Launch of 'With Bouncing Soles' Brand Platform

Dr. Martens PLC

24 September 2026

 

LAUNCH OF 'WITH BOUNCING SOLES' GLOBAL BRAND PLATFORM

·    Launch of "With Bouncing Soles", a new global brand platform supporting Dr. Martens' consumer-first strategy and ambition to become the world's most desired premium footwear brand

·    New ecommerce experience, bringing together commerce, craft & culture

·    Continued execution of the retail strategy, with four Brand Centres opening this autumn in Paris, Munich, New York and Los Angeles

24 September 2026: Dr. Martens, the iconic British footwear brand with a global presence, today announces further developments as part of its consumer-first strategy, with the launch of 'With Bouncing Soles', a new global brand platform, alongside a new ecommerce experience and the continued execution of the retail strategy set out at its FY26 results in May 2026.

The company's refreshed visual identity - brought to life through its new global brand platform 'With Bouncing Soles' - is built around the three words that have been stitched onto every Dr. Martens heel loop since 1960. Inspired by the craftsmanship of its products, the richness of its archives and the cultural attitude that has shaped the brand for more than six decades, 'With Bouncing Soles' refines Dr. Martens' most distinctive assets into a more contemporary, cohesive and globally consistent expression.

Building on the strategic direction outlined in its FY26 results, these investments demonstrate how Dr. Martens is continuing to evolve the way consumers discover, experience and connect with the brand across digital and physical channels.

A new era of digital experiences

One of the first visible expressions of 'With Bouncing Soles' is the launch of the new global ecommerce experience. The new digital platform has been developed as an end-to-end elevated consumer experience, bringing together commerce, craft and culture in one globally connected destination.

Rather than simply making it easier to purchase products, the new site helps consumers better understand Dr. Martens through richer storytelling, stronger editorial content and more seamless journeys between inspiration and commerce. The new ecommerce site is live across US and major European markets, with other markets going live in the months ahead.

Retail as a brand experience

Alongside its digital evolution Dr. Martens is executing its new retail strategy, as outlined at the company's FY26 results in May 2026. Following the successful opening of its first Beacon store in Brewer Street, London, and Brand Centre in Dosan Park, Seoul, new brand destinations will continue Dr. Martens' journey from transactional to experiential retail with stores built around the products and heritage to inspire consumers through culture, creativity and craft.

The execution of Dr. Martens' retail strategy continues this autumn with the redesign and relaunch of Brand Centre stores in Le Marais, Paris; Sendlinger Street, Munich; Herald Square, New York City; and Century City, Los Angeles. These revamped stores mark the next phase in Dr Martens' four-tier retail strategy, ensuring all stores have a clearly defined role in strengthening consumer engagement, building brand desire and supporting long-term growth.

As outlined at the company's FY26 results, the strategy introduces four distinct owned retail formats, each designed with a specific role in the customer journey:

§  Beacon Stores: an immersive brand destination where consumers experience the full expression of heritage, culture and creativity

§ Brand Centres: a destination to explore the full brand, offering depth, expertise and elevated experience

§ Brand Stores: a clear, convenient and engaging store that makes it easy to shop the best of the brand

§ Outlets: accessible entry to the brand, offering value without compromising identity

On the launch of 'With Bouncing Soles', Chief Brand Officer Carla Murphy, said:

"Everything we do is grounded in the relationship we have with our consumers and the communities around us. Whether they've worn Dr. Martens for decades, are finding their way back to the brand, or are curious about where we're going next, we want every interaction to feel meaningful and unmistakably Dr. Martens. 'With Bouncing Soles' as our creative brand platform brings our products, people, and their stories together, connecting our heritage with the spirit of Dr. Martens today and the future we're building together."

Ije Nwokorie, Chief Executive Officer, said:

"'With Bouncing Soles' is an important milestone in our consumer-first strategy. As we continue the hard work of pivoting our operating model around the consumer, we are also starting to enter the scale phase of our strategy and are investing with intent in the assets that build long-term desire for the brand. The reaction to our first Beacon store in Brewer Street, London, gave us real confidence in this direction, and the combination of a refreshed brand identity, our elevated ecommerce experience and four Brand Centres opening this autumn are the clearest expression yet of what a consumer-first Dr. Martens looks like as we strive to achieve our ambition of becoming the world's most desired premium footwear brand."

Ends

Investors and analysts:                                                                    

Bethany Barnes, Director of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

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Press enquiries:

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Notes to editors

ABOUT DR. MARTENS 

Dr. Martens is an iconic British footwear brand founded in Northamptonshire, England. Its first silhouette, the 1460 boot - named after the date it was produced - rolled off the production line on 1 April 1960. Stitched into its heel loop were three words in the founder's own handwriting, a nod to the boot's new air-cushioned sole: With Bouncing Soles. Originally chosen by workers for their comfort and durability, "Doc's" or "DM's" boots and shoes were later adopted by musicians and subcultural pioneers who took them from the street to the global stage. 

Over six decades later, Dr. Martens operates in more than 60 countries and employs around 3,600 people. The company continues to honour the brand's heritage through its 'Made in England' footwear, manufactured at its original Northamptonshire factory, while meeting global demand from multiple high-quality production sites across Asia. All our products are made with an unwavering commitment to craft, combined with innovative techniques. 

Those same three words are now the brand's enduring global platform. With Bouncing Soles is not a tagline or a seasonal campaign; it is a statement of intent and a creative thread that runs through everything Dr. Martens does, from product and retail to partnerships and community. What began as a promise of comfort has become an opportunity for reflection and a call to action: What Makes Your Sole Bounce?  

It celebrates the individuality, creativity and self-expression of a global community glorious in its differences, united by a yellow thread. 

A brand built to put a bounce in the step of those who stand out from the crowd, Dr. Martens is available through Direct-to-Consumer (Retail and Ecommerce) and Wholesale channels. The brand's collections span its original silhouettes, including The Icons such as the 1460 boot, 1461 shoe, 2976 Chelsea boot and Adrian loafer, as well as newer franchises including the Zebzag, Buzz and Lowell. The lineup also includes an extensive range of sandals, a dedicated Kids collection, and a curated selection of bags, small leather goods, and accessories. Every Dr. Martens collection reflects craftsmanship, heritage, timeless style, comfort, and versatility. Having transcended generations, the brand remains as relevant today as it was at its inception. Its signature yellow welt stitching, grooved sole edges, and scripted "With Bouncing Soles" heel loops remain iconic symbols recognised around the world. 

Dr. Martens plc (DOCS.L) is listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index. 

For more information, visit www.drmartens.com or http://www.drmartensplc.com 

 

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