47 years old. Needed dress shoes. So naturally, I bought my first pair of Doc Martens’. 30+ years too late? Also, still Punk AF.
Posted by amccune@reddit | Xennials | View on Reddit | 194 comments
FreezingRobot@reddit
I regret to inform you the original manufacturer no longer makes them and they’re made in Southeast Asia somewhere. And yes, the quality has tanked.
Dr_Disaster@reddit
People say the quality tanked, and it’s true to an extent, but I have two pair, classic docs and the new combat boot, and they are still pretty good. The combat boots especially are incredibly comfortable and my favorite pair of shoes right now. I have knee issues because old, and they have been a godsend.
IdaDuck@reddit
The quality always sucked. They’re glued shoes with fake welt stitching.
lfergy@reddit
Yep. This company is the one that made the soles for the OG docs. That is what set them apart.
PfEMP1@reddit
I’ve tried that company but they just aren’t as good as OG 1990’s docs. I’m gutted I’ve lost my OGs as I finally found a good cobbler.
Money_Magnet24@reddit
I’m glad I asked the question
Thanks for the link. I would spend good money then buy something that “kinda looks like” what I had in the 90’s.
I want the OG
SquirrelEnthusiast@reddit
As a lifelong Dr Martin fan, they are no longer cool
Fancy-Duty-2031@reddit
What if you still have the pair from high school! Mine are 27 years old 😂 I don’t wear them often but sometimes I bust em out.
evolutionista1859@reddit
I also have my original ones from high school, I bought them in Europe, they were school bus yellow. Wore them for a few years and then I dyed them black. They are now a faded black with yellow undertones. They look cool as hell and I wore them to a punk rock show a few weeks ago.
SquirrelEnthusiast@reddit
I'm from the US and my class took a trip to London in 96 and I bought a pair from their store. They were this green and blue swirl that wasn't tye dye and I'm too tired to look up the archives.
My parents threw them out when I went to college and I'll never forgive them.
GarblingCumfarts@reddit
Damn these are right up my alley for dress shoes.
GeekyGamer2022@reddit
Solovair FTW
KindOfPoo@reddit
Solovair's quality has also tanked, unfortunately
abarthvader@reddit
Solovairs are the way to go!
kieran_dvarr@reddit
Those are some nice looking shoes and boots. Thanks for the link.
you_made_me_drink@reddit
That’s not entirely true. You can buy their “Made in England” line and get ones from the OG factory. They’re still excellent but the ones made in Asia are trash.
cloudydays2021@reddit
Yes, my Made in England ones are in amazing condition, got them a few years ago and wear them all the time. They’re more expensive but absolutely worth it
CT0292@reddit
Was going to say the same. I have a pair of the made in England ones and they are quite the sturdy boot.
Barbies_Burner_Phone@reddit
Came here to say this. Such a shame.
ghostbackwards@reddit
But they still make him punk rock right? Like total anti establishment punk rock!
65-535@reddit
I bought my first Doc Martens in 1993 in Dublin the second time I was in Ireland. I haggled hard.
You won’t regret getting them. Never too late!
amccune@reddit (OP)
Not totally unexpected. And I knew that. I thrift a lot and would snag and keep a vintage pair if I could find them.
HighIQAntWrestling@reddit
Doc Martens still offer a “Made in England” line, that are still made in England. You have to order them and the Made in England boots run about $260.
ineffable_my_dear@reddit
True, I bought a pair of red Made in England Chelseas five or six years ago and they’re quality.
Not nearly as comfy as my 30-year-old floral 1460s, of course.
Money_Magnet24@reddit
Who and where was the original manufacturer ?
ikeif@reddit
Solovair, which still makes their own branded version.
dbzmah@reddit
Solovair feel just like my 1990's Docs. OP, if you have the time, I'd highly recommend returning these, and getting some.
el_pinko_grande@reddit
I, too, have a pair of Solovair, and they are fantastic and well worth the money.
amccune@reddit (OP)
England.
OhSoSolipsistic@reddit
The original manufacturer switched their name to Solovair
augustrem@reddit
Thanks! Any idea where Solovair is manufactured
OhSoSolipsistic@reddit
england
augustrem@reddit
hmm, doesn’t say so on the product page though
HighIQAntWrestling@reddit
Wollaston, Northamptonshire. They are the original and still remain that way. Since 1981 as part of NPS Shoes.
