How These $200 Dr. Martens Look-Alikes Gained a Cult Following | WSJ Coveted

[@xanoks1116]

Solovair are not Lookalikes, theyre the original makers

[@thewalkingsnail]

seriously, calling them lookalikes is lowkey disrespectful 🥲

[@GregBirkin]

Why are you lying? Solovair had a license to make Docs and after licensing was over, they made the same shoe without the yellow stitching…

[@xanoks1116]

@GregBirkin licensed sure, but solovair was still making the shoes, as soon as Martens moved overseas the quality plummeted, solovair has been making quality since day 1

[@stevemcgowen]

Stopped wearing Docs when they switched production to Chyna.

[@daniellogansa8101]

@@GregBirkindr martens also still makes stuff in England, in the original factory….

[@graefx]

As things get more and more expensive while also getting worse and worse, its nice seeing small businesses making something built to last and be repaired.

[@alyssagriffin5781]

Yes, these are obviously meant to last decades.

[@naga2015kk]

MORAL OF THE STORY, make quality products, and you have a business. Compete not complain.

[@ravenouspotato]

they're successful because they've been around for a long time. if you entered into today's market with a new brands of this level of craftsmanship you'll probably fail because of high cost and low demand.

[@actontreadway1168]

They just barely made it because of a buyout. Now they’re on their way back up so as long as the economy is smooth, they’ll do great.

[@katough]

the first pair of docs i bought in 93 lasted me 10+ years before the sole finally gave in. all subsequent pairs have given up after 2-4 years of wear. Looks like i should give a pair of these Solovair a go

[@JillKnapp]

I bought a pair of used Docs at a secondhand store in 1996, and they are still the most comfortable shoes I own, but after 30 years they are beaten up pretty badly. Looking forward to replacing them with a nice pair of Solovairs that will surely outlive me. 🙂

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

I’ve got a pair of made in England Docs. From 1993. A few cracks in the leather. But the whole thing is still going strong. Very nice pair of shoes.

[@PerpetuallyExhausted]

Oh hands down, like, its not even a question. I wear their steeltoe boots in an autoparts plant and I couldnt do that job without comfy footwear but I also dont want to spend $150 every year. Doc Martens now it just absolute garbage, solovair all the way, watch some tear down videos and thatll convince you

[@Richard_Hoekstra]

Ordered my first Solovair boots yesterday. Can’t wait to put them on!

[@MikesViews]

Sorry, but in my experience you'll be disappointed.

[@maxw5900]

Good job wasting your money, donate it to a worthy charity next time.

[@MrHaydnSir]

looks like everyone's a critic 🙄 be sure to enjoy your new boots 😉 i'm sure they'll be great ☺

[@panicsounds2239]

I've had mine for 4 years and have put serious mileage on them. Still going strong, other peeps just salty.

[@Richard_Hoekstra]

@@MikesViews they’re great actually, thanks

[@jeanneblondewomanstamping9788]

Thank you, Solovair, for doing things right. Quality and craftsmanship are incredibly rare in modern times.

[@vladiboroday1782]

Glad they're getting the needed appreciation! Have 3 pairs and all of them just fitted instantly, went to dinner parties, forest raves and on hikes in these! Switched after I wore a same pair of Docs for 2.5 years and they still hurt after an hour of hours of walking. Props to NPS and Solovair for such a high quality product!

[@JillKnapp]

Dinner parties, forest races, and hikes? Can we be friends?

[@squidmcg]

Wore Doc's for years (had an original from NPS that only wore out after 20+ years, and many other cheaper versions), until I switched to Solovairs... Now, 8 years later, I'm still wearing my original pair, and have 2 other newer pair that have served me extremely well! So happy to see a great company, that creates great products and stands behind them, get recognition they deserve!! Though I'd imagine they're stressing over all the new attention they are receiving, based on what I'm seeing in comments about new orders..

