Tshirts Under $16
Christian Death Only T...
$15.99
$19.99
Show your goth rock pride with this Christian Death Only Theatre of Pain T-shirt. Featuring the iconic album artwork, it’s perfect for any fan. Comfortable and durable, wear it to gigs or just around town.
Dystopia American Goth...
$15.99
$19.99
Dystopia American Gothic T-Shirt
- Dystopia's unique sound is hard to pinpoint the exact genre they belong to because there's elements of doom, sludge and crust punk all throughout.
- Once in a while, an image comes along that represents a timeless logo in music history. This Dystopia Shirt image features one of 'em.
- This American Gothic T-Shirt is made in a black cotton with a slim fit for perfect wear out for any place.
- Wear this Dystopia American Gothic T-Shirt out and show your love for the crust punk genre and Dystopia!
If you liked this Dystopia shirt, check out the Doom Police Bastard Shirt !
Sepultura Horns T-Shirt
$15.99
$19.99
Sepultura Horns T-Shirt
- The Sepultura Horns T-Shirt features the bands logo above a horned demon.
- Once in a while, an image comes along that represents a timeless logo in rock history. This Sepultura T-Shirt image features one of 'em.
- This Sepultura T-Shirt is made in a black cotton with a slim fit for a perfect wear out for any place.
- Wear this Sepultura Horns T-Shirt out and show your love for Sepultura!
If you liked this Sepultura T-Shirt, check out the Slayer South Of Heaven T-Shirt !
Misfits Crimson Ghost ...
from $15.99
$19.99
Misfits Crimson Ghost T-Shirt
- The Crimson Ghost is the iconic and instantly recognizable logo that has been around for decades, known as the Crimson Ghost or Fiend Skull.
- Featuring a front print of the iconic Crimson Ghost face.
- Buy this T-Shirt and show your love to the Misfits!!
If you’re a huge fan of Misfits, check out our Misfits Eyeball T-Shirt !
Crass Logo T-Shirt
$15.99
$19.99
Crass Logo T-Shirt
- The brittlest and most hard-line radical of the first wave of British punk bands, Crass issued a blitz of records that were ruthless during their time.
- Once in a while, an image comes along that represents a timeless logo in rock history. This Crass Shirt image features one of 'em.
- This band Logo T-Shirt is made in a black cotton with a slim fit for perfect wear out for any place.
- Wear this Crass Logo T-Shirt out and show your love for the punk genre and Crass!
If you liked this Crass shirt, check out the Rudimentary Peni Shirt !
Ramones Circle Logo T-...
from $15.99
$19.99
Ramones Circle Logo T-Shirt
- The Ramones were an American punk rock band that formed in the New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, in 1974.
- This Ramones T-Shirt is made in a black cotton with a slim fit for perfect wear out for any place.
- Wear this Ramones Circle Logo T-Shirt out and show your love for the band!
About the band
Ramones were an American punk rock band that formed in the New York City neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens, in 1974. They are often cited as the first true punk rock group. Despite achieving limited commercial success in the United States during their time together, the band saw more success in England, Argentina and Brazil, and are today seen as highly influential.
All of the band members adopted pseudonyms ending with the surname "Ramone", although none of them were biologically related; they were inspired by Paul McCartney, who would check into hotels as "Paul Ramon". The Ramones performed 2,263 concerts, touring virtually nonstop for 22 years. In 1996, after a tour with the Lollapalooza music festival, they played a farewell concert in Los Angeles and disbanded. By 2014, all four of the band's original members had died – lead singer Joey Ramone (1951–2001), bassist Dee Dee Ramone (1951–2002), guitarist Johnny Ramone (1948–2004) and drummer Tommy Ramone (1949–2014). The remaining surviving members of the Ramones—bassist C. J. Ramone (who replaced Dee Dee in 1989 and stayed with the band until its dissolution) and drummers Marky Ramone, Richie Ramone and Elvis Ramone—are still musically active.
