The Doc Marten Killers vs. Doc Martens.

[@TheIronSnail]

EDIT: I’m saying “insoles” when what I should be saying is “inserts” slip O’ DE OL’ TONGUE! All these boots have insoles as it’s structurally important for the boot! Sorry!

[@HeritageCast]

Huge opportunity for you to fly out to Spokane work with Nicks or JK and design you're own boots..... And even do a battle of a bunch of different PNW boot makers for the Snail Grail Boot.....

[@InGrindWeCrust2010]

Same difference. An insole can be synonymous with the footbed, even though sometimes the latter is used to distinguish the base insole layer that's attached to the boot's structure.

[@GianMelendres-if7ph]

I got a meme for this: Solovair: Solovair Dr. Marten’s: when you buy your Solovairs from Wish 😆🫡👍

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

In the end, they are US military combat boots with urethane soles. I should know, as I work combat boots for 4 years that looked just like these except for the soles and they were only worth $30 USD at the time at the military clothing store on base.

[@FODTony]

glad to see solovair getting the recognition they deserve finally.

[@katherinelangford981]

Omg I thought he was saying "solo bear".

[@AndrewKarpyszyn]

@@katherinelangford981 I really enjoyed your performance in "13 Reasons Why".

[@oskarnowicki7927]

NO. gatekeep. or they ruin it and they will suck too

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

In the end, they are US military combat boots with urethane soles. I should know, as I work combat boots for 4 years that looked just like these except for the soles and they were only worth $30 USD at the time at the military clothing store on base.

[@CarlMurawski]

You’re awesome Michael, I always love watching your videos bro!

[@heiner71]

And he didn't even make fun of you in this video 🙂

[@zekeyeager1458]

Epic

[@dscrappygolani7981]

He's quirky ....the proverbial man-child 😄 I mean, c'mon Carl doc martens are for .....🤷🏾‍♂️ Neophytes...babies...

[@Artaois13]

Just need Rose Anvil to show up and flirt too. 🤣

[@MaximSupernov]

@@Artaois13 Without a 20K+ down payment, he won't show up.

[@stefanstrauss-aigner3221]

I bought Solovairs about a year ago and they are the best boots I owned so far. I choose them over Docs because I think they look classier without the yellow stitching. The quality is great and I liked that they came in a little cheaper than Docs.

[@9gloss]

Hows the sizing? True to size? Half size up or down?

[@stefanstrauss-aigner3221]

@@9gloss True to size in my case

[@justmeeagainn]

Without the yellow stitching, nobody will know you're a lesbian.

[@Chilam.]

​@@justmeeagainnwhat's the point of getting boots in the first place, then?

[@anthonyfrancis2374]

So when you'r out cruising the public toilets how do you yourself manage? @@justmeeagainn

[@borjasaz6611]

One of the usual lemons of solovair is that the sole does not fit completely to the leather and leaves space, through which water can enter very easily

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

In the end, they are US military combat boots with urethane soles. I should know, as I work combat boots for 4 years that looked just like these except for the soles and they were only worth $30 USD at the time at the military clothing store on base.

[@artemikurski939]

Re: sizing - I have a pair of 11-eye derby boots in EU 42 (UK 8, US 9). For reference, my normal sneaker size is either EU 42.5 or 43 (UK 8.5/9, US 9.5/10), my Birkenstocks are EU 41 (UK 7, US 8), and my docs were the same size as Solovair. I bought them about two years ago and am extremely happy with the purchase. They're definitely showing signs of wear (in part because they've got a rub-off colour - that's a feature, not a bug) but are holding up just fine and I expect them to last for a number of years. For comparison, my docs (the overseas ones, bought in 2017 so around the time the quality went down) were in such a horrible shape by the ca. 2-year mark that I had to yeet them in the trash.

[@TheIronSnail]

TY for the insight!! If anyone else sees this please post your sizings here!

[@therevan7288]

Yeah I myself went down half size from my true size. For example I wear a US 9 D in sneakers but in my Solovair Dealer Boots I wear an US 8.5 D and they're easily the best fitting boots I own in my collection.

