Fashion career profile
Bill Griggs
Bill Griggs was a third-generation leader of the English Griggs footwear business whose product decisions helped establish the Dr. Martens boot in Britain. In 1960, while the family company was run by Bill alongside his brothers Ray and Colin, he spotted an advertisement for the air-cushioned sole developed by German inventor Klaus Märtens and engineer Herbert Funk. Griggs & Co. acquired an exclusive licence and adapted the design for a durable British-made boot, adding details including the yellow welt stitch and grooved sole edge. The first eight-eye 1460 boot left the factory on 1 April 1960. The AirWair heel-loop lettering and “With Bouncing Soles” slogan were based on Bill’s handwriting. This record credits Griggs with commercial development and product adaptation, not with inventing the original air-cushioned sole.
- Role
- Footwear Product Developer, R. Griggs & Co.
- Career appointments
- 1
- Fashion houses
- 1
- Family business: Third-generation leader of the Griggs footwear businessDr. Martens' official history places Bill with brothers Ray and Colin in the third generation running the company in 1960. · Dr. Martens
- Product development: Secured an exclusive licence for the air-cushioned sole and adapted the boot for UK production (1960)The company's history distinguishes the Griggs product adaptation from the original German invention. · Dr. Martens
- 1460 boot: First 1460 boot produced 1 April 1960The brand archive records the model name, production date and design details. · Dr. Martens
- Brand signature: AirWair lettering and “With Bouncing Soles” based on his handwritingThe official history attributes the slogan lettering to Bill Griggs. · Dr. Martens
- 1901 — Griggs family begins making boots in WollastonThe family business becomes a long-running Northamptonshire footwear maker.
- 1960 — Adapts the air-cushioned sole for the 1460 bootGriggs & Co. obtains an exclusive licence and modifies the design for production.
- 1960 — First 1460 boot leaves the factoryThe eight-eye boot debuts on 1 April 1960; its AirWair lettering draws on Bill's handwriting.
- 1959–Present — British Product Developer — Dr. MartensCurrent appointment · Dr. Martens