DR. Martens Skeleton Boots

Dr. Martens have produced ‘industrial’ models of their boots for years, but their ‘Service Collection’ marks the dawn of a new era in design and materials. Dr. Martens have been collaborating extensively with police and security officers, to fully understand their needs. This comprehensive research has culminated in the ‘Skelton’, which offers a unique sole with a high grip tread that provides comfort, durability and outstanding slip resistance.

The 8-inch boot is non-metallic throughout, with sturdy moulded eyelets and benefits from a tough leather and nylon upper with a very nicely padded bellows tongue, and a padded collar. Inside, you get a durable EVA (ethel vinyl acetate) midsole; the midsole is that part of the boot that effectively provides cushioning and stability for the foot and you’ll find EVA in virtually all high-quality performance footwear, so this is absolutely spot on. The Skelton’s also benefit from a “Softwair” insole and a moisture wicking lining to help keep your feet comfortable for extended periods of time.

I was lucky enough to be sent a prerelease sample of the Skelton’s by the nice folk at Patrol Store a couple of months ago, so I’ve been able to give them a really good try before writing this review, and I have to say that other than a prominent ‘Dr Martens AirWair’ logo on the heel cup you’d be hard-pressed to recognise these as ‘DMs’, as the design is right on trend with the style of the very latest tactical and professional boots out there.

Light footed

Weighing in at just 735g per boot (size 10) the Skelton’s feel light on the foot, and that special outsole really does give you some bounce in your step! The toe and lower foot area of the boot is of one-piece leather construction, with no seams to rub across your toes, and is a comfortable broad fit. The heel cup, however, is relatively narrow, and combined with a solid lacing system, which keeps the foot positioned well, and helps to avoid unnecessary movement which could lead to blisters.

With the great British ‘summer’ living up to its usual mix of weather, I’ve had chance to wear the Skeltons in most conditions other than snow, and I have to confirm that the moisture wicking lining does keep the foot dry in the heat, again helping to avoid blisters or ‘hot spots’. Whilst the boots are not quoted a being waterproof, thus far I’ve not experienced wet feet, and regular maintenance of the leather and nylon elements will no doubt give performance longevity.

I’ve put a fair few miles under the soles of the Skeltons already and so far they’ve proved to be a comfortable and protective pair of boots. With a retail price around £73.00, these are a cracking pair of boots that will undoubtedly bring even further success to the Dr. Marten brand, and bring great performance to a whole new group of users!

My sincere thanks go to the team at www. patrolstore.com for providing the test sample, and you can expect to see the Skeltons loading up onto their comprehensively stocked web store in the very near future.