KittySwipedFirst@reddit
Thanks. I want them all!
HighIQAntWrestling@reddit
They didn’t switch their name
To Solovair, Solovair IS THE ORIGINAL by NPS shoes since 1981. Solovair are still produced in Northamptonshire. While the Doc Martens name moved to Asia. Solovair is, and was always the original and remains to be the better quality and continues to be made the same way in the same manufacturing facility in the same town.
OhSoSolipsistic@reddit
stand corrected 👍🏽
RedditGotSoulDoubt@reddit
Ordered solovairs for my wife a few years ago and they’re still going strong
HoyAIAG@reddit
Solvair
chuckart9@reddit
They are still expensive though.
pogulup@reddit
Yeah, I see these posted constantly on the BIFL subreddit after they fall apart in two months with people asking what happened to the quality. Almost once a week.
Fear_N_Loafing_In_PA@reddit
If you crave an entire subreddit of “I hate to inform you…”, I’d like to offer up the following:
r/enshittification
TheMatt561@reddit
That's what I had heard. Damn I wish I still had mine.
eastbayted@reddit
More like Schlok Martens!
fednandlers@reddit
Definitely. My most recent paid fore down and came apart after 4 years. I was doing the same work as past Docs, and I loved these shoes but to have that yellow sewing there just to have that come apart because i guess it’s glued, is fucking crazy.
WhamWombat10@reddit
Just search for who Dr Klaus Marten was for the reason these aren't punk
amccune@reddit (OP)
Just wait until you hear how Volkswagen started.
WhamWombat10@reddit
I know. And Fanta.
New_me_310@reddit
Those are hot. Tune out the haters.
amccune@reddit (OP)
Thank you for that. People are weird. And I should just let them be weird.
tinosa77@reddit
GotSomeUpdogOnUrFace@reddit
I put them in my vans slip on, no shame in my game
pretty_in_punk33@reddit
I wear insoles with my Chucks, no pain, no shame! 😂
BellLilly@reddit
My converse. I'll take being comfy and not crippled from hip and knee pain over being cool.
meltedchocolatepants@reddit
They weren't orthotics, just expensive insoles, but I put these in to a high top platform converse a couple of wild ago. Now they are my favorite pair of shoes
hurricanemitch@reddit
Just did this last week. Stop bullying me!!
amccune@reddit (OP)
I feel seen.
Ok-Criticism6874@reddit
Those are NOT punk
DaDutchBoyLT1@reddit
Docs always make me think of The Suicide Machines Vans Song.
Granted they were more 3rd wave ska than punk most of the time.
Elegant_Row_6426@reddit
Or dress shoes. Casual is right in the description of the 8053s on their website
Future-Raisin3781@reddit
Not knowing what "dress shoes" are is punk as fuck.
porkpie1028@reddit
Ignorance, regardless of the topic, is never punk.
Future-Raisin3781@reddit
FUCK YOU DAD I KNOW WHAT DRESS SHOES ARE AND IM WEARING THESE TO WORK ANYWAY 🤘 🤘
Ok-Criticism6874@reddit
Is this a line from Portlandia?
2kewl4scool@reddit
I would’ve also agreed with “wearing these as dress shoes because they’re leather” is punk as fuck
amccune@reddit (OP)
Guys. You accidentally stumbled on the point. The shoes are punk. I am. At least at heart.
ChickenArise@reddit
Keeping punk only in our hearts is where we fucked up.
amccune@reddit (OP)
Just another day become a part of the machine I used to rage against
ineptplumberr@reddit
You should be on the cover of punk and disorderly
AmputeeHandModel@reddit
Gatekeeping punk?? That's punk.
kcknuckles@reddit
Gatekeeping punk? That is NOT punk!
amhudson02@reddit
Were they ever “punk”? I remember my mom getting me a pair of the sandals my senior year of high school. They are expensive and while getting my senior pics taken she made sure that the photographer got the sandals in every shot to make them worth it. Lol
Blue-Cheeeze@reddit
8 & 12 hole dockers will always be punk
unbalancedcentrifuge@reddit
They are also not dress.