Recognition of the band's importance built over the years. The Ramones ranked number 26 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" and number 17 in VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock". In 2002, the Ramones were ranked the second-greatest band of all time by Spin, trailing only the Beatles. On March 18, 2002, the original four members and Tommy's replacement on drums, Marky Ramone, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility. In 2011, the group was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
45 Grave Black Cross T...
$15.99
$19.99
45 Grave Black Cross T-Shirt
- 45 Grave are an American punk rock band from Los Angeles, California formed in 1979.
- "Black Cross" is 45 Grave's debut single, released in 1981.
- Wear this 45 Grave Black Cross T-Shirt out and show your love for the band 45 Grave.
If you like this 45 Grave T-SHirt, check out this Bauhaus T-Shirt !
More about 45 Grave
The band was founded during the punk rock movement by Paul B. Cutler in Los Angeles, California, alongside another band with almost the same lineup called Vox Pop, which produced two singles. 45 Grave's original lineup consisted of Cancer (formerly of Castration Squad) on vocals, Cutler (formerly of the Consumers) on guitar, Rob Graves (also known as Rob Ritter, formerly of the Exterminators, the Bags and the Gun Club) on bass, and Don Bolles (of the Exterminators, the Germs and Nervous Gender) on drums. The name, according to Bolles, derived from a mysterious button Cutler found at a thrift store and gave to Bolles for Christmas that said "WE DIG 45 GRAVE". Bolles stated that this needed to be the name of the band, and everyone agreed.
In 1980, 45 Grave recorded their first released song, "Riboflavin Flavored, Non-Carbonated, Poly-Unsaturated Blood", included on the Los Angeles Free Music Society compilation album Darker Skratcher. The song was a cover version of the novelty song originally performed by Don Hinson and the Rigamorticians on their 1964 album release Monster Dance Party. The 45 Grave recording (as with the original, produced by Gary S. Paxton of Skip & Flip) achieved cult status and became a signature song of the band's live sets.
Early on, the band began by playing the Consumers songs that Cutler had written, with lyrics changed to fit Cancer's singing style, before concentrating on composing new material like "Black Cross" (issued as a single in 1981, featuring Pat Smear of the Germs on guitar on the B-side "Wax") and a fast-paced punk song called "Partytime" (which was later slowed down and reworked on their 1983 debut album and sole studio release, Sleep in Safety). Another signature 45 Grave track, "Evil", was featured on MTV, and band members appeared as extras in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner.
Despite never achieving major success, 45 Grave were recognized as being one of the first American gothic bands, predating the formation of Christian Death. The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles listed 45 Grave and Christian Death as "early proponents of American Gothic Rock".
Nausea Logo T-Shirt
$15.99
$19.99
Nausea Logo T-Shirt
- Nausea was an American hardcore punk band from New York City and are a notable band in the first wave of crust punk.
- Once in a while, an image comes along that represents a timeless logo in rock history. This Nausea Shirt image features one of 'em.
- This Band Logo T-Shirt is made in a black cotton with a slim fit for perfect wear out for any place.
- Wear this Nausea Logo T-Shirt out and show your love for the crust punk genre and Nausea!
If you liked this Nausea shirt, check out the Police Bastard Shirt !
New Arrivals
Large Ring Leather Adj...
$17.99
Large Ring Leather Adjustable Wristband
- FULL GRAIN BLACK Large Ring Leather Adjustable Wristband. MADE IN THE USA, WELL CONSTRUCTED AND MADE TO LAST.
Tall Cone Spiked Choker
$19.99
Tall Cone Spiked Choker
- This Tall Cone Spiked Choker features silver cone spikes and is made of vegan synthetic leather.
– The leather part of this choker measures roughly 17” and features 7 holes for buckle adjustment.
Death Angel The Ultra-...
$24.99
Death Angel The Ultra-Violence T-Shirt
- Death Angel is a pioneering thrash metal band formed in 1982 in San Francisco.
- Their sound blends aggressive riffs, intricate solos, and melodic elements, showcasing a mature songwriting style that evolves with each album.
