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CPSC recall · Reported August 24, 2017

Dr. Martens Vegan Boots Recalled by Airwair Due to Chemical Exposure Hazard

Prolonged and direct contact with the boot tongue lining can expose the wearer to the chemical benzidine.

Recall #
17211
Affected scope
About 30,000 (in addition, about 900 in Canada)
Verify with CPSC →
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The CPSC recalled This recall involves Dr. Martens unisex Vegan 1460 eight eye boots sold in cherry red wit… - a moderate-severity action.

Dr. Martens Vegan Boots Recalled by Airwair Due to Chemical Exposure Hazard was recalled and listed by the CPSC in August 24, 2017. Reason: Prolonged and direct contact with the boot tongue lining can expose the wearer to the chemical benzidine.. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled boots and contact Dr. Martens for a …. Verify recall #17211 with the CPSC before acting.

The recall

issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall-Prolonged and direct contact with the boot tongue lining can expose the wearer to the chemical benzidine..

Moderate
severity level
August 24, 2017
reported

Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #17211 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This CPSC action (record #17211) was formally reported on August 24, 2017. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. The recalling firm is not specified in the federal record. Federal records list the affected scope as About 30,000 (in addition, about 900 in Canada).

The documented reason for this recall is: Prolonged and direct contact with the boot tongue lining can expose the wearer to the chemical benzidine. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled boots and contact Dr. Martens for a full refund or free replacement product. - consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.

Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from CPSC - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.

Household Products recalls over time

Where this recall sits in its category - 3,056 household products recalls on record

50100150200250 20052008201120142017202020232026 115
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.

Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

About 30,000 (in addition, about 900 in Canada)

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

Product description

This recall involves Dr. Martens unisex Vegan 1460 eight eye boots sold in cherry red with black shoelaces in all sizes. The boots have a chunky sole and a golden heel pull tab with "AirWair" printed on it. "Made in Vietnam" and product code 14585 are printed on the tongue label with the batch code starting with "GV" and ending in Q, R or S.

Reason for recall

Prolonged and direct contact with the boot tongue lining can expose the wearer to the chemical benzidine.

Remedy, what to do

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled boots and contact Dr. Martens for a full refund or free replacement product.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the CPSC recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Severity class Moderate
Status Active
Recall number 17211
Date reported August 24, 2017
Date initiated August 24, 2017
Recalling firm Not disclosed
Affected scope About 30,000 (in addition, about 900 in Canada)
Distribution Not disclosed
Official source CPSC notice →

Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What to do with this recall

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled boots and contact Dr. Martens for a full refund or free replacement product.

  • Check the recall number (17211) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
  • Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
  • Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next

This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
This recall involves Dr. Martens unisex Vegan 1460 eight eye boots sold in cherry red with black shoelaces in all sizes. The boots have a chunky sole and a golden heel pull tab with "AirWair" printed on it. "Made in Vietnam" and product code 14585 are printed on the tongue label with the batch code starting with "GV" and ending in Q, R or S.. Units affected: About 30,000 (in addition, about 900 in Canada).
Why was this product recalled?
Prolonged and direct contact with the boot tongue lining can expose the wearer to the chemical benzidine.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled boots and contact Dr. Martens for a full refund or free replacement product.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on August 24, 2017. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 17211.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (17211) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product?
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.

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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: CPSC, reported August 24, 2017. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.