500,000 Steps Dr. Martens vs Solovair (4 Things I Hate)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 ส.ค. 2024
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250 Miles, 500 hours, 500,000 steps (give or take) in the last few month with my Made in England Docs on one foot and my Solovair Oxblood on the other foot. I came away from the experience disappointed with the Dr. Martens so in this video I go through what i don't like about the Docs and what i liked about the Solovair boots.
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You should make a video like "Top 5 boots that look like Doc Martens, but are much better!" and I'd watch that
yes please!!!
Yes please!!
Right, it took me so long to find a style of boot that I would like to invest in (I'm a student so around 200 bucks is A LOT for me) and now I'm conflicted if I should get them or not. It would be great to see alternatives with the same type of style
@Kekistan Shitlord thank you!! I'll definitely go and look for some
@@maike628 can you recommend any?
U have to respect the balls that it takes to tell people that an expensive brand is trash and actually prove it
They're still both expansive still
The Docs most people buy aren't crazy expensive, they're just not good value.
I have a pair of navy blue 1461s that were on sale, so I did not feel ripped off. 😁
@@hailhummus Since they got fashion and the wannabe nonalt kids wear them they got 25% more expensive and the quality suck now. Solovairs are easy to get in clearance 50% off. I got mine for 125 Euro.
They’re actually both considered budget brands or low tier when compared to other boots.
You can also send Solovairs back to be resoled, or you can buy replacement soles from them and have them repaired by your own cobbler. The Solovairs are so much nicer, just like the original 1980's Docs.
WTF? Original 1980's? Docs have been around for a lot longer than that.
@@Le_Petomane Solvair as a company have been around since 1881, says on both my pairs!
@@calvinhumphries9595 Yeah sure, tell that to the other bloke. He thinks Docs are from the 80's apparently.
@@Le_Petomane I have no pony in this race, as I have dms I bought in 89 that now fit my 11 y/o niece and I have 2 pair Solvair that say "EST 1881" ... So I dms were making the classics in the 80s and I know that Solvair have been around for about 120 years, but either way I have both dms and sols ... And I know my docs took more breaking than the sols, and my sols are more comfortable than the docs but also my docs cost £90 but the sols were £175!
Had Docs in the early 90s that took a long time to break in and were really tough. They lasted so long the rubber sole dried out and broke. I saw new ones the last few years and WTF they're thin and cheap, but still expensive. You can tell they're not going for the same customer.
Same
I watched a video on this a while ago, don't remember the details but I'm sure it's still somewhere on YT. Anyways, it wasn't that their aiming for different customer but moving production away to a cheaper country or someone bought them and moved. I believe Docs made after 2008 won't be the good ones anymore.
@@TheMarijaSunshine I'm sure that is very true. I had the impression too that they're sold in malls to teenagers, not the young adults who'd wanted them before. The previous customers take a look at these now and don't want the cheaped out crap they have become.
I came here to see if anyone said they probably were better (docs) back in the day and over time they started making them of less quality. Bc that's perhaps something that's happened?! Idk idk I am so sad about this...my sole split yesterday and i have not had these that long! Most definitely abused my older ones way more. Maybe they cheaped out after a while. Sad..
Solovairs probably made your Doc martens in the 90s, but Doc Martens started producing boots in countries like china in the early 2000s for cheaper production costs
I literally just bought my first pair of doc martens yesterday and this video pops up in my recommended lmao
Oof size: large
same
I bout my first Made in England for Xmas. They look good but the soles are already getting worn in so I ordered a pair of Solovairs this week
Solovairs are a lot better. They don’t have as many cute designs but they will last you a lot
Ive owned Martens for 20 years now,, they do suck been through 8 pairs lol,, but they are a beauty,, i currently own 2,, that i wear and let one rest,
martens is just following the old business philosophy....build a reputation and brand loyalty with good product then cheap out for maximum profit.
Pathetic... but is true.
Won't mention the name... but we use to buy a popular Hawaiin sandal, they got very popular and then the downward spiral started ...sending production to Asia.
the only martens which i would recommend were the vegan ones. but today i found out, that solovair produces vegan shoes under the name airseal.
Vegan shoes???
That’s more of a new business philosophy. Hopefully videos like this, exposing companies, will make them buck their ideas up.
@@wiesawaniegowska3268 yes. there are many people who want good boots which fits their moral standards. i will not judge them.
Solovair actually were the original manufacturers of Doc Martens before DM decided to go to Asia, that’s when the cooperation split up and Solovair continued to produce on their own and keep up the original quality
respect to solovair!
@@jordanrodrigues7418 A simple google search would prove that you're wrong Jabroni hahahhah
True...
Dr. Martin had them make his boots, I believe.
@@ducklingphallus uhhh no, it doesn't. Solovair produced shoes for Doc Marten from the 50s to the 80s, before DM moved production to asia to cut cost. I found that out from a simple google search.
Im just afriad Solovairs will go down in quality before I buy them because they get popular.
As someone who had to wear Doc Martens as part of their high school uniform for 5 years, I’ve never seen kids go through shoes as quickly as we went through those docs. The laces were garbage, as the aglets would always come off. The midsole on the last two pairs I owned split in half on the toe box (see talking shoes). I was walking around with them stapled back together because my mom was fed up with paying $180 for a new pair every year. So as you can see, I have a healthy dislike of these shoes.
Wow who would have thought that punk school would have a uniform
What type of school would stipulate Doc Martens as part of their uniform. I am assuming it was DM shoes and not the boots.
Name the high school, or I'm calling bullshit. IMO, no school is going to mandate a $200 boot as part of a school uniform, and especially not a DM boot.
