Dr. Martens" is the product of chance.
Dr. Klaus Martens, who was serving in the military, fell spectacularly one day while skiing. Using his injured foot as a testbed, he devised the Air Cushion Sole after the war. It was a revolutionary sole that protected his injured foot from the impact of the ground by trapping air in the rubber.
Martens started manufacturing shoes with his college friend, Dr. Herbert Hunk, and quickly got the business off the ground. They advertised in trade magazines to further solidify their business. Bill Griggs, the third generation of the R. Griggs Group, a shoe factory in Northampton, England, founded in 1901, spotted the innovation at first sight. After signing a line-sensing contract, Bill released the 1460 8-hole boot on April 1, 1960 , bearing the date of its launch. The brand was named after its inventor, "Dr. Martens.
. Left: Herbert Hunk on the left and Klaus Martens on the right. Middle photo: Dr. Martens' factory in the 1930s. . Right: The famous "1460 8-hole boot.
Postmen and factory workers were among the first to recognize the potential of "Dr. Martens," but they soon became the darlings of the cultural scene. The fire was ignited by the skinheads and Pete Townsend of "The Who" fame. As a symbol of the anti-establishment, the worker's shoes were a perfect fit. Since then, "Dr. Martens" has graced the cultural scene of each era.
. However, it was not all smooth sailing. In fact, there were times when the factory had to be closed. The counterculture leaders came to the rescue. Musicians wore them on stage, and fashion brands collaborated with them to save the day. The "1460 8-hole boot," made of cherry-red Napa leather with yellow stitching, was an idol they could never lose.
As its half-century history proves, it goes without saying that Dr. Martens can fit into any street scene, but with its roots in Northampton, it also goes well with weekday styles such as jackets.
. Left: Shoes from the 1981 catalog. Middle: "Dr. Martens" was loved by punks. Right: The brand logo in 1960.