These legendary shoes not only have a long history but also a cult status that has inspired generations of wearers. From humble beginnings as a work boot to their current role as a fashion icon, the journey of Dr. Martens is as fascinating as it is impressive.
The story of Dr. Martens begins in 1945 when German doctor Klaus Märtens, who served as a soldier during World War II, had a groundbreaking idea. After a skiing accident, Märtens sought a way to create sturdy yet comfortable shoes. Using an old last and materials from military surplus, he crafted the first prototype of an air-cushioned shoe. Together with his fellow student Herbert Funck, he began producing these shoes in a small workshop in Seeshaupt near Munich.
Initially, the first Dr. Martens shoes were particularly popular among older women who appreciated the comfort of the air-cushioned soles. However, the true transformation of the brand began when the British company Griggs took notice of these revolutionary shoes.
In the late 1950s, Bill Griggs, managing director of R. Griggs & Co., came across an advertisement for the innovative soles by Märtens and Funck. Griggs acquired the production license and made some modifications, including the introduction of the distinctive yellow stitching and the robust Solovair sole. On April 1, 1960, the first 1460 boot rolled off the production line – named after its birth date. Originally designed for postmen and factory workers, these boots quickly found favor with the British working class.
The 1960s were a time of change and rebellion. Dr. Martens found their place in this turbulent era as emerging subcultures, proud of their working-class roots, adopted the boots as symbols of resistance and self-expression. Soon, the iconic boots were embraced by musicians and youth cultures such as punk, goth, and grunge.
Celebrities like Pete Townshend of The Who wore Dr. Martens as an expression of their rebellious attitude, and the brand became a staple of British youth culture. Each new subculture that adopted the boots added new meaning to them, further cementing their cult status.
With the rise of the grunge movement in the 1990s, Dr. Martens reached new heights. Bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam wore the boots on stage, contributing to the global popularity of the brand.
Despite challenging times, Dr. Martens experienced a renaissance in the 2010s. Collaborations with designers like Yohji Yamamoto and fashion houses like Supreme and A Bathing Ape brought the brand back into the hearts and onto the feet of fashion enthusiasts worldwide. The introduction of the "Made in England" collection, manufactured in the original factory in Northamptonshire, brought the brand closer to its roots.
Today, Dr. Martens is more than just a shoe. It is a symbol of individuality, rebellion, and timeless fashion. The shoes are worn by people with a proud sense of self-expression who stand for something. The simple silhouette of the shoes allows wearers to create their own unique style, while the famous durability and comfort make them ideal for the rugged world of street fashion and concerts.
Dr. Martens has evolved from a humble work boot into an icon appreciated by people around the world of all ages, genders, and lifestyles. The brand has not forgotten its roots in the working-class milieu and remains a symbol of authenticity and independence.
With the introduction of vegan variants and continuous innovation, Dr. Martens stays relevant and appeals to new generations of wearers.
By the way, at AVIAIR we’ve noticed that every member of the editorial team owns at least one pair of "Docs."
