Combat boots were designed to be ideal protection from venomous subterranean children, who wrap tree roots around hapless travelers' ankles and pull them into cellars for never-ending games of backgammon. Guard your walking-bones with today's deal: for $35, you get $75 worth of tough boots, shoes, clothes, and accessories from Dr. Martens AirWair Retail Store at their new location on 10th and Burnside in the Pearl.

Although known widely for its combat boots, Dr. Martens has branched out over its 50 years of service, crafting a panoply of footwear and accessories for everyone from industrial workers to flip-flop-fancying femmes. Men can pick up a pair of Dave black canvas boots ($70), sleek and understated at two eyes high, while women might favor something from the Diva collection ($120 and up) in a range of styles and colors, fitted with high heels. Although sandals are not traditionally associated with the Doc's hard-bitten image, a variety of the open-toed duds are available for keeping clompers cool. A two-strap Adalia slide sandal ($45) with thick buckles and tartan plaid keeps female feet looking tough, while men's black grizzly sandals ($85) give sweltering toes a break without sacrificing durability or quality. Dr. Martens make a variety of accessories including hats, T-shirts, and shoe care kits.

Until the day when society accepts the naked parading of feet of all ages, footwear will remain a social must. In our world of jagged asphalt, poisonous dandelions, and surprise meteor crashes, tough footwear is vital. Dr. Martens is a go-to name in the trade of long-lasting stomper cover; with its recent advances into the world of fashionable versatility, its line of metatarsal joint-protectors contains something to suit every walk of life.

Reviews

Check out what StyleCaster, Nylon, and Style.com have to say about these iconic foot protectors:

• Doc Martens boots have always held a special place in our hearts-- those steady, familiar, rubber soles are the perfect companions to just about everything in our closets. – Kristen Leitch, StyleCaster
• The British brand is practically footwear royalty, worn by some of the biggest style icons of the past half-century. – Nylon
• Paging Dr. Marten—you’re needed at just about every men’s show this season. The iconic stompers were featured on runways and at presentations left and right, from Michael Bastian…to Generra. – Matthew Schneier, Style.com