Dr. Martens: The go-to shoe for festival season?
6th June 2024
By Bethan Dadson
On Friday 24th May, Project 6 made history launching their first ever festival, in collaboration with Rinse FM. Being the heart of UK underground radio, Rinse FM celebrated 30 years with many music fans in Brockwell Park in South London, surrounded by Brixton, Herne Hill and Tulse Hill. Rinse FM is a historical London-based community radio station, which predominantly plays dance music genres that are popular in the UK such as garage, grime, dubstep, house, jungle, UK funky house and many more.
Rinse FM is so ingrained in London culture that anything associated with it holds special memories for many people. During my teenage years, the station was our go-to playlist for pre-drinks before a night out, and in my early 20s, my friends and I had a blast at Rinse FM's rooftop summer parties in Dalston. Now, in my late 20s, I had high expectations for this festival—and it did not disappoint. Staying true to their essence, Rinse FM featured DJs performing every genre they represent, showing strong support for those who have remained true to the underground scene.
Headliners included CASISDEAD, Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, Katy B, Ms. Dynamite, Pusha T, and Nines. This lineup was perfectly curated to offer a full day of enjoyment, catering to anyone with a diverse taste in music.
As someone in the fashion industry, my favourite aspect (apart from the music, of course) is observing what everyone is wearing. Festival fashion has been a major highlight for me ever since Vanessa Hudgens became the queen of Coachella in the early 2010s with her western-inspired outfits. I love seeing how people embrace unique, elevated styles and go all out, in contrast to their everyday attire. From head to toe, attendees showcase their best pieces to stand out in the crowd.
Shoes play a crucial role in completing a look, with most people prioritising style over practicality because, well, fashion. However, it's universally understood that by the end of the night, shoes often become unwearable due to irreversible damage, and your feet start to feel numb from standing all day. But one shoe that has never let me down at any festival has always been my trusted Dr. Marten boots. Synonymous with festivals, the material of the boots is designed to withstand the dirt, the mud, the running around without any damage. Dr. Martens has always been seen as a rebellious brand that takes pride in their customers expressing themselves through fashion, with their shoes being the bold statement that completes any look.
Here are some of my favourite festival looks over the Brockwell Live weekend, styled with Dr. Marten boots:
About Dr. Martens
The first pair of Dr. Martens boots rolled off the production line on the 1st April 1960. With its trademark yellow stitch, grooved sole and heel-loop, it was a boot for workers, initially worn by postmen and policemen; comfortable, durable and lightweight in comparison to its competitors at the time. Throughout Dr. Martens history, the brand has been adopted and subverted by diverse individuals, musicians, youth cultures and tribes. These are the people who stand out from the crowd and their journey of self-expression has always been accompanied by a pair of DM’s.
The simple silhouette allows people to customise each pair; whilst on a utilitarian level their famous durability and comfort make them ideal footwear for the world of gigs and street fashion. On an emotional level, they are a flag of attitude and empowerment.
The Northamptonshire factory where it all began still exists to this day, in the village of Wollaston. A specific range of ‘Made In England’ products are manufactured here by a small, close-knit team of people schooled in traditional shoe-making and a process that hasn’t changed since our first pair six decades ago.