- Wear this Death Angel The Ultra-Violence T-Shirt to show your love for the Bay Area thrash metal band!
If you like this Death Angel shirt, check out this Sodom Agent Orange T-Shirt!
Leviathan Embroidered ...
$5.00
Leviathan Embroidered Patch
- Celebrate the dark legacy of Leviathan with this logo embroidered patch. Perfect for your battle jacket, beanie, or backpack, it features the band’s iconic logo. This patch is high-quality, easy to sew on, and built to last. Show your allegiance to the black metal pioneers with this essential patch.
Graveland Embroidered ...
$5.00
Graveland Embroidered Patch
- Celebrate the dark legacy of Graveland with this logo embroidered patch. Perfect for your battle jacket, beanie, or backpack, it features the band’s iconic logo. This patch is high-quality, easy to sew on, and built to last. Show your allegiance to the black metal pioneers with this essential patch.
Satanic Warmaster Embr...
$5.00
Satanic Warmaster Embroidered Patch
- Celebrate the dark legacy of Satanic Warmaster with this logo embroidered patch. Perfect for your battle jacket, beanie, or backpack, it features the band’s iconic logo. This patch is high-quality, easy to sew on, and built to last. Show your allegiance to the black metal pioneers with this essential patch.
Choking Victim Logo T-...
$19.99
Choking Victim Logo T-Shirt
- Show your love for Choking Victim with this Logo T-Shirt. Featuring bold graphics and a rebellious spirit, it’s perfect for any fan. Comfortable and durable, wear it to gigs or just around town to show your punk rock pride.
Metallica Metal Up You...
$6.99
Rep your love for Metallica with this Kill Em All embroidered patch. Ideal for your battle jacket, beanie, or backpack, it features the band’s iconic imagery. Easy to sew on and built to last, wear it proudly.
BATTLE JACKETS
Build your very own custom battle jacket from scratch.
Band Tshirts
Alice in Chains Jar of...
from $22.99
Alice in Chains Jar of Flies T-Shirt
- Jar of Flies is the third studio EP by the American rock band Alice in Chains, released on January 25, 1994, through Columbia Records.
- Once in a while, an image comes along that represents a timeless logo in rock history. This Alice in Chains Jar of Flies T-Shirt image features one of 'em.
- This Alice in Chains T-Shirt is made in a black cotton with a regular fit for perfect wear out for any place.
- Wear this Alice in Chains T-Shirt out and show your love for Alice in Chains and the EP!
If you liked this Alice in Chains T-Shirt, check out this Iron Maiden Claw T-Shirt !
About the EP
This is Alice in Chains' second acoustic EP, preceded by 1992's Sap, and it is the first EP in music history to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, with the first week sales exceeding 141,000 copies in the United States. The self-produced EP was written and recorded over the course of just one week at the London Bridge Studio in Seattle. The tracks "No Excuses", "I Stay Away" and "Don't Follow" were released as singles to promote the album. Jar of Flies was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 1995: Best Recording Package and Best Hard Rock Performance for "I Stay Away".
The EP was well received by critics and has been certified quadruple-platinum by the RIAA, making Jar of Flies one of the band's most successful releases. In Canada, Jar of Flies was certified double-platinum for the sale of 200,000 copies. In Great Britain, the album was certified silver after selling 60,000 copies.
Anthrax US Attack Tour...
from $23.99
Anthrax US Attack Tour T-Shirt
- Vintage style Anthrax US Attack Tour T-Shirt
Bathory Yellow Goat T-...
from $23.99
Bathory Yellow Goat T-Shirt
- The Bathory T-Shirt features a front print of the iconic Bathory Goat in yellow.
- Once in a while, an image comes along that represents a timeless logo in music history. This Bathory T-Shirt image features one of 'em.
- This Bathory Yellow Goat T-Shirt is made in a black cotton with a slim fit for a perfect wear out for any place.
- Wear this Yellow Goat T-Shirt out and show your love for the iconic band Bathory!
