Dr. Martens For Life

[WesternModern]

Hey. I'm curious if anyone here has been wearing these.
I'm in the market for a new pair of boots. and i've had good luck with docs in the past. I'm intrigued by the "for life" concept.
Any help would be appreciated. thanks.

 

[mikelz777]

I was in the market for some Docs but they ran too narrow to be comfortable for me. If I bought them in a size large enough to where they didn't feel too narrow, then my feet were floating in them. Instead, I ended up getting some 8 eyelet Grinders. ("Cedric black", non steel toe, air cushion sole) They look similar to Docs but the sole is a bit thicker and the leather is also thicker which was a big selling point for me.

 

[RailroadMan]

I got a couple pairs of "worn" Docs on clearance, but one of my best friends wear boots ALL the time. I told him about the for life boots, since he was spending @$100 every year or two, and he got them. The last time I asked him about them, he was still very happy. If you like Docs, seems like a no-brainer. If they wear too badly, you get a new pair..

 

[Luc]

Have a look at this thread:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/157683-Dr-Martens-Boots-Shoes

and this one: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/268431-Dr-Martens-Made-in-England

 

[Jawaburger]

Try to get the ones that are still made in England instead of the Chinese ones. I like them but have not worn any in a few years. I have been rocking hard soled shoes instead of the soft soled ones recently.

 

[JaggerDragger]

For those interested in the 'for life' policy

http://www.dmusastore.com/c-121-for-life.aspx

 

[NeverOne99]

The "For Life" shoes and boots look to be made in Thailand. I would have thought they would be made in England.

 

[MondoJ]

I've had a few pairs of English docs and have always been pleased. I would ensure that you can return them easily if they aren't made in England.

 

[joshuastar]

I bought a pair of the for life, in the smooth black. I absolutely love them. As a school teacher I'm constantly on my feet and these are the most comfortable shoes/boots that retain the practicality I'd need if I had to sprint down the hall (happens occasionally...)

I will say that I had to utilize the replacement policy after about 6 months: the sole started to split down the side. I sent them back, expecting a repair and got a brand new pair that are also "for life" guaranteed. I've now had those for about 2 years and they're still going strong. I even neglect them and they're still in decent shape. Broken in wonderfully and easy to clean up when I do have the time.

I plan on buying a second pair of boots in oxblood as I'm not a fan of wearing brown leather but need something other than black occasionally.

 

[joshuastar]

i forgot to mention a couple things:
1. school teacher budgets don't allow me to buy shoes/boots that often
2. I'm really hard on my shoes. like...realllly. I used to buy new work shoes once every few months.

being able to spend less than $200 on a pair of boots that will last until a) I die or b) DM goes out of business is a godsend.

 

[tommyguns]

there is a doc martin store off of milwaukee in wicker park they have every kind of doc you could want I am a avid fan of doc's they are a great boot that lasts a life time.

 

[duotone]

I am wearing a pair of these at the moment http://www.dmusastore.com/p-2770-1460-for-life.aspx which from memory cost me £110.

The pictures doesnt show it clearly but, there are 2 main types, 1 has a smooth leather and is tougher/harder to break in. I bought the softer pliable leather ones that you can see grain on and are not smooth (they were the same price)

If possible try and get to a shop to see/feel the difference between the 2.

The boots come with a Dr. Marten Balsam & a spare pair of metal tipped laces included in the box with a "For Life" activation code which you must register 60 days or sooner after purchase. Basically you fill in your details on the website & add the activation code so you are registered on their system, further down the line if you need repairs there should be no issues. From memory there is a £20 "Administration charge" when sending the boots back for resoling/repairs, so is not technically Free.