@@Beery1962 Holy Cross School in New Orleans. A low-cut five eyelet DM was part of the uniform.
@@jordishima Okay, I believe you, but that's just incredibly weird. Must be a private school - I can't see a public school making such ridiculous dress regulations.
After 20-some years of daily wearing, I bailed on Docs after three pairs in a row blew up on me. Tried Solovair and they are exactly was Docs used to be.
@Hakim Mohamad i have the beckman and iron rangers, they are solid as brick
It's cool to hear your experiences with the boots
@@RoseAnvil cut open a wolverine 1000 miles next ^^
@@RoseAnvil please do a review on Nick's handmade boots Spokane Washington
Two words relating to Dr Martens are private and equity. Sell the brand, cheapen the product, take the profit. See also Fred Perry.
I would love to see you compare an actual vintage doc boot (made before 2000s) and their current Made in England line to showcase the difference in quality. (I own a pair of the 11-eye steel toe derby Solovairs, and they're still rocking 6 years later! I love 'em.)
So true, i own old docs that are 40 years old, they're much better than those i bought 6 years ago
solovair made doc martens boots between the 50s + 80s lmao
I had some amazing Doc oxfords in high school that were basically indestructible, and I really wanted to get another pair, but when I went in the shop and felt the quality of the new ones I didn't even try them on. So disappointing. : (
I have a pair of hot pink doc’s that I bought in 1995, and they were made of butter-soft leather that was no trouble to break in. I have not gotten a pair since that was as wearable.
@@katraylor I had a pair back in 1973 when I started high school too, happy days.
I'm a long time Docs wearer, but bought my first pair of Solovairs after watching your comparison video. Sure enough, the Solovairs are old school to break in, but the build is in a different league from modern DMs. The replaceable soles are a huge plus because I cover a lot of miles
i made my first shoe mistake at 15 buying a pair of these for $110. thought that was way too much money and well it was. the sealing ontop of the leather completely peeled off and they look a wrinkled ballsack 5 years later (with a period of not being worn consistently for a few years in between) im happy that you made this video featuring this other brand!
ur an expert on how wrinkled ballsacks look like huh??
I remember when doc Martin's used to be
Yeah, I only buy outlet now. It's cheaper.
They're still the goth kid boots to me.....
It used to be 50 dollars now its 250 with crappier quality bruh what once was the hard working middle class factory workers boot is now an overpriced crappy boot
Exactly
Totally agree, here in the U.K. the price of DMs started to rise drastically by the early 90s and the quality went down hill fast. This was also around the same time they started opening up Dr Marten shops that only sold their main style boots and shoes.
This really surprised me, my dad has a pair of docs that he's had since before I was born and they're still going strong so it's sad that a trusted brand is cheaping out now they have good brand recognition
Same whit my dad he had some from the 90s and those still going strong
I disagree: I have a pair of docs from the early 90s that are exactly like the ones shown in the videos: soft leather, no support, the thread worn very quickly and so on... I still have them but they lost their original shape in just a few years of use.
Old Doc’s (before 2000) were made by Solovair, it’s since they became a fashion boot they branded off on their own
@J Hemphill as an 80’s kid it’s amazing how ubiquitous this became. Clothes, restaurants, electronics, appliances, watches, every brand that was good has gone to total shit bc of this model. It sounds ridiculous today but chilis used to be a quality restaurant. Dell made quality computers. Swatch made good watches. They and so many others are now bottom barrel Walmart trash.
@@johnmaurer3097 I've always talked about this happening. I can only come to the conclusion of blaming the consumer. No one wants to pay the premium prices it takes to make quality products in the USA or Made in England as all the old Docs. It's sad. I've learned now to stick with quality made stuff that lasts of at all possible. And 100% agree... Chili's used to be a quality restaurant! How about Gateway making computers in the USA. Look what they became.
I found a vintage pair of docs at a thrift store for like $10-$15 I don’t remember exactly bc it was like 5 years ago. They’re great I love them. I was going to buy a new pair bc I loved my other ones so much, I went to the store to get some and I was surprised how different they were in quality. I would never buy them for the price they selling them
You missed out
On losing
Don't buy docs at Famous foot wear lol
mate 2 months ago i bought a cherry 8 holes Docs 2 Hand, same asa pair I had in my teens, MIE, in love with them too. TO telll all my truth previously I bought a purple (also 2 h) DM 3 holes shoes , MIE, and then same but cherry 3 holes , 2 H, but Made In China, three pairs are great for me, but the oldest and MIE are much better and cute. Got 4 pairs of Getta Grip too, stronger and looks more brutal than DM, I think GG used to made its boots at same factory than DM and obviously Solovair
I actually had quite the opposite experience, my docs were hell to get used to. They only became comfortable after around two weeks, but for about 6 years now they’re still the most comfortable shoes I own
No joke, I clicked on the thumbnail because it said "Why I hate Doc Martens" and the first ad that played was for Doc Martens.
Same
I just got one as well. 🤣😂🤣
Wish you were a Doc executive.
They know what they're doing 😆
Yeah, that’s what you’ll be paying 230€ for
Well, as a DMs fan I have worn all the generations. I realized several things:
1) Only greasy leather will last, all the shiny coating leather will crease and crack within a season. No matter when the boots were manufactured. No matter how you care.
2) DMs used to have thicker outsole with better protector, not the modern flat-profiled. I have 1461 in black with this protector and they last for 5 years with a lot of life left.
3) Save your nerves and money and prefer Solovair or Timb made in USA with vibram outsole. Way better. Though I really love DMs style and yellow stitch, as you can see it is simply not worth it.
