Dr. Marten Monkey Boots

[Twelvefret]

Last Summer I found a style of DM Monkey boots from Amazon for $50 and decided to give this brand a try. These are some of the most comfortable shoes/boots I've ever worn. I walk a lot on different types of surfaces inside and outside in all types of weather.

I know from the archives that DM's are well known among the readership here. Most of the threads, however, are several years old. I thought I would post a new thread and see if anybody else enjoys this brand for work and play.

Just recently I ordered another pair. I'm break them in. My basic day in day out attire is some sort of khakis, heavy starched oxford cloth shirt with tie or no tie, usually a bow tie, and a sweater/sweater vest with wool coat in winter. I find the DM's fit right in.

 

[shadowrider]

Love Doc Martens and when I was in high school it was the only shoes I'd wear. Then I swithced to Chelsea boots.
About 10 years ago I bought my last pair in brown nabuck and they were awesome. Wore the heck out of them. I recently saw the same model in a store; I picked it up and it didn't look or feel nearly as good. I guess it's because the new ones are made in China/Vietnam as opposed to England like the older ones were.

 

[shadowrider]

As a side note, a recent trend here in Italy that you see all the time among the fashionable youth, is black Doc Martens brogues (shoes, not boots) or black DM patent leather oxfords, complete with DM trademark thick rubber sole. This is seen on men and women alike. I don't need to tell you how I think it looks.

 

[Twelvefret]

Ignorance is bliss. I have no experience with England made DM's. I just know the one's I am wearing now work so well and look good to.

 

[Powerband]

I have had a pair for over 20 years and they still walk all over the city. I have two others for over five years each and they’re barely broken in. I love DM. They go almost with anything.


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[shadowrider]

Ignorance is bliss. I have no experience with England made DM's. I just know the one's I am wearing now work so well and look good to.

I only compared the nabuck model. Maybe the clssic leather ones are more in the same league. Glad you like them!

 

[Edward]

The quality of DM used to be very good. I had a pair when I was nineteen that lasted for eighteen months as the only shoes (actually the eight-eyelet boots) I ever wore - and wore hard. These days, it varies. It has nothing whatsoever to do with them being made in China rather than England; the big difference is the materials used. For many years, they kept there classic eight-hole model at GBP45 by progressively cutting the cost of the materials put into it as other costs rose. If you're prepared to spend a bit more on their more expensive boots, there are quality items there. The Made in England stuff they do now is fairly decent because they put the quality of materials into it. For my money, the 'for life' range are the best (I think they're China-made).

 

[Harris HTM]

The Doc's used to be be well made boots, well until the early/mid 00's. The quality of the modern ones is vastly inferior. If you look for a doc similar boot then try Solovair's, it is actually the factory that produced the docs.

 

[Edward]

Solovairs are nice indeed.

 

[Twelvefret]

I've read about DM history and it's association with the Solovair brand. We'll see how these two pair of DM I have perform over time. Right now the materials and workmanship are good enough for my use.