If you liked this T-Shirt, check out the Death Human T-Shirt !
Burzum Filosofem T-Shirt
$24.99
Burzum Filosofem T-Shirt
- Filosofem is the fourth studio album by Norwegian black metal Burzum and was the last recording before Varg Vikernes was sentenced to prison in 1994.
- Once in a while, an image comes along that represents a timeless logo in rock history. This Burzum Shirt image features one of 'em.
- This Filosofem T-Shirt is made in a black cotton with a slim fit for perfect wear out for any place.
- Wear this Burzum Filosofem T-Shirt out and show your love for the band Buruzm and the Filosofem album!
If you liked this Burzum shirt, check out the Sepultura Arise T-Shirt !
Bauhaus Bela Lugosis D...
from $23.99
Bauhaus Bela Lugosis Dead T-Shirt
- Bauhaus is an English gothic rock band, formed in Northampton, England, in 1978.
- "Bela Lugosi's Dead" was released in August 1979, just 6 weeks after the band was formed.
- This shirt features the Bela Lugosi’s Dead artwork.
Circle Jerks Skank Man...
from $23.99
Circle Jerks Skank Man Gray T-Shirt
- This Circle Jerks Skank Man T-Shirt features most iconic power move in punk, the skank, two step or any other name for it.
- Once in a while, an image comes along that represents a timeless logo in music history. This Circle Jerks T-Shirt image features one of ’em.
- This Circle Jerks Skank Man Gray T-Shirt is made in black cotton with a slim fit for perfect wear out for any place.
- Wear this Circle Jerks T-Shirt out and skank away in any direction you'd want!
If you liked this Circle Jerks Shirt, check out this Cramps T-Shirt !
Misfits Crimson Ghost ...
$24.99
Misfits Crimson Ghost White T-Shirt
- The iconic and instantly recognizable Misfits logo that has been around for decades, known as the Crimson Ghost or Fiend Skull.
- Once in a while, an image comes along that represents a timeless logo in music history. This Crimson Ghost White T-Shirt image features one of 'em.
- This White Misfits T-Shirt is made in white cotton with a slim fit for perfect wear out for any place.
- Wear this Misfits T-Shirt out and show your love for the famous Misfits and the Crimson Ghost!
If you liked this Misfits T-Shirt, check out the Misfits Fiend Skull T-Shirt !
45 Grave Black Cross T...
$15.99
$19.99
45 Grave Black Cross T-Shirt
- 45 Grave are an American punk rock band from Los Angeles, California formed in 1979.
- "Black Cross" is 45 Grave's debut single, released in 1981.
- Wear this 45 Grave Black Cross T-Shirt out and show your love for the band 45 Grave.
If you like this 45 Grave T-SHirt, check out this Bauhaus T-Shirt !
More about 45 Grave
The band was founded during the punk rock movement by Paul B. Cutler in Los Angeles, California, alongside another band with almost the same lineup called Vox Pop, which produced two singles. 45 Grave's original lineup consisted of Cancer (formerly of Castration Squad) on vocals, Cutler (formerly of the Consumers) on guitar, Rob Graves (also known as Rob Ritter, formerly of the Exterminators, the Bags and the Gun Club) on bass, and Don Bolles (of the Exterminators, the Germs and Nervous Gender) on drums. The name, according to Bolles, derived from a mysterious button Cutler found at a thrift store and gave to Bolles for Christmas that said "WE DIG 45 GRAVE". Bolles stated that this needed to be the name of the band, and everyone agreed.
In 1980, 45 Grave recorded their first released song, "Riboflavin Flavored, Non-Carbonated, Poly-Unsaturated Blood", included on the Los Angeles Free Music Society compilation album Darker Skratcher. The song was a cover version of the novelty song originally performed by Don Hinson and the Rigamorticians on their 1964 album release Monster Dance Party. The 45 Grave recording (as with the original, produced by Gary S. Paxton of Skip & Flip) achieved cult status and became a signature song of the band's live sets.
