Are Doc Martens Waterproof? | Let’s Find Out!

Are Doc Martens Waterproof?

What do you like the most about Doc Martens shoes? I have tried a few pairs myself, and I must say, the way it lifts the elegance of my look is remarkable. But hey, Doc Martens are very expensive, and you can’t just buy them for the appearance if you plan to use them for the long term. What else should you consider to ensure they are convenient for everyday wear?

The first question popped into my head: Are Doc Martens waterproof? Your waterproof boots tell a lot about their capability of handling harsh conditions. I researched and tried out a few DMs to talk about it from experience. So, if you have been wondering about Doc Martens being waterproof or not, you are in the right place.

Keep reading this article to know more about which Doc Martens are waterproof and how you can make Doc Martens waterproof. The tricks are super easy, and they work because I tried them!

Are Doc Martens Waterproof?

No, most of the Doc Martens boots are not waterproof because of the material. Most of the models of Dr. Martens are made of pure leather, which has a lot of pores. Water can easily seep into the shoes and damage them.

You can try to coat the outer surface of the Doc Martens using wax or waterproofing spray. This will allow them to resist water for a while if they are out in the rain. But it is still not a great idea to wear Doc Martens out in the heavy rain for a long time.

Doc Martens combat boots are incredibly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions with the help of additional wax products. Countless customers and reddit users claimed that Doc Martens kept their feet dry in light rain when they used the waterproofing technique on the boots.

I also used the waterproofing Doc Martens tricks, and they worked perfectly. But, you have to make sure you don’t make your Doc Martens stay in the rain for more than 15 to 20 minutes. Even with waterproofing wax, Doc Martens can’t resist water for that long. Also, make sure you don’t wholly immerse the Doc Martens in water. After all, they are not swimming boots!

Can Doc Martens Get Wet?

Yes, regular Doc Martens shoes can get wet since they are not designed to be waterproof boots. The porous leather lets water enter the boots if submerged in water for a long time.

This is why it is highly recommended not to get in puddles with your Doc Martens. They will not only make your expensive Dr. Martens dirty but will also ruin the material.

However, if you are a true Doc Martens fan, there are different versions of  waterproof boots of Doc Martens that are designed to withstand the rain. Let’s find out which ones!

Are Doc Martens Waterproof? | Let's Find Out!

Which Doc Martens Are Waterproof?

The material plays a significant role in making Doc Martens good waterproof shoes. Regular Doc Martens are mainly made of leather, so they are not waterproof. However, a separate line of waterproof boots from Doc Martens answers all the water-damage issues.

After the 1460 boots were first introduced, they became a hit. Sixty years later, Doc Martens had to launch the waterproof version of the 1460 boots made of proprietary DryWair material.

Don’t worry about the waterproofing feature removing breathability. The DryWair material is both waterproof and breathable. The Crazy Horse leather comes with a waterproof treatment making them resistant to water.

So, Doc Martens fans, it is time to stop worrying about all the spills, rain, and puddles!

Doc Martens Waterproof Test and Review

How can we trust something that is not tested? So, here I am with my test and review of whether or not regular Doc Martens are waterproof.

Why would we want our shoes to be waterproof? Well, of course, to withstand the rain! So that is what I did. I drizzled water all over my Doc Martens, avoiding the opening. I stuffed a few dry paper towels beforehand to see if the water seeped through the material, wetting the dry paper towels. What do you think the results were?

The paper towels were completely dry when I gently drizzled water over the Doc Martens for approximately 10 minutes.

But, hold up! Don’t get excited already. I stuffed the paper towels again, and this time I used the strong force setting to spray the water properly all over the Doc Martens for more than 20 minutes. And guess what? The paper towels were soaking in the water!

I also tried another similar pair and stuffed them with dry paper towels. This time I submerged them in water for a while to see if the towels came out dry. After 10 to 15 minutes, the results were pretty much expected. The towels were wet, and hence, you can confirm that Doc Martens shoes cannot go through harsh water conditions for a long time.

How to Make Doc Martens Waterproof?

Are you worried about ruining your favorite Doc Martens in the rain? Well, if you don’t want to go through all the hassle of buying new waterproof Doc Martens, you can always make your regular Doc Martens waterproof. And no, it is not a lot of work. In fact, waterproofing Doc Martens is very easy if you use a few simple tips and tricks!

Waterproofing your Doc Martens may not make them strong enough to withstand heavy rain or storm. But, you don’t have to worry about ruining them in light rain if you are out for a little while in the rain.

Here are a few easy techniques and you can use for waterproofing Doc Martens very quickly at home:

  • Wonder Balsam
  • Wax/Dubbin
  • Waterproof Spray

Don’t worry. We will get into the details and steps of each method.

Wonder Balsam

Wonder Balsam is great for your Doc Martens boots because it creates a strong enough layer all over the boots. It is a mixture of synthetic and natural waxes. They come with a wax container and an additional protective spray.

Are Doc Martens Waterproof? | Let's Find Out!

How to Apply Wonder Balsam on Boots?

