The Evolution of Dr. Martens: from 1960 to the Present Day

To celebrate the launch of the new DM’s Lite, we look back at the evolution of one of the world’s most iconic shoes.

Sep 08, 2016
dr. martens
WikiCommons

Image via Dr. Martens

dr. martens
WikiCommons

Image via Dr. Martens

Over the last 55 years, Dr. Martens have become a symbol of rebellion and self-expression. Throughout that time, the brand’s shoes have been taken up by different groups and adapted in a number of ways. Both people and subcultures over that time have customised their Dr. Martens, they’ve worn the shoes in their own way, and helped make the shoe an icon.

Since the launch of their first shoe in 1960, Dr. Martens have stuck to a classic formula and a core ethos that has made the brand one of the most recognisable footwear makers around. To celebrate the launch of the new DM’s Lite, we look back at the evolution of one of the world’s most iconic shoes.

Origins

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Image via Dr. Martens

In the late 1950's, Bill Griggs, whose family had been making shoes in Northampton since 1901, saw an advert for a German-designed boot with a unique air-cushioned sole. This technology had been designed by Dr. Maertens to offer comfort and support. Griggs liked what he saw, and soon purchased an exclusive license and brought the technology over to Britain.

Before their release, Griggs made a couple of changes to the overall design. He added yellow stitching, the branded heel loop and the two-tone grooved sole edge. With the AirWair technology and these distinctive touches, the boot that would grow into the classic was born. The first evolution of Dr. Martens dropped on 1st April 1960, and so the 8-eye boot was named the 1460.

Subcultural Icon

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Image via Dr. Martens

After the launch of Dr. Martens, the boots and shoes took on a life of their own. Initially worn by postmen and factory workers, the footwear was adopted by diverse movements and groups. For their comfort and as a symbol of rebellion, the Dr. Martens were worn by bands and artists, and quickly became a subcultural icon.

As well as being worn by these subcultures, Dr. Martens were also adapted and worn in different ways by the different groups. Whether it was through artwork on the shoes or exposing the metal toe-cap of the boots, Dr. Martens have cemented their subcultural status by being adapted and customised by those wearing them. Although the shoes were initially made for wearing to work, it has been this subcultural status and their history as a symbol of self-expression that the brand has become known for.

Into the Future

dr. martens
Image via Dr. Martens

The latest stage in Dr. Martens’ evolution is the launch of the new, ultra lightweight DM’s Lite. The reworked Dr. Martens combine a new lightweight phylon midsole with classic elements of the iconic boots and shoes. Staying true to the history of the brand, the DM’s Lite feature some of the iconic touches from the earlier evolutions, like the yellow stitching and grooved sidewall. There are also new features such as a Softwair memory foam insoles and moisture wicking technology, both of which make the latest Dr. Martens the most comfortable and lightweight yet.

The DM’s Lite collection builds on the Dr. Martens legacy that has been created over the past 55 years. All the shoes released in the DM’s Lite collection are clearly part of Dr. Martens’ tradition, yet the new ultra lightweight aspect makes them the next stage in the brand’s evolution.

The new DM's Lite collection is available now, and you can get them online, instore or from selected retailers.

Dr Martens

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