Dr. Martens, now also called "Docs" or "Doc Martens", were originally modest work shoes that resulted from the collaboration of an English family and a German doctor.
In 1945 it was Dr. Klaus Maertens, a soldier from Munich, who developed the unique air-cushioned sole in the post-war period in order to better recover from a broken foot. Together with his partner Dr. Herbert Funk started their first productions and advertised their development abroad for the first time in 1959.
One of these advertisements in a magazine for shoe retailers was noticed in 1960 by Bill Griggs, whose family had been known for successful shoe manufacturing for several generations.
Shortly afterwards, an exclusive license was concluded, a few changes such as the altered heel, the yellow contrast stitching, and the new branding of the sole under the name "Air Wair" were then made and on April 1, 1960 the first 1460 Dr. Martens boot was presented.
However, Docs actually first became that iconic because of Pete Townshend of "The Who", who established work boots in the 70s in the world of punk rock and thus influenced a whole subculture. Glam, punk, and later in the 90s Grunge and Britpop stood for rebellion against mainstream and their identifying figures all did it in the same boot from Dr. Martens.
Whether the classic 1460 in black with the iconic yellow contrast stitching or the red tartan pattern - to this day "Docs" remain a fashion statement and are popular every season.
United States