Early on, the band began by playing the Consumers songs that Cutler had written, with lyrics changed to fit Cancer's singing style, before concentrating on composing new material like "Black Cross" (issued as a single in 1981, featuring Pat Smear of the Germs on guitar on the B-side "Wax") and a fast-paced punk song called "Partytime" (which was later slowed down and reworked on their 1983 debut album and sole studio release, Sleep in Safety). Another signature 45 Grave track, "Evil", was featured on MTV, and band members appeared as extras in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner.
Despite never achieving major success, 45 Grave were recognized as being one of the first American gothic bands, predating the formation of Christian Death. The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles listed 45 Grave and Christian Death as "early proponents of American Gothic Rock".
Shop Accessories
Necklaces, bracelets, belts, and more.
Special Collabs
Dr. Martens 1460 Black...
$249.99
Dr. Martens 1460 Black Sabbath Boot
- Black Sabbath 1460 Dr. Martens Boots Before there was metal, there was Black Sabbath. This year, the trailblazing Black Sabbath and Paranoid albums celebrate their 50th anniversaries, and we’re marking the occasion with an exclusive collaboration creating the Black Sabbath 1460 Dr. Martens Boots.
- The Black Sabbath 1460 Dr. Martens Boots is splashed with artwork from the band’s eponymous debut and fitted with a purple popped eyelet and core Docs DNA.
- Through the laces of the Black Sabbath 1460 Dr. Martens Boots are a ‘Henry’ badge — the iconic flying devil/angel that’s become synonymous with Black Sabbath over the years.
- The Black Sabbath 1460 Dr. Martens Boots come with two sets of laces: black and a flat braided pair with purple aglets and a N.I.B. print.
- Salute the sinister progenitors of heavy metal with the new Black Sabbath 1460 Dr. Martens Boots!
The Black Sabbath Collection not only features the Black Sabbath 1460 Dr. Martens Boots, but also the Black Sabbath 1461 Dr. Martens Shoes !
Dr. Martens History
Starting in 1901, the small company began in Wollaston, Northamptonshire in the English Midlands. They were at the location of the epicenter of the English shoe industry and for six decades the footwear earned a solid reputation as sturdy, durable work boots.
In 1945, a 25-year-old soldier, while trying to heal from a broken foot, created a unique air-cushioned sole, opposed from traditional rough leather sole, to aid his recovery. Using a salvaged cobbler’s last and a needle, he made a prototype shoe and revealed it to an old university friend and mechanical engineer.
Both then became great business partners by using disused military supplies and began producing their shoes with unique soles. By 1947 they began formal production and within a decade they had a great going business, despite mainly selling to older women. In 1959, they decided it was time to advertise their revolutionary footwear invention in overseas magazines.
While he was scanning the pages of a shoe trade magazine, his eye was caught by the manufacture advertisement for their revolutionary air- cushioned sole.
New boots were now branded as ‘Airwair’ and came distinctly with a black and yellow heel loop representing the brand name and the slogan “With Bouncing Soles” which was printed based on the manufacturer's own handwriting. With its name being created off the date they were first created, April 1st, 1960, the eight-eyed 1460 Dr. Martens boot had mad its first arrival.
The decade in which the Dr. Martens boot was created, there was an eccentric wave of change, new ideas, cultural explosion and eventually social revolution. This radical era also witnessed flamboyant and often exotic fashions and styles, an odd period of time for the birth of such a functional work-boot.
Without any insight as to why or how, Dr. Martens were suddenly picked up by early multi-cultural, ska-loving skinheads – who proudly championed British working class style. Shortly after, Pete Townshend of The Who became the first high profile individual to wear Dr. Martens as a symbol of his own working class pride and rebellious attitude. Doing so enabled both first generation skinheads and Townshend to alter the course of the brand’s history, which in turn changed the classic work-wear boot into a subcultural essential.
While Britain was constantly pursed by anti-government riots and social resentment, youth culture managed to rise up from the streets with yet more highly visual and individual tribes such as psychobilly, grebo and scooter boys.