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

Do want a boot that works, or one that looks as tho it works? I have some Dr. Martens (made by Solovair/NPS) that I wore all through my time as a tram conductor. I still have them; they are good quality. I heard my niece complain that her Docs wore out in 6 months: leather cracked, soles separating. I showed her mine, and she went out and bought some Solovairs, and is still wearing them 2 years later.

[@PoppinC-l3w]

Depends on how old your Doc Martens are. If they're from decades ago, they're probably of good quality but modern Doc Martens are bad quality.

[@godofrock]

Doc’s in the 80’s were so so heavy. They were made for heavy duty working and kicking people in the guts. Doc’s today are light and glossy. They are not the same.

[@sweetrebeldy]

Yes, old ones need to be stretched in home or hurts your feets. Random people didn´t like this issue, because fashionists prefers variety of styles and instant wear from actual Docs. I prefer quality!

[@willt.9654]

Solovair and Jim Green out here doing it right 🫡 much respect

[@3sgtepwnzr]

Love how functional and comfortably my JG rangers are.

[@schizotypeseraph]

ayo it's our man weston

[@skipweiand889]

These are the best. I just spent six months in a village about 14 miles from Northampton. I discovered Solvair while there. I brought 9 pairs of boots. My favorites are Gripfast and Greasy Steel toes. They sell these online in the US on the Internet! Made in England! I probably will be buying more.

[@MikeRBB]

I got the greasy Gripfast, they are solid as fk! I reckon they will last the rest of my life

[@viciouslady1340]

Absolutely

[@tristanjones7427]

Good to see Weston from Rose Anvil here

[@Mr._Toad]

He isn’t that big on either brand though right? I love Rose Anvil

[@Snoop-z2j]

Okay I thought the DocMartins looked far cheaper and poorly made compared to the older ones aww makes sense now. These I want ❤

[@meherenow793]

everything good turns bad once "private equity" gets invoked 😒

[@ExiledMSH]

It gets worse: the owners of Doc Martens as a company are Tories and Tory supporters.

[@JillKnapp]

It's sad when it happens to boots; it's truly devastating when it happens in healthcare and eldercare. Private equity is the physical manifestation of enshittification.

[@SimonMcArley]

I’d buy a pair … but I still have the DM’s they made in 1981 and they’re going strong.

[@eyespy3001]

Got my first pair of Solovairs two weeks ago. Aside from my Red Wing Iron Rangers, they are the best boots I've ever purchased.

[@Strongo]

I found the break-in period pretty rough but now they’re perfect.

[@defragsbin]

If you have the cash (big if these days), it's worth spending on something that will last much longer. Style aside, what's the point in spending £100 on boots that will last a year if you can spend £180 on a pair that will last a decade? The real trouble these days is finding out which brands are poseurs -- sometimes the price point is simply down to marketing and the quality is dreadful. It seems pretty clear that Solovair are the real deal, though.

[@IanSnape]

This was a great project to work on, and really eye opening and an incredible story of how a small business has managed to survive through all the ups and downs of British Industry.

[@paulatavares5220]

I had no idea Solovair made those boots . I actually noticed that Dr. Martens' quality isn't the same , now I understand the reason! Thank you for the video because I think most people do not know this !

[@edwardjennings8436]

So great to see Rose Anvil in here!!

[@thoughtdujour]

Thank you @WSJ Style for bringing these boots to my attention. I am currently on their website ordering myself one....Additionally, I've "liked" and hit the "Subscribe" button. GREAT PIECE!

[@truman4956]

Yet another reason to support privately owned businesses.

[@MurseBrandon]

Just purchased my first pair - Black Greasy 8 Eye Derby Boot Also purchased a leather keyring & wallet Can't wait until I open the box and smell that amazing leather.

[@znuh]

Thank you for this. I mourned my 35 year old Docs when I saw how much DM destroyed themselves by embracing venture capitalism. I'm an ex-pat, first gen Brit here in America, and my OG shoes have been my very best friends throughout my life, joining me on several cornerstone moments. Just ordered my first pair of Gibsons from Solovair, I never thought this would be possible. Thanks again.

