'These Dr Martens sandals are my top summer purchase and they've got £42 off'

Wales Online

20-05-2025

'These Dr Martens sandals are my top summer purchase and they've got £42 off'
Dr Martens sandals are a summer must-have and fashion writer Eve Rowlands treated herself to a pair of the brand's Gryphon sandals - and they're her best buy of 2025
Shopping writer Eve Rowlands loves the Gryphon Sandals and she can attest how comfortable they are
Investing in a pair of glorious, sturdy and stylish Dr Martens shoes, be it boots, Oxford shoes or sandals, is a purchase that requires mulling over - and one that might make you wince as you click 'checkout'. However, they're more often than not a worthy purchase and after coveting a pair of olive green Gryphon sandals since last year and spotting them on sale, I decided to take the leap.
With a large fan base and hundreds of positive reviews, I was keen to see if they lived up to their reputation as the 'comfiest' sandals ever from the first wear. Being just under £100, I wanted to know they were worth the price, as, despite being a fashion writer, I am a self-proclaimed bargain hunter and seldom spend this much money on a pair of shoes.
But after wearing them a few times since my payday splurge, I'm glad to report that I believe they're the best summer fashion buy I've made this year. Priced at £98 - a saving of £42 from their usual £140 tag - the Gryphon Tumbled Nubuck Leather Platform Sandals in Muted Olive arrived within days and fit like a glove on first try-on.
Read more: Huge beauty deals in the Boots sale including money off No7, Versace and more
Read more: Victoria's Secret swimsuit is £140 cheaper than designer version
While I was confident about the quality, I had received a pair of 1460 boots as a birthday gift five years ago, which are still in excellent condition, I was surprised at just how comfortable they were on first wear. Like all Dr Marten footwear, these sandals featured the same robust, chunky sole that came adorned with mustard yellow stitching and an ankle tab, and crafted from durable leather.
They were also a perfect fit. Being an awkward size 5.5, I decided to size down and it proved to be a wise decision as my feet were securely cradled in the plush footbed, with none of the dreaded toe overhang.
Shop the look
£140
£98
Dr Martens Buy Now on Dr Martens Product Description
Dr Martens Gryphon Tumbled Nubuck Leather Platform Sandals are currently on sale with 30% off. Shoppers who have snapped them up say they're 's uper comfy and goes with anything'.
The Nubuck leather used for the trio of straps felt remarkably soft too - akin to the feel of well-worn sandals. Although, after wearing them, I did notice tight strap marks on my skin, but this didn't worry me as I expect them to loosen up over time.
This tightness appears to be a common issue among other customers, too, as one reviewer remarked: "Received very quickly. Beautiful sandal, beautiful fabric, looks exactly as the photo. However, it is just too tight across the front. Gutted."
Nonetheless, this slight snugness, personally, hasn't diminished their overall comfort, and like most Dr. Martens footwear, the leather should become more supple. The straps also have adjustable buckles on two of the three straps offers some relief, which proved handy.
Shopping write Eve Rowlands wearing the Gryphon Nubuck sandals in muted olive
(Image: Eve Rowlands )
The muted olive hue of these Gryphon sandals is absolutely stunning. Although tan might be the default choice for summer styles, the olive/khaki shade brings a unique touch while maintaining versatility as an earth-toned neutral.
And I'm not the only one who's a fan. I've spotted this same hue in the virtual shop windows of a number of retailers offering some fab alternatives. For instance, Schuh's chunky suede Tina sandals in khaki are a savvy choice if £98 seems a bit dear, as they're a bargain at £24.99 on sale from £48.
These sandals feature a comparable colour but a slightly less beefy sole. For those leaning towards sliders, Next's Khaki Green Suede Buckle Slider slippers are priced at £28 and come with a lightweight sole that's perfect when platform soles aren't the right match.
Dr Martens' Gryphon Tumbled Nubuck Leather Platform Sandals come in olive and tan
(Image: Dr Martens )
As backed up by a number of reviews on the Dr Martens website, the Gryphon sandals were pretty comfortable straight away, without much need for breaking in. I managed to walk quite the distance in them right off the bat and returned home without a single blister – I only received one puny sandal wound after a number of walks in the usual heel spot, but nothing a blister plaster couldn't handle.
While comfort is key in a pair of sandals that I plan on wearing the entirety of summer, the bulky platform sole is pretty flattering on the ankles and is great for adding a touch of height. However, the weight of the platform soles has been a point of contention for a few customers, leading them to return them.
Article continues below
One individual left a three-star review commenting: "From order to delivery was good, but for the sandals, they fit fine and are comfortable, but why are they so heavy?"
This particular feature hasn't posed an issue for me. I can see me wearing these shoes with each and every outfit, whether on holiday or on home soil.