Why Doc Martens Are So Expensive | So Expensive

[@DanielleDeFreeze]

My daughter is 16, I gave her my 10 eye Doc's I wore in high school in 1993. I can't speak on the quality of the ones made today, but mine are still in excellent condition.

[@BWM135]

The docs I bought in London while in college in the mid 90s have literally worn like iron. 👍 So hard to judge quality by how long something lasts. Obviously if I wore those Docs every day, they would be history. So many owners with such divergent use cases and expectations. And are people really buying Docs solely because of the quality?!? Seems like a bit of a witch hunt to me, especially relative to what some companies charge for footwear made in the far east (One that starts with N and ends with IKE comes to mind...)

[@vargkvinnan]

She's not missing out on anything with the new ones. They don't have a shank, the leather is very plasticky, the sole construction is poor, etc. Overall not great.

[@arrowb3408]

Tell you what? Mine Colorado shoes also still in perfect condition for urban life. Not a fan of this boots but other fine quality American one.....STF....

[@BWM135]

Tess Peng Tell you what? Nobody is saying Docs are the best thing you can buy in terms of quality and durability. My UK made pairs are still kicking after 25 years. They're from a different era, and have a story all their own. The why so expensive part of this vid is laughable. Docs cost half to a third what the best quality boots cost. Those should be made better, and they are. The typical Doc styles aren't work boots. They have a unique, iconic style that dates back nearly a century. You either appreciate that look and history, or you don't. We know where the makers of this vid stand on that. Any evaluation about quality coming from here is laughable, even the OP's story and mine are just anecdotal. If you want to know what makes a good quality boot, you watch channels like Rose Anvil, not this. You could do FAR worse than to spend $120 on a pair of Chinese made docs. Or $220 on a pair of UK-made 1460s that use vegetable-tanned leather from Horween, one of the best tanneries in the world. You can do far better too, prepare to pay accordingly. In a world where a staple, mid priced running shoe like an Air Pegasus is now $130, and you can spend $400+ on garbage like Common Projects, it's clear to me this vid is pretty much a clickbait hatchet job on a well-known brand to draw eyeballs. And it did... Glad you are enjoying your Colorados. 🤘

[@winwinnie4905]

ohh i'd love to have one of those omg

[@heychelchels5656]

Celebrities started to wear them so the price went up the average person can’t afford them anymore same thing happened to champion

[@Rajkumar-xp2gx]

yeah its kinda stupid and unfair actually

[@terenarosa4790]

Yeah, I use to wear champion all the time. Now the only shoes I can wear are random shoes from Ross.

[@Lizabeth90]

Yah the champion thing still blows my mind. I see FILA or KSWISS making a come back with all this weird 90s love.

[@BonIvermectin]

they ruin everything

[@slygarci6138]

Heychelchels yeahhhh , sad isn’t it?

[@STLYRZA]

“When doc martens first appears in the U.K..... 3 dollars a pair” What?

[@charlesjay8818]

yes but with inflation he said $50 in todays money

[@jximee]

literally i was like “....excuse me?”

[@SausageFingers420]

@@oliviabarryy04 It's called an exchange rate. I assume in addition to inflation whoever researched/wrote this piece not only took into account inflation but the relative weakening of the GBP compared to the USD when giving that figure. The fact is, footwear costs a lot more nowadays even accounting for inflation. Today, $50 gets you a pair of sneakers that _might_ last a little over a year with daily wear if you're lucky and don't weigh as much as I do. I blame Nike and marketing as a whole, along with a consumer base more preoccupied with perception than reality.

[@aigerim3135]

@@oliviabarryy04 what's mean

[@missimperfectlyfine7]

Charles Jay but ONLY $50?!!!

[@jmckendry84]

Did I miss something, or did this video never actually explain why they go so much more expensive? There were numerous mentions of the price going up, but not one indication of why.

[@estoylaroca]

Went from being a work boot, to a "style" boot, and then it was purchased by another company which made the price go up. You don't need any "indication" for the price to go up. They could very well just wake up tomorrow and add another $100 to the price tag just for the heck of it.

[@jmckendry84]

@@estoylaroca what I meant was the video didn't ever explicitly state at any point *why* the price went up, just that it did. Yes, you can infer what you said from the video but the video never outright says any of that, nor does it explain why you can sell a "style" boot at a higher price than a "work" boot.

[@planeandsimple431]

jmckendry84... C'mon man! It's Putin's fault.....

[@nigelyam38]

​@@robreynolds721 did you just compare Doc Martens with redwings, wow

[@robreynolds721]

@@nigelyam38 I don’t know did I? You tell me.

[@dougster701]

The new ones are comfortable but don’t expect them to last forever like the old docs did, also very difficult to resole. It’s a shame they’ve sacrificed quality while increasing the prices.

[@weedfiendofthewasteland3616]

I bought a pair of Docs in the 80s. They fell apart after a month. Worst boots I ever owned. And that's when they had a wooden shank and Made In England. Cost $60. Doc Martins have always been cheap boots made with cheap materials. All style, no substance. Doc Martin was making crap boots and I was wearing them before you were born. Let me guess, you thought Nirvana was a punk band. Lol.

[@MrLoobu]

Thats literally everything on planet earth.

[@toidIllorTAmI]

@@weedfiendofthewasteland3616 those lasted my mother about 5 years since she couldn't afford anything else. Must be nice to have daddy's money.

[@brainboyandthefunkybunch6516]

@@weedfiendofthewasteland3616 Grunge, sometimes known as the Seattle sound, is a musical subgenre of alternative rock is very influenced by punk rock, hardcore punk, noise rock and speed metal and with structures close to hard rock and heavy metal. technical a sub genre of alt rock and punk the fashion choice would be a form of punk as well. but lets not get into the specifics. Stylistic origins: Punk rock, alternative rock, hardcore punk, noise rock, hard rock, heavy metal, speed metal, classic rock Subgenres : Post-grunge Fusion genres: Nu metal Cultural origins: Mid-80s in Washington, United States. popularized in the 90s

[@evafethers5114]

@@weedfiendofthewasteland3616 why are u so angry calm down

[@objective7042]

"From a family owned local factory to an international fashion brand owned by a private equity firm" There's the answer. Edit: Wow, thank you for the likes.

[@catherinemurphy550]

It's just called popularity... People need money to live, and if people are willing to pay the price, then the price will only get higher.

[@njerilee9658]

as i read this that part came up

[@hyeronymus]

@@njerilee9658 amazing that never happened before

[@jkamer2168]

...and there's not a single thing wrong with that. I happily own 11. Certainly planning on buying more.

[@tiffanymira6015]

Yes but not entirely explained. Luxury items with expensive price comes with expensive marketing and research and development. Not only that, Luxury items corresponds to heavy tax based on each country's law.

[@CallieMasters5000]

That's pretty good to get a detailed response from the company instead of a crappy "no comment" or "thanks for your enquiry!".

[@rkan2]

Yeah, I liked the video because of just that ! I almost though it was going to be a canned reply after the first line..

[@neutronalchemist3241]

Unfortunately, to reduce the thickness of leather by 11% IS going to affect it's integrity.

[@hellokoreanadventure8044]

Also there are different tiers of quality to leather. 1.8 mm thickness of high quality leather is going to wear very differently than 1.8mm of a lower quality leather

[@manatoa1]

The problem is that their response is nonsense. It's written to look as if nothing has been changed, while admitting that things have. They say it hasn't harmed the quality of the boot, but that's a value judgement that can't be easily proven or disproven. The fact is that they have made changes to reduce costs, while expecting you to pay more.

[@johnmiller2191]

Most companies will respond with an actual response, but first, you'll get an automated response of "thank you for your reply"

[@DementedDistraction]

I've been wearing Docs since the mid 90s, and there is a definite difference between the made in UK vs made in China boots. The Chinese leather is a lot rougher inside and not as thick or supple as its UK counterpart. (The cuff on the Chinese boots are very floppy, while the cuff on my UK boots is more rigid and stands straight and firm.) The finishing on the edges of the leather is also cut quite roughly compared to my UK boots, where the edge is smooth and has a liner at the cuff. Also, the stitching on the outsole of my Chinese Docs has blown out after 4 years, whereas the same stitching on my UK Crazy Bombs that I got in 1999 is still going strong.

[@dandansfu]

@@yuka7.999 lol yeah like if it’s now made in Uk it would be better This isn’t 50s anymore. In 2022 ppl now days just don’t work as hard have u seen the documentary about us workers compare to chinese workers on work ethics Also even if they want to care , under capitalism it’s all the same as they don’t want u to build good quality they just want u do it for cheap so even if u have passion it makes no difference Third. Many skills are simply lost due to technology There are actually many skills / way of doing things that simply are lost forever even if u want to learn how to do it Especially with hand required skills It really doesn’t matter where it is made. Look at apple products. Made in china but still is had good qualities Coz Apple has a standard they have to or at least they used to care so they will demand the qualities coz they are known for it A dollar store item made in china is same crap as a dollar store item made in UK, France , Germany or wherever u want

[@ltipst2962]

​@@dandansfu and I find it funny apple is mentioned. Apple is one of the worst.

