Dr. Martens is a chronometer that never falters, measuring eras and styles

How it all started

1945

The history of the brand begins in Germany after the end of World War II. At that time, a doctor and former wehrmacht

soldier Klaus Mertens injured his foot and realized that standard army boots with studded soles were actually quite uncomfortable. Mertens decided to create unique boots with an air-cushioned sole for better comfort and support.

"A week ago, the war ended. Many turned to theft and looting. But while everyone was looking for jewelry and furs, I managed to get some leather, a needle, and thread, and stitched together the first pair of boots with a thick air-cushioned sole."

Klaus Mertens

The founder of the "Dr. Martens" brand

The history of the brand begins in Germany after the end of World War II. At that time, a doctor and former wehrmacht soldier

Klaus Mertens injured his foot and realized that standard army boots with studded soles were actually quite uncomfortable. Mertens decided to create unique boots with an air-cushioned sole for better comfort and support.

The history of the brand begins in Germany after the end of World War II. At that time, a doctor and former wehrmacht

soldier Klaus Mertens injured his foot and realized that standard army boots with studded soles were actually quite uncomfortable. Mertens decided to create unique boots with an air-cushioned sole for better comfort and support.

The history of the brand begins in Germany after the end of World War II. At that time, a doctor and former

wehrmacht soldier Klaus Mertens injured his foot and realized that standard army boots with studded soles were actually quite uncomfortable. Mertens decided to create unique boots with an air-cushioned sole for better comfort and support.

It was during this period that the boots received their signature yellow stitching along the welt and the distinctive "AirWair" and "With Bouncing Soles" branding.

Culture and style

1960

Symbol of an Era

In the 1960s, a pair of Dr. Martens cost around two pounds sterling. Due to their affordable price and comfort, Dr. Martens

faced no competition among factory workers, builders, military personnel, police officers, and postal workers. The footwear was so recognizable that political activists began wearing them to their rallies, showing solidarity with the working class. However, Dr. Martens gained their iconic status within the

British skinhead subculture.

In the 1960s, a pair of Dr. Martens cost around two pounds sterling. Due to their affordable price and comfort,

Dr. Martens faced no competition among factory workers, builders, military personnel, police officers, and postal workers. The footwear was so recognizable that political activists began wearing them to their rallies, showing solidarity with the working class. However, Dr. Martens gained their

iconic status within the British skinhead subculture.

faced no competition among factory workers, builders, military personnel, police officers, and postal workers. The footwear was so recognizable that political activists began wearing them to their rallies, showing solidarity with the working class. However, Dr. Martens gained

their iconic status within the British skinhead subculture.

1970s

Freedom
and rebellion

The final stage of the popularization of Martens came with their spread in the music scene. The leading rebels

of the 70s — the punks — made them their symbol, and soon they spread across the globe like a force of nature. Members of iconic bands like Sex Pistols, Madness, The Specials, Depeche Mode, Nirvana, and others played countless concerts in Martens. Music captivated minds, so the footwear of idols quickly made its way from the stage to the streets. By the end of the decade, the boots with yellow stitching had become a striking symbol

of self-expression in British youth subcultures.

1970

of the 70s—the punks—made them their symbol, and soon they spread across the globe like a force of nature. Members of iconic bands like Sex Pistols, Madness, The Specials, Depeche Mode, Nirvana, and others played countless concerts in Martens. Music captivated minds, so the footwear of idols quickly made its way from the stage to the streets. By the end of the decade,

the boots with yellow stitching had become a striking symbol of self-expression in British youth subcultures.

the punks—made them their symbol, and soon they spread across the globe like a force of nature. Members of iconic bands like Sex Pistols, Madness, The Specials, Depeche Mode, Nirvana, and others played countless concerts in Martens. Music captivated minds, so the footwear of idols quickly made its way from the stage to the streets. By the end of the decade, the boots

with yellow stitching had become a striking symbol of self-expression in British youth subcultures.

The final stage of the popularization of Martens came with their spread in the music scene. The leading rebels of the 70s—

Thus, the era of the 1960s and 1970s in England had a decisive influence on the establishment and popularization of Dr. Martens, transforming them from work boots into a symbol of subcultures and fashion that continues to inspire today. Their popularity is sustained by the ongoing interest in vintage fashion and styles from past decades, perhaps emphasizing the individuality of their wearer.

