What you should buy is premium handmade leather goods from the Rose Anvil leather shop here - bit.ly/44jXLNu

*sits here while he insults the shoes I’m wearing*

Being a shoe repairer for the last 35 years I have seen a lot of Doc's I can tell you the most common problem out of all Doc's is the plastic finish of the corrected grain leather cracking across the flexpoint at the ball of the foot. In my opinion any kind of feeding the leather doesn't work because it cant penetrate through the plastic type finish, avoid that leather and always go for a leather where you can see the grain and isn't stiff from the outset.

I bought the Dublin last year, knew it was a good decision. I'm glad you approve ! this saying has taught me well : if you buy cheap you buy twice !

I’m going down the rabbit hole with you on leather . So fun to see get so excited about the leather and the boots. I can feel your passion and dedication to your craft . Cheers

at least he wasted money trying to make a top notch quality video it shows dedication

if you ordered the vegan boots they're not leather. hence the word vegan

Insults aside to the boots that I love, it was a great video to watch. Especially hearing someone who knows leather talking about them. I will say this though, those cheap smooth Doc Martens not to buy, have lasted me 8 years now through walking across rocks and almost every day wearing them. So they might feel fake, but they have worked amazing!

I wore my docs every day for five years and they only got more comfortable until the bottom split. I still wore them!

"don't ever buy these" was clickbaity.

It's nice to watch a vid from someone who genuinely likes leather and understands that you want to see unique inclusions (like in a gemstone) that show the true quality of the leather and that it's not fake. Good stuff.

Im almost 60, and started wearing them at 13, although our school banned them🤣 The problems started when they moved all their production offshore, and the leather quality plummeted. I think the sales pressure from brands like Solovair, who used to produce Docs under contract, saw them introduce the made in England line. I swapped to Solov's and to be honest never looked back.

They are Goodyear Welt. I have been in almost every DM factory, and can confirm.

"I didn't like their boots because they felt cheap. So i bought 4". Bruh what

PART 2 is UP!!! I CUT A BOOT IN HALF to see what's really going on with the construction. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/erWGg9hymde-Zmw.html

Thank you for your information and time. 👍🏼😊 I’ve purchased my first pair of Dr Martens in 1995, I still own them and wear them.The 1460 is the original Dr. Martens Boot. Made with instantly recognizable features: 8 eyes, classic Dr. Martens . There was a breaking in period, I’ve always taken very good care in conditioning them and I kept them clean. Had no problems with them deteriorating. I’m on the hunt for a new pair different style.

Your video helped me pick out a second hand pair of made in England 1490s. I learnt to look for the grooves created from the goodyear welting machine and to differentiate that from the cheaper dr martens from your video! Would never have known about that if it weren't for you. Thanks a ton

Yeah I'll be sure and never again buy the 1460's that I've now had for 16 years.

I was the same. Walked in to the mall only to be disappointed in the quality. Didn't know they had higher quality versions. This review helped a lot. Thanks so much!

I like how much this video teaches about the different qualities of leather. I learned a lot. Thanks.

I've had my pair from the mall for over ten years and they're still going strong. I don't know anything about leather, but they are my work boots and I love them.

I mis-read the title, thought it said boobs, big disappointment

DM's are far too expensive, in the early 70s they were cheap, before they were in vogue and they were just work boots.

I bought my docs in '99, and over the years I haven't treated the leather very good, and yes after 24 years the leather is cracking but are still very wearable (has the lugged styled outsole) and fit like a glove. I would rate mine as a 10/10 for the years served and value. I am looking at Solovaires when it comes time to replace them, because they have that lugged outsole still.

We need a top ten boots brand video from you. I never knew about wolverine or other brands that you have mentioned in the past

I had no idea they've moved manufacturing to Asia but it makes so much sense now. I own a 12 years old pair of classic English docs and they hardly look worn on the outside. I recommended to a friend to consider getting a pair too as she wanted nicer-looking combat boots. She got in August 2019 a Rick Griffin collab model (because they were "nicer" than the classic) and I honestly don't know what manufacturing they got, but in October already, the boots had white lines of worn off paint where the foot flexes at the toes. She tried contacting customer support about it, but no response. Less than 10 wears and already look like shit.

thanks for this! Years ago I had a great pair of Made in England Docs tie shoes that I eventually gave away, and regret. So I have been considering the boot and you have given me a very helpful review.

