Doc Martens: Staying Stylish in the Heartland

Back in 1998, we went on a family vacation to Europe to celebrate my brother’s graduation from high school. Buying meaningful souvenirs was important to me. One of the favorite things that I brought home was a pair of blue suede Doc Martens. I loved how those shoes looked with jeans and even wore them with a skirt or two. Sadly, after having four babies, they no longer fit the same. When I passed them along, they still looked as good as new. I trust the brand which is why I am happy to share this sponsored guest post by ShopBop with you. Hopefully you can buy a pair of these quality shoes for yourself. Maybe it’s time for me to get another pair too.

How Do Dr. Martens Fit?

Want to know more about how Dr. Martens fit and how to break them in? Keep reading because we’re going to discuss that and more!

When you think of an iconic shoe that’s stood the test of time, one of the first brands that come to mind is probably Dr. Martens. Originally created in the middle part of the 20th century for working class workmen, this designer has become a part of cultural history just as much as rock n’ roll has. Once rock bands got ahold of the original lace up black boot, it immediately became a symbol for the counterculture and fashion as a whole. When you saw someone wearing a pair of Dr. Martens, you could assume that they were not only going for a certain look, but you could tell they were a part of a rebellious generation.

Fast forward to today and Dr. Martens is so much more than just a black boot! They’ve never lost their edge, but today they appeal to a wide variety of people, all who have their own unique sense of style.

PHOTO: Courtesy of ShopBop

If you’ve been considering a Dr. Martens purchase, you may want to know a little more about them before you commit. That’s why today’s article is going to focus on:

Where to find Dr. Martens
How Dr. Martens fit + how to break them in
How long your Dr. Marens should last
What size Dr. Martens is best for you

What stores sell Dr. Martens?

There are lots of places you can pick up a great pair of Dr. Martens!

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It’s easier than you may think to get your hands on a pair of Dr. Martens. One of the first places you should check out is the official site. Here you can peruse through options for men, women, and kids, including boots, ankle boots, sandals, oxfords, loafers, mary janes, and even platform options. The prices on Dr. Martens can be high, but that’s only because you’re getting a quality product that’s made from durable materials. Each pair of boots is made with care by highly trained craftsmen, who turn it into not only a boot you can wear anywhere, but a beautiful way to express yourself through fashion.

If you’re looking for Dr. Martens at a discount, make sure you check out their sale page! There you’ll find all kinds of options that offer you the same sense of style and quality, all for less.

Another great source for Dr. Martens is Shopbop, which features both men’s and women’s shoes and boots, as well as a sale tab. Here you’ll find some amazing deals on all your favorite boot heights and shoes. If you’re looking for a particular style but don’t see it, not to worry. Just keep checking back since the inventory is always updated.

Additionally, Dr. Martens has brick and mortar stores across the U.S. in a variety of large cities. Stores like Journey’s, Nordstrom, and DSW also carry select styles of Dr. Martens. If you want to snag a pair of their boots or shoes for a deep discount, consider checking out what eBay or resale sites like Poshmark have to offer.

How do Dr Marten shoes fit?

What to expect when choosing a size!

Dr. Martens should fit true to size, but it’s always best to measure your feet first.

Dr. Martens offers only whole sizes, so if you tend to wear shoes and sandals with a half size, they recommend you size up to the next whole number for a good fit. Each Dr. Martens’ style can fit a little differently—their 1914 tall boots are probably going to fit a little differently than the Blaire leather slide sandals. The fit of women’s shoes will also be a little different from unisex sizes and men’s, which is why they recommend always measuring your foot in the sock you intend to wear with the shoe or boot. The inch measurements given are the length of the insole, and not the length of the foot intended to fit in it.
After you have your measurement, compare it to their size chart. Keep in mind that sizing up will change the length of the insole and not the width, but if you want a roomier fit, they recommend sizing up. This should give your foot more wiggle room.

Image courtesy of Shopbop.

What size Dr. Martens should I get?

According to customers, Dr. Martens are true to size. Most people find that when they order their usual size, the boots or shoes fit as expected. If you don’t like the feeling of a tight shoe or have a wider width, you may want to size up so your foot has a little more room to breathe.

How to break in Dr. Martens

One of the most important parts of turning your Dr. Martens into the most comfortable pair of shoes in your closet is breaking them in. Lots of customers state that once the boot or shoe is broken in, they’re as comfortable as their favorite pair of sneakers (well, almost). The secret is to make sure you follow a routine so your shoes are broken in correctly in the first few wears.

The Dr. Martens site has some advice for successfully breaking in your Dr. Martens every time:

Consider heel pads. These are a great ad-on to protect the sensitive skin of your heel as you break in your Dr. Martens. Just adhere to the back of the shoe where your heel meets the leather. Instead of rubbing against the inside of the shoe, your heel is protected while you break in the leather upper part of your shoe.

Use Wonder Balsam. This is sold right on the Dr. Martens’ site and is designed to condition and soften the leather. They recommend rubbing it into the inside of your boot or shoe to quicken the breaking in process.

Use socks. Most customers agree that wearing thick socks during the first couple of wears can work wonders when it comes to softening and breaking in your shoes. Pull on a pair of thick socks, or double up, when you wear your Dr. Martens for the first couple of times, either around the house or out and about. After a few times, wear the socks you normally would and see if your boots feel broken in enough.

Stretch the leather. Place a can or newspapers into the leather upper when you’re not wearing them. You can also move the shoe around when you’re at home, which will gradually soften the leather.

Don’t forget breaks. While you may want to wear your Dr. Martens 24/7, it’s crucial to take breaks. Wear them around the house first, then try wearing them outdoors (with thick socks!) to try and break them in evenly.

How long do Dr. Martens last?

With the proper care and protection, your Dr. Martens should last you for years to come!

When properly cared for, Dr. Martens can last a very long time! Because they’re constructed with high-quality materials, they’re designed from the start to last for years. That being said, you’ll get the most wear out of your boots or shoes when they’re properly cared for. Dr. Martens recommends:

Cleaning

One of the best ways to keep your Dr. Martens looking their best is with consistent cleaning. Once you’ve lived in them a little, and have some dirt and grime to show for it, it’s time for a wipe down. First take your laces out, and bang the shoes together to get rid of loose dirt. Then wipe down with a damp cloth. You should wash your laces separately, or change them out!

Now your shoes are ready for the balsam. Work in the wax all over the boot, and pay particular attention to creases, scuffs, or scratches. Let dry for 10 minutes, then re-lace.

Protecting

You can extend the life of your Dr. Martens by protecting them as well. After you’ve cleaned them, make sure to spray them with the Dr. Martens Ultra Protector. Coat the entire shoe or boot evenly, and allow to dry completely before wearing again. Doing this at least once a month will help your Dr. Martens last for years.

Weather proofing

If you tend to wear your Dr. Martens out in all kinds of weather, it might be a good idea to take advantage of weather proofing. After you’ve cleaned your boots of any excess dirt and debris, get a cloth and start to rub in Dubbin Wax all over. This creates a water resistant seal of protection. After it dries, you can spray all over with the Dr. Martens Ultra Protector.

Image courtesy of Shopbop.