Joie dress // Le Specs sunglasses // Marrow Fine necklace
Glitz and Glam by Tiff Co barrette // Dr. Martens combat boots

Combat boots were everywhere last fall and are back in full force this year.  I’m super excited because not only are they stylish, but they’re soooo comfortable.  For me, and the fashion world in general, the days of the stiletto are over.  Spikey heels feel so mid-2000’s to me.  I’d so much rather wear a block heel or platforms.  Although I do have my eye on this pair of stiletto boots.  Be still my heart.

Since combat boots are going to be everywhere in about 2 weeks (why is it still so hot?!), I wanted to share some tips for shopping the holy grail of combat boots – Dr. Martens.

Last winter I ordered a pair of Doc’s and was really disappointed in the quality.  The leather felt thin and had a weird coating on it that gave it a plastic effect.  What happened to the brand I thought I knew and loved?  While searching for the perfect pair, I fell down the rabbit hole of Dr. Martens brand evolution and wanted to share some tips.

Circa 2000, Dr. Martens moved their manufacturing from England to China.  Since the brand’s inception in the 1940’s, they’ve always been made in England.  It even says that on the label for Pete’s sake.  For whatever reason – cost savings, I’m sure – they went with this move and the quality has suffered ever since.

If you’ve ever worn a pair of Docs you know how heavy they are.  Not only do they have a lug sole, but the leather was thick.  It seriously took years to break them in.  I have several pairs from my high school days and they are still just as good as new.  The leather is truly indestructible.  With the outsource to China, the leather became thinner.  It honestly feels like polyurethane to me.  Totally fake.  Maybe they wanted to make them lighter weight?  Maybe they got too many complaints that they are hard to break in?  Whatever the case, they got thinner, lighter and just more… fake.

Thankfully, there is a robust vintage market for Dr. Martens and you better believe I dove in headfirst.

I discovered this Etsy shop and wanted a classic black pair with at least 10 eyes.  (The eyes are the shoelace holes and denote how tall the boot will be).  You guys helped me pick this pair – I debated between the 10 eye and the 14 eye, and am so glad I went with the 14 eye.  The length is perfect, looks so rad with skirts, dresses and jeans and as a bonus point, these babies have a steel toe, making me feel like a member of a German punk band.

So!  If you’re on the hunt for a pair of Docs, I highly recommend you go vintage (prior to 2000) if you want to maintain that original quality.  If you’re looking for something lighter weight that you can easily break in, go for a modern pair.

For my vintage lovers, besides this shop, check out this seller and this seller for some rad options.

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