Ditch the Stereotypes: Explore the Top 10 Dr. Martens Shoes Today!
A story of how a shoe designed to heal a sore foot became a stage-stomping symbol of rebellion!
Forget everything you think you know about Dr. Martens. Yes, they’re the iconic boots that stomped their way through music history, a symbol of rebellion embraced by punks, skinheads, and countless subcultures. But Dr. Martens’ story goes way beyond that.
It’s a tale of unexpected turns, from a post-war innovation designed to heal a sore foot, to a global phenomenon transcending class and gender.
Ever wonder how a shoe designed to heal a sore foot became a symbol of rebellion?
Dr. Martens’ journey began in 1940s Germany, not on a concert stage, but in a doctor’s imagination.
Dr. Klaus Maertens, recovering from a broken foot, crafted a revolutionary air-cushioned sole using salvaged materials. Fast forward to the 1960s, and across the English Channel, the Griggs company in Northampton spotted the potential in Maertens’ design. The 1460 boot was born, instantly recognizable with its eight eyelets, yellow stitching, and air-welled soles.
Initially embraced by working-class Britons, where it first won hearts as the sturdy choice for postmen and factory workers with its modest £2 price tag in the 1960s, Dr. Martens found a new life when Pete Townshend of The Who laced them up for a performance, forever linking the brand to rock and roll. This wasn’t just a footwear choice, it was a rebellion in itself.
Townshend, frustrated by his musical limitations, famously smashed his guitar onstage—an act that would become a rock and roll legend. But the story doesn’t end there. To protect his feet during his increasingly energetic performances, Townshend turned to a pair of Dr. Martens boots—the air-cushioned soles a perfect match for his “pseudo-athletic routines”.
This rockstar’s footwear choice not only soothed his sore soles but also sparked a legendary fashion trend. Dr. Martens, once a work boot, became a symbol of rebellion, forever linked to the music scene and the individuality it championed.
In Townshend’s own words: “Their toughness combined with their softness and flexibility is what made them so perfect for the routines I performed on stage. I literally bounced.”
“There would sometimes be a couple of things I’d take to bed with me. A bottle of cognac on one side, a Dr. Martens boot on the other.”
This unexpected adoption by music legends like Townshend was just the beginning. Dr. Martens continued to evolve, becoming a canvas for self-expression across genres and generations. From the flamboyant glam era to the grungy rebellion of the ’90s, Dr. Martens boots offered a way to stand out from the crowd.
Today, Dr. Martens offers a variety of styles beyond the classic boot, catering to a diverse audience who value comfort, durability, and a touch of timeless rebellion.
Dr. Martens has a rich history of defying convention from the workwear revolution to the rock and roll stage. The brand continues to innovate, offering a variety of styles beyond the classic boot. Ready to explore the latest Dr. Martens has to offer?
Check out our picks for the top Dr. Martens shoes on the market today!
Top 10 Dr. Martens Shoes to Buy Now
1. Rick Owens × Dr. Martens 1460 DMXL Jumbo Lace Boot “Black”
Price: US$537
Style Code: 31755001
Release Date: 7 Mar 2024
2. Rick Owens × Dr. Martens 1460 DMXL Mega Lace Boot “Black”
Price: US$614
Style Code: DW01D7809-2001-09
Release Date: 7 Feb 2024
3. Supreme × Dr.Martens Ramsey Creeper “Black”
Price: US$387
Style Code: SUP-DM-BK
Release Date: 18 Nov 2023
4. Aape By A Bathing Ape × Dr. Martens 1461 Aape 3 Hole “Black”
Price: US$577
Style Code: SMOOTH-1461-AAPE-BLACK
Release Date: 15 Sep 2022
5. Dr. Martens × Stussy 939 Boot “Chestnuts”
Price: US$764
Style Code: 27585231
Release Date: 11 Nov 2021
6. Dr.Martens 1460 8 Hole Boots “Smooth Green”
Price: US$
Style Code: 11822207
Release Date:
8. Supreme × Dr.Martens 1461 3 Eye Shoe “Black”
Price: US$389
Style Code: SUP-DM-1461-3EYE-BLK
Release Date: 23 Mar 2024
9. Supreme x Dr. Martens Split Toe 5‑Eye Shoe “Black”
Price: US$547
Style Code: 27150001
Release Date: 10 Apr 2021
10. Yohji Yamamoto × Supreme × Dr.Martens 3eye-Shoe “Black”
Price: US$380
Style Code: 28011001
Release Date: 24 Sep 2022
Ditch the stereotypes and lace up for a revolution of your own! Explore our picks for the top Dr. Martens shoes on the market today, and find the perfect pair to express your unique style.
Don’t forget, Dr. Martens offers a vast array of styles and colorways beyond what we’ve listed here. Download the SNKRDUNK App now to browse the full collection and discover your perfect match. Plus, follow us on Instagram/TikTok for all the latest hype and trending shoes, sneakers, and streetwear!
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