[@kostyakost1]

Sizing - my usual footwear size is USA 8.5 and I have really wide feet. Solovair 11 Eye Derby Boots (Last Shape 409) is true to size for me, USA 8.5 / UK 7.5 fits snug with zero wiggle room. Recently bought Solovair Dealer Boots (Last Shape 493) half a size bigger USA 9 / UK 8 to accommodate arch support insoles - and they where a little lose without insoles and perfect fit with medium volume insoles. Also should mention awesome delivery times from Solovair and DHL! My boots arrived from Birmingham, UK to WA, USA in 3 days with free shipping option.

[@001blackmax]

Magic spoon sucks and they are a lie. Check down below the ingredients and you’ll see…BIO ENGINEERED FOOD INGREDIENT google search then you too will know it’s BAD.

[@b.e.e.l.i]

i have two pairs of solovair's greasy black dealer boots (their chelseas) and love them. one regular pair and the other the gripfast brand steel toes. absolutely love them both, i get a lot of compliments at work about them. I typically wear a size 9, but sized down to 8.5 US (7.5 UK) and they fit perfectly. The only uncomortable part of the break in was the top of the foot for about a month, but now they're the most comfortable boots I've ever owned.

[@guyfawkesuThe1]

In the end, they are US military combat boots with urethane soles. I should know, as I work combat boots for 4 years that looked just like these except for the soles and they were only worth $30 USD at the time at the military clothing store on base.

[@markr2616]

I bought a pair of Solovairs because they made them in a bright colour that Dr Martens don't make. Aside from the obvious improvement in quality over Docs (Even made in England Dr Martens are a bit naff, thin tears bleeding leather), they just offer better variety 😊

[@habl00pep]

My pull tabs on my brogue solovairs burst immediately, laces broke quickly and winter moisture stained them within a week 😢. I had thoroughly bought into their history researching and gutted. Sold the. For buttons afterwards

[@devinhurt7698]

Grandma at 11 seconds🤣

[@superbanana9639]

I recently discovered your channel and I have to say that you produce content of high quality. I appreciate a lot the touch of humour you put in your videos and the "cinematography". Thank you very much 🕺

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

Wooden shanks are used by Crockett and Jones, Trickers, Cheaney, Loake and most British boot makers. If you're standing on ladders all day then get a steel shank but for normal use... All of these boots are are low end budget boots and the UK has high labour costs so there inevitably will be compromises of quality control AND leather quality. Don't expect the same quality and consistency as other budget brands like Loake ( their made in England boots cost £290 though) Be aware that Solovair has a lot of heavily finished leather in their boot ranges. All their glossy offerings are plastic coated leather as are their rub off offering (though the latter use a thinner synthetic pigment than the glossy offerings). Crazy Horse leather is a form of nubuck (buffed surface) . It should also be noted that even "full grain leather" is often heavily finished to cover up cosmetic flaws in the leather. At this price point it is necessary to use as much of the hide as possible and that will include less desirable areas. Having said that, I've owned four pairs of their premium Solovair boots including two Chromexcel leather pairs and two have had surprising good leather quality. The other two ( 1 CXL, 1 calf leather) had some issues.

[@dan12pax]

As an Aussie, I’d love to see you review a pair of RM Williams boots. They’re a staple for every urban cowboy over here .

[@TheNunakun]

I can't wait to get a pair myself, just matter of time and place.... But I'm surprised it's such an icon with the high price point. Guess people just save up.

[@dan12pax]

@@TheNunakun they’ve had a big price increase over the past 5-10 years. I’ve got two pairs, purchased 8-10 years ago. cost me $350(chestnut with rubber sole) & $400 (suede with leather sole) aud respectively. Just had them both re-soled. both look pretty good considering they’ve had a lot of use put on them. Admittedly they’ve turned into more of a dress shoe than a real work boot, but still interested in Michael’s opinion.

[@Qambar44]

When I first watched a couple of your videos, I thought you might’ve had a half million or more subs with your level of writing and production. I was dumbfounded when I discovered you had less than 50k. I have no doubt you’ll get there👏🏽

[@tomycont]

Michael is the kind of guy to build up a wooden set so he can explain what a shank is. That's commitment. No way he found that randomly.

[@mikewinston8709]

As a Brit I’m deeply ashamed of both Dr Martens and Solovair…….each were very good up to about 40 years ago. Production values today are terrible. America, please do not waste your money…..🇬🇧

[@aayotechnology]

So what do you suggest instead?

