When I think back to my high school life 90’s, foot fashion was all about topsiders, sneakers, and chunky basketball shoes, but there is no other footwear that is more iconic of 90’s individualism than that of the Dr. Martens boot. Fast forward to today and Dr. Martens’ boots are still on the cutting edge of fashion and individualism.
Just recently, Doctor Martens opened their first stand-alone store in Mindanao. Located at the ground floor of the Abreeza Mall, the Doctor Martens store opening was attended by many of the brand’s die-hard fans and curious shoppers.
One can say that Dr. Martens appeals to people who have their own individual style but share a united spirit – authentic characters who stand for something. People who possess a proud sense of self- expression. People who are different.
This self expression was evident throughout the decades of DMs’ (how true-blue Dr. Martens’ fans call the brand) boot as the preferred foot candy of punks, and goths in the 1970s, to the anti-establishment rock and roll culture of the 80s, and to the grunge, alternative rock and ‘rebellious kid’ attitude of the 90’s
On a stylistic level, Dr. Martens’ simple silhouettes allows wearers to adopt the boots and shoes as part of their own individual and very distinctive style. In the 80’s, British girls stared buying small sized 8-hole DMs to customise and paint leading to a trend that exists up to this day.
On a practical level, Dr. Martens’ boots are famous for their durability and comfort making them ideal for the unforgiving world of gigs and street fashion. I have often heard of stories from friends who bought their own pair of DMs in the 90’s which are still being worn today.
From a modest work-wear boot that was even sold as a gardening shoe at one stage, Dr. Martens’ utilitarian boot is now the symbol of individualism, self expression, fashion and music all rolled into one shoe.
