text: If you can find the originals made in England then spend the extra money and get those.  My first docs took me around the world (literally) and I wore them down to nothing before I finally threw them away.  They lasted 10 years with almost daily use and I could wear them comfortably all day.  These new ones made in Asia, not so much.  As soon as I opened the box I could tell that the quality was half of the previous docs I had.  I should have believed the reviews and spent twice as much for the originals.  The leather is way, way thinner.  The sole is half the thickness and not nearly as durable.  These boots actually made my feet hurt and I had to buy gel insoles for them.  I love the look and they way they fit but I seriously would have spent another hundred and bought the originals if I had known they would be this different.  It kind of makes me sad that they have slipped so much.  I have always sworn by my birks and docs and now the docs have lost my allegiance.