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By the 70s, glam, punk, and early goth had all given birth to countless other distinct tribes. The popularity of the boots soared, particularly among punks and skinheads, due to a shared love for rebellion.īut it wouldn’t stop there. This odd backdrop of social tribes, radicalism, outlandish fashions, and workmen’s footwear might seem like a bizarre array of circumstances, but they all worked together to take Doc Martens to the top. As it usually happens, fashion was the way in which these groups of people identified themselves to one another (and to opposing factions), and through fashion, they showcased what they stood for.Ĭue in, Dr. New ideas fought for acceptance, the cultural revolution was in the air and it all led down to massive change. It was also during that same year that a revolutionary wave of change swept over the United Kingdom. They had an altered heel, a simple upper, distinctive yellow welt stitch, a unique sole pattern and a two-tone grooved sole edge.
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This model came out in 1960, and it became known as 1460.
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Read: How to Style Doc Martens (Women’s Edition) Evolution after the Griggs’ acquisition Their new slogan “With Bouncing Soles” was based directly on Bill’s handwriting. After making a few distinct changes, the ‘Airwair’ boots were born. Clearly, he had a great eye! He got really interested in the innovative air-cushioned sole design and managed to acquire an exclusive license. He was now part of the third generation running the company, together with brothers Ray, Colin, and son Max. It happens that this was how Bill Griggs found their ad. They were mostly selling to an older clientele, so around 1959 they invested in advertising in magazines overseas. By 1947 they were producing formally and by the end of the next decade, their business was going great. Together, they recycled unused military supplies and started producing their own shoes. Herbert Funk, who was a mechanical engineer. He shared his creation with an old university friend, Dr. Taking matters into his own hands and using a cobbler’s last and needle, he made a prototype shoe. So he came up with the idea to create a new design. He was convalescing from a broken foot and the traditional hard leather sole was not up to the task. Klaus Maertens, who was a 25-year-old soldier in post-war Munich, created a unique air-cushioned sole. For six decades, the Griggs’ hard labor situated them right at the heart of the English shoe industry. They were bootmakers from the town of Wollaston, Northamptonshire in England, who earned a solid reputation among the shoe industry for making durable work boots. It all started back in 1901 with the Griggs family.
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