Best,
i only buy vintage docs for this reason. the pairs i owned pre-2003 were far better quality than the sweatshop shit now
The first point totally explains why my navy blue martens cracked on the surface after just a few months. And the brand didn't even bother to acknowledge that. I was just a teenager back then and although I cared for those shoes I just gave up with the return, and even blamed the way I walk for the damage. I just couldn't understand how something so expensive could not last even a year.
Totally agree, I’ve bought the smooth leather DM‘s and they’re starting to crack after just 3 months, even with proper care, grease and wax…
They still look cool but it’s definitely not a boot that is made to last, my next purchase probably will be Solovairs or the Dior navigates from 2007 ffs.
With any not Made in England shiny coated leather, it will crack on you as soon as you step in it, unless you are willing to be consistently applying a leather conditioner to ease them into it so so carefully.
@@freyasangkuhl355 I’m pretty sure there isn’t any why to prevent cracking on the coated pos garbage unless you can substantiate that with evidence
I honestly love my docs and find them very comfortable. I’m a server and I’m on my feet 6-10 hours a day walking constantly, and they are my go to. Sometimes I’ll wear a different shoe to go with a different outfit, but my docs are literally so comfortable lol. And they’re the made in China ones.
Solovair used to be one of the main factories producing Docs when they were all made in the UK. They made them under contract. When Docs got bought by as an investment by a capital firm and most production shipped to a China Solovair just adapted and started producing boots under their own brand. They are basically what Docs used to be in the 1960’s to 1990’s period.
I’ve now switched from dm’s to Solovair. I’ve worn dm’s for most of my life and agree with the video. I live in the UK and solovairs are more expensive but marginally when you consider how much your spending anyway. The solovairs are much better quality and more sturdy. I think they look smarter too if that’s something that your into. Also think it’s better to support Solovair as they’re more independent and are still authentic whereas dm’s are a big brand that are very focused on making money.
Solovairs suck too
Loved how you backed your opinion with facts and a solution on how to fix it!! Definitely solidifies it to me
Thanks!
@@RoseAnvil that because you don't understand how shoe or sneaker r for..
@@campkira I wished so bad I could understand what the crap are you saying
I got my first pair of Docs in the early 90s and they seemed pretty good, but they ended up cracking over time despite my best efforts to keep them nice. My next pair was in the early 2000s and I thought I was going crazy when I felt like they were poorly made. Like, I couldn't wear them all day (standing and walking) like I had before. Now I know why. My next pair will be Solovair, for sure now.
The older Docs of my youth were way better made than the ones you can buy today - the soles were thicker and they just lasted way longer. They've gotten shittier as time as gone on, as they've become more fashionable. The shoe version was a common school shoe when I was in secondary school because they were considered hard-wearing - I've seen parents complaining about how fast the modern equivalent wears out. Solovair is pretty much everything that Doc Martens used to be.
My old Martens during high-school had thicker leather, I got another pair a few years ago and the leather is significantly thinner. My first pair was made in England, the second in China...
Got shit but cost more
My first pair of DM was 1987, since then I had around 15 pairs of DM. The quality has gone from good to bad to really bad. I found Solovair about 10 years ago and never look back.
Sadly my Solo's completely fell apart at the stitching of the shaft over the heel area after only a couple of days. A frined and me both bought a part when we were on a trip to London and both our Solos only lasted a couple of weeks until the stitching really cut through the leather and left some nice and big holes
@@enasnI127 Late reply IK but that sounds like whoever assembled them at the solovair factory was a bad assembler. Send photos to Solovair and I'm pretty sure they can even offer to send you a new pair.
Haven't had a need to do this though, so not too sure.
Am I the only one who’s never had an issue with docs? Reading through the comments and I wear mine in the winter all the time and have never slipped or fallen on ice and where I am we get a lot of ice. I also have managed to step in pretty deep puddles and never have my feet gotten soaking wet. I’ve had mine for almost a full year and they’ve held up pretty well for me. With that being said, I will not stop buying docs because I have had a good experience with them but I also would not be opposed to trying out solovairs as they seem to be the older version of what docs used to be. This is in no way a hate comment just my opinion! I appreciate that you shared this with us as it does give everyone a view of the difference of quality between docs and solovairs
I’ve had two pairs of docs and none of them were good for me. Probably just depends on the person, their body and how they wear their shoes.
I have my pair of docs being repaired atm, they have a lovely flower pattern and I'm not ready to let them go. been wearing them everyday for the last 3 years, hopefully I'll get another 2-3 years out of them while I save for another pair (possibly of solovairs? we'll see).
last spring it snowed here and that pair was very slippy and basically unwearable with the ice, but another pair of docs that i have (that i dont really wear so ill probably sell them on) weren't slippy, possibly bcos the bottom hadnt been worn down at all. so that could be a factor.
I had also been able to walk through puddles with no problem... until they got a hole in them lol. right when the weather turned for the worst. hence why they're being repaired.
I'm not a die hard fan of docs (even tho i own a few pairs haha, got some for 40-80 on eBay a while ago but again I dont wear them so ill prob resell) so I'm open to trying dif brands, i just really love this pair in particular. cant wait to pick them up on saturday 🙌
I had a pair for a few years that I would wear all the time with no regard for their preservation. And i've gotta say, these are pretty tough shoes! Nearly indestructible, in my experience. Also they were very comfortable, super easy to clean and my feet never got wet. The key is wearing them with the laces tight and up nearly all the way (stay close to your feet, don't let water in), which you can't really do on other boots like timberlands.
I live and work in Cleveland, and so I'm used to terrible weather especially in the winter. I don't like to drive and so I take public transportation and a lot of walking, a few miles daily. I have two pairs of Docs and they are the only boots that have survived my lifestyle. I have never had an issue with them.
