KU students' choice of shoes show practicality but not always style
Doc Martens, clogs chosen by many
By Lydia Diebolt and Maggie Chaffee Special to the Kansan
When Dr. Klaus Maertens invented a shoe in 1945, he had one goal in mind: to help people with leg injuries walk more comfortably.
Today his shoes, Dr. Martens, more commonly known as Doc Martens, are one of the most popular brands in America.
"Doc Martens are one of our best selling shoes", said Larry Flottman, manager of Arensberg Shoes, 825 Massachusetts St. "The shoes are very popular among college students."
The traditional Doc Martens shoe is a black oxford made of leather with a large rubber heel at a cost of from $95 to $135. It looks like a workman's shoe.
"We first started out with the oxford and later expanded," Flottman said. Arensberg Shoes now carries Doc Martens boots, strap shoes and hiking boots.
The shoes come in various colors: brown, green, black, red and navy.
Gwen Jacobs, Boulder, Co., junior, owns several pairs.
"The shoes are very stylish and comfortable to work in," Jacobs said.
Steve Lacoss, an employee at La Prima Tazza cafe, 638 Massachusetts St., wears his Doc Martens to work.
"It's the quintessential coffee boy shoe," Lacoss said.
Daniel Brostella, Panama City, Panama, junior, has two pairs, but he doesn't wear them for their beauty.
"The shoes are awkward and ugly,but everyone wears them,he said.
If you like the look of Doc Martens but not the price, McCall's Shoes at 829 Massachusetts carries a look-a-like brand by Eastland for $71.95.
Another big seller this year is Nike hikers, an ankle-length shoe in leather, suede and nylon for about $65.
Howard Plenert, manager of McCall's, said ankle-length boots are also popular this year. Another new style this fall is the woven look - strips of leather or fabric in a woven pattern leather for shoes, clogs and handbags.
Tim Arensberg, part-owner of Arensberg
Shoes, boots are very popular again this season, particularly the granny boot for college students. This boot has just a tad of heal and laces up above the ankle or just above the ankle. He also said hiking boots made by Nike and Hi Tech are great sellers for the college students who are looking for comfort.
"I could live in my hiking boots. They are so comfortable and they keep my feet warm in the winter," Brynn Edmonds, a Lawrence junior, said.
Also popular are clogs, either Doc Martens priced at about $40 and the Cole Hahn clog, which costs $120.
"Of course we do sell a lot more of the $40 clog but the Cole Hahn shoe is a very high quality brand that also sells," Arensberg said.
KU student Anne Wehmeyer, who bought a pair of Cole Hahn clogs, said she the clogs will go well with her jeans.
"I love shoes and I always like to come see if they have anything new," Wehmeyer said. "My roommates want to strangle me because I have so many shoes in our room that I have no where to put them."
Holding her newly purchased clogs, Wehmeyer said, "I guess after buying these, I'll have to go find new roommates."
Tom Leininger / KANSAN
What has set Doc Marten's apart from other shoes are the Air Cushioned Soles. The rubberized sole is guaranteed oil, fat petrol and alkali resistant. A wide range of styles are available at Arsenberg Shoes, 825 Massachusetts St.
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Fall Fashion Tab • Kyou • October 29, 1993
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