In 1945, recovering soldier Dr. Klaus Maertens created a unique air-cushioned sole to help ease the pain of his broken foot. Using a salvaged cobbler’s last and a needle, he developed the prototype that would eventually become one of the world’s most recognizable footwear brands, Dr. Martens.

What began as recovery footwear eventually became a staple among working-class communities in England before finding its place in fashion and music culture. More than six decades later, the brand continues to cross borders and generations, gaining a growing following in the Philippines.

For fans in Makati City, getting a pair of “Docs,” the brand’s popular nickname, is now more convenient. Dr. Martens recently opened its newest store at Glorietta Mall, Makati City, bringing its iconic silhouettes, new designs, and expanded selection to both longtime collectors and a younger generation of customers.

The store carries some of the brand’s best-known designs, including the 1460 boots, 1461 shoes, 2976 Chelsea boots, and Adrian loafers. It also features newer franchises such as the Zebzag, Buzz, and Lowell, alongside bags, small leather goods, accessories, and shoe care products.

In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle during the store opening on Aug. 22, MAP Active Philippines senior marketing manager Cheska Perfecto said the new location offers more colors, designs, and pieces, including selections from the brand’s fall collection.

“This caters to both collectors and a new, young market, the Gen Zs and Millennials,” she said. “These young people are into loafers and are starting their Dr. Martens journey.”

For those looking beyond the classic black-and-cherry red colorways, the store also offers more playful shades. Among the pieces are the 1461 in Wild Green Razor, 2976 boots in Oxblood, and Lowell Nubuck Moc Toe shoes in Dusty Rose.

Loafers, in particular, take the spotlight this fall. The Adrian Arcadia Leather Tassel Loafers, priced at ₱13,995, offer a formal take on the classic tassel loafer in Cherry Red Arcadia leather. The style is built on Dr. Martens’ air-cushioned sole and features Goodyear-welted, heat-sealed construction.

Another option is the Penton Ben Loafer in Brown Mayhem Leather, also priced at ₱13,995. Featuring a moc toe, penny slot, deep cleats, yellow welt stitching, and a Ben sole, the loafer offers a more relaxed interpretation of the classic silhouette.

Beyond the shoes, the new store is designed to introduce customers to the details behind Dr. Martens’ footwear. Posters throughout the space explain the brand’s stitches, leathers, and signature heel loop, while a dedicated section highlights its different sole constructions, including DMS, Ben, Zebzag, Bex, and Quad.

“Zebzag is something we just released last year. True to its name, the sole is zigzag; it’s lighter, and soon the wind-bouncing sole,” Cheska explained. “It’s contrary to the idea that Dr. Martens is always hard and heavy.”

The store also gives customers a closer look at the different leathers used across the brand’s footwear, including Bex Smooth, Nappa, Virginia, and Pascal, each offering different characteristics and wearing experiences.

For fans of nostalgic pop culture, there is another reason to visit. Cheska shared that the Dr. Martens x Powerpuff Girls collection will also be available in the Philippines.

Beyond footwear, shoppers can find backpacks, handbags, and duffle bags, as well as other leather goods. More items, including card holders and shoe care products, are also set to join the store’s offerings.

From its beginnings as a solution for an injured foot to its evolution into a symbol of self-expression, Dr. Martens continues to build on its heritage while finding new ways to reach the next generation of wearers.