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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[–] Noite_Etion@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago

Solovair was the company that used to make the old school Martens that everyone loved, but when they lost the contract with Martens they decided to make the same boots but under their own name.

So the solovairs are much better as they are basically the same as the old docs in build quality (some people think old docs are still better than new solovairs as the leather is thicker I think, but to find a pair of old Martens without much wear can be a bit pricey).

Also when buying new boots like these prepare to have to wear them in, took my solovairs about 6 months to become really comfortable. And if possible avoid zippers, if you want a boot that can come off easily go for a Chelsea style with elastic sides, they last a lot longer.