Dr. Martens, often called Doc Martens or simply Docs, is an English footwear and clothing brand established in 1947. It is headquartered in Wollaston, Wellingborough, and is frequently targeted by counterfeiters.
The English footwear and clothing brand is best known for its iconic boots, made with durable leather and air-cushioned soles. Dr. Martens boots have been worn by various subcultures, from punks and rockers to mods and grungers. Today, Dr. Martens boots remain a popular fashion item among people of all ages and styles.
British footwear and clothing brand Dr. Martens is also commonly known as Doc Martens, Docs, or DMs (Credit: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock)
Where to Buy Dr. Martens
You can find the best selection of Docs at Dr. Martens’ official site, Bloomingdale’s, Zappos, Nordstrom, and Amazon.
To buy discounted Doc Martens on sale, check out Nordstrom Rack.
How do I know what size Dr. Martens to buy?
To determine your size in Dr. Martens shoes, you can follow these three steps:
1. Measure your foot
To get the most accurate measurement, stand up and wear the socks you will be wearing with the shoes.
Use a tape measure or ruler to measure the length of your foot from the tip of your longest toe to the back of your heel.
2. Consult the size chart
The size chart further down on this page will help you determine your size based on the measurement of your foot. The size chart lists the corresponding shoe size for a range of foot lengths in centimeters.
3. Consider the fit
Dr. Martens shoes are known for their generous fit, often providing ample room when you first put them on. While they typically run true to size for many individuals, it’s important to remember that the specific style you choose and the shape of your foot can also play a significant role in how well they fit.
Some people prefer to size down for a snug fit, while others prefer to size up for a more comfortable fit. If you are in between sizes or have a wide foot, it is generally recommended to size up.
Remember that shoe sizes can vary between brands and styles, so it is always a good idea to try on the shoes to ensure a proper fit before purchasing.
Shoe Size Chart - Dr. Martens
| US MEN | US WOMEN | UK | EUR | JP/CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 3 | 36 | 22 |
| 5 | 6 | 4 | 37 | 23 |
| 6 | 7 | 5 | 38 | 23.5 |
| 7 | 8 | 6 | 39 | 24.5 |
| 8 | 9 | 7 | 41 | 25.5 |
| 9 | 10 | 8 | 42 | 26 |
| 10 | 11 | 9 | 43 | 27 |
| 11 | 12 | 10 | 45 | 28 |
| 12 | 11 | 46 | 29 | |
| 13 | 12 | 47 | 29.5 | |
| 14 | 13 | 48 | ||
| 15 | 14 | 49.5 | ||
| 16 | 15 | 51 |
How Do You Break in Doc Martens Overnight?
Try not to be impatient. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to break your Docs in overnight. Luckily, there are several break-in methods to make the process as easy as possible.
1. Buy Docs in the Right Size
If your Docs feel immediately uncomfortable when you try them on, they are likely too small.
Dr. Martens fit true to size and should feel tight but not uncomfortable (Credit: Yara Last / Shutterstock)
If you are unable to try on the shoes before purchasing, you may want to consider purchasing from an online retailer that has a good return or exchange policy.
2. Thick Socks
Wear thick socks to protect your feet from rubbing and pinching.
Wear the thickest sock you have when trying out your new Dr. Martens boots for the first time (Credit: Andersphoto / Shutterstock)
In addition to preventing blisters, the socks will push the leather outwards and make your boots more comfortable.
3. Ease Yourself In
Start by wearing your boots for just a few minutes or hours to let your boots start molding your feet. Try wearing them at home the first few times while paying close attention to how your feet feel.
4. Remove Inner Sole
If your boots feel too tight for comfort over the top of your foot, try removing the extra inner sole. You may put it back once you’ve broken in your shoes.
5. Balsam Works Wonders
Rub a small amount of Wonder Balsam from Dr. Martens ($12 on Amazon) on the inside of your boot to help soften the leather.
