Doc Martens are not just some huge boots. They are one of the most well-known shoes that simply define class. If you have thought about treating yourself with some posh shoes, Doc Martens crossed your mind!
If I have to be honest, I must say that I was a tiny bit skeptical when I thought about buying a pair of Doc Martens for myself. Is it going to be worth it? Will they even look good? Are they going to blend with different looks? That is when I started researching Doc Martens and everything about their ins and outs.
If you have a curious my like me, you are in for a treat! This article has everything you need to know about Doc Martens and their styles of shoes. So, what are you waiting for? Dig in!
What Are Doc Martens?
Let’s assume you don’t have any bit of a clue about what are Doc Martens. Before getting into the details, I will enlighten you about them.
In simple words, Doc Martens is a British brand. This brand represents clothing and footwear. You can also call them Docs or DMs, but their official name is Dr. Martens.
Where is Doc Martens located? Well, their headquarters are in Wollaston. It is in Northamptonshire, England. Their design studio is located in Camden Town.
Doc Martens produce a lot of stuff that includes clothing and shoe care as well as accessories like bags. However, they are mainly famous for their incredibly sleek shoes. Their company is even listed on the London Stock Exchange, and they are part of the FTSE 250 Index.
The History Of Doc Martens
The history of Doc Martens is pretty interesting. The shoes were first made by Klaus Märtens, a doctor in Germany’s army when World War II was going on. In 1945, he got an injured ankle, and the army shoes were way too uncomfortable for him in that condition. During his recovery, a brilliant idea struck into his head!
He customized his regular army boots by adding soft leather and air-padded soles. He did this using tires. After the end of the war, he collected more leather to make shoes like that for himself. Unfortunately, he did not have much luck in selling them.
But, guess what? He met his friend Herbert Funck in 1947, who helped him do a business out of this shoemaking. His friend was excited about the unique design and immediately started a business that same year in Seeshaupt of Germany.
They used abandoned rubber and shaped them using molds. In no time, the shoes were a hit! Homemakers in that time loved the idea of soft soles. 80% of their sales were to women aged 40 or more in the first decade.
They had so much success in selling the shoes by 1952 that they decided to open a factory in Munich. By 1959, it was time for the buddies to take the marketing to an international level seeing their exponential growth.
Right at that time, R. Briggs Group Ltd. Bought the rights to produce the shoes in the UK. Griggs improved the shoe design by reshaping the heel and adding the signature yellow stitching. He also labeled the soles as AirWair and finally named the shoes “Dr. Martens.”
By the end of the 1970s, Doc Martens gained significant popularity among the workers, musicians, scooter riders, etc.
Things changed. In 2003, it started becoming challenging for Doc Martens to continue because of coming close to bankruptcy. The company had to stop making shoes in the UK and transfer all the production to Thailand and China. The sales were reduced by half.
However, they started smartly strategizing their production to increase the target audience, especially the youth. By the year 2010, Doc Martens were growing again with popularity. This resulted in them being known as the 8th fastest growing British company in 2012. And guess what? The sales have been going pretty great for the DMs since then.
What Are Doc Martens Made Of?
Doc Martens use different materials for different models of their shoes. The majority of the models use real leather textured differently according to the style. Some are grainy, while others are smooth and polished.
But, wait up. Are you a vegan? Well, no worries at all. Doc Martens introduced a 100% vegan line of shoes made of synthetic fabric, generally plastic.
Doc Martens avoid using fur or any material from exotic animals. They do use wool and leather from sheep that are non-mulesed.
Different Styles Of Doc Martens
Have you seen the different collections and styles of the Doc Martens? The number of options is insane! They are available in various types for every event. To make the purchase a bit simpler for you, here are some best sellers of Doc Martens you can buy from to get the best ones for your DMs collection.
Ankle Boots
Lace-Up Boots
Jadon Pisa Leather Platform Boots
Jadon Pisa Leather Platform Boots are one of their most popular shoes with 100% leather on the upper part. They are black-colored with the signature yellow stitching and the heel loop. Wear them with your black jeans, and you are ready to rock the winter look.
Jadon Smooth Leather Platform Boots
Looking for something sleek? Try Jadon Smooth Leather Platform Boots with polished leather. They are an enthusiastic and updated version of the 8-eye boots. You can find them in black and white colors. I love the white ones because they pop up on your look and are aesthetically shiny.
1460 Pascal Bex Leather Lace Up Boots
1460 Pascal Bex Leather Lace Up Boots were made to celebrate 60 years of Doc Martens. They have the signature yellow stitching along with yellow and black heel loop and AirWair eyelets.
