SKELTON BOOT FROM DR .
MARTENS SERVICE COLLECTION
“Dr. Martens” boots will be a familiar brand to many
of you as they have a long and somewhat colourful
history! But what happens when a boot maker best
known for “fashion” turns their attention to footwear
for the professional user?
If you’re of a certain age or a keen follower of fashion
then I’m absolutely certain that at some point you’ve
undoubtedly owned a pair of “Doc Martens”. Since the
first Dr. Martens boots in the United Kingdom came out
on 1 April 1960 quite literally millions of pairs have been
sold worldwide, but the whole story began much earlier
than that, and has a distinctly military heritage.
Klaus Maertens was a doctor in the German army during
World War II. While on leave in 1945, he injured his ankle
while skiing and after that he found that his standard-issue
army boots were too uncomfortable on his injured foot.
While recuperating, he designed improvements to the
boots, with soft leather and air-padded soles made of tires.
Using a salvaged cobbler’s last and a needle, Maertens
made a prototype shoe and showed it to an old university
friend and mechanical engineer, Dr. Herbert Funk. The two
went into partnership by using disused military supplies
to begin producing their unique shoes
In the late 1950’s , British shoe manufacturer R. Griggs
Group Ltd. bought patent rights to manufacture the shoes
in the United Kingdom. Griggs anglicised the name and
trademarked the soles as “AirWair”, and the rest, as they
say, is history!
Now Dr. Martens have produced “industrial” models
of their boots for years, but their “Service Collection”
marks the dawn of a new era in design and materials.
Dr. Martens have been collaborating extensively with
police and security officers to fully understand their
needs. This comprehensive research has culminated in
the “Skelton” which offers a unique sole with a high grip
tread that provides comfort, durability and outstanding
slip resistance.
The 8 inch boot is non-metallic throughout with sturdy
moulded eyelets, and benefits from a tough leather and
nylon upper with a very nicely padded bellows tongue, and
a padded collar. Inside you get a durable EVA (ethel vinyl
acetate) midsole; the midsole is that part of the boot that
effectively provides cushioning and stability for the foot
and you’ll find EVA in virtually all high quality performance
footwear, so this is absolutely spot on. The Skelton’s also
benefit from a “Softwair” insole and a moisture wicking
lining to help keep your feet comfortable for extended
periods of time.
16
I was lucky enough to be sent a pre-release sample of
the Skelton’s by the nice folk at Patrol Store a couple of
months ago, so I’ve been able to give them a really good
try before writing this review, and I have to say that other
than a prominent “Dr Martens AirWair” logo on the heel
cup you’d be hard-pressed to recognise these as “DMs”,
as the design is right on trend with the style of the very
latest tactical and professional boots out there.
Weighing in at just 735g per boot (size 10) The Skelton’s
feel light on the foot, and that special outsole really does
give you some bounce in your step! The toe and lower foot
area of the boot is of one piece leather construction, with
no seams to rub across your toes, and is a comfortable
broad fit. The heel cup however is relatively narrow, and
combined with a solid lacing system which keeps the foot
positioned well, and helps to avoid unnecessary movement
which could lead to blisters.
With the great British “summer” living up to its usual
mix of weather I’ve had chance to wear the Skeltons in
most conditions other than snow, and I have to confirm
that the moisture wicking lining does keep the foot dry
in the heat, again helping to avoid blisters or “hot spots”.
Whilst the boots are not quoted a being waterproof thus
far I’ve not experienced wet feet, and regular maintenance
of the leather and nylon elements will no doubt give
performance longevity.
I’ve put a fair few miles under the soles of the Skeltons
already and so far they’ve proved to be a comfortable and
protective pair of boots. With a UK retail price iro £73.00
these are a cracking pair of boots that will undoubtedly
bring even further success to the Dr. Marten brand, and
bring great performance to a whole new group of users!
Our sincere thanks go to the team at www.patrolstore.
com for providing the test sample, and you can expect to
see the Skeltons loading up onto their comprehensively
stocked web store in the very near future.
pmcimagazine.com