I wanna be 15 and excited about Doc Martens again.

we gotta really appreciate this channel, i don't think many would do what he do for us

I have a pair of DM's I have worn for over 20 years . I once walked from the top of Broadway to battery park in them . They are the best boots I ever had .

Finally! An honest assessment of Dr Martins, much appreciated. They've been getting cheaper in their construction for years.

Thank you so much for making videos like these, they sure aren't cheap!

“This leather...is the best leather....” 😂😂😂 thank you for that I cracked up

I would just like to hear how it feels after youve worn them for a while

Thank you so much for sharing with us! We all love your channel just subscribed!

It's a shame about the quality because, I really like the style.

I always had problems with the inner soles breaking up at the toes on my DM's back in the 80'2/90's Can you comment on the inner sole quality now?

omg I’ve been torn on this exact question and the Internet is pretty devoid on info on this thank you for covering this

Man, this vid is EXACTLY what I was looking for! Very useful.

Hi, you will probably not see this, but I was wondering if you recommend other boots on that same style. I use a lot my boots, and I want something very good quality that will last me a very long time. Thank you!!

Dr Martens haven’t been good since they went to China... got a pair in the 90’s they are boss! Get only the England ones.

Should have done a pair of Solovair as well. They made Doc Martens back when they were all great quality.

I have mine for 8 years now and never been happier. It takes time to soften the leather, maybe a year or so. Comfortable. Can’t fault it. Got it from Doc Marten’s at Covent Garden, 2012.

Great video really enjoyed it! I love the detailed analysis of each leather. Could you do a doc marten Chelsea boot review? I’m looking into getting a pair but don’t know much about them and there aren’t reviews on them, just the regular style. Thank you! Love your videos!

I love the different perspective here (an expert in leather reviewing leather, you could run with this idea on other boot lines fyi!) its not just a kid in his basement saying "its good/its bad". Im honestly surprised the leather quality varies that much between Docs. Apart from leather quality though, its worth noting the soles are really different too. Not just the goodyear welt aspect but the quality of rubber. My sister had a pair of the cheaper 1460s where the soles totally split in half horizontally along the whole sole in less than a year of sporadic wear. Ive looked into it and the sole splitting issue is common amongst the China made ones. That is dreadful and a much worse problem than surface appearance of leather IMO.

Really informative, thank you. I've been wearing the plasticky red ones for over a decade and now I know my next purchase will be a black with not corrected grain leather just to see how they age differently, thank you very much

Perhaps the only review I finished from beginning to end. Good job

I have been wearing doc martens since my age of 14 (30 years at this point). They never disappointed me. The longest lasting one was 11 years old. I would recommend them for anyone

I’m surprised he didn’t review the Pascals. I feel like those are the ones you always see in stores

I really have to correct you. I've deconstructed about 20 pairs of Dr. Martens Boots (Made in UK, China, Thailand & Macao) and i have to tell you that they were and are all Goodyear welted. The only part of the shoe where they use Glue, is where the insole is glued to the part where the yellow stitching is. (Don't know the english word for it) After that the sole is melted to this part. The Made in Uks had a wooden shank. The China and the Thailand Boot did not have a shank. And i really have to say the horween ones are fantastic.

I really love the 1460s over similar boots because of the yellow contrast and have owned several pairs - my first pair was used and easily the best, super thick leather, sturdy sole with way less flex, I ended up reselling them because I wanted a different color. All my other pairs I've bought new, and the point of failure is always the sole. My previous ones split around the ball of the foot after 5 years, my current pair cracked in the heel area after 2, where the shank would be in a different boot. I'll probably buy a pair of Solovairs next even though I prefer the appearance of the docs because the quality keeps decreasing with each pair.

