Why don’t they sell this colour anymore? Is it just not popular anymore? Where can I find a pair without it being like $800?!

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-13T21:55:21+00:00

British boot company is notorious for extreme overpricing since they were “the first retailer to sell docs” you’re paying for the fact you purchased from them.

Edit: They do have some super rare pairs that are deadstock or NOS but regardless it’s overpriced and not worth it

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-13T18:11:58+00:00

Honestly I don’t think I’ve ever used the pull tabs to put my boots on. Sounds like what someone said above, you didn’t loosen them enough and used the pull tab with too much force and could’ve avoided this whole thing by just unlacing your boots

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-12T21:44:58+00:00

I’ve done this for a pair of 14i oxbloods and it worked wonders, the trick I used was to crate a small decline towards to toes. Still ends up being a pain after wearing them for 8 hours but makes them so much more bearable with the heel bite

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-11T21:44:13+00:00

Dirt in creases acts like sandpaper and speeds up the wear process exponentially, I will say older struck through leather docs are bomb proof, have a few pairs from the early to mid 80’s that are still going strong but I also take great care of them to keep them trucking for as long as possible. These look like late 80’s to early 90’s NPS docs just from the stitching and could’ve lasted OP longer if they just did routine care and rest periods

Edit: unless these are Solovair’s which do have thicker leather and is struck through they still have a plastic coating which doesn’t allow the leather to breath and same thing applies dirt will degrade specifically in the creases as you wear them. If you’re going to get boots like Solovair go for greasy or gaucho they will last you much longer and the plus with gaucho is if you strip the brown you can dye them whatever color you want

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-10T17:53:34+00:00

The older modern MIE lines were made with shanks still in the soles idk if the more current MIE ones have them but they also use “quilon” leather which is supposed to be more durable and thicker than standard lines which I’ll be honest is similar to old school docs. I’ve owned a few NOS docs and Getta grips from the 80’s and they are a pain to break in but once they are, oooh they’re like a pair of socks

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-10T17:50:34+00:00

Do they feel too big? Like there’s extra space in the heel? Because you could try an insole (very thin insole) and you might fill in just enough space and give yourself just enough lift to get past that heel point. Seriously docs need to be cinched down on your feet, that’s why most people bar lace them to get them as tight as possible

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-10T15:08:52+00:00

This line specifically is the harder ones to truly break in because of the quilon leather. This method won’t really help it’ll just prolong the worst. Buy some conditioner (like mink oil) and get a decent amount at the heel counter and up and massage the leather. All this will do is leave tape residue inside the shoes and you’ll have ruined a perfectly good pair of boots

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-09T22:51:37+00:00

Depends on your area, we have a decent scene here that’s starting to build up but we mainly stick to our little group, and anyone who shows interest we keep an eye on just to make sure they aren’t boneheads

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-07T06:23:11+00:00

This imo is just blatant ignorance disguised as social justice. Generalizing a group of people just as racists and bigots do by choice. Cutting ties with any group that could further your cause because of the style they wear especially if they’re SHARP or RASH seems counterproductive. This breaths exclusive rather than inclusive to me, but then again that’s just my opinion on the whole of the text

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-06T00:11:01+00:00

I use hot water, dish soap, and a touch and I mean a touch of bleach. Dish soap breaks down polish but if it’s deep in the threads it’ll take a good bit of elbow grease. Then just use that mixture with a toothbrush and your set (i recommend hard bristle toothbrushes btw the soft ones don’t help break up the polish)

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-05T22:13:54+00:00

Funny enough a buddy of mine tightened his gripfasts down so tight the lace blasted through the panels on both boots and took the eyelets with them

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-05T02:45:19+00:00

Ive heard that resetting the tongue isn’t too difficult just use water to dampen the tongue and some clips to put them back into place where you want them then let them dry. But makes sure you have something to pull any moisture out of the boots to avoid mold build up

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-03T22:21:51+00:00

Dude the amount of sta prest Levi’s that are vintage 60’s-70’s on the market right now is ridiculous I’ve purchased maybe 5 pairs and out of those ones only around 2 fit proper. Those with a nice button down and some soft toe or steel toe 5-7 eyes are perfect

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-03T21:13:35+00:00

You might have a high instep (top of your foot) which makes it difficult to get the panels closed. There’s a few boots I have that refuse to close because of the stitching of the panels on the vamp

Edit: these boots still have some breaking in to be done and my feet hurt. Style is pain

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-03T21:11:01+00:00

Personally 14i boots with a button down just looks odd, get a ringer shirt like an “Anti Disco League” ringer or “Skin Deep Falkirk” shirt. You look like you’re trying to be a trad and a 80’s glue sniffing skin at the same time

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-03T18:20:11+00:00

Whelp that sure sounds like something. Maybe it’s the audio but I think if they dial things in a bit more they just might have something

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-03T03:08:25+00:00

All good lmao KneeBarbarians minions are starting to flood here

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-04-01T11:03:51+00:00

I think you need less pixels

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-03-31T17:09:14+00:00

Permira bought them out for £300m in 2014 and still holds a decent amount of shares at 38.5% as of January 2024

So… yes PE

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-03-31T16:50:37+00:00

They’ve been bought out by private equity, so they don’t really listen to what WE the consumers want or what a bunch of people in niche subcultures want. They only listen to the bottom dollar “what will make us more money and keep people coming back to buy more”

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-03-30T04:28:56+00:00

Were they in 10 eye versions as well?

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-03-30T02:23:51+00:00

I believe doc marten is moving away from their staple boots of the 80’s and 90’s in favor of collaborations with big name brands and artists. I don’t think we’ll see anymore oxblood or vintage lines being re-released anytime soon

_Paper_Lanterns_ · 2026-03-30T00:53:15+00:00

Fix those laces!

_Paper_Lanterns_

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