Alternatives to Doc Martens

August 11, 2013 9:23 AM

I think Doc Martens look awesome and would love to wear them, but I have a completely shaven head and don't want to be mistaken for a skinhead (I wear glasses and don't otherwise dress like a skinhead, but I think for some people there's a very simple equation here). What are some other brands that make black leather boots similar to the classic Doc Martens that aren't associated with skinheads?
posted by anonymous to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (17 answers total)

Red Wing Gentleman Travelers are great. I have a pair in the "cigar" color, but they make a black as well. They're more expensive than Doc Martens, though.
posted by rossination at 9:29 AM on August 11, 2013

How about Grinders? I bought a pair of their shoes about 15 years ago and the sole/leather is still going strong.
posted by scblackman at 9:31 AM on August 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

Have you considered black suede boots?
posted by oceanjesse at 9:42 AM on August 11, 2013

I really like Fluevogs.
posted by painquale at 9:48 AM on August 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

FWIW, I don't know if the kind of people that would assume you were a skinhead based on your appearance would make the fine distinction between Doc Martens and other kinds of black boots.
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 9:49 AM on August 11, 2013 [82 favorites]

I have to agree with RobotVoodooPower's assessment.
I suspect the assumption is less about Doc Martens and more about black boots in general. This possibly (likely?) being the case, buy what you like.
posted by nickthetourist at 10:08 AM on August 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

I agree 100% with RobotVoodooPower, so get Docs if you love them.

Though, for something slightly different, you could look to Clarks. They make more traditional lace up boots but their distinctive style is the desert boot, maybe you'd like this or this.
posted by dahliachewswell at 10:38 AM on August 11, 2013 [2 favorites]

RVP hit the nail on the head there. I've known many a skin who wouldn't wear Docs to save their lives.
posted by Max Power at 10:38 AM on August 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

Oh yeah, RVP has a good point.
posted by rossination at 10:46 AM on August 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

I'm a fan of Sears Die Hards, myself.
posted by josher71 at 10:49 AM on August 11, 2013

1. RVP is right.

2. Skins also wear Grinders, Gripfast, Treadair, etc.

3. There are a lot of other sartorial indicators that point to skinhead which I assume you won't be wearing.

4. Not all skinheads are "bad".

5. Buy the Docs if you like them. But man those Red Wings are sexytimes if you can afford them.
posted by elsietheeel at 10:52 AM on August 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

To echo what others above have been saying, if you are just wearing docs, you are not likely to be mistaken for a Skin. If you are wearing docs with cuffed skinny jeans and a Fred Perry, you might be mistaken for a Skinhead or Suedehead, but probably just someone who is into '70s/'80s UK pop culture. If you are wearing docs with bleach stained jeans, braces, and a bomber jacket, then you might be mistaken for a Skin, but even then there are many other signifiers that would indicate a White Power Skin or "Bonehead" (certain patches, buttons, tattoos, etc.).

Back in the '80s, everyone wore skinny jeans and docs of various styles. Different types of Doc Martens can be made to work very differently with different looks. And they are super comfortable. Remember, It's not class or ideology, colour, creed, or roots. The only thing that unites us is Doctor Marten's boots.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 12:43 PM on August 11, 2013 [3 favorites]

Wear Docs if you want. Stick with the black laces--don't switch them out for red or white ones.
posted by mollymayhem at 1:04 PM on August 11, 2013 [1 favorite]

As an alternative, these 1940s style Corcoran Jump Boots have a classic look and are extremely well-made. A couple of tips, however- they are very rugged and will take quite a good deal of breaking-in; they tend to size a bit large as well.

Also, if you do decide on docs, go with something from their "Vintage" collection. These are made in their old facility in England, using the original patterns and lasts. They tend to be of better quality than the standard boots. 1460s go with almost anything.
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 2:14 PM on August 11, 2013

I've only ever associated colored laces with "bad skinheads," not Doc Martens in general. Stick to normal laces and I don't think anyone will notice (really, I'd get Red Wings or something more durable.)
posted by thylacine at 3:40 PM on August 11, 2013

Also agreeing that people are unlikely to assume you are a skin, not least because (in the UK, at least) skins are associated with ox blood DMs rather than black ones.
posted by Decani at 12:32 AM on August 12, 2013

Blundstone?
posted by kmennie at 7:43 AM on August 12, 2013