You're not the only one man, my Docs have been great as well.
As an Englishman who wore Docs most of my teens and 20s I totally agree with your video. The old Docs were way better made. Solovair is actually the original beginnings of Doc Martin and are made by hand I small batches. They had to change them slightly due to copyright even though they are more original than the modern Docs. They was also a variant of the Docs called Hawkins, a lot of Skins and Rudeboys would wear these. Lock into the history of the Hawkins and Solovair actually make a Hawkins style boot and shoe
I've repaired 100 of boots over the years.
Dr Martin's were always off very good quality but that was many years ago it seems from your comments they have lowered their standards.
It's a shame because they were a great boot once upon a time.
I think you are right in what you say.
Get in touch with Dr Martin's and show them your video.
It's a crying shame how something that was the standard bearer has been cheap out.
Solovair (literally sole of air) WAS Dr. Martens. Solovair invented the 'bouncing soles' but Dr. Martens eventually branched away. Up to the point when Dr. Martens sourced out their manufacturing to keep up with demand, both brands were made in the same facility in England. Of course, they are in direct competition with Steel and Gripfast, but they all share that "MIE pride."
Who cares. I don't care about solovair either but doc martens are horrible
@@unlimitedchaos347 You care enough to find the video, this thread and comment. What a waste of time.
That's weird because the Solovair website sells Gripfast and I think even Steel? 🤔 Did they merge together at some point?
I have made in England DMs from the late 90s that are perfectly fine and I still wear them. They out sourced their manufacturing to cut costs not to keep up with demand. Made in China shitty DMs cost a lot less to make and are consequently shit quality. Looks like making them in England and charging extra didn't bring back the quality, probably because the culture of cost cutting is deeply ingrained in the company now and the materials are subpar.
@@not_ever Exactly, I have both and they both suck
I’ve owned several pairs of Docs and I’ve loved all of them. I’ve always just bought their cheap line from Journeys and then I don’t feel cheated when they wear out. The style is classic and that yellow thread is like the Nike swoosh - iconic. Just would NEVER trust this brand to compete with the serious boots of the world. They’re a fashion brand, full stop.
I mean like he said for 230$ dollars you’re better off getting the other brand.
I HATE 'fast fashion'. I'd much rather have solid, good quality footwear that looks and feels good, and ages gracefully than tat with brand recognition.
Thanks for the honesty on this one. I don’t think I’ve seen Docs since the late 90s goth kids. For me they have always been associated with high school kids buying boots from the mall. In my experience this brand has always been style and never quality. Affordable, fast-fashion like you said. You like what you like but I don’t understand any of these videos talking how they’re “good boots”.
@@zamiaramirez1390 agreed. Luckily there's the $150 version.
I saw Docs already on sale for like 80~ so that makes you know the worth already lol
Great review, thanks. I'm a product designer and I think your review is spot on. Those improvements would be great, especially the replaceable sole because my search to figure out how to re-sole Docs led me here. Thanks again. But I would like to see if the sealed cell foam suspension pad could be retained with a replaceable sole.
To your point about the leather being floppy in Doc Martens, I have three different pairs, with one having a thinner, more floppy leather as you described here. I find that pair is not as comfortable and sturdy as the other two, so I would think that it really depends on the pair/style of docs that you get that would make the difference in overall comfort.
I’m just here to give the algorithm what it wants.
😂😂
LOL
Mission accomplished, it seems...
So I'm 54 years old and I bought my first pair of Docs when I was 22. I have only owned two pair and i still wear the second pair. I wish I could remember when I bought the second pair. They are definitely the old Made in England boots ... probably bought in the mid to late 90's. I bought my first pair in 86/87. The pair I have now have some issues just because they are old and I abuse my boots. One of the lace eyelets has ripped out and the sole is all worn out. Oh and the loop in the back is pulled apart. But all in all the leather is nicely worn in and still comfortable. And I'm up in New Hampshire and I wear these things in the winter when I'm out shoveling snow so over the years they have been caked in road salt and dirt! Still great boots. If I were to replace them I would definitely go for the Solovairs! I can instagram you some pictures if you like!
Anyway thanks for these super informative videos!!
Off topic, but you should have a snow blower rather than shoveling snow. Shoveling snow is one of the absolute worst things for your back and heart. You could end up with cerebral palsy, a paraplegic or quadriplegic with heart disease.
@@timcorrell9863 I did not know exercise in cold weather was that bad. Good to know.
@@bigguschungus968 Indeed, that's why everyone in Finland is a quadriplegic with a heart condition... Seriously though, sudden intense physical exertion of any kind if you're not used to it, in any weather, is going to be potentially bad for you.
Ok I am returning my doc Martens Adrian loafers and buying the solovair version. Your video makes a compelling case against dm vs solovair, thanks!!
I`ve been wearing Docs since the late 1970`s and for years the standard price was £19.99 and yeah you`re right,they`re not what they were.You used to have to wear them for a month solid through blisters and skint ankles just to break them in and they`d be good every day for at least a year..Just maximising their profits with cheap materials and running their good name into the ground.
Thanks, you've just saved me typing my similar reply
The lack of shank is what really puts me off from wearing my Docs, it just doesn't have the support of my other boots.
I wonder why they quit putting shanks in them
@@RoseAnvil thats only one logical an$wer to that.
@@RoseAnvil I am 99% that is because of price
@@RoseAnvil it's probably because people who wear docs nowadays are used to a sneaker feel, a shank would make it too stiff for them. Most wont be buying these boots for work but style.
I checked the price for cork sheet ,, it'd be less than $3 a pair to include it,, far less if you were buying cork in bulk as a manufacturer... and a scrap of wood or steel for a shank... disgraceful to omit basics in a boot that expensive.
