Dr. Martens

・ Launched: 1960

・ Country of Origin: United Kingdom (with origins in Germany)

・ Known For: Air-cushioned soles, subcultural legacy, durable leather boots

Dr. Martens traces its origins back to 1945, when German army doctor Klaus Märtens, recovering from a foot injury during World War II, designed an air-cushioned sole to ease his recovery. Collaborating with engineering friend Herbert Funck, the pair began producing orthopedic-inspired footwear using surplus military materials—soft leather and recycled rubber. In 1959, the innovative sole design was licensed to R. Griggs Group, a British family-run bootmaker. By April 1, 1960, the first British-made boot—the iconic 1460 eight-eyelet boot—was released, rebranded as Dr. Martens, featuring yellow stitching, grooved edges, and a rugged silhouette. Though originally designed as workwear, Dr. Martens were quickly adopted by youth subcultures across decades—skinheads in the ‘60s, punks and goths in the ‘80s, grunge and Britpop in the ‘90s. Built with Goodyear welted construction and an unmistakable aesthetic, the brand became a symbol of rebellion, authenticity, and anti-conformity. Today, Dr. Martens continues to merge function and attitude, evolving classic silhouettes for modern wearers while preserving its underground spirit.