Dr. Martens is an English brand specialized in the production of footwear, recognizable by the characteristic yellow contrast stitching. Men’s shoes, which include combat boots, loafers and sandals, combine comfort, functionality and design. Women’s shoes follow the same common thread: sandals, platform combat boots, lace-up shoes combine the practicality given by the use of high quality leather to the typical rebellious and authentic attitude, unique in its kind. The result is iconic footwear that becomes a real symbol of identification: suitable for those who want to stand out and feel part of something, united by a common spirit. The brand later created a collection of children’s shoes.
Dr. Martens stands out for its grunge aesthetic and its punk-rock charm: music, especially the musical subcultures of the 80s such as punk, metal, British hardcore, has determined the aesthetic of the brand. The revolutionary and rebellious spirit, the nonconformity, are all elements that together build the aesthetic vision of the brand, they make up the soul. It is through music that Dr. Martens has become a symbol of belonging.
The history of the Dr. Martens brand began in Munich in 1945, when soldier Dr. Klaus Maertens, following a war injury, designed a softer and more cushioned sole than traditional leather: The result was a combat boot prototype made from recycled materials from military uniforms. Dr. Klaus Maertens together with his partner Dr. Herbert Funk, started a business in continuous expansion and success: in 1959 the British shoe manufacturer Griggs acquired the exclusive license of the brand, modifying only some design details. It was 1960 when the 1460 model was made in Great Britain, the first Dr. Martens boot that for its strength and utilitarian aesthetics, met the needs of the working class. The brand, following musical subcultures and political movements, becomes a real symbol of belonging, a rebel expression of themselves. Dr. Martens has been owned by Palmyra since 2013: the brand with great ease has managed to get even on the catwalks collaborating with designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Yohji Yamamoto.
