As lower temperatures return, so does ice and snow. And while many brands have taken advantage of the increased interest in the great outdoors to release new winter hiking boots, Dr. Martens is looking to appeal to the urban dweller who may simply spend more time roaming slippery city sidewalks this winter.
The boot brand released its new 1460 DM’S Wintergrip Fleece Leather Boots this fall with this consumer in mind. Featuring a sole specifically design to prevent slipping on ice, the boots are also lined with warm fleece and covered in a waterproof snowplow leather, “perfect for fighting snow and slushy puddles,” the company said.
The Wintergrip boots are available in a full range of adult sizes on drmartens.com and retail for $170. The shoe is available in cocoa brown and black.
For those looking for a warmer shoe, Dr. Martens also expanded its faux-fur collection, adding three new options: the Combs Faux Fur Lined Casual Boot, the Adrian Leopard Faux Fur Tassel Loafer and the 1460 Pascal Faux Fur Lined Boot. The shoes retail for $100, $140 and $160, respectively, and are available in a full range of adult sizes on drmartens.com.
Dr. Marten’s winter options arrive as the company appears positioned for an early-2021 IPO. The firm has reportedly retained Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to execute its go-public strategy. Details, such as valuation, number of shares to be listed and expected raise, have not been disclosed.
Beth Goldstein, fashion footwear and accessories analyst at The NPD Group, identifying slippers and clogs as the past quarter’s standouts, said consumers began snagging up cold weather boots early this year, “perhaps in anticipation of spending more time socializing outdoors this winter.”
For its part, outdoor retail giant REI said early sales trends indicate it will experience “an unprecedented year with sales of winter gear at an all-time high.” Though this includes products like cross-country skis, snowshoes and hiking gear, the co-op also highlighted upward trends for insulated boots.