Little detail about the shape of the toe box mentioned at 3:00
Solovair also makes what they call the "astronaut" boot (as opposed to the "derby" boot shown here), which features this slim and low toe box ! They really do it all, great brand
I'm with the police in the UK and tried a few different boots and the best are my current pair which are made by a firm called Alt-berg in England. I've never waded through a stream with them, but during several hours of searching very wet peat moorland for a missing child, my feet were still bone dry. I do have a pair of Doc Martens but they were made in Thailand, l think. My wife has just retired after 25 years in the ambulance service over here. When she first joined she was issued a pair of Solavair shoes. After 2 years she was issued a pair of Hi-Tec Magnum boots. After 6 months of sore ankles the soles started to come off. They went in the bin and she dug her Solavairs out of the wardrobe. She was still wearing them on her last day.
This is incredibly interesting. Worn Dr Martens for years, yet never heard of Solovair. Obviously I'll have to look them up.
Going on 6 years in my Solovair boots and they're still in great shape. I go through phases of wearing them everyday and then to wearing them once a month so they have lasted me. I bought a pair of Docs around the same time in a different color and ended up reselling them because I just didn't prefer to wear them when I had the choice of the Solovairs.
Oh, and my Solovairs have yellow stitching. I think I got some of the last ones with the raw edge at the top of the boot and the yellow stitching.
I used to be so set on getting Docs for my next pair of everyday boots (I currently wear Blundstones and they've been great for the last three years though the elastic side has started to fray on one). But seeing how they're constructed, your vids have convinced me to get Solovairs instead - thank you!
Redbacks are also an alternative to blundstone. I'd say they're better
@@LaymensLameMan I wasn't familiar with the brand, thanks for the tip!
@@skyeredd RM Williams are definitely superior if you can afford them. Its a less bulky shoe though, so if you're really into blundstones you might not like them.
I've got a redback video in the works!
@@RoseAnvil Yaaaaassss king slaaaayyyy! Seriously this makes me happy
Totally agree! I had an older pair, an original run “vintage” pair that were broken in and used to death before I bought them second hand. I’d still be wearing them today if my dad hadn’t gotten sick of seeing them falling apart on my feet. Even though they were super old and learher cracking in folds in places, they were still SOOOO MUCH sturdier than the new pair I was gifted!!? So disappointed. I know production/manufacture went downhill around late 90s to mid 2000s but this further solidifies that docs are OUT in my mind lol. Also thanks for the solovair suggestion! Can’t wait to break them in 👌🏼
I wore a pair of Doc Martens for about 4 years straight while in highschool back in the 90s. The leather on the inside disintegrated after a year and a half, my big toe wore/pushed a hole into the sole, and the soles themselves cracked across the bend underneath - I bet due to not having a shank. Forget walking in the rain with them, wet feet was assured. Despite all that I loved them, even though they were uncomfortable after worn in. Solovair's look like a definite step up.
I don't know why I watch these
I've never worn a pair of boots in my life
Buy a pair of Redback boots. (Australian made) Best and most comfortable boots I've ever worn. Maybe just give them a go.
I only ever wear my minimalist barefoot shoes, so i definitely have no clue what I'm doing here
Curious to try some Solovairs when my Docs die out now. Interesting how Solovair are supposedly more like Docs than Docs nowadays.
ya i am a big fan of the soloviar boots, i wish they were re-soleable
@@RoseAnvil There are various places in the UK that can resole them. Solovair even sell soles on their website that probably work fine on docs as well (and are probably better/longer lasting than the docs soles)
@@gileskennedy It's pretty difficult to resole them as the original sole is melted onto the boot, there are some models that use a stitched sole - but these aren't one of them.
My local Solovair agent stocks replacement soles and has suggested a couple of local cobblers who can do the work. You can also get chunkier soles that will fit: www.nps-solovair.com/collections/accessories/products/sole-com-tn-tw?variant=30679410573377
@@blaser80 Yes you need a cobbler with the hot knife facility like in the factory. In the UK Timpsons and keycobbler.co.uk can do this, amongst others
Feel very validated by this review. I really had wanted a pair for years, and then when I bought them I thought perhaps it was something wrong with me. I wore them to go see The Bouncing Souls in Philly a couple months ago, and my feet, legs, and back were on fire after only a couple hours. I'm learning a lot!
I wouldn’t wear any new boots to a show, I just assume they need a while to break in
@@jazwhoaskedforthis neither would I. These aren't new now - I got em in 2019.
the bouncing soles didn't work on a Bouncing Souls show... the sheer irony
the sole on my doc air walks split open within two months of buying the shoes. the sole just flapped off entirely about three weeks ago. I bought them in 2019 and wore them maybe 1-2 times per week up until 6 months ago when I started wearing them every day.
my dad still has a pair of docs he bought when my siblings were little. shrug emoji
Came in to check on the progress of Toaster's new bed...
im working on a cool sponsor for it so hopefully that works out
I havent visited this channel in awhile now, but it's a night and day difference in how comfortable you seem in front of the camera! You also seem much happier, thanks for keeping up the great content!
I have had my Doc martins low tops for over 20 years and I still walk all day in them with no issues, just spent the two days walking the NAMM show in Anaheim, California. Shooting video of the show! I could be a bit biased as I am from the UK!
But yet since I was in high school (2008-2012) I've never heard of solovairs but at least 15 goth kids raved about doc martens lmao
Marketability is the key to a successful product, hands down
Same reason why dummies like Rolex watches when there are far better watches even at a much lower price point.. it’s all in a name.