Stars and Martens

1967

The road to the stage

The first musician to take the stage in Dr. Martens was Pete Townshend of The Who. According to the frontman himself,

during tours he would settle into bed with only a bottle of whiskey and his Dr. Martens. His appearances on stage sparked the popularity of the boots among rock music fans and musicians alike. Over time, members of iconic bands like Sex Pistols, Madness, The Specials, Depeche Mode, Nirvana, The Clash,

and other legendary groups performed countless concerts in Martens.

In 1975, Elton John took the stage in knee-high 1960s series boots for the rock opera "Tommy," creating a real sensation.

Stars and Martens

The first musician to take the stage in Dr. Martens was Pete Townshend of The Who. According to the frontman himself,

during tours he would settle into bed with only a bottle of whiskey and his Dr. Martens. His appearances on stage sparked the popularity of the boots among rock music fans and musicians alike. Over time, members of iconic bands like Sex Pistols, Madness, The Specials, Depeche Mode,

Nirvana, The Clash, and other legendary groups performed countless concerts in Martens.

during tours he would settle into bed with only a bottle of whiskey and his Dr. Martens. His appearances on stage sparked the popularity of the boots among rock music fans and musicians alike. Over time, members of iconic bands like Sex Pistols, Madness, The Specials, Depeche Mode, Nirvana, The Clash,

and other legendary groups performed countless concerts in Martens.

American bands, when touring in Britain, were inspired by the local fashion and began bringing Dr. Martens back with them, inadvertently promoting and spreading the brand worldwide. By the end of the 1990s, nearly all of the youth in America and Britain were wearing them. Even Pope John Paul II and the Dalai Lama were seen wearing Dr. Martens.

Modern Times and Collaborations

In the 1990s, Dr. Martens decided to significantly expand their footwear

range. As a result, the total number of models exceeded 500 different variations by the end of the decade. By the year 2000, Dr. Martens' sales had fallen to an all-time low. The company managed to avoid bankruptcy, but at a high cost. To stay in the market, the Griggs amily carried out mass layoffs

and moved the majority of production to Asian countries.

В 90-х Dr. Martens принимает решение существенно расширить

range. As a result, the total number of models exceeded 500 different variations by the end of the decade. By the year 2000, Dr. Martens' sales had fallen to an all-time low. The company managed to avoid bankruptcy, but at a high cost. To stay in the market, the Griggs family carried out mass

layoffs and moved the majority of production to Asian countries.

In the 1990s, Dr. Martens decided to significantly expand their footwear range. As a result, the total number of models exceeded

500 different variations by the end of the decade. By the year 2000, Dr. Martens' sales had fallen to an all-time low. The company managed to avoid bankruptcy, but at a high cost. To stay in the

market, the Griggs family carried out mass layoffs and moved the majority of production to Asian countries.

Modern Times

and Collaborations

In the 1990s, Dr. Martens decided to significantly expand their footwear range.

As a result, the total number of models exceeded 500 different variations by the end of the decade. By the year 2000, Dr. Martens' sales had fallen to an all-time low. The company managed to avoid bankruptcy, but at a high cost To stay in the market, the Griggs family

carried out mass layoffs and moved the majority of production to Asian countries.

By 2010, footwear sales had surged significantly, and by 2012, R. Griggs had entered the top eight fastest-growing companies in the UK. In the past five years alone, the iconic

Dr. Martens 1460 silhouette has been involved in ten collaborations. This strategy helps the brand stay afloat and compete with other more technical and popular brands.

By 2010, footwear sales had surged significantly, and by 2012, R. Griggs had entered the top eight fastest-growing companies in the UK. In the past five years alone,

the iconic Dr. Martens 1460 silhouette has been involved in ten collaborations. This strategy helps the brand stay afloat and compete with other more technical and popular brands.

By 2010, footwear sales had surged significantly, and by 2012, R. Griggs had entered the top eight fastest-growing companies in the UK. In the past five

years alone, the iconic Dr. Martens 1460 silhouette has been involved in ten collaborations. This strategy helps the brand stay afloat and compete with other more technical and popular brands.

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This is me and my irreplaceable classic 1460