[@TheNunakun]

Trickers, Crockett and Jones, even Loake's But they're all priced a higher tier.

[@mikewinston8709]

@@aayotechnology if you have between $500 and $1500 to spare then…..Cheaney….Crockett and Jones….Trickers….Edward Green (if you’re feeling very rich)……I have Cheaney ….the Coniston….I would guess $650 in Dollars. Mine are 22 years old…re soled and heeled at the factory once. An incredible boot.

[@mikewinston8709]

@@TheNunakun …correct…plus I’d add Cheaney too

[@baje6215]

@@mikewinston8709 can't get wrong with pair of Solovair boots from factory shop. I have always bought seconds for third of price.

[@jayvis123111]

I love how every ad for this cereal doesn't include someone actually opening a sealed box, putting the cereal in their mouth, chewing, and swallowing all in one cut.

[@gameloozer731]

I’ve had a pair of dealer boots in greasy black for almost three years. They were too tight at the beginning but now are like comfy slippers. I wear them just about as my only shoe in the colder 6 months of the year. They get wet, they get dirty, I wipe them off. I condition them a couple times a year. For the money, I couldn’t be happier. I want another pair in the crazy horse brown

[@aaronminkenberg8386]

I need to correct you on the statement on the insoles 2:45 You were talking about the sock liners. The Solovair have a half sock liner, the Dr Martens a full length. Insoles and their materials are one of the most important parts in the construction of footwear. And high quality footwear has in most cases vegetable tanned insoles that are 2-5mm thick. Cheap footwear has somestimes just fabric or in many cases texon insoles, that are not as durable as leather insoles.

[@seth_5394]

You are confusing the sock liner (insole) with the footbed. A sock liner is in no way structural to a shoe and is put in place with a little to no glue just so it doesn't slide around. The structural part to which the gemming is glued in the case of these boots or other Goodyear welted boots is the footbed.

[@ckf36]

Magic spoon sounds great in theory until you realize it’s 10 dollars a box lmao

[@Quanic2000]

And it tastes like shit 😂

[@joewellfair8238]

My only hesitation with solovair is that there are way way way too many "lemons" stories online. It seems like a bit of a QC lottery.

[@borjasaz6611]

I had many "lemons" because I have bought many of them.their quality has dropped since they had to make a rebrand because the Dr Martens lawsuit. They changed materials and their producing standards.

[@Vivi-sama]

Thanks for this video and all the research. Solovair simply deserves more recognition. I would tend to say that the only reason someone will choose Doc Martens over Solovair nowadays is the yellow stitching. It's such a fashion statement recognized globally. If you got the yellow stitching, you're "in the tribe" you know. If you're more interessed in quality and durability, choose Solovair. I have pairs of loafers, boots and chelsea from Solovair and I'm very happy with it. The leather, even after months of use, is still astonishing if you treat it well (clean and nourish) and I got no issues with them whatsoever. For the Sizing, I would tend to recommend to size down just from a half size; that's what I did with all my purchases and it fit me very well ; but I guess it depends if you got large feets or not, so beware.

[@hervemasson5976]

i own a pair of Solovair from 2015/2016 with yellow stitch .

[@momo-hs5jn]

Next Video: The Solovair Killers vs. Solovair and its gonna be a Video about Trickers Boots?

[@ezrahaskard3527]

bought a pair of solovair cheleas, theyve become my daily shoe. i wear them to work almost every day, and im on my feet all day. ive owned them for nearly a year and outside of expected sole wear and a few leather creases caused by simply having feet, there are literally no signs of damage.

[@user-qk5ft8eo8t]

Finally a Solovair video! :)

[@blasphemizerr]

the thing i like sbout dm is the black and yellow theme the yellow stitches and grip thingy

[@purpleguy3000]

I got a pair of Made in England DMs a while ago and within the first 8 months the leather had developed holes. A little while after this on a trip to Camden, I found a boot shop where the man behind the counter was trying to persuade some tourists to give Solovair a go, lamenting the poor quality of DMs. Decided to get a pair and about 5 years later they're still going strong but I did have problems with the eyelets too (one wasn't secured in properly so I had to re-attach it with a pair of pliers).

[@FreakShreek]

Docs for style, Solovair for durability.

