Vintage 50s Dr Maertens Engineer Boots

Vintage 1950s German Dr Maertens working boots

These extremely rare engineer-style work boots date back to the period when the company was still based in Germany. They were designed by Dr. Klaus Märtens, a German army doctor who developed the concept of air-cushioned soles in 1945 to ease the pain of an injury he sustained during the war. Together with his business partner Dr. Herbert Funck, he began producing and selling these innovative boots in Germany in the late 1940s and early 1950s. His groundbreaking invention and brand name were eventually adopted by the British Griggs Company, which would later launch the now-iconic “Dr. Martens” brand.

This unique pair features a high-leg design with leather laces that extend into a wrap-around strap fastened with a buckle. At the top, the boots are finished with additional leather strap closures. They are equipped with the signature air-cushioned soles, stamped with the original German inscriptions: “Benzin, Oel, Säure STAbil – DR MAERTENS, LUFT POLSTER SCHUH.”

A true piece of fashion history, these boots would make an exceptional addition to any vintage footwear collection, museum display, or serve as inspiration for a fashion designer.

Despite their age, the boots show minimal signs of wear and remain in remarkably good condition. The right boot’s buckle shows some surface wear, but is still fully functional and secure. Overall, they have clearly been very well preserved over the decades.

Measurements:
Height: 44 cm
Length: 30 cm

Product code: #01711-25-A