![]() This radical atmosphere also witnessed extravagant and often exotic fashion, an odd backdrop for the birth of such a functional work-boot – but then Dr. Martens boot was born – saw an unprecedented wave of change, new ideas, cultural upheaval and eventually social revolution. The boots were branded as ‘Airwair’ and came complete with a black and yellow heel loop featuring the brand name and the slogan “With Bouncing Soles” (based on Bill Grigg’s own handwriting), taking its name from the date of its inception, April 1st, 1960, the eight-holed 1460 Dr. Whilst scanning the pages of a shoe trade magazine, Bill’s eye was caught by the German’s advert for their innovative air-cushioned sole.Īn exclusive license was acquired and a few key changes made, including an altered heel, a bulbous but simple upper, a distinctive yellow welt stitch, a two tone grooved sole edge and a unique sole pattern. In 1959, they decided it was time to advertise their revolutionary footwear invention in overseas magazines.īack in England, the Griggs company was now being run by the third generation of the family, Bill, along with brothers Ray, Colin and son Max. By 1947, they began formal production and within a decade had a booming business, mostly selling to older women. The two went into partnership by using disused military supplies to begin producing their unique shoes. Using a salvaged cobbler’s last and needle, Maertens made a prototype shoe and showed it to an old university friend and mechanical engineer, Dr. ![]() While convalescing from a broken foot he created a unique air-cushioned sole (rather than the traditional hard leather sole) to aid his recovery. The story then switched to post-war Munich, 1945 and Dr. They were at the very heart of the English shoe industry and for six decades Griggs’ footwear earned a solid reputation as sturdy, durable work boots. Starting in 1901, the Griggs family were known for making boots in the small town of Wollaston, Northamptonshire in the English Midlands. ![]() So, how did this utilitarian boot transform into one of the most culturally relevant brands of the modern era? It is an interesting and unique story… Martens were originally a modest work-wear boot that was even sold as a gardening shoe at one stage. Martens’ simple silhouettes allows their wearers to adopt the boots and shoes as part of their own individual and very distinctive style, on a practical level, their famous durability and comfort make them ideal for the unforgiving world of gigs and street fashion, and then finally on an emotional level, they are a badge of attitude and empowerment. People who possess a proud sense of self-expression. Martens appeals to people who have their own individual style but share a united spirit – authentic characters who stand for something.
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