[@aravindvinayakan]

Another interesting boot worth considering if you want Docs is the Thursday Stomper. They even come in a Cherry color that they only offer with one other boot :)

[@albertoaleo3348]

I actually work for doc Martens, the insoles will probably never rip because of the welting and the leather from the made in England is of much better quality than the made in Thailand, it is selected from England and I think it is known to the public, nevertheless I didn’t know solovair existed and they look pretty cool, glad to learn something new, you have a new subscriber. Greetings from Valencia, Spain

[@baberoot1998]

Solovair...used to make boots for Dr Marten's, back in the 60's and 70's and 80's. Back when Docs were actually well made.

[@nicolasDR103]

Very informative... So.... i cannot get boots like the Dr Marthens that i bought in the 90's and lasted me 15 years of very frequent use, even if i try solavair...

[@Nephi895]

Personal Sizing Experience: I usually wear US mens 8.5 in sneakers and 9 in welted shoes. Solovair said they run large for welted boots, so I went with UK 7.5/US 8.5. I got the 8 eye derbies They were a very close fit, almost too small. Once they leather warmed up and broke in, it was more comfortable. The insole compressing probably helped too. I used wooden shoe trees while I wasn't wearing them, which I think helped the leather keep its stretched shape. Now, they fit quite well but I still don't have enough vertical room too add an insert. If I were going to buy any Solovairs on a smaller/narrower last, I would definitely go up to UK8/US9 and add an insert. One other thing, I've seen a lot of people post pictures of the heat seal failing after a few days or weeks of use. Hasn't happened to me, and I've put some miles and rough use on mine. Sounds like they have a QC issue. On top of that, their factory resole service is "temporarily unavailable" and has been for a while. If the seal failed on my outsole, I don't know if my local cobbler would try and re-melt it or just glue it.

[@bryanl64]

I wear 9.5 US for vans so should I size down to a 9 US in men?

[@Nephi895]

@@bryanl64 I dunno, I don't wear vans. Do they run wide? I'd be more worried about the solovairs running smaller than your sneakers.

[@Victor-kh5rh]

I want more casual black boots, for a second I considered Solofair instead of Red wings moc toe, because I like the classic styling of the Doc Martins but they are in different planets in terms of quality.

[@lephishe6271]

In solovair sizing, I'm a full size smaller for the steel toe models (I'm a UK7, I purchased a UK6 and used a memory foam insole) and usually a half-size smaller for standard (UK7, I purchased a UK6.5. They are slightly roomy, but not enough to warrant the use of an insole.

[@hollyirvin5030]

Love my Solovairs… also I’ve been told Made in England Docs are only stitched in England

[@jamesgreer9748]

Interesting to be watching this as the Dr Martens share price collapses another 10% percent today. I used to buy these when I younger, I thought that they were fantastic, although I never understood why I always had sore heals until I started to buy more sophisticated shoes. It was the Docs. Check out the video of Rose Anvil cutting a pair of Docs apart, they are just junk.

[@markopolo9936]

I have the same greasy derby boots from solovair. I got them at an outlet for less than half price, they are very dependable boots, even if the upper is a bit floppy

[@scarsbrb]

I was just searching dr Martin vs solovair and your video just popped up 2 minutes after upload

[@Artaois13]

Have greasy black, toe cap Solovairs and they're awesome. The gray thread and smoke gray sole is definitely preferred for me. Only gripe is that I'm not small by any means and the boots still touch towards the top when tying them up.

[@KimlongPham1stGamer]

Wish I saw this video sooner, I am new to boots and someone recommended me to get docs so I did. I am seething rn.

[@m.f.3347]

don't worry, my first pair of boots were docs and i loved them. I have solovairs now but only because I love the style so much I could justify paying twice as much (i got my original docs on sale). I say just wear your docs through and once they're at the end of life, get solovairs if you still want that style of boot.

[@AqueousYT]

I bought docs too, literally less than a week ago. I've done loads of research online and talked to a lot of my family + coworkers about them, they've all said they're absolutely brilliant, except they all bought them over 8 years ago, and they're all the better quality made in England versions. I bought a pair of the 1460 smooths and they feel so cheap it's unreal. It's like wearing a boot made of plastic. They're horrible. I doubt they'd last more than a year to be honest.