But they are still cool.
amccune@reddit (OP)
Oh im aware. Hence the theme.
unbalancedcentrifuge@reddit
I hear all the powerful men these days are wearing Florshiem Lexington Oxfords.
amccune@reddit (OP)
Yeah. They brought some out. Fuck those narrow assed shoes.
Background_Title_922@reddit
That don't fit.
amccune@reddit (OP)
Just let me have this.
mtbguy1981@reddit
Sorry boss man, them ain't really dress shoes.
CDRAkiva@reddit
Those aren’t really dress shoes …
amccune@reddit (OP)
THX
CDRAkiva@reddit
You’re too old to not be able to dress up correctly, my guy. We’re basically all in our mid-to-late forties. Time to be able to wear a suit properly.
amccune@reddit (OP)
I can dress properly. But....I don't want to, nor do I want to spend my money on dress shoes that I generally wear about twice a year. Cool advice, though.
CDRAkiva@reddit
It great that you think no one is judging your professional capacity, regardless of field, based on this admittedly shallow criteria.
Kids if you’ve never had to spiff up in front of your boss, or go to a job interview of any kind, and genuinely believed this wasn’t putting a hard ceiling over you.
amccune@reddit (OP)
You’ve spent too much energy on this. And so have I. I just wish you would go away. Have fun. Relax. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
CDRAkiva@reddit
Grown ass men who dress like 15 year olds going to a wedding for the first time is a pet peeve.
Do better.
MackavelliHTX@reddit
I have the Doc Oxfords. I feel semi-dressy and punk
amccune@reddit (OP)
For those curious, they totally work for what I am wearing. And I can use them to kick someone in the pit.
safe-viewing@reddit
Oh. Oh dear. Who is going to tell him?
whither_wander_you@reddit
yeah, not dress shoes. appreciate wanting to wear them, but those are very much not fitting your description at all.
amccune@reddit (OP)
You seem like you’d be fun at a dinner party.
safe-viewing@reddit
They are right, though
amccune@reddit (OP)
Just admit your didn’t read understand, I guess.
nickd1980@reddit
I threw out my only dress shoe last year (yes shoe just one) cause I couldn't find the other one and went to my cousin's wedding with just tennis shoes. Luckily people look at each other's faces and not at their feet.
United-Bother-9636@reddit
Congratulations!!!!! I got my first pair a couple of Christmas’ ago!!
Tie_me_off@reddit
Is there a dress shoe in the room with us?
amccune@reddit (OP)
It’s amazing to me how many people openly admit in this thread that they didn’t understand what I was saying.
Tie_me_off@reddit
Your hyperbole is unmatched
amccune@reddit (OP)
So naturally, it’s my fault.
Craig_M_242@reddit
That's a good looking shoe
MaUkIr34@reddit
I got my 3 year old and I matching vans and today she was wearing them with a blink tee-shirt and it made me feel very happy.
lavishvibes@reddit
I bought my toddler a nirvana shirt and I know teenage me would be so proud
amccune@reddit (OP)
Fricken adorable.
spicedoubt@reddit
i had Docs for my workboots and made me feel punk AF. Too bad DM's got bought out so the quality waned and Solovair's are expensive
DiabolicalDan82@reddit
Good for waffle making, kicking through the shins...
pretty_in_punk33@reddit
Yes!! I loved my Docs! Plus with them weighing 14 pounds, my calf muscles were in point!
FyouinyourA@reddit
Those are not dress shoes unless you’re going for the goofy 47 year old look lol
dishwasher_mayhem@reddit
Quality is garbage now. Wife bought a new pair 2 years ago. The sole split the second wear. We took them to a local cobbler and he told us just how shit Docs are now. Said he could repair the sole but it would just break in another place. Never again.
Awkward-Adeptness-75@reddit
The original company still makes their own branded shoes, still made in England the same way as the OG Doc’s. Here’s the link.
OvenFriendly1818@reddit
Never to late!
Do-dah-dad@reddit
My feet hurt for you
amccune@reddit (OP)
Lol. Not as much as those skinny ass dress shoes would hurt.
Liljoker30@reddit
These are not dress shoes or punk. This is im 47 and still don't know how to dress myself because I refuse to just dress well.
amccune@reddit (OP)
Whoa. Yikes, bro. You just said that to another human being.
