Dr. Martens are delving into the archives
What do you get when you combine lustrous leather with contrast welt-thread stitching and an AirWare cushioned “bouncing sole”? One of the sturdiest and most iconic pieces of footwear on the planet: Dr. Martens boots. And today, 57 years since conception, Docs are delving into the archives to deliver the SS17 Originals Collection comprised of their nine most classic silhouettes.
The story of Dr. Martens begins in Northampshire, England, on 1st April 1960, when the first pair of 1460 8-eye boots (pictured above) rolled of the production line. The comfortable, lightweight and durable silhouette proved popular, and it was not long before postmen and policemen sported the trademark yellow stitch, grooved sole and heel lip. Over the next decade the offer expanded: along came the 1490 10-eye boot and 1940 14-eye boot as well as the Polley T-bar shoe, customized especially for women (pictured below).
From the 1960s to the 1980s three further style staples were born: the 3989 Brogue, produced in unique "longwing" seamed style, the 2976 Chelsea Boot patented by Queen Victoria’s shoemaker J. Sparkes Hall as a riding and walking shoe (pictured below), and the Adrian Tassel Loafer adopted and beloved by British youth subcultures, and traditionally paired with short trousers and white socks.
Dr. Martens have persevered as style icon subscribed to by seekers of self-expression. Fit for diverse individuals, musicians, youth cultures, tribes - there's no doubt these kicks will continue to be championed through the ages.
Check out the full Originals Collection on their website here.
Image credit: Faith in Style, Dr. Martens Instagram.
Advertisement