[@yahway666]

Docs are trash if you're looking for a quality long lasting boot, but as far as fashion and comfort go they're fine. Comfort varies with foot shape of course. I'd still buy Docs at a thrift store if I see them, but I won't pay retail anymore. There's just too much markup for a brand name where the quality is barely better than something you could find at Walmart

[@asieasie7654]

I bought a pair of Gripfast boots in 2000 when i lived in Georgia. Gripfast cost me 400 british pounds, (500-600 american) were handmade and it took about 6 months to arrive after ordering. Back then you could only order from the factory. Fastforward 24 years, ive worn the same boots when i lived in Germany (2004-2008), visited England, Switzerland, and still have them in 2024. The only thing i have added or changed is the insole/padding. The rubber on bottom is about halfway worn down, and there is now a small crack on top just above where the big toe bends. Dr. Martins i owned in 1996-2000 were far worse condition after just 4 years with same type of abuse if not less. Cant speak about Solovair, but if ur going to buy a boot, go with Gripfast, they have lasted 1/4 of a lifetime with zero repairs needed.

[@Victor-kh5rh]

Allen Edmonds don’t use shanks at all, well at least for their classic models, that’s one of their defining characteristics.

[@Rolex-eu5vp]

Useful video, but also major side note, Daytona on wrist?!?!? * in the Magic Spoon ad

[@bobbyQQ]

I only wear Solovair shoes after I found them about 5years ago. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for this style of shoe. I own a number of pairs now and enjoy each one every time I wear them. Lots of compliments on them. They wear great and look great with very minimal maintenance.

[@there_is_nothing_here]

It's been 24 years and I still regret throwing away my old MIE boots. I think that's mostly nostalgia talking to me but I still kind of do lol

[@peterharman4141]

I have worn Dr Martens since school days back in the 1970s. I find the newer non British made ones just fine. When the soles get worn down I have them replaced at The Key Cobbler who do a fine job. I do look after them well with polish and Wonder Balsam and I never pay full price for them but wait for sale prices.

[@baje6215]

Solovair are more comfortable .Bought three pairs from Solovair factory shop and never thought about buying any other boots.

[@xxth.legion]

Last lot of Solovair boots I owned lasted 8 months. Quality wasn’t great. One of the tags on the top ripped off within the first few weeks. Soles split in the end. This was the second pair I’d owned and the last sadly.

[@seanmaxwell3319]

Antony, is that a Daytona? How much is adult cereal company paying you?

[@TheIronSnail]

LOL! It’s a friend of a friends - he let me wear it in the video to see if anyone noticed

[@peanutarbuckle2879]

​@@TheIronSnail friend of a friend? Is that what we're calling Christian now? P.S. I like your Zenith better.

[@chriskarras2418]

"and hopefully I will be showing you..." the mammoth???

[@HCproductionsss]

How can i prevent getting blisters on the back of my heel? Doc martens is known for hurting the back of the heel.

[@xtelevisionset]

Get the correct size and wear the correct socks. Tie and lace correctly.

[@yahway666]

Get the correct size and wear better socks. I've never had a problem with that on either my Docs or my Solovairs. Sometimes it's just like that if your foot shape is wrong for the boot, and you can get heel pads until they break in

[@jdmac44]

Everything logical within me says "Get the Solovair's!", but the 90's kid in my says "YELLOW STITCHES! GOTTA HAVE 'EM!!" *sigh*

[@franzb69]

you can have the metal rings fixed up by a shoemaker

[@pooolish334]

Thank you for this video, i want to get the same Solovair boots but had a tough time looking for a good in depth review. And I'm glad to say this was a lot more than what I was looking for. I enjoyed the video very much!

[@Ohkeh640]

I wish they made the 1460 leather boots in England in the smooth leather As the made in England ones are a thicker sole

[@nikeisagreekgoddess4135]

Just think of them as sneakers and rotate them as much as possible with your other pairs 😂

[@atomiclizzard288]

There is also grinders boots. That make similar as well.

[@boot_boy_6945]

You are so right on the eyelets. They are the Achilles heals of Solovairs. I’ve owned many pairs and on every single one the eyelets have ripped out on the outside where the boot bends. However this is an easy fix and any cobbler will replace them with better riveted eyelets for $10. If you really want a strong boot that has the same attitude I’d recommend NPS’s other line of Gripfast. Those boots are something solid. All the important stitching is done either twice or three times over. Their soles are solid rubber and are Goodyear welted along with being attached to the upper with 22 screws.