Liljoker30@reddit
Yes I did.
amccune@reddit (OP)
Cool.
Stardustquarks@reddit
Wait…doc martens were dress shoes?
OtherlandGirl@reddit
I recently bought a few pairs of converse in different colors from a thrift store- couldn’t afford them when I was young :) better late than never!
dbzmah@reddit
Nime bought Converse in 2003, and ran the quality in to the ground for years, but there are some newer converse shoes like the Chuck Taylor 2 that are actually better.
Possible-Tangelo9344@reddit
I've got chuck 70s and they've been great.
AmputeeHandModel@reddit
They have a crazy variety of official ones on their website. And of course there are many knockoffs, most of which are probably better than the originals now.
dbzmah@reddit
I meant Converse shoes in general, not so much Chucks specifically.
amccune@reddit (OP)
Ryuujin_13@reddit
I’ve sworn by Docs for my office work for years. The pair I just replaced had over 4 million steps and they could still keep going but I retired them (with honors!).
I currently have three other pairs, and I love them all. I know they’re not the same. I know where they’re made. I know it’s all image no substance, but I don’t care. They’re amazing for me.
AmputeeHandModel@reddit
Your boots have step counters?
Ryuujin_13@reddit
No but my watch does. I calculated my average daily steps at work over a period of time. Allowed for inaccuracy of the pedometer, etc.
I was likely way over 4 mil, but I round down just because.
Searchlights@reddit
I also have a number of pairs of docs I use as shoes for office professional applications. Several pairs including my wingtips are legit Made in England quality docs.
Several others are the Chinese made lower quality ones. They're fine. I just don't expect them to last as long.
I take great care of my shoes with shine and protection products. The new lower-quality Docs will treat you fine they're just no longer indestructible like they used to be.
amccune@reddit (OP)
Word. I’m just fixing a persona wrong of the last 30ish years.
Ryuujin_13@reddit
Totally. I don’t even own another kind of casual/dress shoe. Just Docs all the way down.
LemurCat04@reddit
I bought a pair of 6-hours when I started my new job because why not? They’re super comfortable and accommodate my prescription orthotics.
Ryuujin_13@reddit
Insoles plus the air soles make them so comfortable!
Human-University8635@reddit
I use my grown up money to buy things for 15 year old me all the time. Congrats!
Possible-Tangelo9344@reddit
That's not a dress shoe, but enjoy em anyway
Orleanian@reddit
I was going to say, I'd judge the fuck out of you showing up to our cotillion in those.
ScottyToo9985@reddit
I see guys’ shoes under the stalls at work all the time when I’m on the shitter and every time I see Docs, I chuckle to myself and think, “Guy must’ve been in the punk clique in HS”
sjp1980@reddit
These arent what I call dress shoes at all but they are nice and you will get good wears out of them.
el_coo_cooi@reddit
Black sharpie on the thread makes them extra dressy.
jlkb24@reddit
I still have my Polo boots from 25yrs ago. I think only the laces have dry rotted.
snkiz@reddit
It's to bad you didn't go for gently used pair or find some new old stock. Doc's ain't what they used to be.
amccune@reddit (OP)
Yeah. Those were readily available.
becauseIbarbecued@reddit
Punk AF. Well done!
genxmidlifecrisis@reddit
Too late as a fashion choice? Hell no. Too late for your old bones? Maybe. I bought 2 pairs of boots “because I’m an adult dammit” and struggled with their weight on my joints. Very humbling.
PyramidWater@reddit
Yeah they suck now and don’t mean what you think they mean anymore
freedraw@reddit
….does not appear to be a dress shoe.
amccune@reddit (OP)
NO SHIT?
sassafrasclementine@reddit
You need some Johnston Murphy, Cole Hann, etc. These are not it
amccune@reddit (OP)
These might not be “real” docs. But they also weren’t $200 and they weren’t shitty Cole Hann shoes. Those things look like cheap garbage.
I do love me most of the Johnston and Murphy line. But ironically, not the shoes. They never fit right.
irish_taco_maiden@reddit
You’re going to be so disappointed in the quality drop :(
59apache01@reddit
Whenever I need to wear dress shoes, I still break out the pair of Florsheims I've had for over 30 years.