I appreciate your due diligence in breaking down the structure of the boots / shoes. I work hard and I want my gear to work hard too. I don't have the resources to try out 10 different types of boots to get a great pair. I have your channel to narrow the selection down for me. Thank you. Keep up the good work.
I really appreciated that you took side on a product because I felt in your previous videos the standard of good quality was a thing of opinions and not of actual facts. Really like this one, a lot!
Thanks, it's hard to really give a concrete opinion on how the boots actually wear without wearing them ha ha ha
when I was younger I lived in England and up until the 80s a pair of doc martens.. the good ones were 19 pounds 99 pence. and they were great. It was good footwear for factory workers and people that didn't have a lot of money..... Now they are crap and you have to pay hundreds of dollars for them.
this is really interesting because my experience with doc martens has been good so far. i have two pairs and ive had them both for multiple years now, and they're holding up very nicely. they both sucked to break in, especially the first ones i got. i feel like theyve gotten more comfortable over time, theyre definitely the shoes i wear when im out for a long day and dont want to get home feeling like my feet are about to fall off. i personally never noticed the lack of support, because a shoe that supports my feet has yet to be invented. this does make me very interested in the solovairs, im probably going to get a pair once i'm able to afford that, because they sound great and i would like to experience the difference first hand.
I had Doc Martens when I was in college in the late 90's in MA. Great for getting through the huge snowfalls. Those DMs lasted 6 or 7 years until they sprang a leak along the thread line. The old soles had MUCH thicker, deeper treads on them. The pair in the video is almost a joke - those treads wouldn't work on the ice -you'd slip easily. Wasn't impressed with the newer ones in the late 2000's so switched to Skechers. Skechers boots used to be good quality. I have a 13 year old pair that needs replacing. Wore them to the Skechers outlet and WOW what a difference - huge drop in quality between my old Skechers and their new ones. Maybe Solovair is the next buy.
The reason Docs went to shit is pretty simple. They’re now “trendy” again. They’re looking to maximize profit, but can’t raise the cost enough to build a decent boot. Nobody is going to spend Danner money on Doc Martens.
High Tide maybe if they were Danner quality they would...
Pretty much, dr martens are mainstream but still trying to sell this rebellious image and have to produce to number of boots to meet that demand.
Buy Timberland instead!!
Dr. Martens went to shit back in the late nineties. I felt and saw the decline. Throughout the years since I'll walk into a Dr Martens retailer and walk right out. Just disgusted with Dr Marten. I wore Docs throughout the eighties and nineties. I know what I'm talking about.
@@pern1044 I thought that was just me. They cut corners on the half insole and put cardboard in the sole. I never cried because I have been wearing Caterpillars since.
I've had a pair of docs since 1999, got them after a Kosovo deployment. I only wear them during the fall/winter time nowadays, but they have held up really well and I'm still on the original soles and I do maintain them well, even take them on hiking trips. For me, they were a good purchase.
I'm from the UK and started wearing DM's in the 80's. They used to be cheap but incredibly hard-wearing, these days however they seem to have flipped, now ridiculously expensive and last for 12 months, if you're lucky.
It's a real shame.
Bought Docs semi recently for looks only (occasionally I hike in them) and didn’t realize there was such a similar pair that might be better! Really goes to show how they rely on their pop culture image more than quality. I’m a little intimidated by the way you describe how hard the Solovairs are to break in. I thought breaking in the Docs was difficult.
Not just "similar", when they were still decent Docs and Solovairs were one and the same and also shared a factory. Docs went for made in Asia with cheap materials for fashion purposes whilst Solovair remains original recipe more or less.
Put on a pair of very thick socks, wet them and wear the boots for a few hours a day for 2-3 days and they'll be lovely and broken in.
Very valid review. I started wearing Docs in the 90's when I was 16. Those were a pain to break in but once you did that, they were molded to your feet. The crappy sole with the stripey pattern were a good sign that you got the bad Doc in the early 2000's.
I am a huge fan of the Doc look, but they are wayy to expensive to be shitty. We teenagers didn't know what had changed - we just knew SOMETHING had changed. This is a very interesting video on why my friends had bad experiences with their stripey sole pattern Docs.
DM's always had that stripey sole pattern.
I have a pair I bought in 1995 (flower patterned) that have the stripey sole. Unfortunately I threw my black ones from 1991 out and can’t remember what sole they had...
Docs were fall apart garbage in the early 90s too.
Solovairs are now more expensive than Docs but in that price range it doesn't make such a big difference. I've been wearing docs for 10 years now and will switch to solovair with my next pair of boots (:
Well reasoned and well presented. I have issues with DM toe boxes and the height of the instep of their boots. The usual DMs just don't fit on my feet. I had one pair, I think the model name was "Grizzly", that worked quite well at first and I wore them for years day in and day out. I've not found another pair that will fit since then. The absence of a shank is a problem.
When I spend 200€ or + on shoes/boot I want to be able to Resole them.
Sepand Phan th-cam.com/video/znRODTIWL70/w-d-xo.html
Check out redwing boots. Amazing boots, most comfortable things in the world after they get broken in
so why get a rubber sole?
They’re resolable. The factory will do it for you. Otherwise, you can have a cobbler put a leather last and whatever kind of sole on there you want.
UK Solovair owners can get a resole for £65 postage paid both ways. They can also supply a sole to get it done yourself
Im a child of the 70s and 80s from the uk. Back then there was only one type of doc marten boot of this style, and they were cheapish and not really considered a fashion item in the mainstream. Suddenly they became fashionable and expensive. The thing I always hated about doco’s was they wore out quickly which was ok when they were relatively inexpensive but $230 for this? I totally agree with you
Good video. My only criticism is that your test of wearing one boot on each foot is problematic, since we don't typically use both feet equally. For me, any discomfort is experienced in my right foot before the left, and uncomfortable shoes will always make my right foot feel worse. Maybe you should wear the different brands on alternate days.