Thank you for the review. I'm looking to re-sole mine and my wife has always wanted a pair so I ran across your video while shopping... My father was a hobby leather craftsman, and always taught me to smell the leather and check for good stitching when buying expensive shoes or boots. Heading over to watch the video where you cut one in half now. Thanks for the education

Good video. This explains DMs & shows that my only personal experience with them was with the cheap ones. Still put me off them & I prefer my Wrangler boots.

I’ve been wearing DMs for 25 years and I have to say I love them.

Can you test cheap “fast fashion” shoes. I recently bought Zara boots and they feel alright but I never had an “expensive” boot, so I don’t know how much better those shoes are compared to cheaper ones.

Thank you for all the information. You did a great job explaining. Cheers.

my question is.. where does everyone get this information.. I believe doc martens always have said they are Goodyear welted tho

Horween leather is some of the greatest leather I've ever worked with. Beautiful stuff!

Seeing all 4 of the boots lined up reminds me of the parks & rec episode where Tom & Jean Ralphio laugh in Jerry’s face about not knowing the various shades of black 🤣

Nice review. If you want quality the Made In England (MIE) boots are the way to go. A few years ago I was looking at getting a pair of 1460s and wondered what the MIE had over the Far Eastern made boots. In London there's a famous boot/shoe shop called The British Boot Company, just outside Chalk Farm station on the Northern Line (Edgeware Branch). The guy showed me the differences and I was amazed. The UK leather (Quillion) - the same as the UK smooth version you reviewed, was a good twice as thick over the Far Eastern and the quality of the stitching and attention to detail and finish were excellent, compared to just OK with the non MIE boot. OK the MIE was more than twice the price at just about £200 but I guess the old adage of you get what you pay for comes to mind here. Sure the non-MIE will look OK as a fashion statement but quality is quality. I'm a big fan of the US brand Timberland, particularly their top end deck shoes - they just ooze quality throughout. Mine are made in the Dominican Republic and the quality control is first rate.

Been wearing a pair every day for over a year and a half and they have lasted way longer than other “better quality” ones that ended up with holes in the soles after 6 months (I walk a lot). Love DMs!

Great video!! Thank you for the breakdown. I’ve been looking for the Horween leather doctors but unfortunately they have been discontinued and those are the only ones I would buy. Looking at their current lineup it feels like they don’t want you to buy their boots.They really should have a premium boot that’s made with quality materials. Hopefully they will bring back the Horweens or something similar and improve them to justify the price.

shopping for those boots at the moment so this is super helpful!!! thanks so much :)

This is interesting. I’m from the UK and have been wearing DMs since I was a child. Until about 20 years ago all their shoes were made in Northampton but the quality of the leather has suffered since that stopped. Until a few years ago their UK shop offered four versions of the 1460, “For Life”, which came with a lifetime guarantee to repair or replace, “Vintage”, “Vegan” and “Smooth”. Now only the latter three are available here, so we get less choice. I did buy a pair of Smooth boots a while back but only paid £28 for them. To be frank I didn’t think they were worth more. I certainly wouldn’t pay the £139 they ask for them now.

Dang! i wish i saw this video first before buying the smooth ones 2 days ago....

Uuhhh.. I like the way you explained. Easy to understand & got nice info. Just subscribed 👍🏼 😎

Was interesting. Good information to consider when purchasing in the future. I mainly buy them for the soles, which are unique and their main selling point. I'm wearing a pair of sussex chukka boots now and they feel more comfortable than my tennis shoes and look good. They're basically a flat sole too with no fall from heel to insole. That, with the cushioning of the air cushioning material, make it possible for me to wear these comfortably and walk a great deal even with all the surgery I've had on my ankle and heel.

Smooth looks the best, cleaner without the fine wrinkles and uneven complexion.

The last pair you opend I like really well. My dad got them when he was 32 and hes 44. I recently got them and im 14 now. My dad brushed them everyday and the look brand new after 12 years of use.

Hello, thanks for all these informations ! Can you advice which boot/brand(non-shiny) to wear instead of docs please?

