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Martens or Solovair? Or an alternative? (lemmy.blahaj.zone)
submitted 6 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) by MystValkyrie 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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[-] CocaineShrimp@sh.itjust.works 4 points 5 days ago

I was actually doing a tonne of research back in April on Martens vs Solovairs. Ultimately: go with Solovairs. I've had mine since April and have had 0 issues since finding the right ones and getting through the break-in period.

A few of my notes:

  • Go down 1/2 a size. I recall reading a Reddit thread where users said to go down a full size. I wear a 10, but a 9.5 was the right size for me. I did have to exchange mine, but it was free so Injust had to wait
  • There definitely is a break-in period. The shoes will be a bit uncomfortable, but shouldn't be unbearable. Once they're broken in - a week for me IIRC, they're a dream

As other lemmings have mentioned: Martens used to be good. But something happened, Martens switched to cheap labour & cheap materials, and a lot of the original workers left & started Solovair.

this post was submitted on 20 Oct 2025
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