot in Black
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  Dr. Martens The 1460 8 Eye Boot in Black and Gold

Dakota Fanning in DMs

Dr. Martens, also known as Doc Martens, DM’s or even bovver boots have been making a comeback. Popular during the 90’s, these quality boots are making their way from the feet of adolescent rebels to celebrities.

Dr. Martens was founded in 1945, when a very exhausted Klaus Maertens decided that he had better get himself a new pair of boots after injuring his foot while skiing. He couldn’t stand the awkward and often uncomfortable clunky army boots that was available at the time. He then came up with using a wonderful thing call air. Yes, he used air.

The air-cushion soled boots were so comfortable, so easy to wear and so dang stylish that he decided he would make more than just one pair. Take note, he started by using old tires and started his DIY shoes in his garage. To test out his prototype, he asked the help of Dr. Herbert Funck, who then became his partner.

 Word spread across town about these unique boots and soon, they started making more shoes on a larger scale. The army boys first thought it was just another fad, but after seeing increasing and steady popularity with the women, they joined in on the fun too. Still even to this day Doc Martens, now anglicized and spread to other parts of the world, have evolved from practical working class style to a must-have for anyone with a rebellious spirit.

To name a few legends that have worn Dr. Martens would sound like a mouthful. But it would be great to know that these classic boots have graced the feet of the Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious, alternative rocker Billy Bragg, Pete Townshend of The Who, Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, Morrissey, Rancid, Noddy Holder… the list goes on to include celebrities of today like Madonna, Dakota Fanning, Lindsay Lohan, Rob Pattinson, Kate Moss Agyness Deyn, a collaboration with Yohji Yamamoto and then some, and even the Pope.

Model Agyness Deyn in DMs

Their design is very basic and functional. Most boots have the steel toe, that can be quite useful, albeit dangerous during the 90’s football fanaticism in the UK, with thick soles, strong laces and quality leather. Their most classic design would be their 1460’s. The cherry red boots that they initially released as an April Fool’s joke, turned out to be the most well-received of their designs. Now their range of designs include printed leather, plaid or checked, without losing its original adaptability for wearer customization. Through the years, this has become one of the things that Dr. Martens are known for, it’s a wear it your own way style. Unlike most shoe brands, Dr. Martens do not try and dictate trends. In fact, they try not to make trends at all. It’s all about simplicity and dependability. Which is what makes Dr. Martens such a great brand that has built a solid fan base. Besides getting a shoe that has gotten decades of guaranteed customer satisfaction, it is a brand that you make for yourself.

You can also check out their other merchandise, they produce shirts, jeans and other great stuff you can wear on the street.

You can check them out at karmaloop, or www.drmartens.com