Constant sales of smaller men’s size boots also induced Dr. Martens to create a street trend for girls, who would buy then customize with florals, the simple 8-hole boot. Meanwhile, US Hardcore musicians touring the UK began to take pairs of DM’s back to the west coast, thus starting American subculture’s adoption of the brand.
Without music, Dr Martens would have remained a workwear boot. The music of tribes who wear Dr. Martens has become inseparable from the brand itself.
Misfits Horror Busines...
$79.99
Misfits Horror Business Sneaker by Strange Cvlt
- Are you a Misfits fan? Check out these Misfits Horror Business Sneaker by Strange Cvlt!
- They feature the Misfits iconic Horror Business design all around the sneakers!
- These sneakers are 100% vegan and have a black, yellow & white upper with a rubber sole.
- These officially licensed boots will show everyone how big of a Misfits fan you are!
Vans Sk8 Hi The Beatle...
$199.99
Vans Sk8 Hi The Beatles Yellow Submarine Faces Shoe
- Pay homage to The Beatles iconic film and album "Yellow Submarine" with the limited edition psychedelic print on the Yellow Submarine Faces Shoe with a canvas and suede graphic upper and OrthoLite insoles for comfort.
- These Vans Sk8 Hi x The Beatles collection skate shoes are discontinued and are a rare set of skate shoes, good luck finding a clean pair of this Yellow Submarine Faces Shoe anywhere else!
- Each skate shoe from the Vans Sk8 Hi x The Beatles collaboration are collectibles, with a unique limited edition print along with a limited edition Yellow Submarine Faces Shoe box.
- We could tell you the whole history of why Vans shoes have become a skate shoe legend, but we'll let the comfort tell the story.
- The Yellow Submarine Faces Shoe is crafted with a soft footbed, double-stitched vamp, padded tongue and lining, and Vans signature waffle sole.
Vans Sk8 Hi Yellow Submarine Faces Shoe Details:
-Part of The Beatles x Vans Yellow Submarine Collection
-Suede/canvas upper w/ psychedelic print and The Beatles faces graphics
-Vulcanized outsole for added board feel
-OrthoLite insoles for comfort
-Classic Vans waffle sole
-Padded high top collar
The Vans Era Yellow Submarine Shoe fit perfectly within this collection !
Vans x The Beatles
There have been extremely limited things that stem from pop culture which impact in the long run like that of the artwork from the very well known The Yellow Submarine Album and film, which has been musically revolutionized by the even more well pronounced band The Beatles.
You don’t need to be familiar with ‘Yellow Submarine’ since it could mean nothing more than a song your might have heard your parents play when you were growing up, or being a fan of The Beatles, to appreciate the new collaboration from Vans.
The Beatles was an English rock band formed in Liverpool, 1960. Contrived by the four famous members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, they became well known as the greatest influence to the act of the rock era. Rooted in skiffle, beat and 1950s rock and roll, the Beatles played and experimented through several genres, from pop ballads and Indian music to psychedelia and hard rock, and very often than not including classical elements in new ways never before seen.
In the early 1960s, their enormous popularity first emerged as “Beatlemania”, but as the group’s music grew in sophistication, led by primary songwriters Lennon and McCartney, they came to be perceived as an embodiment of the ideals shared by the era’s sociocultural revolutions.
Released in 1968, Yellow Submarine was based on the famous song composed by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Permeated with artwork, photography, animation, and fantastic music, the frivolous characters and ambiguous storylines collide together in an ultimate composure of an artwork so grand that it has perceived as its own recreated genre. The bands iconic and recognizable songs play all throughout this riveting film as the great expression of the free-spirit mystique of its time in a universe unto its own.
Being the first of its kind ever made and punctual for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ revolutionary first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the Vans x The Beatles Yellow Submarine collection stands against some of the Vans classic and recognizable silhouettes.