The highly pigmented waxy texture makes it very easy to clean the boots. What I like about these boots are the stacked bex soles giving them a unique style.
Audrik Nappa Leather Platform Ankle Boots
Guess what? The Audrik Nappa Leather Platform Ankle Boots are here with their lightweight shoes, making them eligible to wear regularly. The black boots amazingly compliment baggy pants or red jeans.
They are made of classic Nappa leather, and their DMS treads add to the vibe. The signature heel-loop and yellow stitching are present to make them the classic DMs.
Chelsea Boots
2976 Warmwair Leather Chelsea Boots
Rock the winter look by trying out 2976 Warmwair Leather Chelsea Boots! They are designed to provide you with the utmost warmth with fleece lining and fleece-lined socks. Their material is waxy full-grain, and, of course, they have the signature DNA mark and the yellow stitching.
These fur-lined boots are a bit narrow fitting to hug your feet perfectly. You should be careful about the sizing if you have wide feet.
2976 Faux Fur Lined Platform Boots
They are the original Chelsea boots with some improvement to be perfect for winter. The fur lining is soft and warm. The brown boots look stunning with navy blue jeans.
The water-resistant leather and the scripted heel-loop are what complement the whole design.
Rometty Faux Fur Leather Chelsea Boots
These boots are made of soft full-grain aniline leather with an oily touch. This material in black looks gorgeous, and the fur lining is just the cherry on top. If you wear them, you will instantly feel the air-cushioned soles making your feet feel super comfy. What more do we need to go through the winter?
Well, these boots indeed have more to offer. The signature heel-loop and the water-resistant leather add to the convenience and style.
Canvas Shoes and Boots
Rozarya Women’s Canvas Casual Boots
These street-style boots are not only fashionable but also very convenient. Their padded collar and rubber sole make them exceptionally comfortable. They are the classic 7-eye made of 10oz fine canvas.
They are available in black and maroon with the signature yellow stitch and heel-loop, making them classic DMs.
Cairo Canvas Chukka Boots
The 10oz canvas that is finely woven enhances the value of Cairo Canvas Chukka Boots. You can have the signature yellow stitching to flaunt your original DMs, and you get additional comfort from the air-cushioned soles.
Durability should not be a matter of worrying because these boots are cemented and rugged. They are lightweight and easy to wear. What else do you need?
Chelsea Boots
2976 Yellow Stitch Smooth Leather Chelsea Boots
These unisex boots have durable leather with a soft shine added to the texture. They have a secure fit, but that does not compromise comfort. You can quickly wear them and take them off because of the commendable elastic ankle gusset.
They are available in black and white, along with the signature yellow stitch and scripted heel-loop. The air-cushioned soles make them wearable for a long time.
2976 Women’s Faux Fur Lined Chelsea Boots
These are very similar to the Leonore Chelsea Boots, but they made it winter-friendly. The iconic white fur lining accentuates the winter style, and the smooth grainy texture of the shoes makes them look more stylish.
You can wear them with any winter outfit because of the faux fur. They are a bit heavy but will keep your feet warm throughout the whole time if worn.
2976 Crazy Horse Leather Chelsea Boots
These boots are one of the versions of 2976 Chelsea Boots. These are made with distressed and heavy Crazy Horse leather. They are very easy to put on and off because of the elastic gusset.
These brown boots are slip-resistant and have visible stitching. Great for wearing in harsh conditions because of the secured fit!
Heels
Lace-Up Boots
Leona Women’s Vintage Smooth Leather Heeled Boots
Heels and vintage? That is a killer combination if it is for Doc Martens. Leona Women’s Vintage Smooth Leather Heeled Boots are specially designed to celebrate femininity and empowerment equally.
The boots have chunky heels and rugged features to give them a tough look. They are made of a retro version of the smooth leather, adding a hint of grainy texture. The brass tunnel eyelets are my favorite in these boots, and they would look incredible with black jeans.
Chelsea Boots
Rometty Women’s Leather Platform Chelsea Boots
These boots are specially made with Burnished Wyoming. It is a special leather with a grainy and oily texture. The toes are darkened, and the commando treads pattern makes them excellent to balance in heels.
Platform soles make the boots very comfortable to wear. You can wear them with shorts, and you are ready for a unique look.
Mary Jane Shoes
8065 Smooth Leather Mary Jane Shoes
The 8065 collection was a hit back in the 80s among women. The combination of rugged AirWair soles and the signature T-bar fastening looks impressive on these black and white shoes.
They are made of durable, smooth leather that has a classic shine. You can also scuff them up artificially if you want. The yellow stitch makes them classic DMs.