I just bought a new pair of docs after owing two pairs previously. And I disagree with most of the people in these comments as I LOVE THEM. I work in retail and am on my feet constantly all day everyday, and I wear my docs all day everyday. And I’ve hiked in them and travelled with them, they have been in every single weather condition, covered in mud, beer, water, etc. and they have never been anything less than perfect and comfortable. One pair just died on me after 7 years of solid wear. I think that’s amazing value for something that I have literally worn for hours and hours and hours every single day for years and years in a fast paced job where I am constantly running around, up and down stairs and ladders etc. there’s a reason why so many retail and hospo workers wear these, despite the fashion.
I learned more about what makes a good boot/shoe in this video than I knew before. Thank you for making this video & dropping FACTS. Never heard of Solovair before. Thanks for that too! Respect!
that feel when straight guys are scared of a piece of yellow thread
hal guy 👍🏻
I chuckled and upvoted, but I don't think "scared" is the right word.
The yellow seams make them not usable for some workplaces (anything that requires you to dress smart), for example; with black boots you can wear them with a suit but the yellow seam ruins the smart look.
@@STOP_red_light you're telling me you would wear doc martens with a business suit? I cant imagine any instance where wearing combat boots would look good in a business setting.
@@halguy5745 polished black leather boots under suit trousers isn't a stretch (except for the bright yellow stitching), they look just as smart as a pair of oxfords. Having owned ex-German army para boots, I can tell you DMs are not combat boots.
I bought a set of Dr. Marten Air Wair boots for $45 , on sale, from Sears. They have survived hiking, shop use and nearly everyday wear for 4 years and are still going though the soles are getting thin. They have held up way better than the previous Red Wing and Vasque work boots, both fell apart after slightly over 2 years and cost considerably more. I just bought a new set of Dr. Marten Air Wair, slightly more at around $100, for the price they are a great value and have worked great for me, working on a concrete shop floor all day.
But aren't docs the ones you have to break in? Like mine were super super uncomfortable at first but after maybe two weeks everything was fine. Though I love my docs mainly because they have an amazing design that I would literally never find anywhere else, and they've held up for four years now so I can't complain 🤷♀️
now Solovair is the Made in England Docs, and Docs is almost made oversea. So if you want better quality, go for Solovair
Solovair used to make DMs for DM then under licence. Solovair (brand owned by NPS - www.nps-solovair.com/) are just around the corner from the DM factory (same village Wollaston, Northants). The Made in England are manufactured in the the DM factory.
Dragonetti Luis he is working for solovair, it’s obvious at all his videos.
agreed!
Dude, I just tripped upon your channel and watched my first video. I never imagined that boot science would be such an addictive subject. This channel goes on the subscription list! Great videos!
i love that ur so open to people pointing out good things about the docs after u just broke down their structure and like objectively proved they're not worth the money, anyways tho this video was enormously helpful thank u!
You say that I’ve had the same pair for 5 years no cracks no issues at all so I think it all depends how you look after the leather personally
@@outbound2672 he wore both these boots at the same time and the docs are still way worse though
@@nahualli5003 that’s his opinion I’m not saying he’s wrong because there is 100% quality control issues now. he’s probably not but I’m a guy that buys second hand and my boots are like a second pair of feet and I don’t have one bad thing to say about my boots, I polish them every time they get wet and they’re perfect. ( I have three pairs now).
Thank you!. I used to swear by Docs when I was a teenager but for years now they have just felt off for me. I stopped buying them years ago. I'm going to look out for those other boots for my bar work.
My first pair of boots as a teenager in the 90's were Docs. They were knee high black leather, had heavy steel toes and big old chunky soles. I wore them nearly every day of my junior year. Broke my heart when the shanks both snapped, the soles wore into the air pockets and the heel finally separated on one boot. I walked into my local cobbler's shop, hoping against hope for a resole. After talking with him, I settled on throwing my hopes...and those boots into the trash. I didn't leave empty-handed though. I was now armed with the wise instructions to look for something with a "Vibram Sole" and a "Goodyear Welt". He also looked at the wear pattern on the docs, noticed the popped over pinky toe and finally clued me in that I had extra wide feet that actually needed to be ordered in that special size. I spent my next paycheck on an actually decent pair of boots and the next on a decent pair of shoes. I donated everything else in my closet to the DI and never looked back.
Even back in the "Made in UK" days, Docs were only really good for teaching you the value of getting something better.
I disagree. I got two pairs of Docs in the 90's wore them all the time over the years and I still have them and they look pretty close to new. The only thing I had to replace often was the shoe laces. They were both regular leather not printed or shiny.
I grew up wearing DM's. After they decided to start making them in China with cheaper materials, I gave up on them. I was a little reluctant to pay $220 for Solovair but I did, thank God! Better made, more comfort, over all a better boot! Cheers & Oi! Bootboys!
Ive worn Docs for 30+ years. The quality has went done significantly over the years, but they still are my favorites. I have Docs I bought in the 90's that I wear occasional. Docs do last a very long time. They are hard to wear out.
no.
I know it's a new comment on a very old video, but it really hit the homerun for me today. I used to use doc martens daily for years on end 5+ years with one pair until the leather was so bent around heal they were uncomfortable. I got a new pair two years ago, one of those soft leather made in the UK pairs, lovely look, I used them sparingly and after 1 year they are insanely uncomfortable on the sole and heel. It feels there is nothing inside, and I'm walking on that rubber outer sole. I added my own sholl insole inside, but it was not enough. It is a pain to walk in them for more than 100m. And the leather is in pristine condition still! WTF?!