The Sk8-Hi Reissue features limited edition stunning artwork on each the Yellow Submarine Faces Shoe from the Fab Four of the film, the Classic Vans Slip On takes on the Yellow Submarine Sea of Monsters shoe with a continuous underwater scene across each pair left to right, and an Era and an Authentic display the band in a scenic garden and an all-over “All You Need is Love” print. Yellow Submarine imagery puts the finishing touches on the quartet on every footbed, woven labels of each laced shoe and a custom collector’s box.
Dr. Martens 1460 Sex P...
$200.00
Dr. Martens 1460 Sex Pistols Vicious 8-Eye Boot
- Rail against conformity in our newest music collaboration — this time with famous London punks the Sex Pistols, creating the Dr. Martens 1460 Sex Pistols Vicious 8-Eye Boot.
- The Dr. Martens 1460 Sex Pistols Vicious 8-Eye Boot is the original Dr. Martens boot, and in this collection, alongside instantly recognizable Docs DNA, the 8-eye men's boot is emblazoned with a digitized print of the band's iconic bass player: Sid Vicious.
- Sex Pistols Vicious 8-Eye Boot is made with classic Doc's DNA, including grooved edges, visible stitching and heel-loop.
- Demonstrate your consciousness in these Sex Pistols Vicious 8-Eye Boot!
Keep this Dr. Martens 1460 Sex Pistols Vicious 8-Eye Boot polished using the Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam Shoe Polish !
Dr. Martens History
Starting in 1901, the small company began in Wollaston, Northamptonshire in the English Midlands. They were at the location of the epicenter of the English shoe industry and for six decades the footwear earned a solid reputation as sturdy, durable work boots.
In 1945, a 25-year-old soldier, while trying to heal from a broken foot, created a unique air-cushioned sole, opposed from traditional rough leather sole, to aid his recovery. Using a salvaged cobbler’s last and a needle, he made a prototype shoe and revealed it to an old university friend and mechanical engineer.
Both then became great business partners by using disused military supplies and began producing their shoes with unique soles. By 1947 they began formal production and within a decade they had a great going business, despite mainly selling to older women. In 1959, they decided it was time to advertise their revolutionary footwear invention in overseas magazines.
While he was scanning the pages of a shoe trade magazine, his eye was caught by the manufacture advertisement for their revolutionary air- cushioned sole.
Several different licenses were acquired and a few characteristic changes were made, including an altered heel, a bulbous but simple upper, a distinctive yellow welt stitch, a two tone grooved sole edge and a unique sole pattern. The new boots were now branded as ‘Airwair’ and came distinctly with a black and yellow heel loop representing the brand name and the slogan “With Bouncing Soles” which was printed based on the manufacturer's own handwriting. With its name being created off the date they were first created, April 1st, 1960, the eight-eyed 1460 Dr. Martens boot had mad its first arrival.
The decade in which the Dr. Martens boot was created, there was an eccentric wave of change, new ideas, cultural explosion and eventually social revolution. This radical era also witnessed flamboyant and often exotic fashions and styles, an odd period of time for the birth of such a functional work-boot.
First worn by postmen and factory workers, Dr. Martens’ initial years of existence was very much that of a simple work-wear boot, selling solid quantities to Britain’s working classes. Then and incredible shift occurred.
Without any insight as to why or how, Dr. Martens were suddenly picked up by early multi-cultural, ska-loving skinheads – who proudly championed British working class style. Shortly after, Pete Townshend of The Who became the first high profile individual to wear Dr. Martens as a symbol of his own working class pride and rebellious attitude. Doing so enabled both first generation skinheads and Townshend to alter the course of the brand’s history, which in turn changed the classic work-wear boot into a subcultural essential.
Constant sales of smaller men’s size boots also induced Dr. Martens to create a street trend for girls, who would buy then customize with florals, the simple 8-hole boot. Meanwhile, US Hardcore musicians touring the UK began to take pairs of DM’s back to the west coast, thus starting American subculture’s adoption of the brand.
Without music, Dr Martens would have remained a workwear boot. The music of tribes who wear Dr. Martens has become inseparable from the brand itself.