First, last Autumn (2021) on Doc Marten's website, I bought the Rakim Chukka boots, at $90 US (not on sale/discount) which this listing is (the Rakim) but in the shoe form, not the boots. I LOVE those boots! I wanted to buy more pairs of the Rakim boots for work because they are perfect for my job (especially during colder seasons), but by Christmas that year, they were sold out. I even signed up for email alerts on Doc's website for when they came back in stock, but they never did. Went to Amazon and unexpectedly found the shoe version (this Amazon listing) of the Rakims, bought two pairs outright. One for work, one for not, because they go with most anything - even leggings & tunic sweater, joggers w/sweatshirt. I wear these Rakim shoes in spring & summer for work. Either boot or shoe form, I forget I am wearing them, they keep my feet cooler, they are more comfortable than sneakers, and lighter weight. Not fond of sneakers or heavy boots for work. I work in shipping & receiving, constantly on my feet all day on a concrete slab in warehouses, tech room, stockrooms, workshops. - back and forth through the facility, every day. I can climb warehouse shelving in these, no problem. I do run in them at work at times, am up & down stockroom step ladders, load/unload large, engineered projects for factory floors from tractor trailers, lift or move heavy things with mechanical assistance, have never fallen on wet (though these shoes will slip on smooth, water-soaked concrete) concrete or various chemical spills. The soles/tread grip dry surfaces and prevent leg & foot fatigue, (I have piriformis syndrome) but not well on wet or slick. These are authentic Doc Martens, which I have worn for decades, including their high heeled boots. I can tell when they are not. Many have tried. Many have failed to replicate authentic Docs. Have zero issue with these shoes. It is so rare to find the perfect (or almost perfect) shoe. My feet never ever ache in these. I will keep buying these as they are the most perfect shoe for my job - but if this shoe version of the Rakim boot costs more than what the boots did on Doc Marten's official website, I will sadly have to move on. It is my strong suggestion that Doc Marten continues to make shoes & boots like this because there is high demand for them in various jobs from what I am noticing. The FedEx & UPS truck drivers have checked them out. I've had coworkers inquire/comment about both my Rakim boots and Rakim shoes, (women & men.) Suffice to say, there is demand for more Doc Marten Rakim-like shoes. I wore these today for the first time for a quick ride on my mountain bike. Whoa! They gripped the pedals better than my Montrail hybrid mtn bike/hiking shoes and helped make it easier to pedal. LOVE! The soles are holding up great, no thinning, nor deterioration from walking on chemicals, these have yet to crease in the toe box as much because haven't worn them as much as the Rakim boots. - but it isn't an issue for me personally. I suspect the soles will outlive the woven material, but even that is doing really well. The shoelaces are definitely Doc Marten's (chuckle). The insole is breathable, & comfy, but after a long day, I loosen all the laces and pull back the shoe tongues to allow for air flow overnight, plus I spray EO deodorant in them. Like I said, I put these through demanding daily paces for my physically demanding job. They truly are the best shipping/receiving department shoe. Doc Martens, are you listening?