[@dandansfu]

@@ltipst2962 coz they are being seen as good quality And u may hate them or disagree but just say they are one of the worst is … I am not saying apple product is the best of the best of the best in the whole wide world. Also my point is not even about apple but ok

[@dandansfu]

@@ltipst2962 like all ur reply on this channel is just disrespectful without any valid resources or references

[@BKOneOneSix]

I just ordered my first pair of UK 1460 docs!

[@KairoK]

The way they just have their fingers near the machine. Anxiety

[@mustangnawt1]

Thought same

[@rocketqueen7355]

,If he dies he dies", -Mario Yamasaki

[@grayman735]

🤔

[@alaila_44]

Dude same but they know what they’re doing so they’re probably not even worried like we are 😂😂

[@anabeatriz_6257]

I knowwwwww

[@flt528]

It's the standard private equity playbook: 1) buy a classic consumer brand, 2) move manufacturing to the cheapest labor country, 3) switch to much cheaper materials, 4) spend a lot on marketing, 5) jack up the price 3x, 6) rake in the money for 10 or so years until everyone realizes it's overpriced junk, 7) sell and find another trusted brand to exploit.

[@jorgecarvajal5862]

Exactly well said. It’s the sad truth people don’t believe or want to believe

[@9manny99]

"Capitalism innovates I swear."

[@1fault]

Doc martens is good quality

[@tremendoshd2356]

@@1fault was*

[@pnaychic36]

they do this to literally everything... anything trusted by the people, they exploit...

[@blancaw6280]

I bought my son a pair when he was 17 years old and a senior in high school in 1998. Yesterday I noticed he was wearing a pair and he told me they were the same pair. He's 41 now and it's been about 23 years and they are still in excellent condition. I know he doesn't wear them on a daily basis, but the fact that a pair of boots that I paid $100 for are still going strong 23 years later is a pretty awesome testimonial I thought. I decided to buy him another pair in another style as a gift. I hope they will serve him as well as these have.

[@havable]

The new pair will wear out the second he puts them on. Maybe even before that.

[@lauram7929]

@@havable lmao fr tho

[@fatkat311]

New doc Martens are terrible... very poor quality, they are just riding on their name now

[@sabrinalayton2835]

Spoiler alert: those new ones are not gonna last him.

[@Momma_AL]

I’m surprised they still fit him

[@cammysmith7562]

I wear solovairs on my farm. They originally made doc martins before they moved production abroad so they are the original doc Martin maker and are still all made in England. Not only are cheaper than the made in England boot, but you can resole the boot meaning it’s a boot for life (you can either buy spare soles to bring to a cobbler or send it back to them and they will repair them). They are also a higher quality material. Sad what’s happened to Docs.

[@maximusmax4557]

I'd never heard of Solovairs in my life, but thanks to your comment, I have a pair arriving on Feb. 3rd. After being a loyal Doc Marten wearer for more than 2 decades, I'm done with 'em! If they wanna become a "lifestyle brand," they can do it without me!

[@neilpincus855]

Doc Martens have become the Harley Davidson of boots. Solovair is just a superior product, end of.

[@Max-rn3eb]

also they've got a shank in the heel which is better for heavier duty work

[@Max-rn3eb]

@@maximusmax4557 how are the solovairs now?

[@Stephen-lx9nm]

Solovair Astronauts ❤

[@ourtime-downhere6931]

The pair I bought in high school over 20 years ago are still in great shape. They were $100 way back then. I've heard the new ones aren't near as good, which is typically what happens unfortunately. Companies get popular and go away from what made them great in the first place.

[@SummeRain783]

I agree. Although not the best out there, I used to get some of my flats for work from Michael Kors. Almost the entire shoe including the inner were made out of genuine leather and would last longer. I went back to the store just a few months ago to get a replacement. The price went up but the inner material changed from real leather to something synthetic. I was like “nope goodbye”. The sad part is people will still buy and keep the demand going. I think its because the newer generation is less diligent in our purchases and don’t have much knowledge of vintage quality to compare to. Thankfully my parents always taught me to look at the materials, craftsmanship etc than the brand itself when shopping. If more of us did that, then I think the brands would certainly go back to providing quality to meet demand. Another trend which I believe killed the quality is the emergence of fast fashion. That really is the devil. Hopefully that dies out and we get better craftsmanship in what we buy.

[@kevinfoley9034]

$100 they where less than £30 in Ireland in the 80's

[@ourtime-downhere6931]

@@kevinfoley9034 inflation plus they'd gotten to be a popular fashion trend at the time I bought them so I'm sure we paid a little bit of a premium but the fact they've lasted as long as they have I'd say $100 for 20 years and going isn't too bad. Better than $250 and they're in pieces after a couple years lol.

[@coagulatedsalts4711]

i had doc martins in 4th grade and i loved them so much that i wore them out in one year and had to throw them out. i'd live to get a new pair but i don't know if i should considering the quality sucks now thanks to planned obsolescence.

[@ourtime-downhere6931]

@@coagulatedsalts4711 check out Solovair. I guess they are the company that made the Dr. Martin brand for them back then and they now use the same process but they are now branded under their own name. The signature yellow stitching won't be on them but they are supposed to be much higher quality than what Dr. Martin themselves is putting out since they decided to do it on their own and go cheap.

[@JoseGuzman-st2cc]

Soooooo quality went down while the cost went up?

[@user-ii8dz4vu7n]

Welcome to capitalism and fashion.

[@abhishekm4434]

to be honest, i really don't trust the "expert" they showed... because i have seen his show and he really not an expert at footwear leather.

[@tibchy144]

@@abhishekm4434 if you're arguing you have to argue with facts, you only did an attack on his person without substantiating it

[@franklindekanter]

@@abhishekm4434 i dont trust the guy either. he didnt even break them in properly. he wears all shoes he tears apart for like a day and them thinks he's qualified to judge quality and comfort. the only thing he knows is to feel what type of leather it is, and if the leather is good or bad, after that i stop listening.

[@pPL112695]

Rose Anvil, a leatherworker, did a good video on Dr. Martens made in England. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3e5eWhreseSiJo

[@kazelciegomiller1289]

Short answer: they became popular

[@xMiso12x]

honestly the ugliest trend ever

[@fraserhendry5052]

popular with gays

[@funinthekitchen844]

Yeah, just like Levi's did. It was working clothes, and now it's (mainly) a fashion brand!

[@_yoshivolts_115]

@Gerr Gerring woooooosh

[@satanhimself2105]

Miso You’re just hating because you can’t pull them off or afford them ✋🙄

[@senik64]

i lost it at the “comfortable” worker’s boots:) i get it, times changed etc but these are undoubtedly the worst shoes I own in terms of comfort. they’re still hella pretty though

[@samcavemanlosco6417]

Your feet need to get used to it I’ll gove you that Wore them everyday to stop the pain and it stopped in maybe two weeks, after these two weeks I couldn’t wear any other shoes than my docs because the feeling just became weird and even sickening

[@marararr]

@@samcavemanlosco6417 two weeks??? i have had one pair for 2 years and a newer one for a year and they gave me huge blisters and my feet hurt even after months of walking

[@samcavemanlosco6417]

@@marararr guess it depends from people, my friends who have doc say the same thing. The key is consistency. One could say wearing docs is a lifestyle since if you only wear them 20% of the time then ofc your feet will get destroyed But the pain is worth it if you got the will to do it :)

[@marararr]

@@samcavemanlosco6417 nah i ve been wearing the second pair (the one i got for myself 2 summers ago) almost everyday in the fall / sping and now winter, i tried to go with a size bigger (hurt like hell), and now i tried with a size smaller (im in between sizes) so that my shoe could adjust to the docs, and they still hurt after 10k steps a day, and my feet got hard rock deformations from blisters (like bunions) i dont think that they are for me

[@samcavemanlosco6417]

@@marararr sorry to hear that, everything dont fit every people unfortunately. If you are willing to give it another chance in the future, try with another model of boots, I’m personnality using 1460. Some are tougher for the foot than others. Also I use soles it helped a lot especially for the healing process. But It’s ok if you don’t have the time money or energy to invest in the brand especially when you had an unfortunate bad experience from the start like yours :/

[@jshepard5840]

The answer is quite simple: Doc Martins are so expensive because every high profile douchbag started wearing them, so, like Harley Davidson, the price went up because the demand was high and people would pay any price because their self-worth comes from material things rather than their character.

