A History Lesson: Dr. Martens.

The 1st of April, 1960 marks a very special date - in that it’s the birth of Dr. Martens, the iconic shoe that has now existed for 57 years.

To celebrate the shoe’s birthday, we’ve decided to give you a brief history lesson of Dr. Martens.

Bill Griggs's shoe factory in Wollaston, Northamptonshire was the home for the Dr. Marten, utilising an air-cushioned sole design that was designed by German inventor Dr Klaus Maerten. The shoe was originally designed and marketed for industrial wear, however over the 57 years since their inception, their use and aesthetic has developed in milestones since then.

Six years later, Pete Townshend of The Who changed the face of Dr. Martens, donning them as a way to rebel against the fashion trends at the time. He said in an interview: "I was sick of dressing up as a Christmas tree in flowing robes that got in the way of my guitar playing, so I thought I'd move on to utility wear."

The shoe, originally created for industrial-wear, grew on to be adopted by mod rockers, glam rockers, goths, and the skinheads in the 1980s. Ironically, while also worn by skinheads, police at the time often wore Dr. Martens on the job.

Over their 57 years of existence, the shoe has become a symbol of empowerment and attitude - a staple shoe for any band-member, due to their versatility and durability.

From The Clash and The Who, to even Elton John wearing a stilted pair of Dr. Martens to promote the rock opera ‘Tommy’ in 1975, the shoe has a quintessential history - a history that is still relevant today more than ever.

Click here to purchase Dr. Martens.