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.


I’m 50
I have had multiple pairs of both but I only have Solovair that I can still use, one pair is probably 20 years old with well over a 1000 miles on them. The soles are going out and the leather is cracked but on a dry day they are still the most comfy pair of boots I have
Docs were great until they became a chinese knockoff. If you can find a pair that says Made in England on the sole, they will be quality
Agree. Docs were the absolute shit till they started making them elsewhere. I haven’t bought the Made in England version they have now, but Solovairs are made with the old Doc equipment and are (IMHO) better than ever cost/product.
Wow, okay, Martens are officially out of the running. Thank you for sharing your experience!