[@kingbucketz182]

Absolute truth

[@natjulie1282]

miss sir please, stop talking about me like this 😭

[@amepalomarez742]

it’s shoes 😭😭😭😭

[@RoxyCherryRozy]

@@amepalomarez742 even things such as shoes show sth about character

[@Da_Benski]

At least a Harley is still mostly assembled by people in somewhat free societies. Doc Martens outsourced their free labor force to Communist dictatorships.

[@guyfreemantle3132]

So corporate greed and better suited “cheaper” materials, along with thinner leather and lower labour cost has driven the price beyond inflation...

[@Felix-wy1ri]

Supply and demand ;)

[@MrYubble]

So if I charge you double the price for a product just to increase my profits, it's not usury but just supply and demand? That would blame the consumer, since he's the one "stupid" enough to pay the price. Demand and supply aren't neutral forces, but the sum of subjective economical decisions. And in my opinion it's no argument against a lack of morality in the corporate world.

[@maxpayne69.]

@Repent!. No💀😈💀

[@CaseyBurnsInvesting]

Answer: because people are willing to pay that amount.

[@corey1854]

Quite simple really

[@kennethmckilligan5902]

they are only paying for the brand name, its just the laws of business. the longer your there the more people buy the brand despite them being truly uncomfortable to wear all day until either the shoes or your feet break in.

[@campkira]

for boot... yeah no.... people who wear them wear them due to work....

[@PHlophe]

@@JobaniElgrande sandaletten then..

[@BadGalMarie]

The cost of clout 😂

[@caranook]

My brother got a pair of docs in (I am guessing) around 2002. He did wear them a lot, but it never really showed which was great. He still has them, and they are still in great shape. Apparently people are saying the newer ones aren’t as durable, which is a real shame because that’s one of the things that I really like about them.

[@skypiratecaptain]

I bought a pair in 2016 and they were destroyed by 2019. The whole soles fell off

[@barpsoon3031]

The quality has severely declined since I was a teen. My wife has a pair she bought in the late 80s that she still wares. My daughters 3 yo pair has started splitting where the sole is joined and will not last much longer. Same quality and manufacturing process My Arse.

[@tutelarius]

Did you get the Made In England ones for your daughter?...

[@someoneunknown2206]

I wore mine for well over 10 years with little wear on them. Not one hole and not once did I had to glue the sole back on. Nowadays they are garbage that doesn't last more than 2 years.

[@slygarci6138]

Barp Soon I walked through a small puddle and it affected the glue on mine ,I agree with you...

[@Denturess]

tutelarius actual made in England docs are hard to come by. Most of the ones in england were not made there.

[@stephenelliott2827]

Not having a shank in it anymore is probably a huge contributor to the sole splitting so them saying it’s nbd is bullshit

[@doodskie999]

My father had one pair since the 80's Still in good condition My sister bought one in 2013 and is now cracked and broken. Of course they dont want it to last that long so you can buy more. Quality has gone down tsk

[@Jessica-kb8jf]

Were your sister's ones children's ? The children's leather is softer and not designed to last forever, as children grow. Also was she looking after the leather well? That is quite an important factor in how long they can last

[@melaniecamargo5017]

I been having my docs since years ago and still in good condition

[@kottyking]

dude 7 years out of a boot is impressive

[@doodskie999]

@@Jessica-kb8jf nope, size 8 womens

[@RadenWA]

Is it the vegan faux leather? Faux leather is more prone to cracking and peeling unfortunately

[@Shane_Stoic]

I'm pleasantly surprised Dr. Martens actually gave a response to Buisness Insider's questions and were relatively cooperative

[@whyisblue923taken]

Shane Song And now they get to see the top comment call them out on their poor quality expensive product. ☺🙃

[@Karlakarz]

I do respect them for actually replying

[@tevj8577]

You know the quality is bad when they produce 7mil shoes per year..

[@iseeu-fp9po]

When I was a kid in the 90's would see Doc Martens on people I thought looked cool and when enquiring about them I was told they "could last a lifetime", and this is the image I've always connected to the brand. I realise that was a bit of an overstatement back then, but they were really known to be extra durable. It is a bit sad if that is no longer the case, especially since the price has risen. I've never owned a pair of them so I don't know.

[@spiritworker903]

The original boots cost $3 and are just about still worn today, the new boots are $225 and fall apart in a year. The story of Docs is the story of the world.

[@jama211]

"fall apart in a year" - shows no evidence

[@Shrektopuz]

@@jama211 How the hell do you show evidence on a KZbin comment??

[@hellatightdude]

@@Shrektopuz by providing a source, through a link. You can’t be that dumb.

[@ritenger87]

@@Shrektopuz post a link?

[@seanweir]

My current pair are 5 years old. The new ones aren’t perfect, but it you look after them, they still last long.

[@soupsporks4039]

"older women in need of comfortable footwear." me, sitting here with my new docs on absolutely destroying my feet: 👁👄👁

[@sierra6331]

I have a new pair of docs and they are insanely comfortable, did you get a bad size?

[@sorcellerie]

I can relate lol, mine left me with some scars after breaking them in Like, my parents once asked "are you sure they're comfortable?" and I replied "yeah, very" with my feet just crying lmao But I love them, it was worth it

[@marian8346]

I have 8 pairs of Docs and I always was in great pain while wearing new bought shoes. But after a few weeks they get more comfortable and after a year they're like the most comfy shoes you could ever have🥰

[@trina5044]

Double up on socks and it will be easy to break them in! I’ve had the same pair for 7 years now.

[@makaylam.2322]

you have to break them in the same thing happened to me

[@MrPhantooz]

As the joker once said “It costs a lot of money to look this cheap”. Edit: Sorry For not Knowing that Dolly Parton said it before the Joker had said it in Injustice 2

[@Foehammer157]

I thought Dolly Parton said that

[@ANTINATALIST_lewis]

Ooooof

[@christinamedigo8390]

I understood the joke. Very funny.

[@hnexnuunixeunieuied888sd]

Normal ones are made in Vietnam

[@Guinnessdrnkr1234]

That one chick from Varsity Blues said that.

[@jeffpuglisi8204]

I have two pairs, one made in China, one made in England . The made in England feel better on my feet. But the other is very good also. Love the way they look and wear.

[@alfnoakes392]

A colleague had a pair of knock-offs she brought back from Vietnam labelled Doc Wartens, which were identical to the originals apart from the label (and the price).

[@jennifernettles444]

I found a pair for my daughter at a thrift store that looked brand new for $10. At the checkout lane the person working said they couldn’t believe they were let out onto the sales floor for 10 bucks. Nice find, still in great shape.

[@happypawfun2143]

Are you sure theyre authentic

[@jennifernettles444]

Happypaw Fun absolutely

[@CamdenBloke]

I bought my German army poncho that way. It lasted a long time but eventually the zippers died.

[@dollsNcats]

@@happypawfun2143 many thrift stores have NO clue what they are putting out especially large chain stores .

[@jw11432]

@@dollsNcats This is true. I bought a pair of boots (I forget the name) that turned out to be a fairly high end brand, when I looked them up, they were about a $160 item but I got them for $15.

[@mh1647]

Answer: people don’t care about quality anymore and just care about the right to flex

[@sup4904]

I care about quality. I wouldn’t spend $200 on boots if they were from Walmart even if a celebrity wore them.

[@Xighor]

@@sup4904 at least with Walmart shoes you get what you pay for Doc Martens you don't get what you pay for

[@mcambiaso]

who even is flexing doc martens lmfao

[@Xighor]

@@mcambiaso Neo Nazis?

[@odessaollandin]

shnozebot i am so sad I spent £100 on shoes and they are already going downhill

[@LisaLaMagna]

“ owned by a private equity firm.“ Now you know why they’re so expensive.

[@maxbig9021]

DM owner is HEDGE FUND that is why they make very EXPENSIVE and DISPOSABLE boots !

[@Nswix]

more like its owned by a private equity firm because they saw the price was going up. Demand drives the price and the profit drives the private equity firms to look into buying

[@raconteur5195]

I agree, I think that private equity firms charge whatever price maximizes profits. Fortunately, the company is doing great, including their UK factory.

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Mine were expensive before the company sold. VAT from England.

[@jamesbooth1109]

Because people like them and want them that is why.

[@CaosBoyCathian]

Reported for misinformation, it’s a well known FACT that Doc Martens was sold off to investors which then moved most of its operations abroad where they were allowed to change and use the cheapest materials possible including the cheapest corrected leather available from now cheaper Asian tanneries. Doc Martens are a 30$ boot. Thursday makes higher quality boots, American made or Mexico! Not China or Taiwan!