[@teddybear9029]

I know docs aren’t the best quality boots in the world far from it yet no one ever complains about trainers being over priced for what they really are which is basically shit!

[@yar0607]

4:37 I'm crying 🤣🤣🤣

[@grocerylist]

Did i miss the part where you said you'd let us know which Solovair to buy, that has full grain leather with no plastic coating?

[@yahway666]

Greasy and gaucho are both full grain. High shine and rub offs have some plastic

[@PaulKaiser42]

Great stuff and thanks for the tips about docs 👍🏻

[@Marcus_Berger1701]

Nice video, but i dislike Solovairs. I have 40 Docs and 10 solovairs. What i dislike is the shape of solovairs. Some say Docs and solovair look and feel the same. No they don't. Docs just feel better for me on the foot. I only wear docs with that hard cardboard insole. Those Docs with the cushioned insole are often of less quality. And in the last years i had solovair pairs which aged pretty quickly or were defect. 10 years ago i really liked both brands. I went back to wearing Docs with all their imperfections. I think you have to know what pair of Docs you are buying. For example : I bought the Horween leather docs. = fantastic boots with beautiful patina. Thats no diss to Solovair, i think they are really okay and good boot.

[@Jacorpes]

100%. Take this with a pinch of salt because my partner works for DMs, but I was team Solovair for a while, but recently I've started appreciating DMs again after getting some Horween and SF Stead MIE pairs. They fit me way better and have a nicer shape than Solovairs too. If you're comparing the nicest DMs with the nicest Solovairs, DM's are definitely better quality. I think the real problem with DMs is that they sell low and high quality shoes side by-side without really making it clear which is which, so you have to make sure you're buying the right pair.

[@Ohkeh640]

I wish they made the made in England ones in the smooth leather As the made in England ones are a thicker sole

[@tubecated_development]

£245 English pounds!!! A bargain, guvnor. That’s only £100 more than the Dr Martens. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿☕️

[@christianfreed]

It is incredible that the marketing teams were able to sell y'all on "air" as a benefit. They're selling air which is free instead of filling that space with quality materials. A+ Marketing department. Ya fooled em

[@ZEROGEAR363]

Solovair boots are 40-60 dollars more.

[@edwardbelcher8612]

on the cheap Docs you can condition the leather from the inside with either leather conditioner or baseball glove oil and that will help keep them from drying out and cracking too bad

[@kof867]

If you want a pair of doc like boots that aren’t terrible quality you’re better off just buying second hand army surplus boots. I bought a pair of second hand Austrian army feldschuh leicht by steinkogler for 40 euro and they’re my favorite boots I’ve ever owned

[@justmeeagainn]

And...no wide sizes. Moving right along...

[@JustSomeMisfit]

These are way more expensive than doc martens. What is everyone talking about?

[@lordexcellent5610]

I have their derby boots in greasy leather (just like the ones in the video). I’ve went a half size down with my first Solovair purchase (same derby boots in green gaucho leather) and the boots were too tight. With the greasy ones I went true to size and they fit much better, my feet are 27,8 and 28 cm long and the toes of my longer foot touch the front of the boot when I’m walking (it’s no big deal and I wouldn’t consider sizing up). I also have their 6 eye derby boots which have slimmer and longer last (similar to one used on their astronaut boots) and those fit perfectly.

[@Captain_timskiy5695]

"these boots where sold as gardening boots to old women" ...first words out my mouth "ummm sexy" 🤣🤣🤣 the internet has officially broken my sense of humor.

[@headleshydra]

I don't think you mentioend at any point....EVERY Solovair is MADE IN ENGLAND.... They also do a Premium line

[@classicbassmen9796]

Once you go solovair you never go back to Drs

[@borjasaz6611]

I have had many of those "lemons" on solovair,specially on high demand times of the year. They have a good customer service because they have a lot of flaws on the shoes they make.

[@shawnflynn1713]

How about the obvious? Solovair made dr martens. Almost the same company. And solovair and docs can both be resoled because they are good year welt.

