Shoes - Dr. Martens Unisex Original 8 Eye Boot

Dr. Martens Unisex Original 8 Eye Boot

Latest Price & Discount

• Lightweight PVC sole
• Signature DM welted construction

Product Description
When you're looking for a good transition shoe for school or work into an evening out, the Unisex 3 Eye Steel Toe Gibson from Dr. Martens just might be the pair for you. Made with haircell leather--the best, strongest, and most valued layer of hide--this Gibson shoe will take a beating, and yet clean up enough to be your Sunday best. The durable sole has a unique air-cushioned feature that's bound to please the most discerning feet.

Benefits of Goodyear Welt
Goodyear welt is a shoe construction in which the upper and sole of the shoe are stitched together for greater durability rather than glued. The resulting seam is visible and runs around the outside of the shoe, where the upper and outsole meet.

About Dr. Martens

Dr. Martens is the stuff of legends. It all began near Munich, Germany in 1945 when Dr. Klaus Maertens injured his foot in a skiing accident in the Bavarian Alps. To make walking easier during the healing process, he designed a shoe with an air-cushioned sole. Using old rubber tires, he constructed soles that had air trapped within closed compartments. He showed his prototype to his engineer/inventor friend, Dr. Herbert Funck, and together they decided to develop and produce the shoes. Not only did the shoe solve the doctor's immediate problem, but it also started to sell well in Germany.

By 1959 the two decided that they needed a company to produce and distribute the shoes, then called Dr. Maertens, in other parts of the world. At first, many manufacturers rejected the concept of an air cushioned sole as a short-lived gimmick. However, the R. Griggs Group, located in the village of Wollaston in England, decided to go along with the idea by creating the first work boot with the revolutionary sole. On the first of April 1960, the first cherry red eight-eyelet work boot was produced and named 1460 (1/4/60). To sell the brand name better in England, the name was anglicized to Dr. Martens. The range was branded AirWair and the rest is history.

Product Description
A classic boot for independent thinkers and comfort seekers alike. Genuine Nappa-leather upper is super soft with a cool, wear-with-anything matte finish. Shock-blockng PVC sole features updated flex-link technology for added comfort. Classic yellow Z-stitch accents. Imported.

Review #1
Insole WILL NOT last
Ok, whether or not these are now made in China (doesn't surprise me), even when they weren't, the insole did not last. Every pair I owned (at least 5 different pairs/styles) the insole rapidly deteriorated, separated from the shoe, and collapsed into the "air" sole, revealing the small edge of the inside of the outer sole. This edge protruded into the shoe. It was quite painful to walk with this rubbing against your toe. Shoes were great as long as the insole held together, which was about 10-30 days.

Review #2
Classic boot that remains a classic to this day
I've been wearing Doc Marten books for years and have not found a better boot for every day type wear. Other boots tend to be too hiking oriented or not 'boss' enough (like the slip on dress boots that seem to be a bit popular right now).

Although I decry the fact that Dr. Marten's are now made in China, what can you do? If they were still made in England, they would probably cost upwards of US $300. I guess we win because we can buy them for just about $80. and while I feel the quality isn't quite as good as when they were made in England, the cheaper price makes up for it. But this is the reason I'm not giving them a full 5 stars-I feel a bit of their specialness and caché has been lost by them being outsourced to China.

I had the greasy finish ones previously and while the leather was initially a lot softer and more comfy, they didn't hold up as well. Mine developed a weird discoloration after a while and it wasn't my fault, I didn't do anything wrong. Also the the die rubbed off on my white socks which was annoying. I feel the smooth finish ones are more durable and they don't exhibit the same problems.

In all, I can recommnend this pair of boots, especially for the price. They will never go out of style and should provide you years of usage. They look equally as good with a pair of jeans or with a suit. Penn Jillette of magician duo Penn and Teller swears by these boots and wears that on stage every night. I've also seen many other performers wearing them on stage from Michael Stipe, Bono, Pattie Smith, Depeche mode and Iggy Pop. I think they are ubiquitous-comfortable, durable, and look good under practically any circumstance. I can go from a job interview to working on my car without having to change shoes.

Review #3
A simple pleasure
I have been wearing this boot off and on for twenty years and I just bought a new pair. I must say it was like meeting an old friend again. These boots are a little stiff at first, but when you break them in....AWESOME. Buy these boots and never buy another pair.

Review #4
Most Comfortable Boot You'll Ever Own
The title says it all. The soft leather and the cushioned sole make me regret taking these off at night.

I broke my leg just above the ankle recently, so I decided to get these for some added support instead of traditional dress shoes. They've been a godsend! I wouldn't recommend the black ones for this same reason, as the leather is much stiffer.

Only downside is that I am a 1/2 size, so they are a tad big. Fixed the problem with some inserts and I'm ready to roll!

Give them a couple of weeks to break in and you won't regret it.

Review #5
always loyal to Docs
I purchased my first pair of Doc Martins back in 1997 and I am just now needing to replace them. Docs are the best investment in shoes because they truly last. These particular boots are great for anyone who wants a pair of boots they can wear in warmer weather because they are not very thick or padded with cloth like a lot of winter boots have.

They do take about a day or two to break them in, but once you do it is so worth it. Docs are the best shoes for people who suffer from foot problems, like myself. They are wide enough to fit comfortably, and the soles give support your arches need for a day on your feet.