[@wylwrk6884]

Celebrities are given free merchandise and schmoozed into wearing them for a staged photo/video. Demand goes up. Price goes up. Celebrities. Celebrities are the reason things are so expensive now.

[@RIFLQ]

Just leaving a comment here

[@lucia-di-lammermoor]

Also generally rich people

[@clasichris]

All of which encompasses late capitalism

[@TheGbrie]

Not really, its simply demand. The celebrity can wear whatever they want, it's the people who want it more after seeing that celebrity wear it that increases the demand, therefore, increasing the price the company can charge, simple economics.

[@alexrr3654]

The company have literally become successful because famous musicians have chosen to wear them. Not by celebrity endorsement.

[@neuro.weaver]

Their true cost is even higher if one takes into account the reconstructive surgery needed for your heel. Truly uncomfortable to wear all day until either the shoes or your feet break in.

[@jimmythefeeder2036]

Neuro Weaver I legit have permanent scarring now because I wanted to be an edgy kid lol

[@baileygowlland510]

i dumped a whole bottle of mink oil into each boot which breaks them in quick and hurts less

[@Enzoklopaedie]

I never had any problems with my docs and I wear them daily, even went hiking in them. I guess it depends on the person, as I also go jogging barefoot so my feet might be a little more rugged.

[@samngrg508]

@@baileygowlland510 does it really work? If does, I'm doing the same lol

[@bngr_bngr]

Neuro Weaver people get the wrong size. I never had an issue.

[@JessicasASMR]

Yo comments stop tryna convince me to drop $200 on boots I can’t afford it lmao

[@chloe-qs7ue]

lmao i’ll just stick with my fake ones from target

[@driveaway4733]

@@chloe-qs7ue MOOD

[@blakedavis2447]

Don’t worry you can get more for your money buying from someone else , docs are more of a fashion statement which is fine but if you want some “real” boots Irish setter , ariat, and thorogoods are a good place to start if you want something to just throw on and go beat up on , also make sure your boots are water proof , docs aren’t .

[@Ruby-xk8kn]

$200 boots that last you 5 years of wear is way more cost effective in the long run than cheap shoes or knockoffs that fall apart in a month. Shoes are the only fashion thing i will spend $$$ on

[@blakedavis2447]

Ruby if you live in the city and aren’t too hard on them you can easily get a decade out of them though you should expect a resole or two by then if possible

[@jrose3419]

Brought mine back in the very early 2000's they're still rock hard with perfect souls in 2022 😊😊

[@xxmelaniexx101]

Now I’m left wondering if they pay their employees in Asia a fair wage or not...

[@ehrarbose5600]

Minimum wage boi

[@mirabelIe]

None of the big companies do tbh

[@thinker6293]

@@ehrarbose5600 most of the third world countries in asia don't have a minimum wage. Can attest to that

[@pillarman]

Obviously not

[@Punketeria1369]

Most likely NO. Private equity firm only care for maximizing profits by any/all means necessary 💩🏧😪

[@haveyouseengeorgehennen]

Mfs got clout and made them expensive just like everything else.

[@alfatejpblind6498]

I mean, running a factory in the first world isn’t exactly cheap anymore

[@lonelystarr444]

amen

[@Horizon301.]

@@alfatejpblind6498 actually it is. The difference is greed, easier way to increase margins and thus profits is to simply reduce costs and inferior manufacturing methods, Un-skilled labour and inferior materials help to do this with minimal effort. It’s very much a shareholder approach. They could have just focused on selling more but you know, they need every bit they can get

[@cereal-agario7705]

@@Horizon301. well i mean, thats how business works. nothing wrong with that, simple supply and demand.

[@Horizon301.]

@@cereal-agario7705 supply and demand isn’t exactly relevant to outsourcing manufacturing is it? It comes down to cutting costs and increasing margins. Very much related to CSR policies in place. Using your statement - it’s not relevant because the demand is there anyway and it would only increase if they made their products in the UK or US for example, instead they choose to prioritise profits over quality, there are countless companies who now have lost their reputation, I can’t see Doc Martens being any different when their USP has been thrown out of the window

[@willardSpirit]

Doc Martens are like Timberland: humble working boots, which transformed into trendy hip hop/ counterculture

[@geert574]

Timbs still have decent quality at least

[@CamdenBloke]

Timberlands are hip?

[@RadicalEmu]

They were still relatively cheap when they were part of counterculture. Since they've become general fashion the price has rocketed.

[@prtdiva]

CamdenBloke yes, for hip hop culture. Especially in New York. Docs are for punk and rock kids. Timbs are for hip hop heads 🤗

[@faceman9507]

@@CamdenBloke It dont make sense going to heaven with the goody goodies, dressed in white - I like black timbs and black hoodies If you know, you know

[@miateorr]

bro people saying their new docs fall apart after a year. you guys mustn't be taking any care of your shoes. i haven't taken the best care of my current docs but they're coming up to 3 years old and the only thing that's "broken" is that they're starting to crack where the crease is but it's barely anything

[@oldsport7198]

When he said they used to cost only 3$ my heart hurt 😢

[@jacobo3551]

Same thing if you consider inflation

[@onebullet2689]

That's still around £30_£35 per pair

[@shizukagozen777]

Same here... 😔

[@priscillablount6862]

Ikr when I want the Jadon Max sooooooooo bad! 200.00

[@Alan_Malgesto]

£ 3 60 years ago is not the same as now. moron.

[@Cusifaii]

Sooooo just 2% are "England made", and that is how they promote the product? pfff

[@BlatentlyFakeName]

They only keep that 2% so they can claim it's a British brand. But it really isn't anymore.

[@whatever5922]

Mister Nobody a disgrace

[@shaimalka8696]

Well it is a lot easier to get made in England boots as I live 10 mins away from the place where the British boots are made

[@shaimalka8696]

I live in Northampton so it’s a lot easier if you actually go there

[@thetoerag1286]

@@shaimalka8696 I live in Northampton too, and can confirm.

[@grace3112]

*Me* : I should probably sleep *KZbin* : u wanna know why docs are expensive ???

[@moranshinn]

This just happened to me 😭

[@silverdoe3658]

Bought my docs in 1991 with my first pay, they’ve since been handed down to my daughter and skill going strong.

[@jayk3783]

Should ask the same questions about Nike. Why are they so expensive when it cost $5 dollars to make in China.

[@campkira]

nike alot of them can be resell or it last last very long time.... if you just get one on discount... let you just buy a shoes...

[@DonLee1980]

fake news. Nike spends $28.5 per $100 retail shoe. Then they have to ship it around the world, sell it to a whole-seller for $50, then that sell has to make a profit off that, and hence why the occasional discount sales they can afford. This business model is not easy to make big profits off. The recent push to online sales is great for Nike because they cut out the middle man. Suddenly the margins become 70+% rather than just over 40%.

[@multibearcinna801]

There are lots of expense involved. There are employee wages, rent, utilities to pay. But a large portion does go to advertising costs. All those celebrities in their ads raises the price of their product.

[@BrieoRobino]

They already made a video on that.

[@hse6144]

Don Lee yeah $28 when you factor in all the corporate salaries and bonuses. It only costs pennies to make a shoe in China.

[@itsamemario2435]

they're called Dr. Martens because you'll need a doctor after wearing them

[@goldfishcakes329]

It's a Me! Mario! I remember the first pair I got I had so many blisters. They are really comfortable after you break them in.

[@tactics1056]

You literally have to wear thick socks just so it won't hurt

[@masterrmg4767]

They are really comfortable when wore in

[@IntegraDIY]

Last pair of docs I owned I wore them everyday for 4 years. The 2nd year they still looked new, and looked better as time passes. they were always very comfortable, im going to buy another pair late this year.

[@BOD-d8l]

@@IntegraDIY don;t bother you will be disappointed. I loved them since the 80's but now the leather is so hard. and breaks with in the year even if you do the cowboy method to soften and break them in.heart broken we all are. many of us old types have switched to UK boot companies still making quality and similar look instead.solovair or U.S. redwing shoes.

[@Sheikh_Yerbouti]

I had a pair of UK Docs that I purchased in '92 and they lasted until they finally fell off my feet in early 2002 (wore them everyday). My GF at the time decided to surprise me with a new pair ,but to my surprise they were made in Asia sadly they lasted less than a year. A few years after that I found a new UK pair and they felt cheap so I just moved on. I miss quality goods and the tradesmen that took pride in their work.

[@travisrolison9646]

Not sure where you live, but if you spend the money you can get custom fit boots from whites or nicks boots from Washington.

[@Jacorpes]

The original factory that made DM's until the 00's still makes boots under the name Solovair. I have a pair of 90's DM's and my Solovairs feel about the same quality, definitely infinitely better than any new British DMs. You can also get them re-soled so they last even longer than the OG Docs!

