From Punk Symbol to Fashion Icon! Exploring the History and Popularity of 'Dr. Martens'
The British brand 'Dr. Martens' is popular across a wide range of generations, particularly among young people. How did these boots, which once had a strong image as a punk icon, gain such support from the youth? We look back at the lesser-known history of Dr. Martens and ask Kyoko Hashimoto, PR for Dr. Martens AirWair Japan, about the functionality of their boots and the reasons for their popularity among young people.
The Developer of the Groundbreaking Sole was actually German!?
Many people may think that Dr. Martens was born from the development of an air-cushioned sole by Klaus Maertens, a German medical doctor. However, not many know about the brand's actual roots. Hashimoto shares the following:
"In fact, the predecessor of 'Dr. Martens' was a durable work boot created by the Griggs family, who started their shoemaking business in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, UK, in 1901.
"In 1945, when Dr. Maertens injured his ankle, the existing boots were too stiff for his injured foot. So, he developed an air-cushioned sole to alleviate the impact when walking and prevent foot fatigue.
"In 1945, when Dr. Maertens injured his ankle, the existing boots were too stiff for his injured foot. So, he developed an air-cushioned sole to alleviate the impact when walking and prevent foot fatigue.
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