Rhapsodyingloom@reddit
It’s never too late. But also I enjoy buying all the dudes I know Nun bush dress shoes because the name makes them laugh and they dress up more. It’s a Win-win
FredOaks15@reddit
No way. I just got my first pair of Jordan’s last year and I am a year older than you.
And I still have my docs.
obeekaybee7@reddit
Florsheim for dress shoes my friend. About a hundred bucks and they look sharp
nanapancakethusiast@reddit
Neither punk nor dress shoes. Whatever outfit you’re putting together… please don’t.
fiercetywysoges@reddit
Solovair is now what Docs used to be. I have two pair and they are amazing. Something to consider.
amccune@reddit (OP)
Definitley. They seem really nice. Someday!
purpleWord_spudger@reddit
I LOVE THIS FOR YOU
PoliteSavage@reddit
Older sister bought me a pair when i was 12, fucked up my feet and got chickenpox 2 days later.
hargle_bargle@reddit
EnragedAmoeba@reddit
I just shined my brownies this past week... bought in 1995 with my first real job paycheck.
amccune@reddit (OP)
Those sure are pretty!
EnragedAmoeba@reddit
A stint in the Army taught me all I needed to know about taking care of your footwear!
tinosa77@reddit
TraditionalMood277@reddit
Nothing says punk like overpriced shoes that are part of a uniform.
pct2daxtreme@reddit
Not late, you still have good taste in shoes.
lifeat24fps@reddit
I treated myself to a lovely pair of Solovair boots a few months ago. Never too late. Still punk AF. Age, however, does beget wisdom so I broke them in wearing sensible Dr. Scholl’s blister guard socks.
tragiccosmicaccident@reddit
Poser
dbzmah@reddit
Gottem
amccune@reddit (OP)
Yes! 1000%
ElderBarenziah@reddit
We have Doc Marten money now.
dbzmah@reddit
Hey, if you can't afford gas, make sure what you walk in can handle it.
0215rw@reddit
This. I bought knock offs from Payless Shoes. 😢
Also. I kind of miss Payless.
amccune@reddit (OP)
Left_Consequence_886@reddit
Punk AF lol
BlahblahLBC@reddit
Mad in china should have gotten these https://us.nps-solovair.com/ this is who made the original made in England ones!
RoundTheBend6@reddit
Congrats!
Also fuck the Internet for their pedantic shits. This is your parade.
amccune@reddit (OP)
Thank you for getting it! We used to let people enjoy things.
thunderlips36@reddit
Will you be attending the Lillith Faire this year?
JPMoney81@reddit
I've been chasing the high of my original Doc Martens since high school. No others have felt the same.
Also always reminds me of this old Family Guy bit which is spot on since my daughter loves hers and is proudly LGBT
https://youtu.be/84c8b_Ol4Lk?si=kEzT7kdhQ7lNXhjv
HoyAIAG@reddit
Return them and buy Solvair the real Doc Martens.
MetaverseLiz@reddit
Company got bought out years ago.
dreadpiratemyk@reddit
Not punk. Get black leather and beat them to hell.
amccune@reddit (OP)
Fuck you dad!
/s
sarithe@reddit
Nothing says "punk AF" like wearing specific shoes to conform to an idea of what "punk" is.
They are nice comfy shoes though.
anonymousopottamus@reddit
I wear Nikes as dress shoes - buy a pair that matches the dress/suit and go. These Docs (lows I guess, because they're not boots) aren't punk at all, and they're soooo casual.
taskforceslacker@reddit
I still keep a pair of Doc boots and a pair of Brogues. Some classics never die.
YellgoDuck@reddit
gyrlonfilm6@reddit
Those are some slick shoes!
amccune@reddit (OP)
Literally the last pair in this color and they fit. Felt pretty rad walking out of that shoe store.
der_innkeeper@reddit
"Doc Martens".
When your workboots are turned into loafers and sandals, you have jumped the shark.
superhex12345@reddit
I just bought a pair of brown doc boots for the same reason. Also 47 lol
amccune@reddit (OP)
Oi Oi oi!
This_Fkn_Guy_@reddit
amccune@reddit (OP)
That’s how I’m walking into this $100 a plate benefit dinner tonight, wearing a suit, my Docs and a mountain of credit card debt. Oi! Oi! Oi!