Dr. Martens celebrates 50th Anniversary with covers of cult classic tracks

To celebrate their 50th Anniversary, footwear, clothing and accessories brand Dr. Martens asked 10 artists to record their version of a cult classic track which represents the spirit of the people who've worn Dr. Martens's over the past 50 years. They also asked 10 directors to make videos for each of the tracks. The latest release in the series is the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club who are covering The Pogues' delicious "Dirty Old Town".

Dr. Martens' footwear products are most often known as Doc Martens, Docs or DMs. The footwear is distinct because of its air-cushioned sole (dubbed Bouncing Soles), developed by Dr. Klaus Märtens of Germany just after World War II. The brand really took off when British shoe manufacturer R. Griggs Group Ltd. bought patent rights to manufacture the shoes in the United Kingdom. Griggs anglicized the name, slightly re-shaped the heel to make them fit better, added the trademark yellow stitching, and trademarked the soles as AirWair.

Good to know, before they hit the youngsters, the comfortable and durable soles were a big hit with housewives, with 80% of sales in the first decade going to women over the age of 40. Very industrial, no? By the late 1960s, skinheads started wearing Dr. Martens boots. By the late 1970s, Dr. Martens boots were popular among some British punk rock and New Wave musicians, and soon many punk fans were wearing them. The boots and shoes then became popular among other youth subcultures.