Leather expert EXPOSES Doc Martens - 1460 Smooth

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
1:44 History
5:51 Leather
8:47 The Guts
9:21 Biggest Offense
12:20 1 thing I hate
13:26 Cut In Half
14:28 The Garbage
14:59 Better or Worse?
15:24 Sell Out?

[therobertfaulkner]

I can’t stand being ripped off by these companies. I don’t mind shelling out some cash for quality footwear, but you have no way of knowing what’s inside. Thank you.

[edition_]

You don't need to be a leather expert to know how bad DM's leather is; even most of the 'made in England' ones aren't good(the Horween and CF Stead limited editions are an exception.)
I stumbled last time on a few vintage pairs of their shoes in a vintage clothing store in London and I was shocked how good the leather was. Grained, thick, smooth, NATURAL LOOKING, beautiful patina.
Reason: corporate greed.

[AidanPed]

1/4/1960 = 1st April 1960, shortened to 1460, hence the name. I lived in Docs the whole of the 1980's. Wouldn't go near them now after buying a Thai made pair about 10 years ago.

[frostythesasquatch]

It just goes to show you that no matter how punk you think you are, it takes real effort to cut through all the marketing noise. We all need clothes—that’s just how it is—but you don’t need to be defined by branding and the execs that are paid to sell a product to you.

[hohydrox]

I bought a pair in 1997, and those boots lasted me for decades, so when I finally went to retire them, I thought that there was only one logical choice. I didn't know that production had moved. The new pair lasted maybe a year or two before I found a hole in the upper where the leather had just worn through. Never again.

[krisjonesuk]

It’s certainly true to say Doc Martens has “sold out”. They were taken over by a private equity company, Permira ten years ago and were listed on the London stock exchange in 2021. They are very much a volume shoemaker today, aiming to sell as many pairs as they can. Nowadays they represent poor value for money.

[beforehonour]

I would love the "Alternatives to Doc Martens" video, especially if it can match the colors and styles they do with quality. They're fashion pieces more than practical, I think. And that makes them strange to compare to lost of boots. So I appreciate your sneaker comparison.

[rogerwilson]

During my early years as a police officer in the UK I wore DM's and I found the super comfortable, but as they became more of a fashion statement, they became more uncomfortable. The inner sole would wear through quickly, the soles would detach and they became more narrow fitting. This was seconded by the salesman in the shop I always purchased them from. They lost my business and shot themselves in the foot (so to speak) as far as I'm concerned. Many people still wear them, so I doubt they are too worried. I'm now retired and wear Under armour leather boots for walking after trying many other makes.

[iainmacadam]

My experience with a pair of Docs wingtips, ten years ago, was exactly what you described here: At first they felt ok but nothing special as far as bounce, but very quickly the foam crushed flat and they started to feel like just walking on hard slabs. All of the cushion came from the foam, and the foam didn't last. Leather held up ok though.

[RichardServello]

I wore docs all thru the 90s. My final pair was in 98 when the heel fell off. That was when I realized it wasn't stitched. It was glued and that pissed me off.

[simondanielssonmusic]

I'd like to see a "part 2" video of you showcasing some alternatives to Doc Martens, at equal and higher prices, that are also available internationally.
Personally, I've been wearing my 1460's every day (literally) for the past 2 years and I haven't encountered any faults so far. I love the appearance of them and if you know of any other manufacturers that offer a similar looking boot at a higher quality I would love to hear it! Love from Sweden :)

[NDakota]

They shouldn't be allowed to call that leather. They ought to call it "leather with plastic coating" so that the consumer knows what to expect.

[JamesCateyes]

Doc Martens are what got me into watching every single one of your videos. Good to be back!

[helenhill]

I tried on a pair in a shoe shop a few years ago to see what all the fuss is about. They were the most UNcomfortable boots I’ve ever had on my feet! Needless to say, I gave them back to the sales person. I now have a lovely pair of very comfortable Fly London boots in bottle green, that everybody mistakes for “Docs”. They’re much better looking too.

[alanb]

This was great and mirrors my experience with Docs over the decades. The only ones worth buying (back in the day anyway, I would never buy a pair now) were the versions with the deep lug sole which lasted much longer. And for those looking for an alternative, try Angry Itch. I have had a pair for over 4 years now and they still look new.

[ocediis]

I got my first Doc Martens because of a strong recommendation of my best friend. I was told how comfy and high quality they were and that they would go well with my kilt. They did indeed go well with my kilt, but the rest was bull. When I received them in the mail, I was immediately surprised and disappointed in the leather. And after a full day of wearing them, my feet were so messed up (heel and arch) that I couldn't walk for several days. But like a bad relationship I blamed myself for the abuse. I thought I must be doing something wrong. That led me to researching the boots which led me to the Rose Anvil channel. Like good therapy you made me realize that my abused feet weren't my fault. Then I went and bought a pair of Nicks Urban Loggers (based on your positive opinion of PNW boots), and my feet are super happy again after the appropriate break-in period.

[ThePoliceDonut]

I think it would be interesting to see you do a review of the work boot docs (The ones you would find on an actual work boot website, not Docs website bc there’s a difference). I used to work at a shoe store and I’ve had some people swear by them but agree that the regular ones are dog shit. I was skeptical as to how true that actually was so I think it would be interesting to see.

[michaelrains]

Bought a pair of brown Docs shoes in the early 90s and loved them. They lasted many years and once they were a bit worn I wore them to work while I was slinging freight for a giant shipping company (the brown one). They lasted several more years under that daily abuse. The leather was great and the soles were durable. I can’t believe how awful they’ve become as a brand. Wolverine went the same route once they stopped making them in Rockford, MI. Too bad. Luckily that’s how I found Red Wing and have LOVED wearing them both at work and for normal daily use. Channels like yours are invaluable in demystifying the corporate greed and laziness that seems pervasive. Appreciate your expertise and reviews.

[timffoster]

Never thought I'd be interested in boot construction.
I'm off to check out a 3rd video!

[sdog]

To me, the main purpose of a boot is to protect feet from the elements. I used to have several pairs of Docs in different styles. One day, about ten years ago, it was raining pretty hard when I got to work. I walked in the rain from my car to the building, which was about 50 yards on pavement (with no puddles to walk through). By the time I got inside, rain water had gotten into my boots and made my socks wet. This happened again with another pair, so I got rid of them all. I now own other boots that are not Docs but keep my feet dry in moderate rain.