Boot Strapping

Bill, Klaus and Herbert did!

Bill liked to think different. Bill’s family were successful and well respected shoe makers in Northern Engalnd. They had been making shoes for over 50 years but unusually weren’t tied to the past.

One day while looking through Shoe and Leather News magazine he came across an ad. The ad was from two German doctors who were looking for overseas partners for their new, air-cushioned soled shoes.

The doctors, Klaus and his friend Herbert were just like Bill. They liked to think different. The idea for the special shoes came to Klaus after he had injured his ankle while skiing.

Well, a deal was struck and Bill’s company started making the shoes as reliable working men’s footwear .. perfect for factory workers.

Bu then something magical happened … the shoes came to represent youth culture … especially after

In the early years, the shoes were solely for factory worker. But the shoes started to attract more and more people. The shoes seemed to be the perfect choice for any style!

Years later Pete Townshend from the Who rocked out on stage with his own pair! The boots were now apart of youth culture. The boots popularity grew even more as different styles and different types of the boot connected. The boots accompanied styles from punks to Britpop to industrial to psychobilly and the list goes on.

Today, the shoes made by Bill’s company and named after Dr. Klaus are … and sold worldwide. Doc Martens