Made in England

 Dr. Martens: Made in England

                Most people who have known me for a while know that I love Dr. Martens. I have worn Docs since the seventh grade, when my Granny bought me my first pair of 10-eye boots. Back then, all Dr. Martens were made in England. In 2003, I believe, the company was facing bankruptcy and moved production to China and Thailand. As many fans noticed, the quality suffered severely. While my original English-made boots lasted for many years, the ones made in Asia barely lasted a year before falling apart.

Even though the original Cobbs Lane factory in Wollaston, England saw the first pair of Docs roll off the line on April 1, 1960, the business actually traces back much earlier, to 1901. Back then, they were a traditional bootmaker. A year after they outsourced to Asia, they began production on the 'Vintage' or 'Made in England' line. Although some small-scale machinery is used, these boots are essentially handcrafted in limited quantities. I love this line so much that I now own four pairs; I refuse to buy any pair not made in England. You may pay more, but you certainly get your money’s worth in quality and craftsmanship.

Most people also know that I collect autographs. Some of my fellow collectors might not understand what I’m about to say, but someone doesn’t have to be famous for you to value their signature. This brings me to my most recent acquisition. I decided to write to one of the cobblers who made my boots at the Cobbs Lane factory. I only had a single first name to go on, but I took a chance and wrote to her asking for her autograph.

Yesterday, I received something in the mail that has easily made its way onto my list of favorites: a personal letter and three Polaroids from inside the factory. I am beyond flabbergasted. It was totally unexpected and, in my book, incredibly cool.