An ode to the boots I have loved for a decade

I was forced to pause recently when a friend asked me how long it had taken me to break in my Dr. Martens boots.

I was wearing them at the time, the scuffed toe peaking out from beneath my jeans. I hardly remembered not owning these boots. They had been a part of my wardrobe for as long as it mattered, which meant I'd probably started wearing them once my school uniform era ended – a tidy 10 years ago.

To this day, they are my favourite shoes to wear, especially in winter. Across our decade-long relationship, they have been my most comfortable boots, and only have a few signs of wear after all this time. They're not as glossy as a new pair would be, but I love them because they're so dependable.

But there are so many more reasons to love this cult-favourite leather shoe brand.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Dr. Martens Unisex 1460 Smooth 8-Eye Boots

Get them for $220.82

The cult status of Dr. Martens

While these shoes were originally from Germany, British shoe manufacturer R. Griggs Group released their own version of the boot in the 1960s. Their original model was even named after their inception date: April 1, 1960 (1460).

Originally sold to Britain's working class, the shoes were seen on Peter Townshend from rock band The Who, which spurred an obsession with the boots throughout youth culture. The brand was revitalised in 2003, with the shoes still remaining universally popular by their 60th birthday in 2020.

There's something effortlessly cool about Dr. Martens, probably driven by the fact that without rock music, they would have remained a working-class everyday shoe. And while they are still perfect for any job where you need to protect your feet from the elements and remain comfortable throughout the day, they now can't be separated from their rebellious, youth-focused branding either.

What I love about my Dr Martens

They're comfortable

Dr Martens are famous for their air-cushioned sole, which is why AirWair can be seen printed on the pull-tab of most pairs. This type of cushioning was invented by Dr. Klaus Maertens in 1945, who needed something to wear while he recovered from a broken foot. The insole of a Dr Martens boot is hard to describe if you haven't worn it, but despite its rock-solid feel, you can tell it's going to be a dream to walk on once its broken in and moulded to your foot.

They're indestructible

Sure, I could polish my boots more often (or literally, ever), but it's crazy to think scuffing is the only difference after 10 years of wear. If you want to apply girl math, these would have cost roughly $250 (taking inflation into account) in 2014. That's only $25 a year, and given I wear them at least once a week (give or take in the warmer months), we can whittle the cost-per-wear down.

They're for everyone

There's been a Dr Martens boot for me at every stage of my burgeoning identity over the last 14 years, from my first Union Jack-embossed pair to my cherry 1460s. Every member of my family owns multiple pairs, including my parents, who are in their 50s. I've bonded with women in elevators via a simple "I love your Docs!". Their ubiquity doesn't reduce their iconic status and that has always seemed pretty cool to me.

Dr Martens have also grown way beyond the 1460 boot, so be sure to have a look at their sandals, Mary Janes and Chelsea boots, too.

Check out these other designs from Dr Martens:

Dr. Martens Unisex 1461 Quad Polished Smooth Shoes

Was $369.99, now $241.49Or $295 at Farfetch

Dr. Martens Adrian Tassel Loafers – Unisex

Was $299.99, now $209.95

Dr. Martens Blaire Hydro Sandals

$199.99 on The Iconic$217 on Farfetch

Dr. Martens Jorge II Sling Back Shoes – Unisex

Buy them for $279.99

Dr. Martens Ramsey Monk Klt Strap Shoes

Was $399.99, now $319

Dr. Martens Corran Chelsea Boots

Was $399.99, now $279

Dr. Martens 2976 Chelsea Boots

Was $319.99, now $191.99

Dr Martens Embury Chelsea Boots – Unisex

Was $279.99, now $209.95

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