I always get a bit nostalgic at Christmas, so yesterday I decided to buy a pair of Dr.Marten’s boots. I went to the Dr.Marten’s shop on Carnaby Street, so I was expecting a proper, pukka pair. However, when I tried them on they felt a bit cheap and flimsy – nothing like the solid, indestructible 8-holes of my youth. Then I realised that this was because I was in the Dr. Marten’s shop in Carnaby Street. The boots there – many multi-coloured or sprayed silver – were just fashion items. Far less substantial than the ones I’d bought at Holt’s in Camden Town. In Carnaby Street, they were called “Doc” Martens but when I go to Holt’s tomorrow for a proper pair, I’ll ask for what I always asked for. Either “DMs” or “Martens”
I should have known.

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