It’s a bit strange for those of us on the outside of all this. The company that makes Doc Martens work boots went public this week on the stock market, causing a lot of people to start remembering various pairs of the iconic work boots that they have owned.
Apparently, they are a symbol of rebellion and fashion all at the same time. Depending on the number of eyelets and the colour of the boots and the laces, they could mean different things to different people. Some times depending on where you were. The clunky looking boots have been around for many years and been symbols for many different groups, but it seems a lot of people wore them and have fond memories of them.
I feel like maybe I missed something. Doc Martens were not a thing for me. For us, there was only one kind of boot worth having. It was still a work boot, but they only came in a light tan colour and they all had the same number of holes. Greb Kodiaks. You simply had to have a pair of Greb Kodiaks. And they were never laced all the way up. Only half way. No matter how deep the snow was, it was a fashion statement. Your Grebs could only be laced to the ankle.
That was the footwear you had on your feet all winter. Unlike much of the world, I didn’t even know Doc Martens existed. Grebs were the thing.
Or a pair of sneakers. Or, in the summer, water buffalo sandals.
I think those are the ones I miss most. The water buffalos. I’ve heard you can still get them, but they aren’t easy to find. But there’s something about just strapping a piece of leather on your foot. And there was no way to commit the fashion faux pas of wearing socks with them. That toe loop for your big toe just wouldn’t allow it.
So while a good part of the world seems to be getting nostalgic for boots, it’s the cheap pair of sandals I’d really like to have back.
