Intro:
Doc Martens has been one of the most innovative boots in history since it started its journey in 1947. It was known for its air-cushioned soles, which provide comfort and durability. Dr. Martens has seen its days from being the first choice of daily workers and older adults to musicians, punk cultures, and different individuals expressing symbols. But when we talk about hiking in our doc martens, it’s a different story. So the question is,” Are Dr. Martens good for hiking?”
The answer is technically you can wear doc martens for hiking, but actually, It’s not ideal for hiking, to be honest. Doc Martens boots aren’t designed or built for severe hiking and can be reasons for discomfort and painful experience. Hikers can end up with several blisters and sore feet. So, we will recommend wearing actual hiking boots, not doc martens.
Features of Doc Martens:
Doc Martens are basically made to use as work boots, so they are perfect for the challenging work environment. They have been best known for decades for providing outstanding level of comfort and durability. The most remarkable features are their signature air-cushioned sole, breathable leather, slip-puncture-resistant sole, etc. For more protection, the brand has some models styled with steel toes, extra-stiff metatarsal protection, and shock-absorbing soles, etc.
Defining Features of Boots that are good for hiking, and do Doc Martens qualify as a hiking boot?
When you are searching for a good pair of hiking boots, you should keep in mind certain things :
Best Fitted Size:
It’s an obvious fact that for hiking, you need the perfect fitted boots with the right shape and dimension. You need boots that fit comfortably to your feet and give enough space for wiggling your toes. But for Doc Martens, It’s a bit difficult to get the exact size for your feet as they differ in size according to their styles. As they don’t have half sizes so that means you have to buy a pair that’s either too small or too big for your feet. So the brand recommends that to get your true-to-size fit, you should size down to your closest whole size, rather than sizing up or getting an insole. Due to the shoe’s very high tops, it can be restrictive around the ankle before properly breaking in, so one can end up with blisters and discomfort.
Breathability and Comfort:
Hiking is a demanding activity, so it’s crucial to have the comforts throughout the ride. Doc Martens is made of leather, so it’s pretty breathable but can make your feet sweaty. This boot would provide comfort for short walks in terrains but not for heavy hiking. As it sometimes takes weeks to break in your docs. So, my suggestion is that you should adequately break in your docs before using them for heavy-duty so that you can enjoy your walking.
Traction & Protection:
It’s vital to wear a pair of slip-resistant boots for hiking. Doc martens have very low traction on mud and damp, slippery surfaces, making them risky in slippery places. As it has leather material, the upper portions of the boot are very durable yet lightweight but not as light as a hiking boot should be. Thanks to its insulation properties, it can keep your feet warm, well protected from outside danger.
Support:
It’s known to hiking community that hiking shoes are adequately good when they can give enough support. Arch, heel and ankle are the main parts you need support from your boots. So you need a boot that molds according to your feet and gives you the needed balance and support. Doc Martens are good for support because of their air-cushioned soles but can make your feet slip and increase the possibility of having sprains.
Flexibility:
To make your hiking boots bend with your feet, you need good flex for your boot. Very stiff and too flexible boots can both be painful and lack protection. Newer versions have been built with cushioning pockets to enhance Docs’ flex. However, Docs can’t provide enough flex for protection and can be very stiff depending on its style.
Functionality:
Doc Martens are famous for their versatility, and they always come up with new styles with fashion and comfort. Being the everyday working boots, it’s incredibly durable and useful. Their flexible fitting, breathable soft leather, rubbery air-cushioned soles, slip and puncture resistance and not to mention their steel toe features makes it a good choice for a casual walk or hike. But they can be too stiff and rough and take much pain trying to break in. They can’t provide enough support for your ankle, arch, and heel, so you can not hike in them comfortably for long or climb uphill. So for the long and heavy-duty hike, we would not recommend the stylish doc martens.
Is there any exception?
There are some models of Docs that are named and built for hiking. The Combs Tech models have featured a padded collar, air-cushioned soles, worn-in-looking leather, and a worn-in aesthetic.
Be cautious before choosing hiking boots just based on the use of the word “hiking” in their name. Not every “hiking boot” would be useful, safe, or appropriate for hiking.
Ways to make It work for Hiking in Doc Martens :
If you really want to look stylish and have no choice but to wear your fashionable docs for your long and strenuous hiking, then you have to take some actions to make them work in your favor. These hacks won’t make stylish docs into perfect hiking boots, but they can be more comfortable than before and save your life from worse. There are some safety measures and tips you can take to reduce risks and damage:
# Limit Your Hike: You should limit your hike to a short distance and on even ground. Don’t go on heavy trails and long hikes wearing docs.
# Properly Breaking the boots in: Breaking in the boots means making your boots get formed according to your feet and be flexible.Wear them till they are properly broken in. Never wear a brand new pair of shoes or boots for a hike if you don’t want to get sore feet with blisters. Wrap your Docs up in a towel and hammer at the heel and sole with a mallet to soften it up if you are in a hurry.
# Wear socks: Wear socks that go above the boot to prevent rubbing. The rugged leather rim can feel abrasive over the skin, so wearing socks would be excellent protection.
# Wear Multiple Socks: If possible, wear two or more socks for extra protection.
# Protect Blistering Areas: Find out the areas of your feet that make the most friction with your boot. Conceal them with band-aids or thick patches.
Waterproofing: Waterproof them if necessary, especially if you’re walking through snow and muddy watery tracks.
Be Updated of Weather: Doc Martens leather is not that breathable, so your feet can get sweaty and more prone to get sore and blisters, not to mention smelly. So it wouldn’t be a good idea to wear them in warmer seasons.
Change the Insoles: If you have broken in your doc or they are new, in any case changing the insole with a softer one can increase the comfort altogether.
Final thoughts on Are Doc Martens good for Hiking?
Docs are iconic fashion boots. They are good enough for everyday work and casual walks. But hiking through the forest or wilderness, in general, isn’t a good idea for them. After weighing up all of these factors, we decided that while Doc Martens aren’t the most optimal choice for hiking owing to their weight, lack of waterproofing, questionable ankle protection, and tendency to rub, they’re also not as poor a choice as hiking in jeans. For long and heavy hiking, always choose flexible, soft, and breathable soles, lightweight with complete support for your feet. If you can, it will be suggested that you invest your money in proper hiking footwear. There are many more affordable and comfortable hiking shoes on the market designed based on that specific purpose.
Comfort is key for hiking and always keep that in mind before choosing your hiking boots !!