The Definitive Guide to Buying Dr Martens

Your Guide to buying the best Dr Martens

Overview

Dr. Martens, or "Docs" as they are fondly known, have been a staple of the footwear industry since the 1960s. Their iconic design and distinctive yellow stitching has become synonymous with punk, grunge, and alternative fashion. For those looking to purchase a pair of Docs, this buying guide will provide an in-depth look at the various styles, materials, and sizes available, as well as advice on where to buy and how to properly care for your new shoes.

Key features

  1. Size: Consider the size of the boot needed for your feet; Dr Martens come in a variety of sizes, from UK 3 to UK 12.
  2. Carbon Footprint: Think about the carbon footprint of the shoes you are buying; Dr Martens are committed to sustainability and their products are vegan-friendly.
  3. Style: Choose the style that best suits your wardrobe; Dr Martens offers a range of classic styles as well as modern, cutting-edge designs.
  4. Materials: Choose the material that best suits your lifestyle; Dr Martens are made with a variety of materials from leather and suede to canvas and synthetic.
  5. Price: Consider the price of the shoe and compare it to other Dr Martens options; prices usually range from £90 to £200.
  6. Warranty: Check if the shoe comes with a warranty and if it covers any manufacturing defects.

See the most popular Dr Martens on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability - Dr Martens are crafted from high-quality materials which makes them very durable and able to withstand wear and tear.
  • Versatility - Dr Martens come in a variety of styles and colors making them versatile enough to pair with almost any outfit.
  • Comfort - Dr Martens feature air-cushioned soles and padded insoles for maximum comfort.
  • Style - Dr Martens are a classic shoe style that never goes out of fashion and can be worn in a variety of ways.

Cons

  • Price - Dr Martens tend to be more expensive than other shoes, which could be a disadvantage for people who are on a tight budget.
  • Style - Dr Martens tend to have a more formal or "edgy" look, which might not fit the style of some people.
  • Fit & Comfort - Dr Martens can be difficult to break in, and may not provide the same level of fit and comfort as other shoes.
  • Durability - Although Dr Martens are made of high-quality material, they may not be as durable as other shoes.
  • Availability - Dr Martens can sometimes be difficult to find, as they are not always available in stores or online.

Best alternatives

  1. Vans - Popular sneaker brand since 1966, iconic designs and classic styles for all-day comfort.
  2. Converse - Iconic shoe brand offering a variety of styles and colors for everyday wear.
  3. Adidas - Long-time leader in sportswear and lifestyle footwear, offering quality craftmanship and modern designs.
  4. Toms - Well-known shoe brand featuring classic styles and comfortable designs for casual wear.
  5. Reebok - Fashionable athletic footwear with innovative cushioning technology for comfort and performance.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Leather Care Kit - kit containing products used to clean and protect Dr Martens leather boots and shoes.
  • Shoe Polish - color-matched polish used to give a glossy, clean finish to leather shoes.
  • Laces - thick, round-ended laces designed to fit Dr Martens classic boots.
  • Insoles - lightweight, breathable insoles designed for comfort in Dr Martens shoes.
  • Footbeds - memory foam footbeds designed to provide extra cushioning and support.
  • Boot Trees - adjustable wooden boot trees used to help maintain the shape of boots.

Common questions

  1. What sizes of Dr Martens are available? Dr Martens come in a range of sizes for both men and women, including UK sizes 3-13 for women and UK sizes 6-13 for men.
  2. What materials are Dr Martens made from? Dr Martens typically feature a leather or canvas upper, as well as an air-cushioned sole made of rubber.
  3. Are Dr Martens waterproof? Dr Martens are not waterproof, but some styles are treated with a water-resistant coating.
  4. Is there a break-in period for Dr Martens? Yes, Dr Martens typically require a break-in period of up to a week to ensure the best fit and comfort.
  5. Does Dr Martens offer customization? Yes, Dr Martens allows customers to customize their shoes with various laces, colors, and other accessories.

Trivia

One interesting story about Dr. Martens is the story of when the company was founded in 1945. The company's founder, Klaus Maertens, was an injured German Army doctor who had suffered a broken foot while skiing. He created a boot with an air-cushioned sole to help with the discomfort and mobility of his broken foot, and the boot was so successful that it quickly became popular with British workers, eventually leading to the formation of the Dr. Martens brand. This story is still a part of the company's heritage today, and it's a great reminder of the purpose of the brand - to make comfortable boots that can help people stay on their feet. Source: Dr Martens Heritage.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.