Finding my Bovver Boots: Women's Sinclair Zip Doc Martens

My Doc Marten boots on the day I bought them

First Impressions

Anyone who has known me for the past two years will know I wear zip up Doc Martens boots with a platform. Much like my trademark denim jacket with its rolled up sleeves at the wrist, the heavy black leather ankle boots are usually part of my go to ensemble. They're not my first pair of Docs (my first pair was a secondhand red pair bought off eBay) but the first that has allowed me to be more independent and confident in my footwear.

My footwear has been restricted by my disability. My use of Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFOs) or 'splints' means that my foot size increases by three sizes and is limited to what can hold a splint. Shoes were a significant expense to my parents as I grew because a knock-on effect of cerebral palsy toe walking is that I wear through my shoes far too quickly. Even my beloved Docs have scuff marks and wear at the toe area because of it.

When I eventually persuaded my parents that I wanted Doc Martens for my birthday, I discovered that the lacing would be impossible without someone to help me. My hands couldn't handle managing the motions, and soon, I felt deflated. I wanted to look stylish and be independent; instead, I'd inadvertently created another issue for myself.

After a brief period of wearing slip-on shoes, then nothing but socks and slippers due to the lockdown, it was time to find something that worked for me. I wanted something that could support my leg without AFOs, at least for wheelchair use.

The Sinclair boots were actually an accident on my part. I went to the Doc Martens shop in Liverpool intending to buy a pair of 1460 Pascal boots without the platform. However...I forgot to write down the name, and when I spotted the Sinclair boots that would become my "bovver boots", the rest was history.

How Have You Tested

I've used my boots for over two years now, and they seem as strong as ever. They are showing signs of wear, but I think that is more to do with the effects of my disability and walking style.

Pros and Cons

I love my boots if you couldn't tell. I think they have solid support for your feet. I like the style, even if people think the platform is excessive. You can remove the zip leather section so they can be tied in the "traditional" style, and the zip is easy to grip.

However, these boots are pricey. I'm under no illusion that these are within everyone's price range at a non-sale price of £189 - I bought them with a student discount on top of the sale price. They are also hard to break in, although this is a feature of most Docs. They do not keep ankle socks up well. Vegans be warned, these are made of leather. Your best alternatives are the vegan leather Sinclair boots.

The zips can sometimes be temperamental, the leather creases easily and the laces come undone easily, so bear this in mind if you struggle with tying knots. I have to wrap the laces two to three times around my ankle to ensure they stay tight. I thought this was because of the movement of my leg and foot, but I have found that this has been a problem for other people.

The Final Score

I would give the boots a score of 3/5. They have good foot and ankle support, and the style is solid. Ultimately, Dr Martens needs to fix the lace problem, reduce the weight of the boot and offer more colours and designs in the Sinclair style.