[@Ocean-Nomad]

"Ex-pat", the fancy word Brits use when they don't want to be called what they really are....immigrants.

[@Zaihanisme]

@@Ocean-Nomad they gotta be speciallll

[@RR-ll2ns]

You're right. They're just Immigrants.

[@znuh]

@@Ocean-Nomad Hey, we only invented the language, you guys watered it all down 3:)

[@nialansa3727]

super cool video, very interesting

[@schoi604]

I am so glad that I found this documentary about Solovair! Thank you

[@JohnEvans-zo7kk]

Brilliant documentary about my favourite brand of foot wear. I have three pairs of Solovairs and I rarely wear anything else or would buy anything else.

[@junito1008]

When a company declines to comment is because they know that they can’t argue the statements…So Solovair all the way !!

[@axmajpayne]

"A spokesperson told WSJ that Dr. Martens invented the first DR. Martens boot, and this boot was made at it's factory in Northamptonshire, England." Dr. Klaus Märtens invented the first Dr. Martens boot just after WW2 and they were originally made in Germany. In 1959, Märtens and his business partner wanted to start marketing their boots internationally and the R. Griggs Group bought the patent rights to manufacture the boots in the UK and made some minor tweaks to the design, such as adding the yellow stitching. In addition to making them in their own factory (where the Made in England docs are produced), R. Griggs Group licensed out the design to other shoemakers in order to keep up with demand, the most well know being Solovair.

[@gdwlaw5549]

I took pair of Kleman boots made in France because we live in France. My other pair of shoes is Solovair! One on and one offf….that’s winter done.

[@thatpilatesguy]

I’m buying! Gotta support ❤

[@crabapples1995]

You’ll have them for years ! Good investment

[@hwy9nightkid]

I bought a pair of Docs .. within a year and a half the sole cracked... just gave up on them.. might try Solovair now

[@ikonographics]

The docs I had in the 90s were indestructible. When I bought a pair in 2014 the leather cracked within a few months. 2 years ago i wanted to buy some new docs but was hesitant because of the quality and thats when I discovered Solovairs and they are fantastic. I wouldn't buy anything else.

[@bobbyd5167]

Such an interesting and eye opening watch. Thank you

[@JamesGaoist]

This is a superb ad. prob gonna sell lots of em with this video. even got me considering one if they last a lifetime.

[@saiyamoru]

Literally this story is the Sam Vimes Boots Theory in action. Also, can attest to the message, I love my Solovairs and now hopefully people will stop thinking they're 'knockoffs'. Gimmicky yellow stitches ain't worth the drop in shelf life.

[@timbobill7279]

I have four pairs of Solovair and two Doc Martens. I've both all my life since I was a teenager. Solovair are simply superior and I'd advise all to own at least one pair. Solovair and NPS : we love you.

[@Mr_Min]

I was lucky enough to visit the NPS London store 4 years ago. My two pairs of Solovairs are wearing wonderfully and with resoling will last for many more years thanks to good craftsmanship.

[@BenGoldNYC]

Solovair boots are so good. I have a pair of their vegan boots and they are basically indestructible

[@stuartmoles843]

Proud Solovair owner, they really are the best and their customer care is excellent

[@fourthpanda]

I had a pair of derby boots and the stitching was loose on one side, mostly cosmetic for now and easily repairable by me or a tailor, they offered to send me an entire new pair of boots! Now I have 2 pairs of useable boots for the price of one.

[@AliHamdhan]

Proud owner of a pair of solovair, love it

[@ahr355]

I have several pairs of hiking boots not made nearly as well that cost more. The next sound you hear is me trying to find out where I can buy a pair. Great story.

[@MS-ut8fd]

These boots are great for walking around the whole day in the city, terrible for uneven surfaces plus they don't make half sizes.