You can also bend the leather of your boots back and forth with your hands. This will help to loosen up the leather and make it more comfortable.
Doc Martens Questions & Answers
| What are the original Dr Martens? | The first Dr. Martens boots came out on April 1, 1960. Featuring an eight-eyelet cherry red coloured smooth leather design, the style was called 1460 and is still in production today. |
|---|---|
| Are Dr Martens true to size? | Yes, but you may want to order half a size up to accommodate a thicker winter sock. |
| Are Doc Martens expensive? | The prices of Doc Martens typically range from around $150 to $200 or more for a pair of their classic leather boots, which are among their most popular and iconic styles. |
| How long do Dr Martens last? | They are famous for their durability and last a lifetime if properly cared for. |
| Do Doc Martens come with lifetime warranty? | No, the lifetime guarantee was discontinued on March 27, 2018. |
| Are Doc Martens still made in England? | Dr. Martens still produces some of their footwear in England, specifically in their Northamptonshire factory. This factory, located in Wollaston, England, has a long history of producing high-quality footwear, including the iconic 1460 boots. The "Made in England" line of Dr. Martens products is known for its craftsmanship and heritage. |
| Is there a difference between Doc Martens and Dr Martens? | "Doc Martens" and "Dr. Martens" refer to the same footwear brand. "Dr. Martens" is the official and correct name of the brand, but it is commonly abbreviated and pronounced as "Doc Martens" or even "Docs" in informal conversation. |
Jessica Alba Makes Sheer Maxi Dress Look Professional With Dr. Martens Boots
Before looking professional and polished in jeans and flats, Jessica Alba was spotted sporting a sheer maxi dress paired with classic Dr. Martens boots.
Jessica Alba wears House of Harlow 1960 Carmen sunglasses with a black scarf (Credit: WENN)
She wore the combo with a black scarf, a slouchy blazer in the same color, and a black tote.
Jessica Alba confidently rocked a sheer maxi dress paired with classic Dr. Martens boots (Credit: WENN)
It was a very laid-back look and probably not her usual style, but with Jessica being, well, Jessica, she managed to pull it off well enough. Check out the celebrity mom’s outfit below, and tell us if you agree.
Jessica Alba wearing Dr. Martens boots with a super sheer dress while heading to an office building in Los Angeles on May 21, 2014 (Credit: WENN)
Well, any thoughts? Is it a hit or a miss for Ms. Alba?
You know what? We think she looked alright. What’s interesting about this particular outfit is how she dressed it up to make it appropriate enough for a meeting.
If you remove the topper and neck warmer, the outfit would have been like your usual maxi and boots combo — grunge, boho, nothing new, and certainly not appropriate for a business-related chit-chat. With the add-ons, however, it’s a whole different story. We think it’s a copy-worthy look.
Jessica’s Dr. Martens boots are the “1460.” This style comes in many color and material variations. They’re crafted from leather inside and out and feature 6-inch-tall shafts. The rubber soles on these shoes are 1.25 inches thick, so they are slightly chunky.
You can easily score a pair online if you don’t have one in your closet. They’re what you call classics — much like Converse Chucks.
Dr. Martens “1460” Boots in Smooth Leather, $130
To copy Jessica’s style, you need a sheer maxi dress or at least a dress with a slit detail that goes all the way up to your thigh.
Wear the maxi with your Docs, and top off the combo with a black circle scarf and a blazer that isn’t too structured yet still corporate-looking (don’t forget to fold the sleeves up to your elbows).
Complete the mix with dark sunnies and a matching purse. To give you an idea, check out the mishmash we put together using two different dresses:
Dress (left): Free People Morrocan Print Dress / Dress (right): Flynn Skye Kennedy Maxi Dress / Purse: Dooney & Burke Bristol Satchel / Scarf: Tasha Two Timer Infinity / Eyewear: Icon 55 mm Metal Accent Sunglasses / Jacket: Topshop Crepe Bomber Blazer