The German doctor Klaus Märten had the idea of making a sturdy boot after injuring his foot. After the end of World War 2, he and his partner Herbert Funck began making the first soles from recycled rubber. The first shoes of the two consisted exclusively of remnants of army material. The special thing was the sole, which had an "Air Cushion" and thus a pleasant feeling. Already in the 50s they opened their first factory in Munich and started to expand at the end of the decade.
Dr. Martens - since 1960
The British shoe manufacturer R.Griggs bought the patent for the shoes from the two inventors and renamed them Dr.Martens, also spelled Doc Martens. In 1960, more than 60 years ago, the first shoe was launched in the UK. From that point on, the rise of durable shoes was unstoppable. The Griggs family made some changes to the original version. The heel was changed, the cut of the upper shoe was adjusted, the distinctive yellow stitching was added and the profile of the sole was renewed. The new boots were given the name "Airwair" and on the heel loop, in addition to the brand name, the slogan: "With bouncing soles" was immortalized. The company's first model was named 1460, in reference to its release date, April 1, 1960, and was worn by everyone who needed comfortable but sturdy footwear. From letter carriers to warehouse workers, to police officers, all used the features for their purposes.
Dr. Martens shoes are the epitome of British subcultures.
The 60s was a decade full of change, new ideas and social revolution. Actually, it is surprising that a work boot was in the middle of it and also found favor with subcultures. The Mods, a movement that was particularly styled and fashionable, were the first to adapt Dr.Martens boots for themselves. The Mods gave rise to another British youth movement, the Skinheads, who saw themselves as a counter-movement to the hippies. They were working class and they rebelled, with their appearance and the fashion that went with it. After the Skins came the Punks and claimed the shoes for themselves. Boots with 8 holes, became boots with 14 holes, the more extreme the look, the better.
The Chucks from Converse and the boots from Dr.Martens, are probably the shoes with the most trend revivals. Nowadays, no fashion blog can do without the iconic Dr.Martens, or Docs for short. Especially in winter, Doc Martens offers cozy warmth. The leather upper protects against moisture and the air-cushioned sole provides comfort.
