To be fair, I get compliments on pretty much any and all of my extensive collection of Docs. Thats right, I held onto some of these for *25 years*! (It helps that my room at my parents house is essentially a time capsule from 1998, when I went to college.) I have many solids, several florals, two wingtips, the really cool fairly recent Renaissance artwork patterns, and everything from Mary Janes to loafers to 20-eye boots, which is my favorite.

So of course I love these for their shaft height, but the embroidered roses give the boots a lovely, unexpected femininity. They make people look twice. And, since I tend to use a wheelchair (Ive had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis since I was 3 years old) for any going out events, like to a concert or comedy show, the boots are front-and-center, impossible to ignore! Their subtle elegance and nostalgic look are just right for a night out.

Theyre also perfect for my style, which, when Im not wearing jeans, tends to be little black swing dresses, with pockets. Must have pockets. If a dress doesnt have pockets, I layer on a lace cardigan, for the pockets, though fortunately its a very cute addition. The boots elevate the otherwise rather boring plain dress into an outfit, and also heighten the drama!

People often ask how I can wear such heavy boots in my condition, but they really aren't heavy at all. Like all my Docs, they have a comfortable insole, and they fit me just right, no toe-pinching, nor too loose. Im a true 7, though I can get away with 6.5 in some brands.

They have held up really well, without any scratches or cracks or peeling, which cant be said for all my Docs, though I have taken better care of them and, of course, don't put much wear and tear on them at all. But sadly my beloved hot pink 20-eye boots have sadly started to crack and peel in the back, and fairly recently :(

I love the sheer variety available from Doc Martens. I love how I feel when I wear them. These very romantic boots would be a fun gift for the 90s Chick in your life, or would be a dramatic, but not too flashy, addition to your collection!