[@Sheikh_Yerbouti]

@@Jacorpes cheers mate, I might try them out, they certainly look the part and those oxbloods are speaking to me

[@anonymouspotato1022]

@@Jacorpes cool I might get some what are their prices like

[@Jacorpes]

@@anonymouspotato1022 They seem to be more expensive than normal DMs but less than the MiE DM’s. I recently bought a pair of them in TK Maxx for £80 so it’s worth keeping an eye out there because you might get lucky!

[@kuekuatsheumotley7902]

Bought my pair when I was stationed at Lakenheath in 85. Still wear them everywhere I have been, from Singapore to Macedonia. They are still awesome looking and so comfortable.

[@katherine3841]

My docs sitting in the corner with “made in Vietnam” on them👁👄👁

[@MrZozohal]

🤣🤣

[@HoaNguyen-cj8ch]

Better than made in china 😂😂

[@andrewhenshaw4067]

Woops

[@owend4358]

Some Fluevogs are made there.

[@MonikaMurphys]

Hhhahaahaah mine too!!

[@edifatkinson7641]

Fun fact: You didn’t search for this

[@MindaKaronwithG]

I did

[@ewan.cartwright]

I did

[@canyonmoon3773]

I did

[@kokichiioumaa6520]

I did *not*

[@hospitalized90]

fun fact: i didn’t search it up, but i really enjoyed watching it.

[@terezacervenakova3512]

As someone who experimenced the 0.2 mm change in thickness- it shows. I remember the thicker boots were hell to break in, the leather was stiff and first few times i had them actually hurt my feet. But once i broke them in, they became the most comfortable And most durable shoes i ever had. The tinner are easier to break in, the leather is soft and you don't need to go through that innitial stage, but they got worn out faster. My older boots are actually in better condition then my newer ones....

[@atm5614]

ህህ

[@jublywubly]

I found that too. I wore dockers to work every day throughout the '90s. They cost a lot, but they lasted (and I could claim them on my tax return, because of their chemical-resistant soles). For most of the '90s, I'd wear in a new pair for a week, on alternate days to wearing my old pair. In the late '90s, a company in New Zealand began making them under license, with thinner, lower quality, leather. They split at the little toe position after about five or six months. They did have the grippier and thicker clover-leaf style soles, though. These days I just have a pair of Dr Martin shoes as dress shoes, so I don't wear them much. One thing I learned the hard way is I shouldn't have ever used Dubbin on the leather, because it essentially rots it, and makes if all apart in layers. Now I do the military thing of using Kiwi polish and boot oil.

[@alfnoakes392]

I'd recommend 'soaking' new leather in beeswax (ie plastering it with beeswax 'polish'). Let it sit and soak in for a week or two, maybe adding more beeswax. The leather will soften quicker and will be durable and weather-proof. Note: the colour will darken a shade this way.

[@cd0u50c9]

I hear you - my old greasy leather commando Docs from 2010 that they don't make any more are in much better condition than a pair of 2019 1460s.... Going Solovair next time.

[@BTLJKS]

I'm currently breaking into docs and I have zero clue what thickness they are, but holy god damn sweet Mary's tits, first week was absolute hell

[@barnabyhoofer8044]

Wore my first pair as a baby football hooligan in the 70s. Kept on wearing em in my Punk days. Back then, there was only black or brown. The skinheads would use oxblood polish on the brown Docs, to give them a red shade. Now they come in all colours, plus Union Jack patterns.

[@alanrogers989]

Let's just assume that the quality is exactly the same. Why have they moved production to China AND increased prices by 25%? Utter greed.

[@evak5250]

Poorer quality for sure.

[@jungkooks_microwavephobia]

@@evak5250 Producing in China doesnt make things poor quality but taking advantage of the chinese justice systems strategy to turn a blind eye to shady business is

[@LeeW-i4t]

People still buy them anyway. Why not?

[@Hitorie_]

Because more people want them and thats how demand and supply works right?

[@ot7stan207]

@@jungkooks_microwavephobia yea I mean nike & apple is made in china and people still use them to run/work. China makes great stuff, them not paying them properly and poor conditions is the real issue. (not saying doc martens does this i dont know if they do)

[@ikhwansaloot]

No one talks about how soothing to see those shoe production workers doing their jobs, efficiently.

[@nepadron]

I've had a pair since I was 14. Bought them for $80. Now 39 and they are still wearable, even after many train hopping and hitchhiking adventures.

[@dReZbEeZ]

crazy !!! my feet wore the insole out at the heel and toes through the leather insole into the actual rubber outsole. i bet i couldve wore them right through if i wasn’t going through puberty and had still growing feet. the leather was a lot stiffer on the originals too... ughhhhhh i miss those boots

[@notme3686]

That shows you're lying. Stop lying.

[@magzpangilinan1425]

@@notme3686 id like to hear your reasoning.

[@notme3686]

@@magzpangilinan1425 Doc Martins are not built well enough to last through decades of hard wear. No boot is.

[@magzpangilinan1425]

@@notme3686 extensive care for it can prolong it's durability . If a shoe can last for a decade , what more about boots?

[@alexsanrainbow]

>Why Doc Martens Are So Expensive >Marketing

[@theo4586]

Video: *Talking about valuable information* Me fascinated by how they make shoes: 👁👄👁

[@Horizontreecare]

You ever watch those cobbler boot fix up videos? Not totally my thing.... but i get entrenched.

[@jeffloucks2120]

Look up "Brian the boot maker" here on You tube.

[@catiaVanPT]

@@jeffloucks2120 Trenton and Heath or the England Oxford are the best ones imo

[@robert9595]

Check out Rose anvil.

[@jeffloucks2120]

@@catiaVanPT T & H are great also. Watching these guys makes me want to learn.

[@swhite8381]

I love my Docs. I’m a grandmother and have been wearing them since my old punk days . I think they’re super durable and once you break them in ( after a painful struggle) they become the most comfortable shoes. I’m also a dog groomer and stand up all day but wear nothing but Docs. The teens always compliment my shoes when I’m out and about . I’m currently wearing a sparkly pink Luana Combat and have a fresh pair of Orange 1460’s I’m working on breaking in. They last me about a year of every day wear until I buy another pair but rarely throw the old ones away. I don’t know why I just wrote this novel about my shoes but here we are 😆

[@DEZeMONSTER]

Good for you

[@swhite8381]

@@DEZeMONSTER yes. Good for me ☺️, thanks . I hope you have a happy day . Thank you for taking the time to type out a beautiful reply

[@numpty7501]

:))

[@dewilew2137]

You are the coolest! I wish you were my grandma. 🤗 ♥️

[@swhite8381]

@@dewilew2137 awwww ♥️ thank you

[@lk29392]

As a kid growing up in the 90s-early 2000s, all the "cool" kids had Dr. Martens boots and wore Abercrombie and Fitch.

[@boodro2122]

And Lucky Brand...

[@Southforthewinter]

Docs are a timeless piece, they are the chuck Taylor’s of boots. You can find people of all walks of life in a pair. Also really random why did you put “cool” in quotes. It makes me think you’re implying they weren’t cool.

[@izdihar17]

S.M. you sound like genuinely offended that they don’t think those kids were cool 💀💀

[@drakeg3779]

@@Southforthewinter "cool" in quotes can mean different things. 1. They thought they were "cool" 2. Referring them as "cool" 3. Referring them as not "cool"

[@riharose6328]

@@Southforthewinter implying that society labelled them as "cool" or they were or weren't cool in their opinion.

[@mitchellhughes5180]

They were definitely popular in the '90s, that's for damn sure. Glad to see they're still going strong.

[@Briggie]

Older Millennial who had a lot of older cousins who were Gen X here. Everyone in the late 80’s and early 90’s wanted a pair of doc martens. All those grunge rockers had them at that time.

[@SuperIkhmal]

It's closing down here in malaysia and singapore and it's heartbreaking for me 😢😭

[@felixlara2945]

It's a different company now, the quality between docs and bootleg docs is almost inconsequential, there's actually a lot of bootleg docs that's a cheaper and higher quality at this point, as a shoe it's fails at everything its only purpose is a fashion piece now it's like a watch that doesn't tell time

[@jfncho]

you couldve stopped at "private equity firm"

[@brasilsoccer0]

JFn Cho was about to make the same comment. Unfortunately few people realize the disastrous effects private equity firms gave on not only quality of goods and services but on quality of life as a whole and on labor!

[@carlosparra8976]

@@brasilsoccer0 i agree, private equity firms make the world a better place

[@eleonoramustafaeva1303]

Can anyone explain why? I dont get why a private equity firm is automatically bad

[@FHDOnTheStreet]

@@eleonoramustafaeva1303 That they are a for profit organisation. Therefore will push up margins by either increasing the price or decreasing quality of work. They have done both which increases profits dramatically. And as they have a well established brand with a loyal following they can easily do this. Other fashion brands have done the same just do your reseach.