[@lauskanaal4260]

@@MS-ut8fd I just bought a pair of 10.5 online

[@jordanevans7531]

Mine arrived yesterday after months of looking around for a good boot. They’re amazing in hand, comfortable and timeless

[@jessiegarcia7129]

Nice, I was gonna order a pair of doc martens, but now I’m definitely ordering a pair of Solovair.

[@coyotecreek318]

You sole me on it, just got a pair on eBay from Australia. Thank you for the introduction

[@Chadabi]

Calling Solovair Dr.Marten's lookalikes is the equvalent of saying Great Britian claimed independence from the United States

[@AgravepasmonK]

Cool to see Rose Anvil in this qsj video ! Congrats man !

[@Jackson-T23]

OMG Weston is super famous now!!! 😁😁😁

[@DawlessHouseMusic]

Leather smell.. I was in Macy's once and I stopped to smell a shoe and a little kid looked at me in horror, "mommy what is he DOING??" Thank God she knew I was smelling for leather, bless her I didn't want to be a shoe smelling weirdo that traumatized a child.

[@cozmikpcs7708]

Got my first pair of Solovair 8 eye derby boots a few months ago, I love them they are comfortable and feel robust

[@Samwell-L]

Nice to see Rose Anvil getting consulted for a vid like this. His channel is excellent

[@Strongo]

As someone who has been through half a dozen pairs of Docs over the years, get the Solovairs!

[@aaronmiller5539]

Roseanvil with the Charley Crockett T gains this video 10 pts instantly.

[@FloofyFlora]

I had a pair of these in the 90's, they lasted for years

[@Philosophy546]

So happy to see Weston!

[@chuckfriebe843]

Maybe someone can answer a question for me. So, I typically wear a 12 in most boots. I tried a 12 in Dr. Martens, but they were too small. I then tried a 13 and they were huge. Do they make 1/2 sizes in Solovair? It's ridiculous that they don't make their boots more form fitting.

[@manwithnoname6580]

Yes, Solovair do half sizes. I have the same problem. My Solovairs are size 11 and 1/2 and fit perfectly, my Made in England Docs are 12 as they don’t do half sizes. So I bought a Doc Martens in-sole which does the trick.

[@chuckfriebe843]

@ Thanks for that

[@lv2465]

I have a pair of Solovairs and MIE Doc's, I like both and I'm wearing them in slowly that being said the Solovairs are definitely going to last longer and better still that they can be re-soled. I plan on getting some desert boots from Solovair for summer.

[@matthewkelly4586]

A pair of Solovairs will replace my current pair of winter shoes when they wear out. I went to their "official" shop in the middle of Northampton last year to check out sizing. It's in the basement of a wine shop! As the only person in there at 11.30 on a weekday I felt obliged to buy something so came out with a decent bottle of Sauvignon Blanc for £11.00! And the Japanese canvas sneaker company equivalent? It is probably Novesta, but they're from Slovakia

[@cavscout1418]

I mad the transition to solovaire since 2010. Amazing boots.

[@Spinalcell]

Great video & information. I enjoyed this, ty!!

[@S80Retro80s]

I wanted to buy a pair of Solovair for a very long time. Especially after bad experience with two pairs of Dr. Martens (outsole broken in half, holes).

[@ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz]

Tried to adapt to an air of original DMs in the early 90s. It didn't work. Way too stiff for me. Bought a pair of Red Wing Iron Ranger and those were perfect to me. Great story and great video.

[@frankbombaci4977]

I had not heard this before - this is awesome! Good ole fashion small manufacturing Amazing

[@twoplustwo5]

military service and hard labor are two pillars of men's fashion

[@ChrisinHove]

I have the Dealer boots & Tassel loafers - both pairs are excellent.

[@LetsGoLazlo]

These are great boots for beginners. Not too heavy on the wallet, but just enough for good quality. Also, they are very visible about their work practices.

[@Rjay1233]

Interesting! I'm sick of what's HOT nowadays. I'll be ordering some soon! You've got a life long custy.

