my doc decision - YouLookFab Forum

Hello, lovely YLF ladies! Hoping you can help me make a decision on something...

As per Angie's advice, I've been on a Docs hunt. I went to the Dr. Marten's shop in Covent Garden today, and tried on a couple pairs. The main contenders are the classic, 14eye 1914's:
http://store.drmartens.co.uk/p.....-boot.aspx

Or the newer 1b99 boot:
http://store.drmartens.co.uk/p.....-boot.aspx

The difference is that the newer boot is a women's (not unisex) style, which is made of a much, much softer leather. It also has a zip on the inside leg, so the laces are "fake" (you can still adjust them, though). The leather is also a touch shinier, but nowhere near as shiny as it looks on the screen- just buffed. Other than that they are identical- same shape and style.

So... do I go for the option that is comfy right off the bat, but perhaps a little less cool because of the zip? Or do I go for the real deal, break them in and wait for the comfort? The price difference is minimal so I'm not worried about that.

PS. I am in a GREAT mood today. Did anyone else catch that thrilling game last night? Awesome stuff.

16 years ago

Stylin

Active Member

I am in a great mood too here in Toronto. What a game, what a finish!

As for the docs, my vote is for option 1. Mine are of similar material and it didn't take that long to break them in - delayed comfort, instant coolness However, if comfort is top priority, then go for option 2.

Anonymous

I'm not that crazy about the zipper.
Why do you say that the ladies Doc's will be comfy right off the bat? Is the sole softer?
When I had Doc's years ago I didn't really find them comfy, in the same way I don't find Birk's comfy. They are more of a hard boot that protects your feet but I'm not sure why people say they are comfy. Is it the way the boots protect your feet when you walk? Maybe the sole to heel ratio?

RoseandJoan

Veteran

How long do the lace ups take to fasten? Realistically if it's a nuisance would you find yourself putting on another pair to save the hassle?

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Are there any non-happy Canadians today? My hockey fan of a husband (he spent a year of his high school education in Canada and was therefore brainwashed!) went around to friends to watch the game last night and is attempting to pass himself off as half New Zealander, half Canadian today!

I have seen a lot of boots with laces and zips around and to be honest prefer them slightly more in brown to black for some unexplainable reason, BUT I think that since you want to wear them for work and probably don't want to be wearing them in I vote for the second pair.

rae

(website)

I have GI combat boots, and they take forEVER to break in. Like, I've used leather conditioner and worn them every weekend for six months, and they are still very stiff. If memory serves, my docs (thrifted, so already a good deal worn in) were not much softer. If you are going to be doing a large amount of walking, you may be headed into Blister Country. IMO, I'd go for the softer ones with the zip.

Louise

I have some worker boots with adjustable laces and a zip up the side, i love them so don't let the zip put you off. I think for ease of off and on ing i'd go for the ones with the zip x

Edit- compeed blister plasters are the best if your boots rub at first x

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Ele! How does a zipper on the side make the style less cool? Believe me - you WANT that zipper. The 20 eyelets have a zipper and I bless that feature each time I wear them :0)

Go for comfort 100%.

Vani

Ele, you've rekindled my longing for docs again

Ele

Haha, Angie- I guess I do have some weird ideas. Maybe my thoughts re: docs are far too influenced by my age and experience. I mean, Kurt Cobain would hardly have worn docs with zippers, would he? I guess I just don't feel it's as authentic as lacing, but probably much more practical.

San, I think people like the air-cushioned sole docs have. They were certainly very comfy when I wore them in the shop- especially the zipped pair. I like that they're plenty wide enough for my feet, which is sometimes an issue for me.

bella

Oh,I am glad that Angie has spoken. I really liked the second pair (definitely looks less stiff and shinier!) and thought the zipper was cool but I don't own Docs, so what do I know?
Let us know what you decide.

Tricia

I like the second pair too, they look just like the first pair but the zipper will be a huge time-saver. My Born Kelle boots have laces and a zipper and I don't think it makes them less cool. (I hope not!)

Oh, I should clarify. I feel really silly now.

I have nothing against zips with laces, and wouldn't ever think anyone (or their boots) was less cool for wearing them! I think it's just a mental block I have about the idea of docs. To me, they're such an authentic, "cool" shoe that I associate with certain subsets of society, probably having to do with growing up in the 90's and all that. I suppose I feel a little bit like a poseur just considering them, and somewhere in my bizarre little head I think that the "real" docs-wearing crowd will see my zippered version and I'll be outed as a newbie.

Ok, you've made my mind up. YLF has spoken! Now I just need to get up the courage to actually buy and wear them. Eeek.

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