[@christians2898]

tom gong do you like innovation? Raising profits generates more innovation within an industry to help push humanity further.

[@hjetnhgklhg]

Also, the price for Dr. M in other countries are ridiculous. Here in Brazil, a pair of those can cost up to R$1500. Have in mind that our minimum wage is R$1045.

[@felipeminelli2045]

Brasil caralhooooo

[@bngr_bngr]

francesco the government should give them away.

[@MrStevestory]

Per hour? Per day? Per week?

[@Luis-kh7ic]

R$1500 converts to $274 usd, so its about the same price plus imports cost. Is it fair that your wage is that low, no, but that doesnt mean the price of "luxury" items should cost less.

[@franklindekanter]

@@MrStevestory 1 quick google search and here is your answer : ''In 2019, the national minimum wage in Brazil remained fixed at 224.6 € per month, that is 2,695 euros per year, taking into account 12 payments per year.''

[@miaberghoff7636]

Why is the quality going down everywhere?! I mean i have absolutley no problem to pay more or high prices for really good quality, butbit seems impossible🤦🏼‍♀️😂

[@izzyworden3083]

Don’t go for iconic name brands. My favorite pair of leather boots I got at REI for 100$, are water proof and way more comfortable than my doc martens. I think the best quality stuff is usually the stuff meant for hiking and working.

[@elemes24]

you can always find the quality stuff no matter the time or industry. i agree w izzy, you're not necessarily finding it from the biggest companies. you may have to pay more, but in the case of boots, it might just be the last pair you need to buy for the rest of your life

[@mrvabbe2]

Unfortunately many big name brands started lowering quality while keeping prices up just because people would still buy them. I am in total agreement with Izzy, I buy most of my clothes and shoes from the hiking or hunting department at decathlon (it's a big firm in sport equipment here in Europe) and so far, I've never been disappointed. While they don't look very fancy and fashionable, I know I'll be paying for comfort, durability and also less stress for my feet and legs (if we are talking about shoes). I do like to wear something fancier from time to time. But for the everyday, nothing beats comfort.

[@bonehand87]

Mia berghoff CHINA

[@sepg5084]

if you are willing to pay more then don't go to big name brands, have some custom-made leather boots instead.

[@海草猫]

They're heavy and impossible to wear without incredibly thick double layered socks. The first few times I wore my docs my calves were genuinely in pain from carrying the weight on my feet. Now that it's been a few years though I can say I do really like them. It's a little hard to run in them because they're so bulky and heavy, but when you're just standing in them you feel invinsible. Not a single drop of water gets into your shoes when you walk through a giant puddle. If someone steps on your toes by accident you don't even notice it. I'm a bartender and I'm constantly spilling juice/water/alcohol and stepping on broken glass 3-4 days a week, the only wear I've seen are on the edges where the shoe bends when you step. Even did some demolishing work in my backyard once, dropped plaster and all sorts of shit over them and my feet were super well protected.

[@amogus5902]

docs were so well made, my father has a pair from literally 1988, he still actively wears them, and they're still in great condition

[@serpderp9475]

I like ur pfp

[@waltermeili9952]

I have a paire of church shoes since 1975!

[@MichaelJ44]

That’s not how you should use ‘literally’

[@jmckendry84]

@@MichaelJ44 I think it makes grammatical sense (if the pair were made and bought in 1988 aren't they "literally" from 1988?). It's totally unnecessary though.

[@MichaelJ44]

@@jmckendry84 I always believed ‘literally’ was to add clarification “He got threw under the bus” is a metaphorical term , so in the event of that actually happening someone would instead say “He literally got threw under the bus”

[@chillfactory9000]

My dad has only owned 2 pairs in his entire life and he's a 50 year old dude. His first boots were so mangled but usable still, so he used duct tape. He now has a pair that are still in great condition and can go through mud, snow, and rain. (Keep in mind my old man wears them everywhere, otherwise hes barefoot.)

[@sunflowers1516]

I see everyone hating but I honestly love my docs, I’ve been wearing the same pair for almost 5 years for daily wear and honestly they are still in good shape. They have lasted longer than any of my other shoes and for me (having a flat feet) they are one of the most comfortable shoes I own. Personally I wouldn’t buy a new pair not because I think they are too expensive for what they are (because having in mind their durability for me at least is practical) but because I do believe is a big amount to pay at once. Having said that, I have tried on newer designs and they are more uncomfortable (the soles are thinner) but the original ones are stil ml good imo.

[@Zeverinsen]

Yeah, you love your docs until you get actually good boots. I can promise you that.

[@peko7446]

I'm regretting that I threw two pairs of docs that I used during college. Bought them on sale at Nordstrom Rack for $50 each and lasted years and years. They looked beat up and the red one had so much scuff, but the black one was fine with just a bit of buffing. Compared to the shoe laces now, the shoe laces were thin then so I had to tie them twice to stay. Bought a new pair because I'm needing something that would support my flat feet. I can't wear too flat shoes anymore. We'll see how they are compared to the old ones.

[@exitedaardvark5480]

Out of curiosity, do you look after them with shoe protector or anything like that?

[@meilei8716]

Exited Aardvark it probably helps

[@rosna2109]

Same for me! I‘ve bought them in 2012/2013 and I‘m still wearing them almost all the time during the fall & winter... only a few scratches and a change of the shoe laces once. Considering how they‘ve been lasting (only so far!), it‘s not that expensive imo...

[@bobbowie9350]

Bought some in the late 80s. Steel toe. Wore them through high school, college, industrial design school, Fantastic quality

[@Msriiko.]

I love them but when you go to the store and actually hold them, they feel so cheap? And the price tag does not match with the quality of them. They just represent fashion now, but quality doesn't come with it. Youd be just buying the image of it.

[@ryano8982]

Absolutely, I used to be a giant doc Martin fan back in the '90s when they were still made with some quality. After being disappointed here after year I've moved on to Red Wings. Will probably never buy another pair of doc sadly, unless they turn things around. But with videos like this one, I don't see that happening anytime soon.

[@gypsydeoriginal366]

This is good to know. Thank you.

[@nebraskacovington3615]

Its really funny yhay the guy that cut them in half says he HATES them now imn a newer video because after "breaking them in" the quality isnt there and they have 0 support

[@stephenmashler3975]

Go get a pair of Solovairs!! They’re the same company that made Docs back in the day, and they cost about 200 for the classic 8 eye. They’re much better quality and they look the same as vintage docs. I love my Solovairs

[@C0wy_]

Solution: j u s t d o n t b u y

[@toxicmartoc]

And they still destroy your ankles and heels for the first few weeks 🤣

[@dr.dionpeoples]

thus why band-aids on the ankles are recommended. ;-)

[@chaotic_one3758]

@@dr.dionpeoples I actually bought a pair of ankle protectors so that when my docs come in they'll not destroy me heheh

[@lunarnodes728]

😁 trueee

[@cnacks4835]

Yea but once you break them in theyre very comfy

[@four-x-trading5606]

This is why I never bought another pair again

[@esther5369]

The documentary: “old ladies wore these to support their aging, weak feet”☠️

[@BOD-d8l]

actually it was for the flat foot. an old term...for beat cops. labourers etc.

[@kennethmckilligan5902]

@@BOD-d8l cool

[@S3aCa1mRa1n]

Bespoke Original Design Why were these people called flat foot ?

[@stoneamari8664]

to

[@JesseLBK]

I wore these boots throughout most of the 90's. I bought a new pair a few years ago and they were extremely uncomfortable. It's safe to say that when they sold out, their products became rubbish

[@ickess]

I’ve had many docs over the years. Different styles, boots, shoe, colors. Got my first pair in the east village at 99x when I was 14 or 15. 14 eye ox blood for 99.00. Original docs were great! Super comfortable. Lasted forever. Quality isn’t the same on them now it seems.

[@sputumtube]

I've worn Docs since the early 70's and although they're pretty, they haven't got much else to offer. The soles wear out insanely fast (even on the Made In Englad version) if worn as daily footwear. I've still got a couple of pairs, one is the standard 1460's and the other is the (now discontinued) 'For Life' version which cost £190. When they wear out I'm guaranteed one last pair free of charge and then that will be it for me. If you really like the style, I recommend Solovair which are identical in almost every way but harder wearing.

[@44BlueFoxes]

Yeah, I do a lot of walking & I've noticed the same rate of wear in my Docs that I would get in Primark boots. I had to ration when I wear my Docs because I didn't want to have to throw them away after 6 months.