[@JIEON.C]

Crazy this video got only 2 comments so far. Superb content

[@raymcd4543]

I’ve got Solovair, GripFast, and DM’s. I had a pair of DM’s during the late 1980’s and the sole split in the front and peeled back lengthwise. 2 pairs of my Solovair boots the sole has split below the arch. Unfortunately getting these fixed in the states is near impossible. I’m hoping the rest of my pairs have no issues. Otherwise I do love Solovair and even have some older DM’s by Solovair.

[@saltaireorangebicyclechopp8555]

"Aquired by a private equity firm." Right then only a dope would see which way quality was going to go. Great to see Solovair prosper from this. 🙂

[@dyahayusafitri6870]

Have 3 pairs of solovair, the best ❤

[@RandyLeonard-t1x]

Solovairs are awesome!!!

[@haroldconner2645]

I’m going to order a pair!

[@whitemoonwolf13]

was thinking of treating myself to a pair of docs recently. grew up in the early 00's and docs were a staple in the alt scene, kickass good quality shoe. could never afford a pair until recently. kinda bummed i missed out but i'm glad i didn't buy a pair only to get disappointed.

[@manwithnoname6580]

The Made in England line of Docs are actually of good quality, but Solovair are still better.

[@whitemoonwolf13]

@@manwithnoname6580 i'm in canada so if i don't want to get gutted with customs fees i gotta buy whats already over here

[@StephenBeale]

Dr Martens bought by a private equity company, Solovair family owned...i wonder what could be the difference...

[@SerCaliber]

DR. Martens IS the lookalike

[@michaeljackson1388]

I'm buying! Bye! Got go online now!

[@bcboy17]

Hate to be 'that guy' (but I'm going to be), but Solovair are made in Wollaston, a village in Northamptonshire, not Northampton, which in itself is a town in Northamptonshire (sorry I live in the next village over and I'm v proud anyway back to your regularly scheduled viewing love yous)

[@sweejinsaw5960]

iirc, 15 years ago they were still using the yellow stitching.

[@thomasamos4055]

Solovair are nicer than the old 90s Docs. I used to have made in UK Docs for school from the local cheap shoe place and they were rubbish. Solovair take some significant breaking in.

[@joHBBs9769]

This explains why docs aren’t the same anymore

[@GetSmartish]

Build a product. Turn a profit. Make a living. THAT is business; not the disfigured abomination of greed that production has decayed into today. I will not wear Martens. Made that mistake once. They are trash. Well done Solivair.

[@XTSu-sl1bb]

Brilliant, am buying some

[@jazzmancoltrane]

Will order mine tonight in support of the underdog.

[@JDtverb]

I but a pair of Solovair about every 18months, hey are marginally better than the current docs but sadly the sole on mine always splits on both sole from the ball of my foot to the outer edge... i still have my docs from the 90s with original sole

[@sid35gb]

Solovair shoes are really comfortable and it’s great to Buy BRITISH 🇬🇧

[@MatimoreAgain]

Oh boy, time to buy Solovair stock.....

[@offtheleashman]

are these good with orthotics?

[@EzenamiStudio]

Fkn LOVE em! 1000 times better shoes than my docs!

[@JoRoBoYo]

so it is the original?

[@A-10-MANN333]

Wish i woulda known this before i bought my blue suede china martens 5 years ago even though i am still wearing them... I mean through literally everything in sight with no signs of giving up😊😊😊

[@hiddentechno8266]

Solovair are like Doc Martens, except they have better quality leather, are comfortable right out of the box and are made in England. Loake also makes a good alternative.

[@josehernandez-fs9ek]

How to buy one?

[@jadedkit]

Get your facts right. Solovair is the real deal!

[@splashmoby]

Lookalike? Bro, they are in a league of their own.

[@madsupervilian.]

never heard of Solovair. I prefer Redwings or Dr. Martens though only made in England or US however

[@CarmenBelcher]

Without the yellow stitching >

[@orsygodri1155]

Literally bought my first pair of Solovair boots 1 month ago. I say first cause they are so comfortable that they won’t be the last. 😂