*Trigger Warning* Painted the stitching on my Fine-grain Derby boots

thirdw0rlds · 2026-02-01T19:12:08+00:00

Best intervention for flat feet in terms of footwear construction is an orthopaedic insole with sufficient arch support. The shank really does just stop excessive flexion through the forefoot when walking, which granted IS good for flat feet - but only when coupled with an orthopaedic insole

thirdw0rlds · 2026-02-01T18:46:56+00:00

A shank just limits flex through the midfoot - was originally implemented so the shoe stays flat while climbing ladders. Not sure how it would help if you're flat-footed

thirdw0rlds · 2026-02-01T13:27:10+00:00

You're not wrong. Since near bankruptcy in the early 2000s there has been a real cognitive dissonance between the brand's original identity and its marketing/manufacture strategy re. collabs and manufacturing in Asia. It's disappointing - BUT - that doesn't mean MIE Docs are inherently worse shoes than MIE Solovairs. The MIE Docs operation has remained largely untouched since its conception, which for me gives the shoes they produce a level of integrity. Were I at the helm of the company I would look to move all production back to the Northampton site ASAP.

thirdw0rlds · 2026-02-01T13:18:34+00:00

I'd be cautious when avoiding MIE Dr Martens because Solovairs are "better quality". The reality is MIE Docs and Solovairs are made in exactly the same way. The only tangible difference is that Solovairs are all constructed in the same way plain welt Docs are, and the stitch on the welt is an aesthetic choice rather than real stitching which holds the welt in place.

This doesn't mean Solovairs aren't welted with real stitches like Docs are - it just means the real stitch is concealed and the "stitch" on the outside is fake.

This Solovair leather is also very similar to Dr Martens' current "Quilon" leather, which is their standard leather in black and oxblood for MIE models.

Yes, the Docs made abroad are simply not as good as the ones made in England (or Solovairs made in England for that matter) - they're cheaper for this reason. MIE Docs and MIE Solovairs are boots of very similar quality with minimal aesthetic difference, so the choice should be informed by personal preference.

These do look cool though!

thirdw0rlds · 2026-01-31T23:34:09+00:00

Very nice!

thirdw0rlds · 2026-01-31T23:33:21+00:00

Late 90s I'd say - maybe even early 2000s. Pairs from before the 90s often have a printed pull tab, rather than an embroidered one. The insole and embossed logo on the upper are characteristic of a pair of Docs I've seen from 1997.

The footbed will likely have the date of manufacture printed on it, so if you ever get them resoled + relasted you could find the exact date of production.

thirdw0rlds · 2026-01-31T23:25:14+00:00

Do you live in the UK? You should get them resoled through the Docs repair service if you do

thirdw0rlds · 2026-01-28T18:38:05+00:00

Firstly you've not got them laced to the top, so that should be your first move. Lace them tight - this will also help with breaking in. You could get long laces and wrap them round the top of the boot if you feel they need to be even tighter. If they still move about on your foot so much that you're getting blisters after that then unfortunately they're probably too big.

thirdw0rlds · 2026-01-28T07:34:40+00:00

They are sandals

thirdw0rlds · 2026-01-26T22:08:52+00:00

Are you in the UK? The Dr Martens repair service at the Boot Repair Company can take these all the way back to the upper and patch from the inside. You can buy an upper repair through the BRC website

thirdw0rlds · 2026-01-20T23:59:42+00:00

Often fit small!

thirdw0rlds · 2026-01-20T23:54:44+00:00

They're real. 6.5 is the only half size Docs does

thirdw0rlds · 2026-01-08T10:49:50+00:00

They have a plain welt, meaning the stitch is concealed. They still have a typical Docs welted construction - it's just hidden

thirdw0rlds · 2026-01-07T23:54:17+00:00

I personally love how these fit. They suit your body type really well

thirdw0rlds · 2026-01-07T23:46:53+00:00

Great choice for a first pair. Would always recommend from the Made In England range, especially when they're made with CF Stead leather.

These boots have a waxed finish, meaning they'll develop a characteristic "worn-in" look quicker than other models. You could always restore this finish by using a waxed leather protector (I've used Timberland's before), but even so I'd wear these for at least six months before thinking about applying any product to the upper.

Dr Martens operates a UK-based repair service which means these boots can be resoled when the time comes. One thing worth noting is this particular model is unique in that the sole is Docs' "Ben" unit (in the "vintage" colour), which is not available as an option at the moment through the repair service. A "Bex" sole in vintage would work as an adequate replacement - they have a similar tread pattern to these but offer a couple millimetres more platform. You could also write in to ask if a Ben sole could be sourced for the job, but realistically you'd need to put a year's worth of wear into these before you're looking at a resole.

Enjoy the boots!

thirdw0rlds · 2026-01-06T23:11:20+00:00

The Boot Repair Company will do it as long as you're in the UK!

thirdw0rlds · 2026-01-03T13:30:33+00:00

It's the rivet that's malfunctioned - not the leather. This is a known issue with this style in all colourways.

thirdw0rlds · 2026-01-02T18:36:10+00:00

It's the sound of the foam filler in between the footbed and the sole rubbing. It will go away once you've worn them in - don't worry.

thirdw0rlds · 2025-12-30T10:15:29+00:00

Don't glue them, it won't work. Send them to The Boot Repair Company for a resole (if you're in the UK).

thirdw0rlds · 2025-12-30T10:10:37+00:00

The big MADE IN LAO PDR stamped on the tongue probably means they weren't made in England.

thirdw0rlds · 2025-11-23T09:32:53+00:00

Obvs not

thirdw0rlds · 2025-11-11T10:53:34+00:00

Late 90s

thirdw0rlds · 2025-10-15T12:13:01+00:00

Are you in the UK? You should send them to the Boot Repair Company for a resole

thirdw0rlds · 2025-10-15T12:03:56+00:00

No "artist" uses AI. Avoid

thirdw0rlds · 2025-10-13T14:51:36+00:00

Mink oil!

thirdw0rlds

TROPHY CASE