The History of Dr. Martens: Then and Now
, by Edward Stone, 6 min reading time
Read about the History of Dr. Martens footwear, from past to present.
THE ORIGINS OF DR. MARTENS: FROM RECOVERY TO REBELLION
In 1901, the Griggs family of Wollaston, Northamptonshire, England, earned a reputation for crafting durable work boots. Decades later, in 1945 Germany, a 25-year-old soldier named Dr. Klaus Maertens was recovering from a broken foot. To aid his healing, he designed a revolutionary air-cushioned sole—an alternative to the traditional hard leather soles of the time. With help from his university friend, mechanical engineer Dr. Herbert Funk, the two created a prototype and began selling their innovative footwear.
Fast forward to 1960 in England, the Griggs company was now in its third generation. While browsing a trade magazine, Bill Griggs spotted an ad for Maertens’ unique sole design. Recognizing its potential, the Griggs family acquired the rights and adapted the design to their own boots. On April 1st, 1960, they launched the first 8-eye boot—branded as ‘AirWair’ with the slogan “With Bouncing Soles”—and named it the 1460.
Originally worn by postmen, police officers, and factory workers, Dr. Martens boots were a symbol of practicality and comfort. But everything changed when Pete Townshend of The Who wore them on stage, transforming the boot into a symbol of working-class pride and rebellious spirit. Alongside first-generation skinheads, Townshend helped redefine the brand’s identity, turning Dr. Martens into a cultural icon embraced by subcultures around the world.
TODAY
Without music, Dr. Martens might have remained just a sturdy workwear boot. But the soundtracks of the tribes who adopted them—punk, grunge, ska, and beyond—infused the brand with meaning. The boots became inseparable from the music, a symbol of identity, defiance, and self-expression. Every scuffed toe and worn sole tell a story, echoing the rhythm of generations who marched to their own beat. Over the decades, Dr. Martens evolved from a utilitarian staple into a global fashion icon. Still rooted in its tough, no-nonsense heritage, the brand now bridges underground scenes and high fashion alike. From music festivals to city streets, Dr. Martens remains bold, authentic, and timeless, worn by those who challenge norms and carve out their own paths.
From classic boots to sleek shoes, Dr. Martens offers styles for every vibe—grunge, polished, edgy, or everyday cool. Whether you're rocking the iconic 1460s, stepping out in chunky platforms, or keeping it low-key in oxfords, you’ll get that signature AirWair comfort, durable construction, and bold attitude. And if you're on your feet all day? Docs double as reliable workwear too.
WHY DOC MARTENS ARE YOUR IDEAL WORK SHOE
You love your Doc Martens for their iconic blend of style, comfort, and durability—and let’s be honest, they look great with just about anything. But if you’ve ever thought about wearing your Docs to work, you’re not alone. Thanks to their durable design, Doc Martens boots can be a solid choice for indoor jobs that involve long hours on your feet, such as foodservice, hospitality, and warehouse work.
What makes them so comfortable? It all starts with the air-cushioned sole, originally designed by Dr. Klaus Maertens for therapeutic use. This sole, trademarked as ‘AirWair’, is filled with tiny air pockets that provide a unique bounce and spring, helping reduce fatigue during long shifts. The classic 1460 boot, along with many other styles, features this iconic PVC sole and is also slip-resistant, making it a practical option for busy work environments.
Beyond comfort, Doc Martens soles are built to withstand tough conditions. They’re resistant to oil, fat, acid, petrol, and alkali, which adds an extra layer of protection in industrial or kitchen settings. And when it comes to traction, Dr. Martens takes it a step further with their Grip-Trax sole design. This exclusive tread pattern disperses fluids away from the center of the foot, enhancing grip on wet and slippery surfaces. It’s an upgrade from the brand’s traditional PVC soles and earns Boot World’s Slip Resistant PRO rating—ideal for restaurant floors, industrial spaces, and anywhere slip hazards are a concern.
WHAT’S YOUR VIBE?
Dr. Martens continues to blend heritage with modern style—and you can find your perfect pair at Boot World. Boot World offers a wide selection of Dr. Martens boots and shoes, including classic styles like the 1460, slip-resistant work boots, and fashion-forward platforms. With a focus on comfort, durability, safety, and style, Boot World is your go-to destination for Docs that fit your lifestyle—whether you're on the clock or off duty.
Step into comfort and confidence with our Dr. Martens collections—featuring iconic classics, work-ready styles, and everything in between. Built for traction, durability, and all-day support, these boots and shoes are ready to upgrade your workday with bold style and serious performance.
Visit Us In-Store for Immediate Access and Personalized Service
Stop by any of our Boot World locations and experience the convenience of immediate product availability—no waiting, no shipping delays. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to provide expert guidance tailored to your needs, helping you find the perfect fit, style, and comfort. Whether you're shopping for work boots, casual footwear, or cozy sheepskin styles, we’re committed to making your visit easy, enjoyable, and rewarding. Come in today and discover the difference that personalized service and instant access can make.
Reviewed By:
Ed Stone brings over 45 years of footwear knowledge and passion to his role as President of Boot World, a family-owned company and an industry leader in safety and occupational footwear. A second-generation "shoe dog," Ed's footwear knowledge is unparalleled, serving as an informal advisor for some of the world's largest footwear brands, including Wolverine, Timberland PRO, and Reebok Works. A lifelong Southern California resident and ardent conservationist, Ed enjoys hiking and open water swimming.