Dr Martens

In 1945 a doctor by the name of Klaus Martens injured his ankle while skiing in the Bavarian Alps. His army issue boots were too uncomfortable so he designed improvements while recuperating, using soft leather and air-padded soles made from tyres. After taking leather from a cobbler’s shop he created a pair of boots with air-cushioned soles. Two years later, with the help of an old university friend, Herbert Funck, the Dr Martens boot was born. It is now the most famous boot in the world, where millions are sold every year.