Dr Martens...still good?

matthewp

Combat Truck Monkey
I have a couple pairs and absolutely love them (going on about 3 years with each pair). My only issue is the fit with my slender feet, otherwise they are solid and reliable.
 

bucketosudz

Explorer
Like many other things, Doc's quality has gone downhill over the years. I have had several pairs where the soles delaminate. Much of it has to do with how often and under what types of conditions you will be wearing them, as to how long they will last. I won't buy another pair of them personally. My BORN brand shoes have been much better. YMMV
 

bcrez

Adventurer
I am thining of picking up a new pair of light leather boots for everyday use. I had a pair of Dr. Martens back in HS (mid 90s) and they were awesome, literally wore them off my feet over 4 years of everyday use. I see they are now made in Asia and was wondering if the quality is still there?


I dont see Dr. Martins as a great choice for outdoor footwear. Workboot? perhaps, but there are so many better options... Danner, ASOLO, Wolverine to name a few.
 

obscurotron

Adventurer
I had Doc's in the 90's as well and wore the soles to a high, flat shine before I had to ditch them in 2002. I bought another set of Doc's (same style, same size) in 2002 and I got 2 years out of them. Won't buy their stuff again.

These days I still with Irish Setter and Red Wing for most of my needs, though I'll probably move over to Danner once my Setter's give up the ghost.
 

Storz

Explorer
I should add that these are going to be my everyday shoes, I already have a pair of Keens and a pair of Tecnica approach shoes for outdoor type stuff, as well as a pair of Chaco sandles for in the summer :)

I just ordered the Dr. Martens Jasper from Zappos, should be here later this week.
 
Last edited:

007

Explorer
I had Doc's in the 90's as well and wore the soles to a high, flat shine before I had to ditch them in 2002. I bought another set of Doc's (same style, same size) in 2002 and I got 2 years out of them. Won't buy their stuff again.

Same experience here. I also noticed that the more recent pair was extremely slick when it gets cold.
 

elmo_4_vt

Explorer
I wear a pair almost everyday, I think they are style 71 (steel toe shoes) and get about 3 years out of them per pair. I'm on my 3rd pair. They are a bit narrow so I had to upsize, I still like them and they're as comfortable as my sneakers, MUCH heavier, but as comfortable.

-
 

Storz

Explorer
Got the boots yesterday and I am quite happy with them, they fit my foot really well and the leather appear to be good quality. The soles are comfortable and supportive. I'll post up a in a few months how they are holding up!
 

UK4X4

Expedition Leader
Last time I dressed in DM's

30 years ago, 14 years and dressed like this .............

skinheads.jpg


so i guess my input is not valid !

:)
 

TreeTopFlyer

Adventurer
I have 3 pairs. 2 3-hole pairs, and a pair of steel to 10-holes. The boots are still mint. The other pairs, one pair I wore thru high school for 3yrs plus walking back and forth to class in college for 3yrs. They never got a hole in the sole but the leather did come start to get a hole in the side. The soles were worn to a slick shine. Bought another pair in 97 and still have them. But since the college days there isn't as much walking around so the soles are still in pretty good shape, not slick yet. I've often thought about getting another pair just because of how comfortable they are but after hearing about the QC issues, I will move on.
 

shortbus4x4

Expedition Leader
Last time I dressed in DM's

30 years ago, 14 years and dressed like this .............

skinheads.jpg


so i guess my input is not valid !

:)

I haven't heard of Doc Martens for a long time except a few years ago when me and a friend were talking about what was cool when we were that age and about that long ago.:) I didn't think they still made them.
 

shahram

Adventurer
I've worn Doc Martens my whole life, and I bought my last pair a few years ago. I'm done with them--they've gone downhill, quality-wise. They used to take a few months of hard wear to break in, now they take a few weeks of hard wear to break. I've switched over to Rossi (Australian boots, not unlike Blundstones), and after a year of hard use, I still absolutely love them. Most comfy pair of boots I've ever owned, and durable as hell. Only problem is, with the elastic ankles, they are lacking a bit in ankle support. Small issue compared to their durability.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
188,368
Messages
2,906,161
Members
230,117
Latest member
greatwhite24

Members online

Top
­