Dr Martens Boots were inverted in the 1940s by a Doctor named Klaus Maertens. He had worked as a cobbler in his youth, was enlisted in the German army in his twenties, and broke his foot skiing. Not keen on his military boots, he was driven to create something of a higher quality. With his friend and business partner Dr Herbert Funck they invented a technique which allowed them to heat-seal a sole onto the uppers, creating air-tight compartments, which were very comfortable. The air-cushioned soles were born and people loved them from postmen to housewives. In the 1950s 80% of sales were to women over the age of 40. In 1967, a man bought a pair was called Pete Townsend, the lead guitarist of the Who. Pete wore the boots on stage at the height of his fame and everyone had to have them.
Not only are Doc Martens cool street wear but they also make excellent protective industrial footwear too. Toolstop have a selection of Docs that are heat resistant, slip free, metal free, puncture resistant or waterproof for a variety of professional applications.