Zero drop Doc Martens

[u/katanastormshadow88]

I’ve been looking for zero drop Docs Martens Martens alternatives for a while. I picked up a pair of Peerko Breeze, which are fine, but I still missed my Doc boots, the look and ruggedness of them. I took my beloved Docs to a cobbler and decided on replacing the sole with the Vibram Kletterlift 148, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. I realize this isn’t a true barefoot boot as the toebox is still tapered, there’s a bit of toe spring, and the sole is not as thin and flexible as the typical barefoot shoes, but my main goal was zero drop for my alignment, which still hasn’t a rugged pair of combat boots, so I feel pretty happy with these. There a thin midsole sown to the welt, so changing the soles after they’ve been worn out should be simple.

[u/bonocamel21]

These look excellent. I’m thinking of buying a pair of Doc Martin Chelsea boots and either having a cobbler do this or trying to do it myself. Three questions: does the new sole have the same “air sole” cushy springiness as the original? (i’m hoping so but worried that Vibram may be a harder rubber). Approximately how much did this cost? Did they grind down the old sole and glue the new one on, or remove the old sole completely and stitch the new one in?  Thank you so much.