Dr. Martens
- Founded
-
April 1, 1960
- Founder(s):
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Klaus Märtens
- Headquarters:
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London, England, U.K.
Dr. Martens was started in Wollaston, Northamptonshire, England, by the R. Griggs Group, which licensed an innovative design for air-cushioned soles created by German doctor Klaus Märtens. Their initial product launched on April 1, 1960. It was called the 1460 (for the date of its debut) and was a cherry-red, smooth-leather boot with eight eyelets and yellow stitching that retailed at the time for 2 pounds (or $3). The 1460 remains one of the company’s most popular styles and won the FN Shoe of the Year award in 2019.
Early on, Dr. Martens boots (called “Docs” or “DMs”) were adopted by British workers, such as postmen and police officers. Then in 1969, Pete Townshend of The Who wore a pair of Dr. Martens at the Isle of Wight music festival to represent his working-class roots. From that point on, they have been associated with the counterculture youth movements of almost every generation — from punk-rock and goth to grunge and Harajuku — as a symbol of empowerment and rebelliousness.
On Jan. 29, 2021, Dr. Martens went public on the London Stock Exchange. It earned a $5 billion valuation in its initial public offering, despite it being the height of the pandemic. The offering was eight times oversubscribed, marking a major win for Dr. Martens’ majority owner, private-equity firm Permira, which bought the company in 2014 for $485 million.
Dr. Martens
Supreme and Dr. Martens Made a Brand-new Limited-edition Shoe Together and It Comes Out This Week
Introducing the Postal Supreme four-eye shoe.
Dr. Martens Names New General Managers Across Major Markets to ‘Simplify’ Operations
The company noted that these new organizational changes will "transition the business to a market level…
Dr. Martens Celebrates the 65th Anniversary of the 1461 Shoe With Limited-edition Launch
The launch spotlights a sepia gray color made from a blend of natural oils and waxes.
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Dr. Martens Preps for Spring With Floral Deboss Collection
Featuring three footwear options and a bag.
Dr. Martens Stock Drops as Brand Forecasts Flat Revenues for Fiscal 2026
The UK-based footwear company said group revenue fell 3.1 percent on a reported basis to 251 million pounds…
Dr. Martens Teams With Metallica for Shoe Collection Targeting Die-hard Fans
One option is the black-on-black Metallica Exclusive 1460 Boot.
Supreme Slaps Massive Skull on Dr. Martens Oxford Shoes
Dropping this week in three colorways.
Dr. Martens’ Stock Takes Hit Despite Turnaround Progress in the First Half
Shares for the U.K.-based footwear company were down 13 percent on Thursday.
EXCLUSIVE: Marc Jacobs and Dr. Martens Reimagine the Kiki Boot for Latest Collaboration
The style is refreshed with Dr. Martens' Corran-heeled sole.
EXCLUSIVE: Dr. Martens Reworks Its Iconic 1460 Boot For the Rain
The updated style is the brand's first-ever fully waterproof rain boot.
Dr. Martens Expands Zebzag Line With Two Fresh Boot Styles
The two boots are both slip-on styles.
Dr. Martens Spotlights a Tassel Loafer in New Campaign Featuring Social Media Star Nailea Devora
Devora models the Adrian Rub-Off Tassel Loafer in Silver Arcadia.
Rihanna’s Son Riot Completes Dior Look With Edgy Dr. Martens Oxfords at ‘Smurfs’ Premiere
Riot wore black Dr. Martens 1461 Oxford shoes.
Dr. Martens Says Its Fall Order Books Are ‘Healthy’ as New Fiscal Year Starts In-Line With Expectations
The company said it is seeing positive trading in its Americas direct-to-consumer channel, driven by full…