Image via Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens' newest collection, the DM's Lite, represent the biggest change to the iconic footwear brand since it first emerged in 1960. The new shoes are the more lightweight sibling of some of Dr. Martens' classic silhouettes, and represent the latest evolution in the brand's history.
For the release of this new collection, we asked the designers behind the DM's Lite everything you should know about the product and the process behind it.
1. The New Midsoles Weigh 260 Grams Less
The new lightweight feel of the shoe comes from the new Phylon midsole making them 260 grams lighter. This idea of lightweight is at the core of the new DM's Lite collection and comes from the band's "innate obsession with understanding who the diverse consumers are that buy into the brand and what they are looking for to suit their lifestyle choices and individual style."
2. They're Just as Comfortable and Durable as Dr. Martens Always Have Been
When shoes are updated and reworked, it's easy to lose what made them so well loved in the first place. For Dr. Martens, part of that has always been their comfort and durability. With DM's Lite, they've managed to update the classic silhouettes and also hold onto those attributes which, according to the designers who worked on them, makes them "ideal footwear for the world of gigs and street fashion". This comes from the slimline rubber outsole and the SoftWair Technology insole, two new features that make sure there's no compromise on durability or comfort despite the new lightweight feel.
3. They Stay True to Dr. Martens' DNA
Although this is the biggest evolution since the first Dr. Martens dropped in 1960's, the new lightweight collection stay true to the classic DNA of the brand. The shoes all feature iconic elements like the yellow stitching and the heel loop (on the boot) and come in three classic silhouettes. Speaking about this, the team behind the DM's Lite explained that "on an emotional level, the strong look of the collection ensure they can still be used as flag of attitude and empowerment."
4. Now is the Perfect Time to Remake the Classic Dr. Martens
After over 55 years of the classic Dr. Martens models, now is the perfect time for a remake. The motivation for the DM's Lite came from Dr. Martens wearers, who had "a real appreciation and fondness of the brand ... but also a desire to see a new lightweight version from DM's to fit in with the individual style of today's wearers." The new DM's Lite are just the latest step in the evolution of the brand since it was founded in 1960. They reflect the "people who wear Dr. Martens who are constantly evolving."
5. The Core Ethos of Rebellion and Self-Expression Hasn't Changed
Over the course of their history, Dr. Martens have become known as a symbol of rebellion and self-expression. The brand have been taken up and customised by different subcultures for as long as they've been on sale. The new DM's Lite are no different, and that spirit is a key part of the new lightweight collection. By updating Dr. Martens' classic silhouettes, the brand and their ethos will "connect with youth subcultures today" in the way they always have.
