One of the most easily recognizable pieces of footwear around the world is the Dr. Martens boots. Having started way back in 1901 as a common work boot, sometimes even sold as a gardening boot, they have had an interesting history on their way to being a cultural icon. Originally founded in England by the Griggs family, they manufactured a simple work boot that was sold to blue collar workers all over the country. About 40 years later, an army veteran nursing a broken foot created a soft insole to help with his healing. For the next 20 years, he and his partner sold the boot mostly to older women until deciding it was time to advertise overseas.