[@joshelliott1826]

As a fellow "For Life" purchaser, that free replacement isn't so free. Mine lasted a year and a half of daily wear, and would have cost about $100 to replace between paying for them to inspect the boots and shipping across the country and back

[@capitol7950]

I wore em in 81,82my two tone phase, remember em going down at heel quick and sole at front becoming almost translucent in no time.

[@fredgarvin4482]

the solovairs are made in the same exact factory by the same people before docs moved to china

[@JordannGeorge]

@@fredgarvin4482 is that good?

[@jase6709]

They were cheap as chips when I was a kid. My parents used to buy me them for school.

[@kennethmckilligan5902]

this is probably the reason why they are still around, our parents still buy them

[@campkira]

not anymore.....

[@cuongbui9708]

These shoes were $100 bucks in the 90’s.

[@jase6709]

@@cuongbui9708 kids sizes were about £40

[@luutanbao11]

Yeah I would rather get a pair of combat boots, last longer and more durable

[@ratwhocankickflip]

I see a lot of people saying how long their docs last, maybe the 90's and earlier ones were good quality, but when i was a teenager(01-06) i went through 2 pairs of docs in 5 years. And I took good care of them too. Now a days for the the price of 2 pairs of docs you can get a pair of italian handmade boots, fully custom made to YOUR foot, in full calf leather that will last decades.

[@OmegaMacheteStorm]

I couldn't afford Docs as a teenage punk in the late 80's. Happily can say, I can afford them now. My prized boot :)

[@damaged.collateral]

Kinickylj yeah but martens are more of an investment than anything; you get one and you’ll never need another again,

[@OmegaMacheteStorm]

@Kinickylj A good, solid boot like Docs were the first choice for a lot of the punks and skin heads I knew back in the day. Wanting something of good value doesn't equate materialism, but I get what you're saying. And for you adorable peeps scrolling though comments, skin heads weren't all racist. None that I knew were, but I know it's a common misperception. Sad I felt a need to write that last part, just trying to prevent any heated comments...

[@PalitoSelvatico]

@Kinickylj was about to make this comment..

[@rubberonasphalt]

I remember even as a kid in the 90’s we were crazy for “Docs AirWalks”. Wish quality was the same today

[@LambentOrt]

The video didn't explain at all why it's so expensive.

[@antoninsebera152]

Yes, anyway my limit for shoes is mostly about 100 $. So nothing for me.

[@Helen-cs2zx]

@@antoninsebera152 Depending on if you can find a pair in your price range, you could buy some second hand?

[@scriptosaurusrex]

Sure it did. Clearly the answer wad 'greed', which was evident throughout the clip.

[@nickkerr6068]

I don't get it, aren't they like $150 ? That's not super expensive is it

[@starbies552]

Helen I bought them second hand for 80 euros and it was the best decision I’ve ever made, and they are 14s (with 14 holes for shoelaces idk what they’re called 😂)

[@RandomChick666]

I purchased docs specifically for work but hearing how fast they wear down I'll have to resort to another brand. I don't want to wear down a pair of $300 boots that quickly. I want them to last :/ what a shame

[@lesialeskovska2494]

get Danners

[@rovy225]

I bought steel capped ones about 6 years ago, apart from some tearing in the leather itself from my atrocious treatment of them and daily wear they're still going strong. The sole grooves are nearly worn out by now XD

[@misuno8623]

Get Red Wings. One of the best leather shoes I own after my Dr. Martens Made In England broke down

[@richardcoleman1616]

I think it depends on how you look after them. I bought some made in England ones last year. Polish them regularly and it's like I bought them last week.

[@rovy225]

@@richardcoleman1616 yea thats super important, my parents and I agree that the end of a pair of docs' life could be when the sole is pretty much gone, if you take good care of them they could outlast the rubber sole easily

[@DC-je4pm]

“We have not altered any materials...that would jeopardise the quality of our products”.....”In 2005, our internal filler was changed from felt to a better-quality material”. 🤔🤦‍♂️

[@dickwadhotsauce6213]

that isnt jeopardising the quality of the boots. its enhancing them so your point is?

[@darrengarcia4937]

@@dickwadhotsauce6213 except the quality and craftmanship has gone down since they moved production to thailand and china. Solovairs are actually made in the og factory but these are overpriced garbage

[@dickwadhotsauce6213]

@@darrengarcia4937 i have to disagree. i have my uncle's old pair of docs and they awful to wear, completely uncomfortable and awful despite both being my size and broken in, however the brand new pair i got a month ago are perfect and have had no issues with

[@willcresson8776]

Nike said the same bs when they bought out converse. Within a year they put their awful, super fluffy, unstable foam sole into chucks - ruining their modern role as weightlifting shoes.

[@willcresson8776]

@@dickwadhotsauce6213 You think that because you've only had them a month. They may be more comfortable - but they're not gonna last 23 years. You're likely to not get more than 23 months out of them.

[@MutualistSoc]

"we have not altered any materials or processes that would jeopardize the quality of our products" - Doc Martins "we have no altered any ingredients or processes that would jeopardize the quality of our products - McDonald's. That's legal speak for, we have reduced quality for higher margins, but we don't see it as reduced quality so therefor it isn't. But we can all agree the boots arnt as good as the ones 40 years ago, and a McDonald's cheeseburger isn't as natural and good as one from 60 years ago. There is a literally a financial incentive to reduce quality. I see it in my line of work. Management will have us complete a higher workload at a higher pace each year. This reduces the amount of precision quality of labor per process. Capitalism has literally turned into a profit margin game. It's quite toxic.

[@GOLDSMITHEXILE]

capitalism=sickness communism=death

[@prolarka]

They can do it as long as the consumers choose them rather than their competitors or starting their own business to compete them.

[@riiitch]

This. There's nothing wrong with business making a hard-earned profit. But that's not the same as venture capitalists swooping in, reducing the quality whilst racking up the price, which this video basically is explaining. And sadly a very common trend over the last few decades.

[@dexorne9753]

@@riiitch look out! If you point anything bad out about the capitalism we live in, then you'll be called a communist and brainwashed!(maybe even put on a list)

[@MacIain82]

Everything that folk have said is true. I used to wear them at school in the 80’s as well. Lasted for years. They’re not the same anymore, but as long as folk buy these inferior boots, what do you do..

[@brookeg6670]

They don't carry half sizes so they'll never get my money anyway lol

[@hotjuices2]

Brooke gallo They do in the UK

[@twentyonepanicsattheparace6512]

You’ll probably need to go down half a size anyway because they come up big, definitely go to a shop to get your first pair if you ever consider it. Also not all sizes come in half sizes in the uk but the main sizes do (eg uk 5-6.5)

[@poppyrendall847]

Go down half a size anyway, I have a 4.5 and 5.5 shoe size and I wear a 5 in docs, the width will stretch so long as you keep the leather hydrated :)

[@diegobarrantes5467]

I am 10.5 in regular running shoes, 10dr martens fits like a glove for me.

[@ayla8345]

Brooke gallo I’m sure they desperately need it

[@Cacophony314]

I remember doing over 20,000 steps in one day wearing my Docs, and still felt like I was able to walk more. They still look and feel new.

[@brandimullins8813]

so basically: inflation fashion celebrities wider profit margins caused by lower quality/cheaper materials and an increase in price status symbol Same as Timberlands

[@eefke5057]

True, but i will say this: timberlands still make worker shoes (the Pro series that are cheaper than the normal ones) and they're very durable and comfortable. I cant compare them to those of the past because im too young for that. But wearing them more often than not during intense labor, i can confidently say that they look nearly the same as 3 years ago when i bought them.

[@brandimullins8813]

@@eefke5057 that is very true, I bought a 200 dollar pair of timbs instead of winter boots for that reason alone 200 bucks well spent

[@Aff3ct000]

The quality took a serious nosedive when the production was moved overseas. They're overpriced garbage now.

[@JT-pt5tl]

Ok dramatic

[@czyh]

did you even watch the video?

[@Domothebushfella]

@SniperMask if you think docs are quality you’ve never worn a good leather boot

[@Domothebushfella]

@SniperMask try wearing a Baxter boot that’s a quality boot docs aint shit

[@robd1329]

@@Domothebushfella these shoes are ugly. Never met anyone wear them

[@lalakuma9]

That guy cut a 30-year-old vintage boot in half 😭😭😭

[@P0k3D0nd3M4cG]

That's just 1990

[@beepIL]

Your face is vintage!

[@larisat7557]

@Z̸̢̓a̵̬͂r̸̺̈g̴̯͂a̵̘̋b̷̯̋ä̴̪a̴͕͑t̵̝̕h̸͚̍ riiiiiight 🙈😬😬😄

[@siddharth2796]

So what that's old

[@siddharth2796]

@11 11 so ???

[@H.A..]

