Basically I'm looking for something with this type of design
Something fashionable that I could wear on a day to day basis but still of high enough quality that it could have utility in an outdoor/protest/combat situation. I'm pretty sure Doc Martens are kind of shit in the latter regard, no?
Also any other tips for owning boots? How difficult are they to break in? Are they going to cause my ankles to bleed? These would be my first pair. I'm not trying to go above $170 if possible.
In addition to Belleville, which has already been mentioned, Thorogood is another brand that’s expensive but amazing quality, though I’m not entirely sure they fit the aesthetic you’re going for. My current work boots are Thorogood and I was able to get a safety boot voucher to buy them. I’ve had them for about two years now and they are excellent so far. Also says on the website that they’re an employee owned company, though I don’t know the details of that.