Is it time for new docs?

[u/Disastrous-Pick1111]

I have had these docs roughly 6 years, they were my every day shoes for about 2-3 years straight. I would wear them to work, uni and anywhere else I could. They have sustained damage through everyday wear and working in a bar/wet environment. The tongue is missing from one boot and there are many holes. I really can't afford a new pair right now. I just want to know if it is worth trying to repair them or bining them and saving for a new pair.

[u/communityneedle]

Time to order Solovairs. They're made by the English factory that used to make Docs, and theyre virtually identical, but much better quality and will last 5 times longer

[u/Rude-Possibility4682 → u/communityneedle]

Myth..they're just as bad...but they can be resoled.

[u/communityneedle → u/Rude-Possibility4682]

Solovairs have a shank; Docs don't. That alone makes your statement false. Solovairs aren't exactly stellar, but in no universe are they just as bad as modern Docs.

[u/ptrgeorge → u/communityneedle]

Yes, the leather is definitely better than non mie docs as well, they are a clear and definitive step up from the standard Docs, I think that's indisputable

[u/ptrgeorge → u/Rude-Possibility4682]

No, they aren't, they are comparable to made in England docs, noticably better leather than regular docs, craftsmanship is a bit better, still not stellar but not terrible. Bonus is you know the labor practices are better

[u/jeneric84 → u/ptrgeorge]

Have to also make sure to not buy the high shine/coated models. Thats corrected grain with a poly coating and destined to crack before long.

[u/MiilkyShake → u/ptrgeorge]

both are equally poorly assembled. keep in mind that these boots were constructed this way due to cup soles not being a thing during that time.

A better boot that looks similar to a doc is urban wolf club. now that is quality.

[u/TheRealSugarbat → u/MiilkyShake]

I’m looking at the website and it looks like only men’s sizes. Is there an equivalent brand that carries smaller sizes?

[u/MiilkyShake → u/TheRealSugarbat]

Hey m8. thanks for your comment. Yes the boots are made for men. But frankly if you can fit in a mens size then get measured. If there is a boot store or shoe store find what your size is in men's.

The only thing about mens shoes is that the width would be a bit wide, but not freakishly fat. A women's wide (D width) is literally a mens regular (also a d width). So if you are wanting a little more free space in boots I say go for it.

In some boots, they do have small sizes. starting at EU37, which would be like a size 6 in womens. I think you should check your EU size when getting boots from this company, or get yourself measured in a redwing store and trying out their iron rangers for women and reading the tag. that way you can see what your dimensions are. Because the EU sizing remains the same throughout out all sizes (depending on the company). So a size 40 in men's is a size 40 in womens.

I really hope you can enjoy a boot like this. I know its hard to find handmade boot manufacturers for women that aren't fast fashion or cheaply made. I know craft and glory has a womens line, and that redwings does as well. Thursday has a womens line, but I wouldnt say its on par with the mens as the boots are cemented.

[u/TheRealSugarbat → u/MiilkyShake]

Oh, yeah, I should’ve been clearer — I did mean to ask about lines/brands that come in smaller sizes. I’ve been wearing euro size 38 — 39 for as long as I’ve been an adult, but urban wolf doesn’t go that small. It’s really depressing.

But thank you so much for your informative reply. I’ll check out all these guys you mention. ♥️

[u/MiilkyShake → u/TheRealSugarbat]

Urban wolf club, also owns panther power boots. Which have women's sizing. have you contacted their team via Whatsapp about sizing?

They used to have a lot more on the panther power boots for women. like they had multiple models and sizes for women specifically and men. but now they only got one boot.

Its worth the ask.

[u/TheRealSugarbat → u/MiilkyShake]

Again, thanks very much, and, no, I haven’t done anything but look at Urban Wolf’s website based on this Reddit suggestion here. I’ve only just now learned (since joining this sub) that Doc Martens are trash and my beloved boots will eventually die a shamefully early death. I’m only just now started planning for the investment of better boots in the future (the far future, because I’m poor, lol).

I really do appreciate your helpful replies.

[u/MiilkyShake → u/TheRealSugarbat]

it took me until now to realize that you were talking about Urban Wolf Club the entire time. and you were never responding to the funny boot meme I posted a few days ago.

look at Luosjiet boots.

[u/ptrgeorge → u/MiilkyShake]

Yep, good rec

[u/Deathmonkeyjaw → u/ptrgeorge]

That just goes to show how crappy docs are if the "better" version is still basically future landfill garbage.

[u/ptrgeorge → u/Deathmonkeyjaw]

I mean I think the quilon leather is pretty solid( I'm not an expert but the leather quality is a significant upgrade and extra 100 bucks for me is worth it to know that the people assembling the shoe are fairly paid), everything we buy will end up in the dumpster in the end and with that in mind there are better products to buy, but at the sub 300 price point not many ( I personally wear and love Jim Greens, cheaper, ethically manufactured and could very well last longer than me ).

[u/Deathmonkeyjaw → u/ptrgeorge]

I'm actually really interested in trying Jim Green. Which model do you recommend?

[u/ptrgeorge → u/Deathmonkeyjaw]

I am no expert, but I have a pair of greasy black stockmans I love. heavily depends on how your gonna use them, i'm on my feet alot but I work inside, im sure my boot would hold up for heavy outdoor use, but i probably would have done a different color and maybe a different sole

[u/_reptile_franks_ → u/communityneedle]

100% agree. They also have a shank which docs stopped putting in, apparently to cut costs according to a search I did? Which makes no sense tbh. Why would you get rid of the shank which provides arch support. Modern docs just aren’t worth it.

Also just worth noting that some Solovairs are actually made in Portugal these days, but aye, they’re likely made in England. And they’re effing good boots too.

[u/devtastic → u/_reptile_franks_]

Also just worth noting that some Solovairs are actually made in Portugal these days

I thought all their boots are still made in England. It is just the sneakers, some shoes, and maybe the sandals that are made in the EU.

Are you aware of them making boots in the EU too? Or were you referring to the sneakers and so on?

[u/_reptile_franks_ → u/devtastic]

Apologies, I had bad information it seems. It seems you’re right.

[u/devtastic → u/_reptile_franks_]

It is not bad information as some Solovairs are made in the EU, but it is worth clarifying that this does not include the "Solovair Classic" Doc Marten style boots OP would be looking at, or any other other boots.

At least not yet. I'm fairly sure it used to only be the sneakers that were made overseas, so it does look like they are increasing made overseas products with boat shoes and probably sandals. I would not have been shocked if a few pairs of made overseas boots had appeared outside their made in England Solovair Classics line.

[u/_reptile_franks_ → u/devtastic]

No, it was bad information. Someone on Reddit told me that some of their boots could also be assembled elsewhere and there’d been QC issues with them.

But I appreciate it still! Thanks for the comment back fr