Step 1: You don’t want your Doc Martens to be dirty when you are applying a protective layer on top of them. You have to make sure you clean them using a cloth to clean and dry the boots.

Step 2: Apply the Wonder Balsam using a sponge. Thoroughly apply it all over the boots and press it gently to fix the product. Make sure to cover all the spots without making the layer too thick.

If you feel like the product is not getting absorbed properly or that it is not getting into the stitches thoroughly, you can use the hairdryer trick.

Set your hairdryer to a warm and slow setting and blow it all over the boots after you have applied the Wonder Balsam. You will see that the product is slowly melting into the tricky corners of the boots.

Step 3: Give it 5 minutes so that the layer can properly get absorbed by the boots’ material.

Step 4: Once it is dry, check for spots that have excess Wonder Balsam. Wipe off the excess, and you are good to go!

Wax/Dubbin

Are you worried that products with chemicals might ruin your expensive Doc Martens? Well, there is a simple solution to that as well! You can use natural wax as it does not contain any harmful dye or chemicals that can ruin the leather of your boots. Using beeswax on shoes has been a thing for ages, so we can trust tradition.

If anything, wax is super hydrating that will retain the natural shine of your boots and protect them from the rain. It is a win-win!

Are Doc Martens Waterproof? | Let's Find Out!

How to Waterproof Your Doc Martens Shoes with Wax?

Step 1: Make sure your shoes are neat and clean before going on with the process.

Step 2: Apply a thin layer of wax evenly using a sponge over the shoes. Use a hairdryer to evenly distribute the wax and make it seep into the stitches. That will make the waterproofing even stronger as the wax will fill the gaps preventing any water from entering the boots.

Step 3: Since wax is thicker, you should wait for about 10 minutes to allow the wax to dry and settle. Once it is dry, you can wear them in the rain for a considerable amount of time.

Waterproofing Spray

Waterproofing spray has to be one of the easiest ways to make your Doc Martens waterproof. You don’t have to go through any trouble of product rubbing on the shoes. You can just spray it! Since the spray is a thin formula, it will easily get into the tough corners of the shoes thoroughly.

Waterproofing spray is very cheap compared to the other options. However, you have to use it more often because the layer is not long-lasting.

How to Use Waterproofing Spray on Your Doc Martens Shoes?

class=”has-inline-color”>Step 1: Clean your Doc Martens to prepare them for the spraying.

Step 2: Spray a generous layer of waterproofing spray over the shoes. Make sure you spray enough in between the stitches. Spray it evenly.

Step 3: Allow the spray to dry before you wear them. Let them sit overnight for the product to settle on the material properly.

Are Doc Martens Waterproof? | Let's Find Out!

Are Vegan Doc Martens Waterproof?

Yes, Vegan Doc Martens are definitely waterproof because of the material they are made of. The vegan Doc Martens are cruelty-free and made of synthetic material that withstands heavy rain and harsh weather conditions.

Don’t worry about the way it looks. The material does not feel like some cheap plastic at all. They almost feel like genuine leather that maintains the original aesthetic Doc Martens vibe.

Guess what? It is not just the material that makes them durable. The way they are stitched and structured also plays a huge role. If you heat leather, they are going to get ruined. This is why leather Doc Martens are sealed using just adhesive.

On the other hand, synthetic materials can easily tolerate the heat, so they are heat-sealed, leaving no room for water to seep in. Approximately 700°C heat is provided and reinforced with the classic welt stitch.

Moreover, the sole of the Doc Martens is 100% PVC making the boots slip-resistant. This feature makes the boots even more suitable for rainy days and, of course, for the snow making them good winter boot.

We are all worried about cleaning leather. But vegan Doc Martens uses easy-to-clean materials that can be cleaned using a wet wipe. Talk about convenience! You can also break into them way more quickly than leather boots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Leather Doc Martens Waterproof?

Leather Doc Martens boots are unfortunately not waterproof since the material is too porous to prevent water from getting inside the boots. This will not only make your feet wet but also ruin the boots’ material.

You can try treating your leather Doc Martens with wax or waterproofing spray using the easy methods mentioned above. This will not make the leather boots 100% waterproof but will make them able to withstand light rain for 15 to 20 minutes.

Are Doc Martens Sandals Waterproof?

If you think about the design, your feet will get wet by wearing any sandals in the rain. The straps do not cover your feet entirely.

But, if you are wondering whether or not Doc Marten sandals will get ruined in the rain, then yes, leather Doc Martens sandals are not water-resistant, and the material will get ruined if you expose them to water for a long time. However, vegan Doc Martens sandals can withstand water, but your feet will get wet anyway.

How Long Does Doc Martens Last?

Doc Martens are well known for their remarkable durability. If you take care of your Doc Martens properly, they can last for a lifetime! But, usually, they can last for 20 years or longer. The material used to make them is very high quality and durable.

Conclusion

If you read this article, you are certainly not wondering about which Doc Martens are waterproof and which ones are not. They are expensive shoes, but it could be worth it if you take care of them and wear Doc Martens on special occasions. After all, the brand speaks.

However, if you are looking for convenience at a cheaper rate, you can try out the better options.

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