[@daviss.7606]

debate around the origin of the leather is a non sense, either south american, or asian, or european, cows are basically the same breeds; a cow is a cow and leather is leather. What's problematic, is that neither Solovair or Doc's really communicate around the stiffness of their leather. Doc's does (a little) by saying it's smooth or greasy or full grain but that's pretty much it. Owning solovairs and doc's myself, i can say that solovair's full grain leather is incredibly stiff and hard to break in.The creasings at the ankle and upper foot look more natural and beautiful just like quality leather should wear over time. But does that makes it the Doc's killer, certainly not. Doc's have their own stiff leather like the waxed full grain and the crazy horse. and construction of the boot are a little different. I happen to have a very large footing, the sole's stitching is a little higher on Doc's that's giving me much more comfort when walking. Even if Solovair's tend to feel more durable, i can tell you that my 5 years old crazy horse 1490 are still up for quite a few walks. Doc's brand lost itself with these "iconic" coated leather, i don't know why, maybe production method has changed, but they are not as durable as they were back in the 90's. As weird as it sound, stiff full grain crazy horse or waxed leathers built in vietnam are more durable than the coated MIE, just because of that plastic coating tending to peel off from their leathers. My point is that both brands have their pros and cons, depending on what you need. just don't go for coated, glossy, or fake leather. they are not worth their price. and if you want your leather to be durable, take care of it with the appropriate methods and products.

[@dulifuli00]

We need a boot like those but built well.

[@archeewaters]

thanks for the info. video on docs with steel toe versus others?

[@JB-1138]

Try using Obenauf's leather oil. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@animebattlemage]

re: the eyelets i personally have a pair of solovair 11 eyelet boots and for the first 6 months of wearing them, i would accidentally slice my hand open on one of the sharp back of an eyelet while lacing them up about 12 times. Now I've had them for a year the sharp backs of the stamped eyelets have sort of been blunted with time and i love them, but that's my experience with quality control.

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

Solitaire 229.00 dr martens 150.00

[@fredperry9235]

Not made in England Docs. Made in Thailand Docs vs Made in England Solivair

[@peteking9677]

Still love dr.martens. Look nicer and i love yellow stitch.

[@marikohayashi3845]

I know the solovairs are better, but i love how beaten up the doc marts look. I just got a pair of Jadens from Doc Marts and I hope i'll wear them in and it'll look like yours one day!

[@UnimportantAcc]

what shades are ya reppin

[@aradoran]

Jet fuel melts steel shanks. I’ve never seen a wood shank melt.

[@NDB469]

How do the solovair’s fit? True to size? Or do you need to buy a half size down?

[@armoredsponge]

why have I seen 3 solovair ads today with seemly no connection .In the bio it makes no mention of the brand he is promoting

[@bobb1202]

I have had doc martens and decided to try out solovairs thinking they'd be better but they are not. I have had the soles separate, they fixed it only for them to separate again. Their customer service is also pretty bad. Rather have made in Asia docs with better customer service.

[@GoodDredd]

Oh man I got some solovairs and they sent me the correct size but on the inside they were gigantic. It was weird. Easy to send them back though. Haven’t tried to buy again

[@mountainpeakcloud8442]

People don't buy Docs because they're the best boot in the world, they buy them for the specific style, and the adequate amount of ruggedness. If I wanted the best boots in terms of quality, I wouldn't by Docs or Solovair, I'd buy something else, and I feel the Solovairs are just marginally better than the MIE docs. Saying that, DM should really put shanks in their Asian boots too.

[@thepulp80s]

Idk, kinda still more sold on Thursday

[@gusgamble]

I wish solovair made nonslip work boots

[@takashimizutani1808]

Any recommendations for these aesthetic gothish shoes that are good quality and also wide toe box

[@humphrey6630]

What watch are you wearing?

[@blakedavis2447]

I've got some solovairs theyre pretty good boots, i wouldn't work in them and i have so i know what I'm talking about. personally i think the comfort is a bit of an exaggeration. i feel like the comfiest boots ive ever worn are my Thorogoods but thats ok I've got differnt boots for different things. thorogoods for work, red wings for literally anything and when im feeling like a punk i grab my solovairs. they aren't really water proof/resistant but ive worn them to the range when it as pretty much a mud field and they do the job, theyll definitely fend of the rain better than any shoe will

[@nathana.2913]

Anybody have recommendations for a boot that works for the desert? I live in the American southwest and I want something that is breathable but still looks good for the office… I was leaning toward Jim Green but I’m not certain yet