I have been wearing Doc Martens for 25 years, all sorts of different designs; I currently have 11 pair in various incarnations and ages.

There is a lot of concern because most Docs are now made in China instead of England.  The past pair of 8053s I bought was about 10 years ago and last year they finally gave out after a LOT of wear and abuse, though up until they literally fell apart they were still the most comfortable shoes I had.  They were also 8053s made in England.

This pair is made in China, but is every bit as comfortable as my long-lasting pair right out of the box.  I wore them for a day, and they felt broken in after just an hour.

The bottom tread is a bit different from the Old England to the New China, but it's a trivial difference.  The wear is what matters.

I have hopes for the durability of these new 8053s, and though time will tell it certainly seems off to a great start.