Punk and hardcore shows really drive the need to own doc martens and I don't see them very often in boot media besides only being talked down on. Maybe it's just because it's the first boot I've owned, and I've owned many brands (docs, thorogood, nicks, Red Wing, solovair, timberland, etc), but it will always be a favorite. There are definitely better built boots but nothing wrong with a little bit of the doctor. The first pair I owned made it through many hardcore shows and many seasons. I wanted to see how they hold up over time with a pictured timeline, at work (electrical) and in my free time (hiking, shows, roaming about)
Honestly, I had a pair in size 9, felt the toe and decided it could be smaller. Lucked out and they fit perfectly.
Had a Amazon gift card and decided to get a pair for cheaper than usual
Lot of electrical work (mainly fire alarm)
Break in for real comfort took a bit but by month 4 they were flexible. Leather is holding up well, especially for doing no care besides a brush every now and then. There's some slices in the leather on the side of the foot (didn't break entirely through though) but that's most likely do to rubbing up against sharp objects or tools by accident.
Fits perfectly, almost feels like it was measure to my foot. Ended up having to swap the insoles out for the doc martens leather/foam sole and they only became more comfortable with time.
I do think solovair makes a better version but it's nice to go back to the classic. But for the amount of drywall, snow salt, mud, dirt, and dropped tools that they've tasted. They've held up pretty well
The sole on doc martens is undeniable how comfy they feel. You don't get that hard hit every time you step in a more solid of a rubber style sole. Solid traction, however the amount of grooves in the slip resistant version made it wear quicker
Great boot, everyone should own at least one boot like this. I would recommend going with solovair if you want a more real deal built boot. My only real issue was with the slip resistant style sole wearing quicker.