Where tf is toast...
Basking in the sun in the window
I bought into the Solovair hype and purchased a pair of Solovair crazy horse 11 eyes iron tip, (expecting quality) a month after my made in England Martens. Now less than a year later, the Solovair boot has / is completely falling apart (started happening about 2 months after purchase), I don't even use em often! Here's the summary of Solovair: Critical stitching came undone, the leather insole started flopping around, bad cracks in leather, heel completely collapsed... The solovair also hurt my feet really badly... They never broke in properly. (Don't get me started on the squeeky noise when walking). Never buying Solovair, or Docs again, period! My Docs wore through after a year, and BAD cracks in the plastic cover of the leather don't make them worth resoling either. Threw them out. The Solovair just sit in the closet. Save yourself the trouble and buy some Redwings.
Edit: 2021 Wore my Redwing Iron rangers for a year now, and they just keep getting better!
I had the same experience like you with solovair!
How are you comparing a 200$ solo air boot to a 330$ redwing boot… of corse it would be better…
What's Redwings?
@@Erik_Emer Red Wing Boots, it's a Minnesota shoe company with some really solid offerings. Most of their boots run 200-400 bucks.
@@shsb2355 $270 for a moc toe
I got lucky with mine, I got my Docs just before they changed. They're tough. I've since bought some more 'fashion' style ones (on sale lol) and they are nowhere near the same anymore. When my old Docs fall apart, i'll be buying Solovair.
If you dig the 'boot' look, then just get Timbs, they're actually waterproof and is very comfortable.
Had Docs for years. Earlier this year I bought Solovairs. Never gonna buy Docs again...
Totally agree. My doc's I had as a kid were second hand when we got them and were probably from sometime in the 70 or 80s and they were the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn, but the new doc's are absolutely horrible. They are so uncomfortable it's unreal. I would personally stay away from doc Martin shoes.
I was lucky enough to get a pair for Doc Marten For Life boots as a gift a few years back. They don't make em anymore for obvious reasons. But for the rest of my natural life I get free boot replacements when my old ones get worn out. If I'm being honest, I cash em in every fall. So I have brand new boots every single winter. And they use completely different materials and construction methods on the For Life ones. I guess they actually benefit if they last you a really long time hahah.
For years English made Doc Martens were made by Solovair but most of their boots were made abroad and didn’t last. A few years ago Doc Martens opened a new factory just across town from Solovair. That’s why they are so similar but not quite.
my first pair of docs were my mums old one in the 80s, i wear them nearly everyday and theyre amazing, comfortable, has a shank and after all this time the only real wear is some scuffing, honestly too scared to buy new ones.
It all depends on the docs that you buy. Like you said, docs used to have a stronger midsole and much better leather. I used to have doc sandals that took forever to wear out, and I still have docs in a steel toed work shoe. Both can not be bent in half like the boots you showed. In fact, barely any bend at all, but very comfortable.
The last time I wore Dr Martens was the early to mid 80's. You had to treat them with dubbin overnight before you were able to walk properly in them. How times change.
It's so fascinating that the boots are so different, because the Made in England Docs are made IN THE SAME FACTORY as Solovairs. I wear Docs because they're the first shoes I've ever worn that didn't fall apart after a year. I might make my next boot purchase a Solovair just to see if I can feel a difference!
EDIT: I have already been told that I was misremembering and that this is no longer the case. Please don't tell me again.
I believe they had the licence until mid 90's but they aren't made in the same factory nowadays. Totally separate.
The original Dr Martens where made under license by Solovair.
A DocMartin girl here. After watching your review, I think I'm gonna try Soloair to see whether it's up to what you said or not. Gonna be interesting!
Well said Sir. DM's are trading on historic brand. Waaaay over priced.
Its a pity the quality isnt there anymore.
Ive been wearing dr. martins steel toe industrial boots for the past 5 years and they always last for 2-3 years before the bottoms start losing tread. great cushioning and very sturdy with great leather quality.
I got factory second pair of Solovair because I'm a miserable Scot, sitting with them on as I speak, they have some minor defects, an inch long mark on the leather on the outside, which doesn't look great to be honest but £85 as opposed to £189? I am over the moon with them. I had Rockport Chukka's and they are still going strong but are very much worn and would require a resole but the top just isn't worth the cost of it, these Solovairs though look amazing and I couldn't be happier.
In ought my first pair of docs in 1980. Grrrreat boot. Slowly through the years they have gotten worse & worse. About 10 years ago I read about Solovair on a forum in England. Everyone said they loved them because they were made better and on the original machines that Docs USED to be made on. I’m on my third pair of Solovairs. I agree, I wish docs were made as well !
Wore 14 hole Dr Martin's in the 80s. Haven't even contemplated wearing them since. Posses 6 pairs of solovair today.
Yes - I never had a pair myself, but knew plenty who did in the 80s. They seemed to fall apart pretty quick was my observation.
The fit of the Dr. Martens 1461 is excellent for me. I tried the Solovair Gibson, but it was too narrow. (My feet are quite wide.) I really want to use Solovair; is there a similar model with a wider cut, like the Dr. Martens?
You can check out their info on all the last-shapes they use for the different boot styles on their website! That helped me with my narrow foot quite a bit. Gripfast, which sells under the Solovair umbrella and label, have a pretty wide last for instance if I remember correctly.
i bought my solovairs after watching your Videos and i am so Happy with my decision. i used to have Docs that died after 2 years. my solovairs are 1 year now, i wear them everyday and they Show almost No use so far. they're super comfortable and i can actually feel the difference in leather thickness which is wild. i Like them alot