Polley Smooth Leather Mary Janes
This one is made of the same material as the 8065 Mary Janes– stiff, smooth leather. The design, however, is perfect for grade school girls. They are comfy because of the air-cushioned soles, and their non-slip feature makes them even more worthwhile. If interested, you can check our article, how to tell if shoes are non slip?
Patent Leather Boots and Shoes
Lace-Up Boots
1460 Women’s Patent Leather Lace Up Boots
Let’s talk about the summer looks. What else can be better than leather shoes with patent effect?
These DMs have a unique gloss to their upper portion, and they are available in four beautiful colors– black, white, pale pink, and purple. The classic yellow stitch and the scripted heel-loop add value and class.
You can try them on with dresses, jeans and anything else you want. They look good with everything!
Oxford Shoes
The Oxford shoes of the DMs collection are one of the most easy-to-wear and comfortable pairs of shoes. They have cushioned soles and are not very bulky. You can easily slip on them, and you are good to go!
Are you wondering about the sizing of the Oxford shoes? Well, you don’t have to worry at all. Doc Martens Oxford Shoes run true to size, and you can easily break into them within a few times of wearing.
The following style of Oxford Shoes is one of the best sellers of Doc Martens and is loved by the customers.
1461 Women’s Patent Leather Oxford Shoes
They are very similar to the 1460 Patent lace-up boots, but they are not above the ankle. They are beautiful glossy patent shoes available in black, white, and pale pink that you can wear matching with your outfits and make a statement in the summer look.
Utility Boots
Lace-Up Boots
Tarik Utility Boots
Tarik Utility Boots are loved for their hiker-inspired laces. They are made of 50% recycled plastic and extra-strong nylon. Are they comfortable? They are comfy because of the SoftWair insole!
They are available in black and gunmetal colors which would look superb with your casual outfits.
Chelsea Boots
Tempesta Men’s Canvas Casual Chelsea Boots
This is a lightweight version of the original Chelsea boots. They are made of finely woven lightweight canvas, and it is very easy to walk in them. The lightweight surely does not affect the durability because the material is tough and long-lasting.
The yellow stitching and the yellow and black heel loop are signature DMs features, making the boots a great choice for casual events.
Zip-Up Boots and Shoes
Olson Zipped Leather Strap Sandals
Are you looking for something unique? If yes, Olson Zipped Leather Strap Sandals have to be the right ones for you! They are made of super comfy pebbled leather and are reinforced with Docs DNA. But, hey! Let’s talk about the design.
The shoes are highly bold with the gladiator-style top and the front zip. You can also see the buckles that look amazing with both black and white colors.
1460 Women’s Pascal Nappa Zipper Boots
The original Doc Martens boots mainly inspired this beautiful pair. They have the signature features– air-cushioned soles with grooved edges, yellow stitching, heel loop, and of course, the 8-eye.
You can fasten the boots with the additional zipper and the removable laces. The leather they are made of is lightweight, soft, and milled so that the wear is incredibly comfortable. You can appreciate the luxury of the boots just by touching them. They feel super soft like butter!
Some of my favorite styles include–
8053 Leather Platform Casual Shoes
I love this pair because it is easy to slip on the shoes and get a put-together look. They are made of the classic DMs leather but smoothed out to give a gorgeous shine.
The cushioned soles and padded collars made them my favorite because I can wear them all day without facing any discomfort. These black shoes look stunning with both formal and casual looks.
Adrian Smooth Leather Tassel Loafers
These shoes are made of tough and polished leather that adds a gloss to the surface. These unisex loafers are very easy to slip on, and their lightweight makes them comfortable to wear. I love the tassels on top that give them a unique vibe.
These signature DMs have been popular since the very beginning because of their extraordinary durability and, of course, the signature DNA features.
1460 Vonda Mono Women’s Floral Boots
I have seen a lot of women wear these chic floral boots, and I have just fallen in love with the looks. The black boots have black floral embroidery on the sides. This style is inspired by the 1914 14-eye Vonda and looks divine with floral skirts.
The material is lightweight leather with a soft and grainy texture. If you look closely, you can see how detailed the embroidered design is.
1460 Vintage Made In England Lace Up Boots
These boots are surely an example of delicacy. The cobblers of their Northamptonshire factory specially handcraft them. These boots are also made with the rare and original Doc Martens leather. The texture has a matt finish, and as it gets older, it gets better.
These shoes also have non-slip and air-cushioned soles. I love the red ones as the color pops in the entire look, but black ones are just as good.
