These Boots Are Made for Munich

There are shoes that look their best straight out of the box. And then there are Dr Martens. A few scuffs, well broken in, perhaps having survived the odd concert or two. With these iconic British boots, that’s all part of the charm. Since 1960, they have accompanied generations of musicians, artists and non-conformists. And in doing so, they have come a remarkable way themselves.

That journey now also leads to Sendlinger Straße in Munich. Dr. Martens reopened its store there on 5 November. Spanning 110 square metres, it is the largest so-called ‘Brand Centre’ in Europe to date. A place where it’s not just about new shoes, but also about the stories you experience with them.

Of course, there are the classics: the 1460 boot, the 1461 shoe, the ‘Made in England’ collection and the latest collaborations. But things get particularly interesting off the shelves.

In the ‘Care & Customisation’ section, you can personalise and look after your own Docs. Worn-out pairs can be handed in for recycling via a trade-in programme – which includes a 20 per cent discount on new shoes. There are also workshops, changing promotions and ‘The Shed’, a dedicated space for creative projects. A community board also brings together local events and cultural recommendations.

Dr. Martens aims to transform the traditional shoe shop into a meeting place. Whether that works remains to be seen. In any case, the idea behind it fits rather well with a brand whose shoes have always been a bit more than just footwear.

And which, as we all know, only really look their best once you’ve had a few adventures in them.