That statement from Doc Martens was so diplomatically written. First off, they call it their main range instead of the Made in China range. Second, instead of focusing on the quality of leather which was being questioned, they focus on the thickness of the leather; Who cares how thick if it's cheap leather that's not as durable as the old ones. I went in to buy 'em a few years back, I picked one up and it felt like any other average boot made out there. I ended up buying Dayton's made locally and to last. p.s. it doesn't help that every hipster in my city wears Doc Martens and Blundstones. That's reason enough for me no to buy 'em.

[@relvilian]

Both Doc Martens and Blundstones have the same issue they got their name and then cheap out on materials now

[@carterchester3262]

Boohoo

[@linuxstreamer8910]

they used words that make it sound like they use the same quality of materials but it only says that they still use leather

[@Jen-pq2xe]

you’re so hipster

[@newsiesmutual]

fr!! docs cant even be considered punk anymore

[@user-ye8zk8ku7s]

They didn’t acknowledge the quality of the leather. THAT is where the major degradation is

[@onceastar8731]

what boot do you recommend?

[@MaestroJericho]

@@cuteface88 same aesthetic as well? I have some Rocky/Red Wings/etc and they're loads better than the big name brands.

[@Zammy-gj8xn]

@@MaestroJericho No, a lot of these people keep naming brands that sure, have better quality, but don't have the same fashion edgy/punk aesthetic which is literally the whole point

[@MaestroJericho]

@@Zammy-gj8xn that's what I've been searching for. The botique brands look too dressy or don't have that "rock n roll" kinda look.

[@vwertix1662]

@@MaestroJericho Solovair make extremely similar boots, they made doc martens from the 60s to the 90s, but they have maintained the quality and are similarly priced or cheaper than equivalent docs.

[@nekikuronjoezra4410]

What the hell kind of Docs are comfortable 😂 The pain of wearing them is half the style

[@li0nna]

i believe you have to break them in

[@OK-on1ze]

They're actually really comfortable nowadays

[@mjwbulich]

Compared to comparably priced work boots they are light,comfortable, and very easy to break in. 50 or so hours and they are great. Mind you, that is 50 hours on your feet and constantly moving. I love them. It's like walking on a cloud. The problem is that they are not durable and I can destroy a pair in 4 or 5 months.

[@nekikuronjoezra4410]

@@mjwbulich aw alright my bad, guess I just didn't wear them long enough

[@michaelschweitzer6718]

It takes about a year to break them in and then they’re comfortable. Also, surprisingly warm in the winter.

[@little_valkyrie]

I bought my first pair a few months ago after I wore a cheap pair of boots to undeath in about 10 months. Got them because I'm a goth and decided that I liked having a reasonably sensible pair of boots as my main shoes. Just started working in an environmental lab today and they're gonna be my work boots now since they should be able to stand up to anything that place might throw at them; certainly do better than any of my other shoes. So far they've done less damage to my feet than the cheap boots, even while breaking them in.

[@no-cs3fx]

The lesbians brought doc martins back to life

[@ashal7482]

me

[@samuelife4436]

you

[@FlowersOfSuicide666]

Us

[@ana.5687]

yep

[@justme7410]

Bisexuals too❣️

[@katough]

they wear out 10x faster now too, cause yeah, the wood insert, the .2mm thickness and the felt all made for a higher quality boot

[@flexiblebirdchannel]

Yes, as usual, you learn that a company produces good quality, and then the price skyrockets and the quality plummed. Until the private equity firms squeezed out as much money as they can and lay off the staff of the then bankrupt company. So we have to look for other good quality shoes. I currently wear Clarks.

[@senbebe3320]

@@flexiblebirdchannel omg yes Clark’s are soooo good I have them as school shoes and a pair has lasted me three years until it was getting a bit scratched and my feet were becoming too small for it 😂

[@tdaetaunm]

I'm studying to earn a degree in Interior Architecture (Design). The head of the department and once my professor would wear doc martens often, I picked up on the yellow thread trend after a few weeks. One day I asked him about it and he said he owned nearly 20 pairs, some acquired over 30 years ago. He explained that some were brand new, maybe gifts or a pair he couldn't pass up from a foreign country, others were thrifted, but the quality was always consistent, even if the wearer took great care or preferred the battered and scuffed look. Definitely my favorite shoe and developing my own little collection with six pairs now

[@thoughtful_criticiser]

Having worn DMs for over 40 years, I have noticed the difference. I was actually issued them at work, though they had black stitching being a uniform boot. It took me about six months to break in but once done you hardly knew you had them on. I used to sleep in them on nights as we had a very short time to clear the station when responding to 999 calls. I miss the Doc shop, the pair I bought there were black shoes for work in the 90s, cost me £15. The last pair I bought were boots that was over 20 years ago. I still have them. I bought my daughter a pair of shoes for school and she hated them until they were broken in, she now lives them. This afternoon we are going to a DM retailer, apparently I have been informed, she wants some heel grips. I would have loved them with my first pair of uniform shoes, my heel slipped a lot breaking them and I always had blisters. I am going to be getting, so I am told, a pair of made in England's. The fact that all of my DMs were and are Made in England didn't change the point. So it looks like I am going to have sore feet for six months in place of listening to music on a pair of Bose QC45 headphones, they really shouldn't have closed the Doc Shops. There were two, one at the main factory which closed last and the other in Leicester. The difference between then and now, is the break in time and how long they last. My first pair were worn six days a week at work and out of work, they were that comfortable. They lasted ten years, a nail ended their life. It pierced the sole and my foot. No longer safe to use, no acid or liquid protection, I had to open a box of other issues I had.

[@vista9434]

Consider getting a pair of Solovair, NPS/Solovair were one of the original companies contracted to make the boot from the 60s - 90s and has kept on making shoes and boots that are the spiritual successors of the Dr Martens of old. The boots are cheaper that Made in England Docs yet (according to teardowns from Rose Anvil) are made of much better matterials and still retained elements like the wooden shank in the boot.

[@ericmuschlitz7619]

If it doesn't actually last longer, it's not a superior material. Sad.

[@somedayiwillbefreee]

actually ive had my docs for over 10 years and I still wear them multiple times a week. The sole needs to be repaired a bit but the vegan leather is in great condition for how many thousands of times its been worn

[@Dayvit78]

"We haven't changed anything that hasn't made it better" is legalese for "screw you consumer, you can't sue us." It makes no statement about the actual quality.

[@strawberryme08]

@@somedayiwillbefreee I had pairs for 10-15 years as well!

[@jen8177]

Buy solovairs! They're made in England I believe and still use the old boot model of og doc martens

[@campkira]

made in uk one... sure... but yet again why would you buy something that heavy....

[@blackbetty3815]

But they are more expensive

[@ДваЖурналиста]

@@blackbetty3815 They are the same price as Made in England Doc's

[@pretzelboi64]

Solovair's logo looks like trash, though. If they actually bothered making it more fashionable, they would outsell Docs.

[@brandonkey181]

@@pretzelboi64 The shoes themselves look way better than doc martens. The logo is nothing really.

[@igorsvacic217]

dr. Martens really owe a lot to punks. They "made" those boots. When I was a kid punk in early 90s here (Croatia) you had Martens and some Get-a-grip boots if I remember correctly which EVERYBODY wearedd

[@rudeboz5486]

more to the ska and skinheads !

[@ThemissouriTraveler]

Hence the name....waffle stompers

[@ThemissouriTraveler]

@@rudeboz5486 OI OI OI

[@ginniecrabtree4408]

My purple ones are 10years old and still look and feel good. I recently bought a pair of Green ones and had to go half a size larger as they are made in Taiwan. I am still breaking them in but they are still the best boots on the market in my opinion.

[@Zeverinsen]

I would recommend watching Rose Anvil's actual videos about Doc Martens, because he goes into better detail, and talks about more aspects of the shoes. I don't feel like this clip accurately depicts what he actually said in his video. Comparing Doc's to other boots in their price range (or even lower), they just don't hold up, and are not at all worth their price. When I got a pair of good quality boots last year, the difference was staggering. I think this video is positively skewed for some reason, and doesn't accurately explain the price at all, especially considering how they now make more money on lower quality boots (yay capitalism).

[@maemaemoo]

What was the brand of boots you bought?

[@SuperQBoi]

I'm still rocking my pair of TImbs from the 00s' Remember when they were hot?

[@ggrief1863]

honestly they lost all their quality when they split from Solovair

[@luminaluniitecauta]

Can you actually leave some good resourches for some better boots? I bought a pair of Dr. Martens at second hand, cuz I don't have a lot of money and also I wanted to see what's the thing with these shoes (do when it comes to shoes I really like some quality and beauty in them and try varieties of shoes)! Ofc this video does not explaing why they are so expensive I think it's beacause the private firm and also that celebrities got mad about them and boom the whole internet explode.

[@cocoq3323]

Petcu Lucia-Maria me too