Dr Martens, Dr Martens, Dr Martens Boots (Doctor Martens)

Member Name: hawkida

Product:	Doctor Martens
Date:	17/03/01 (412 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: sturdy, comfortable, fashionable

Disadvantages: may initially seem expensive

I'm non too forgiving on my shoes. I've bought pricey shoes that last six months and cheap ones that manage around four. When I choose a soft sole it wears away before anything else has a chance to give. When I upgrade to a sturdier sole the shoe tends to come away from the sole at the front. If I use glue I might get a little more time with the sole, but the leather itself starts to deteriorate.

My favoured footwear is anything practical and comfortable. Trainers meet the comfort requirement but they're not good in the wet and have a tendency to wear out even more quickly than shoes do. Early last year I found a solid pair of Wrangler shoes that appeared to fit the bill, but after two months and an entire tube of glue they were ruined as the sole flopped away from the body of the shoe with every step.

So I turned to Doc Martens and I have no regrets. My shoes cost me approximately sixty pounds - more than I would usually pay but it was an excellent investment. Eleven months on the shoes are starting to protest but remain in a better condition than any I've bought before.

Doc Martens have been making shoes and boots since the late 1940s and their primary concerns have always been comfort and sturdiness. With a lifetime of experience the shoes they sell today fit both bills perfectly. Most Docs are "air wair" style - the soles are impregnated with air to offer a comfortable step. The well made and sturdy uppers are sewn firmly to the bottom of the shoe so that they will not separate. I have the "Municipal" 3 eyelet classic shoe, one of a huge range of shoes and boots available suitable for any age, baby to adult. My shoes are plain black with yellow stitching, but Docs are available in a huge variety of styles: from snake-skin to flower power, boots to sandals, sensible to eccentric, patent leather to suede, most people will find some item of footwear they are happy with.

The makers never inten
ded to create a fashinable shoe, they simply wanted practicality but the enduring style and the sturdiness of the footwear have seen them become something of a fashion icon. The company now thrives and accessories such as pencil tins or bags are seen as cool and desirable icons.

The web site offers a good look at what is available and will even locate your nearest supplier. All in all Docs are a well thought out product with a following to match. View the web site at http://www.drmartens.com/ (beware: flash heavy site).

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