this post was submitted on 20 Oct 2025
78 points (98.8% liked)

Buy it for Life

7064 readers
3 users here now

A place to share practical, durable and quality made products that are made to last, with an emphasis on upcycled and sustainable products!

Guidelines:

Things that are well-made and durable (even if they won't last a lifetime) are A-Okay!

Unlike that other BIFL place, Home-made and DIY items are encouraged here, as long as some form of instruction is included in the body of the post.

Videos links are not allowed as post titles, but you may use them in a text post.

A limited amount of self-promotion is accepted, IF the item you are selling aligns with this criteria:

  1. The item must be made with sustainable or recycled materials.
  2. If electronic in some way, the item must be open-source.
  3. The item must be user-serviceable (if applicable).
  4. You cannot be a large corporation.
  5. The post must be clearly marked with a [Self Promotion] tag in your title.

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net
SolarMonkey@slrpnk.net
78
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
40 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

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.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] AmanitaCaesarea@slrpnk.net 4 points 2 days ago

I've recently purchased the 6 eye astronaut greasy from solovair and absolutely love them. I don't own a whole lot of boots, so my review isn't that grounded, but so far so good. Gets used around 3 times a week, not a lot of hiking since I have a desk job. No break in needed. I don't have the optional sole but they are still comfy. If u order the solovairs buy a half size down, a lot of the product reviews will also mention this. It's also convenient to buy their dubbin wax, if u go for the greasy; or standard leather care for the high shines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkhCcvfVHRs&t=627s for a more in depth review. The short answer is: Solovairs are better than Docs. Unless u can find some vintage Docs