Anybody else binge watching Rose Anvil during quarantine? Or just me? 😂

Would be great to see you review Solovairs as well and compare them to these (specifically the made in England docs as in theory they should be nearly the same)

the "D" in "DUPONT" upon the wall behind you is askew.

Great video. Would love to see a video comparing the different leathers for the Chelsea Boot. Or compare the Chelsea boot with the Solovair Dealer along with other brands. Thanks and keep it up!

thanks for these videos they helped me buy a better doc. I went with the full grain with goodyear welt. Had smooth ones before, they are dissatisfying. As you said - spend a bit extra and get better quality. Thanks for the advice!

I legit have been debating between the made in England vintage and the horween! I have 4 pairs of de martens, not none are a true classic looking boot and i want to put my money into my best option that will look beautiful and hopefully last forever. So, THANK YOU for doing this and breaking it down! Im definitely going with the 1460 horween dublins!

Many people don't realize how important it is to keep the leather conditioned, whether low-end Docs or high-end. Although Docs have their own conditioners, I use Bick 4 leather cleaner and conditioner and never had a crack issue nor will it darken your boots. All leather will crack if neglected.

Great review and solid tips!

great review brother, thanks for taking the time

I still have a pair of Docs that I bought in 2002. I still wear them once or twice per week, used to wear them more. They're still holding up pretty damn well. They've seen a lot of miles riding motorcycles and a lot of time on job sites. They're not perfect but they're damn good. A lot of the cheaper ones these days are not made nearly as well, you gotta go with made in England ones.

Got married in a pair of DM oxfords marriage lasted shoes didn’t.. 25 years !

Really enjoy your videos! If you run out of ideas, could you do a similar video on palladium? leather waterproff etc

Amazing video, I've watched it a bunch to gain your perspective on this iconic UK brand. My question is, would you treat the Made in Englands and the Horweens the same way. For example, work them with mink oil for the break in period? I bought a pair of MIE's years ago, and really messed them up due to not following a similar process.

Me: *agrees with every point he makes about doc martens and their leathers* Also me: *impulse buys 4th doc marten boots*

I’ve had mine for ten years they are amazing boots saying I’m a post punk goth

Was planning on getting 1460. But do you recommend these and also which finish ?

would you recommend buying from the site or amazon??

Hello! I've had the 1460 Smooth for about a year now and I'm very happy with them. I have to say that when choosing docs, I only thought of how practical they would be. I wanted a boot that would work great during the snowy and rainy seasons, but also have a structure to it. I'm naming structure, because a friend of mine has a pair of docs as well, but hers are not as hard as mine and they don't really stand tall, but instead kind of ''bow down''. I find it quit helpful that they stand tall, it makes it easier when putting them on. I paid ca 160€ for them and I certainly do not regret doing so :)

Please do a review on the DM’s gaucho crazyhorse. Thank you!

Amazing review. Thank you! Would appreciate an opinion on the made in England Jorge Mule buckle sandals. It’s enlightening to see the difference in quality being clear over the years.

Thanks for the video. I've always had my suspicions about leather quality but never had the knowledge to make informed an informed choice.

thank you so much for the comparison! I've settled for Solovair after all, but I always had a really hard time choosing a leather as they all look the same on product pictures. Very helpful

I really like the comparison of the leather.can you do red wing next?

would love to see an overview of more of the leathers they have :) also would love to see you cut apart some dr Martens sandals!

I would really like to see an updated review on the new 1460 Nappa leather boots. Also how to care for them, can you polish nappa?

Are the last ones Made in England Dublin still available? Can't find them anywhere. Someone help me!

I dig the greasy its the closest to the OG UK Docs, and they are pre-broken in...sadly they dont come with the correct "90s grunge" lug bottoms anymore..

I have the 1460 Pascal Virginia (soft leather). Absolutely love everything about them, especially the way they look!!! 😍

Love DM's brill kit, use it at work and at home so comfortable and long lasting.

You should review some hype shoes that sneakerheads swear have the best leather. Interested to see how good or bad it is. See jordan shattered backboard 1.0