Colors Of Doc Martens
Doc Martens are available in a lot of different colors. If you are confused about choosing the right one for you, read this section. Here are some popular colors to choose from if you are buying DMs.
White Doc Martens
White Doc Martens are certainly my favorites. The black laces and soles with the iconic yellow stitch bring out the chic vibe in them.
Do you know the best part about them? They are unisex and can be worn with any outfit. Women can wear them with jeans, or short skirts and men can wear them with jackets or shirts. It goes with everything!
Black Doc Martens
We don’t have to mention how elegant the color black is. And Doc Martens in black? What else can be cooler? I wear my black DMs with my denim jackets and black trench coats. It looks great during the day as it pops in the entire outfit.
Brown Doc Martens
I don’t prefer the dull brown DMs. They look great, but I prefer something that does not hide in the look. On the other hand, the smooth polished brown Doc Martens are my go-to shoes when I wear camo printed shirts or blue pants.
Pink Doc Martens
People may think that pink DMs are for women. But, for the thousandth time, pink is not just for women. Anyone can wear them paired with the right clothes.
I love wearing my pink DMs with all-white outfits. It also looks stunning on women with floral printed dresses. It is a calming color that can blend in well with summer looks.
Doc Martens Red
I don’t know about you, but I believe red is the sassiest color for shoes out there. It looks great with black or any other colored clothes, and you can wear them for both day and night time occasions.
The shiny red Doc Martens will look gorgeous if you wear black sunglasses. It completes the look with the utmost elegance!
Green Doc Martens
Green can be a tricky color in terms of shoes. I don’t prefer wearing green Doc Martens, but the pastel green ones may look good with sky blue jeans.
Collaboration
After gaining a significant amount of popularity, Doc Martens successfully collaborated with many famous brands, people, and their work. Here are a few of them that were super popular and sold out immediately.
Dr. Martens x Keith Haring
This iconic collaboration was a gesture of tribute to the legendary artwork of Keith Haring. The 1461 shoes are the original DMs printed with Keith Haring’s artwork. Smooth leather is used to make them and lace charms to add a funky vibe.
This collaboration also made kids’ boots. They are the black 1460 boots with Keith Haring’s classic bat print and a dog charm on the laces.
Dr. Martens x Joy Division
This collaboration is one of the most beautiful ones to celebrate Britain’s musical legacy. This collaboration made three different styles of shoes inspired by the three exceptional covers – Unknown Pleasure, Technique, and Power, Corruption, and Lies.
I must say, this collaboration with Joy Division and New Order has to be one of the most aesthetic collaborations ever done by the DMs. The different prints on the shoes resembling the respective album covers are pleasing to the eyes.
Dr. Martens x Lazy Oaf
The epic collaboration of Doc Martens with Lazy Oaf has been such a success that they have collaborated more than four times. Incredibly unique designs came out of this collaboration that sold out immediately after the launch!
Combining Doc Martens black Pisa leather and the signature illustrations of Lazy Oaf, exceptional shoes like 1461 Bex Lo, Sinclair Lazy Oaf, etc., were made.
Dr. Martens x Museum Collection
Trust me, this collaboration could not get any more artistic. The entire line of shoes that came out of the collaboration of the DMs with Museum Collection is just elegant. It feels like their shoes are canvases filled with extraordinary artworks from ancient artists like Bosch and William Blake.
If you look closely at different shoes of this line, you can see how each design and pattern of paintings has a different story to tell.
Dr. Martens x Marc Jacobs
This collaboration is simply beautiful because of the thoughtful designs of the two shoes. The popular subcultures of the 90s inspired it.
Doc Martens’ collaboration with Heaven by Marc Jacobs resulted in two beautiful pairs– Audrick Daisy Boots and Audrick Tartan Shoes. Both shoes have daisy eyelets and teddy charms with double heads.
But, do you know the interesting part? The Daisy printed boots have a Tartan pattern on the inside, and the Tartan printed shoes have Daisy printed on the inside. Both shoes are interlinked, which enhances the beauty of the concept.
Dr. Martens x Jean-Michel Basquiat
What a phenomenal artist Jean-Michel Basquiat was! His chaotic and colorful artwork made its way all over the different walls and the subways of New York. As a tribute, this collaboration was done by Doc Martens, producing some fantastic boots, shoes, and backpacks.
The 1460 boots have Basquiat’s ‘Untitled’ printed from 1982 over the sock liner and the quarters. The 1461 shoes display his ‘Pez Dispenser’ from 1984. It is a dinosaur printed on the sides of the Smooth leather shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Doc Martens so expensive?
