Looking Back: Brand History
Here you will learn the history of the Dr. Martens brand from the very beginning, in 1901. Knowing how the brand came to be is key to understanding the innovation and growth that keeps their product both well-known and iconic.
1901
The Griggs family made boots in Wollaston, Northamptonshire for the purpose of workwear and gardening support. The business was well known for their sturdy work boots for six decades.
1945
At 25 years old, a soldier named Dr. Klaus Maertens broke his foot and created air-cushioned soles to aid in his recovery. Maertens then showed his creation to his friend, a mechanical engineer named Dr. Herbert Funk, and the two men went into business together.
Maertens and Funk recycled military supplies to produce more shoes, with formal production beginning in 1947. The shoes gained popularity with older women over the next decade.
In 1959, their success led them to advertise their product in overseas magazines.
1960
Maerten and Funk's air-cushioned soles caught the attention of Bill Griggs and his brothers, who were now running the family business. This led to Griggs obtaining an exclusive license.
From this, Dr. Martens' signature bulbous look and yellow stitching emerged. Their shoes were branded as “Airwair” and given the slogan “with bouncing soles.” The 1960’s brought new ideas and cultural upheaval, all leading to social change. Exotic and extravagant fashion helped the Dr. Martens brand “kick against the norm.”
1970
A decade of glam & punk, “two tone” music, and early goth styles. During this time, Dr. Martens became a symbol of self-expression. As “hardcore” musicians traveled to the US, the brand’s popularity began to grow worldwide.
2003
In 2000, sales plummeted. To avoid bankruptcy, all but one factory had to shut down in the UK.
Then, in 2003, high fashion designers started to take inspiration from Dr. Martens' style, reimagining the bulbous look of the shoe. This brought the famous shoe back into the spotlight, and brought sales back up. In 2007, factories began to once again produce Dr. Martens products.
2020
Dr. Martens 60th anniversary celebrated the diverse groups of people who reimagined the style of their shoe over the last six decades.
