In the late 1950s an unlikely union of two kindred sprits in distinctly different countries ignited a phenomenon that would create a counter culture around the world. In Munich, Germany Dr Maertens had a garage full of inventions including a shoe sole almost literally made of air; in Northampton, England the Griggs family had a history of making quality footwear and their heads were full of ideas. They met through an advert in the classifieds – a marriage born, an icon conceived of innovation and self-expression.
They jointly created a boot that defined comfort but was practical, hard wearing and a design classic. The 1460 – designed on 1 April, 1960 (1.4.60) was born. The boot, originally bought by postmen, factory workers and transport unions were joined by rejects outcasts and rebels from the fringes of society.
It started with the Skinheads in the early 60s but by the late 60s and 1970s the boot was adopted by mods, glam, punks, ska, Goths, nu-metal, hardcore, grunge and Britpop.
Now in the new millennium Dr. Martens 'brand' has come full circle, it is a blank canvas on which a generation can paint their personality.
