Vintage Dr. Martens 1460 – 8 hole boot review

For those that love the look and feel of what they remember from their first pair of Dr. Martens boots back in the 80’s as well as those that desire to have the true original, this story is for you. For anyone that is part of the Punk, Mod, Ska or underground music scene, you know that Doc Martens have become a staple in your life.

 

A few weeks back one of our producers here was able to get ahold of a pair of the originally made pairs of Doc Martens (Vintage 1460 8 hole boots). These boots were handcrafted in the original factory in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, England by cobblers using the original construction techniques. Most of the DMs that have been widely available were actually not made in the original factory, yet were still made to the same overall standards. Back in the early 2000’s the Doc Martens company was really struggling and thus to keep the brand alive moved all of the production of these famed boots out of England to other global factories. As of a few years ago the original factory in England started making the boots again and are now part of what they have titled the “Vintage Collection”.

All the noticeable traits from the original boots are there, the yellow stitching, the thicker leather, no top collar and the distinctive brown leather color on the inside that can be seen subtly on the outside where the front of the boot is laced up as well as the darker sole. The finish you will find on these will be more of a satin matte look that gives off a nice glisten. The top and sole are sewn together and not just glued like many of boots and shoes by other brands. This, along with the Z welt stitch and heat sealing process, makes Doc so unique to own. There are even small indentations left on the welt of the show by the original stitching machine.

One added detail is the boots had these formed inserts inside the boots to help keep their shape in shipping, nice touch.

 

The pair that our producer has been wearing, he reported that they truly had the same feel he remembered as a young Punk when he bought his first pair back in the 80’s that has lasted him for over 10 years. He went on to further say that after two days of solid wearing they were breaking in to a very comfortable state and after a week he felt that his old friend as a kid had returned with a pillow like feeling as he roamed the streets. While he has also owned a pair of the Doc’s made outside of England that had served him well, he certainly felt that true Dr. Martens fans will want to have a pair of these England made ones even though they cost about 35% more given all the extra details and overall comfort factor.

If you ever wondered how the Doc Martens 1460 got its name, it comes from the very first date they were ever made on 1/4/60, thus 1460 (that's April 1, 1960 for you non-UK blokes).

The place that has these boots in stock in Los Angeles is:
Dr. Martens Store
7415 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Hours are: Monday - Saturday 11am-8pm  Sunday 12-8pm
Phone: 323-316-7111

Big Wheel Staff Reporting

Photos of the recent Dr Martens store grand opening can be seen HERE

 

 

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