Doc Martens are expensive for several valid reasons. We know the primary reasons: the exceptional durability and comfort they offer. Their soles are so strong that you can wear the DMs all seasons without expecting any damage. Even if they get damaged to some extent, you can always repair your Doc Martens.
Other reasons also include their popularity since the very beginning of the brand. They have maintained their integrity and a ton of variety is available now, making them even more in-demand to the people.
How often do Doc Martens restock?
According to the official website of Doc Martens, they often restock their items. However, they recommend you place an order for your desired product as quickly as possible to avoid missing out on any product. Doc Martens have a considerable demand and tend to sell out fast.
How long does Doc Martens take to ship?
The items can take from 3 to 7 days to be shipped after the order date. You will receive an email to track your order once the item has been dispatched.
What is the difference between Doc Martens Pascal vs 1460?
We have an article on Doc Martens Pascal vs 1460. You can check it out.
When was Doc Martens first popular?
Doc Martens gained a huge amount of popularity after the late 1960s when skinheads started to wear them frequently. Later in the 1970s, they also gained popularity among the musicians, punks, scooter riders, and other young members of subcultures.
How to return Doc Martens?
You can return your Doc Martens in three simple steps. At first, you have to create a return label using a link from their official website. You have to pack the item and add the label to the packaging. Find the nearest UPS location and drop off the package.
What is the difference between Doc Martens Zavala and 1460?
We have an article on Doc Martens Zavala vs 1460. You can check it out.
What is the difference between Doc Martens Sinclair and Jadon?
We have written an article on Doc Martens Sinclair vs Jadon. Please go through it.
Are Doc Martens vegan?
Not all Doc Martens are vegan. Doc Martens use wool and leather from sheep without mulesing. However, Doc Martens has a vegan line that makes the shoes without animal material.
Are Doc Martens steel toe?
If you wonder that whether or not all Doc Martens have steel toe caps, then no. All Doc Martens do not necessarily have a steel toe. Many models have different toe caps like alloy and composite toe, and steel toe caps are also one of them.
Are Doc Martens made in China?
Doc Martens is a British brand, but the manufacturing is not limited to the UK. They are also manufactured in Thailand and China.
Are Zavala Doc Martens real leather?
The Zavala Doc Martens use rubber sole. If you wonder whether the leather used is real or not, then yes. The leather used on the upper portion of the Zavala Doc Martens is genuine and smoothed out.
Do Doc Martens Add Height?
Doc Martens add height to some extent. You can check our article on this.
When do Doc Martens go on sale?
Yes, Doc Martens go on sale during special occasions like Black Friday and Christmas. All you have to do is keep an eye on their website and pages to stay informed about their sales announcements.
Do Doc Martens have a warranty?
Doc Martens do offer a one-year warranty for items if the product displays any type of manufacturing defect. After this one year, no warranty related to the product will remain valid.
Are Doc Martens racist?
Doc Martens posted their message against racism and supported their black colleagues and other people in the community. They even shared a huge amount of funds from the Doc Martens Foundation to the anti-racism charities. This surely speaks loud and clear that Doc Martens are not racist.
Are Doc Martens unisex?
If you visit the official website of Doc Martens, you will see different styles of shoes available for men and women in slightly different versions. But, don’t you worry. Doc Martens shoes are for everyone, and you can choose whatever style you prefer irrespective of your gender!
However, be careful about the sizing. The sizes available for women are a bit narrower than that of men. Just alter the size accordingly, and you are good to go.
Do Doc Martens Hurt Ankles?
Doc Martens may hurt your ankles if not worn properly.
Is Doc Martens with Shorts a Good Idea?
Please check our article Can You Wear Doc Martens with Shorts?
What is the Difference between Dr Martens 1490 and 1460?
You can read our article Dr Martens 1490 vs 1460 to know more.
What is the average weight of Doc Martens?
Please check our article on Doc Martens weight.
Conclusion
What do you think about Doc Martens? You must be wanting to own a pair if you don’t already. Because let’s be real, the varieties and interesting styles are simply irresistible! This was all you needed to know about the classic DMs and their ins and outs. But still, there are many questions that need to be answered. You will find the answers of many of your queries like whether Doc Martens are good for snow or not, how long they last, boots like Doc Martens, how do Doc Martens fit, Why do Doc Martens squeak, is it okay to skate in Doc Martens, whether it is okay for guys to wear Doc Martens, what is the difference between Doc Martens Jadon vs Molly or Doc Martens 1460 vs Jadon, etc.
If you are wondering about spending on Docs, just do it. It will be an excellent investment in terms of the amazing look you will be getting by wearing the beautiful shoes.