Sturdy Nostalgia

I remember, every September throughout elementary school, my mother taking me to the shoe-store and buying me a pair of crepe-soled, lace-up Kickers. They were sturdy and together with my sneakers they would last throughout the school year.

These Dr.Martens Maddock lace-Ups remind me of those childhood shoes. They are padded in almost all the right places (DocMarten's are notorious for requiring a hardened heel). I like the metal-rimmed eyelets and the soft, double-stitched soles. And finally I like the way the leather creased in the right places.

Even at my size 11US (10UK/45EUR) the shoes look rounder than pictured. The advantage of this is that there is plenty of room and your toes will never feel crowded from the sides; on the other hand the shoes also look smaller than what I am used to. The shoes are also not as tall as pictured, the front space is vertically limited because of the round leather pattern. They need to be worn for some time before contouring around your feet.

Overall, the Dr.Martens are well built nicely designed. They are comfortable to wear all day long, and, although it will take some time to break them in, they will stay with you for along time.

Of All Things French...

When I was a kid I had to learn French. As far as languages go, it is not bad at all. Once you get over all that grammar, that is! That is why, at that age I found only two things making it bearable: the adventures of Asterix and Kickers shoes.

These Kicker's low boots (or high-tops, if you prefer) are the essence of simplified elegance. They are sturdy yet light, durable yet fast to acquire their own character. The leather will scuff but it will resist serious damage.

You too will appreciate the stitched-on crepe sole (insulating as well as resistant to both slips and squicks), the metal eyelets and the ample room for your toes.

These were the Doc Martins of my generation.