Iconic British bootmaker Dr Martens is set to axe 70 jobs in the UK as it moves operations over to India.

The retro brand is planning to set up a global technology centre in India. In October, Dr Martens put 150 jobs at risk of redundancy as it attempted to cut costs.

Two new bosses at the company – new finance boss Giles Wilson and chief executive Ije Nwokorie – also received more than £3million for joining the company, The Mirror reported. 

Mr Nwokorie was offered the money despite having already been at the firm as chief brand officer.

A Dr Martens spokesperson said: ‘To set Dr Martens up to support future growth, we are establishing a company-owned Global Technology Centre which will ensure we have the right operating structure and skills in place. 

‘This will involve moving certain activities to India, impacting some valued full-time and contracted employees in the UK. 

‘We understand this will have a personal impact on some of our people, and we are committed to providing comprehensive support to help them through this transition.’ 

Dr Martens boots back in 1969

A shelf of Doc Martens boots at a shoes store in Covent Garden in 1994

Joe Strummer, Topper Headon, Paul Simonon of The Clash with Dr Martens in 1977

Dr Martens traces its origin back to the Griggs family, who were known for making boots in Wollaston, Northamptonshire.

For six decades Griggs’ footwear had a reputation as sturdy and durable work boots.

In 1945, the firm incorporated a design made by 25-year-old German soldier Dr. Klaus Maertens.

While suffering from a broken foot he created a unique air-cushioned sole (rather than the traditional hard leather sole) to aid his recovery. 

Griggs, now run by the third generation of the family, bought the license for Dr. Maerten’s air-cushioned sole in 1960 and after making a few changes, the iconic eight-holed 1460 boot was born.

They were then claimed as street style by subcultural tribes such as punks and goths, and the skinheads.

In the 1990s, the shoes were popular among grunge culture, before sales suddenly declined dramatically forcing the company to close all but one of its factories.

In 2000 sales of the shoes had declined so rapidly that all but one of the UK factories were closed to avoid bankruptcy. 

The shoes were incredibly popular in punk culture in the 1980s

Avril Levigne wearing the iconic shoes at a concert in 2008

UK girlband Little Mix wearing Dr Martens in 2013

Actor Ryan Gosling sporting a pair of Dr Martens in 2017

In 2003, the revitalisation of the British bran began as high fashion designers began to customise the classic 1460 boot.

In the 21st century, however, they have made a comeback by appealing to a wider audience after the world’s biggest fashion icons were seen wearing them including, more recently, Bella Hadid, Miley Cyrus and Olivia Rodrigo. 

The boot was built for comfort and durability. The 1460 boot began by uniforming police, postmen and factory workers in the UK.

The company describes music as the ‘heartbeat of the brand’, saying ‘without music, Dr Martens would have remained a workwear boot’.