Dr. Martens
MakerAbout
Dr. Martens is a British footwear brand headquartered in Wollaston, Northamptonshire. The company was established in 1960. Dr. Martens produces footwear recognized for its air-cushioned soles, yellow stitching, and distinctive construction.
About
Dr. Martens is a British footwear brand headquartered in Wollaston, Northamptonshire. The company was established in 1960. Dr. Martens produces footwear recognized for its air-cushioned soles, yellow stitching, and distinctive construction.
History
In 1945, German army doctor Klaus Märtens developed an air-cushioned sole after sustaining a foot injury. Together with engineer Herbert Funck, production of the shoes started in 1947 using surplus military materials. In 1952, Märtens and Funck opened a factory in Munich.
In 1959, R. Griggs Group, a British shoe manufacturer, acquired the rights to produce the footwear in the United Kingdom. The Griggs company introduced several design changes, such as yellow stitching and a grooved sole edge, and branded the boots “AirWair.” The first UK-produced model, the 1460 boot, debuted on April 1, 1960.
Dr. Martens boots were originally marketed for work use. During the 1960s and 1970s, the brand became associated with several youth subcultures, including skinheads and punk musicians. The company experienced financial difficulties in the early 2000s and moved most production to Asia in 2003. The original Wollaston factory resumed production in 2004, focusing on the “Made in England” line.
Permira, a private equity group, purchased Dr. Martens in 2013 for £300 million. In January 2021, Dr. Martens became a publicly traded company, listed on the London Stock Exchange with a valuation of £3.7 billion.
Manufacturing
Dr. Martens manufactures footwear in the United Kingdom and Asia. The “Made in England” line is produced by hand at the original Wollaston factory and includes styles such as the 1460 and 1461. Most of the company’s footwear is produced in factories located in China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
Construction and materials
Dr. Martens footwear uses Goodyear welt construction, in which the upper and sole are heat-sealed and stitched. All models feature air-cushioned soles, called “AirWair.” Materials used include natural leathers, such as smooth leather and nappa leather, as well as synthetic materials, including those used in the vegan line.
Products
Dr. Martens produces a range of boots and shoes, including the 1460 boot, 1461 shoe, 2976 Chelsea boot, and the Jadon boot. The company manufactures both traditional leather and vegan versions of its products. Dr. Martens has collaborated with designers and artists to release limited-edition styles.
