this post was submitted on 20 Oct 2025
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Buy it for Life

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Martens or Solovair? Or an alternative? (slrpnk.net)
submitted 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) by MystValkyrie@lemmy.blahaj.zone to c/buyitforlife@slrpnk.net
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My Torrid combat boots are falling apart, so I'm in the market for a new pair that are specifically platform boots that come in black.

Unfortunately, the pair from Solovair (pictured) that I've had my eye on for a while (their 8-eye derby platforms) is no longer being sold, and it was replaced with a visually worse alternative where the zippers face outward.

I've never owned Martens before, but knowing that Martens aren't what they used to be, how much do I have to lose by picking up a pair of Jadon III's instead? If anyone knows any alternatives in the same style that are also Goodyear Welt, that could also be an option.

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[โ€“] MystValkyrie@lemmy.blahaj.zone 5 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

Yeah, it's a shame how that specific style seems to be inextricably linked to zippers.

I actually have Thursday's Explorer boots and have been really impressed with the fit and quality after a year, considering the price point. It actually occurs to me that I could get another of those in black and get similar aesthetic to a platform combat boot without the zipper ๐Ÿค”

I know generally that Goodyear Welts can usually be resoled and often have longer lifespans, but I'm less knowledgeable about the craft itself, so your Chelsea boot recommendation from Thursday as an alternative is intriguing. In what situations would you prioritize a good leather upper that doesn't have a resoleable welt, over a boot that has a Goodyear Welt with design flaws in the upper?

[โ€“] Gerudo@lemmy.zip 2 points 2 days ago

I 2nd Thursday Boots. Arguably the cheapest Goodyear welts out there. I got a pair barely used 2nd hand, and so far they are great. Nice thick quality leather that should hold up for years.