Where to buy Dr Martens – the best pair for you and how to style them
DR MARTENS has grown in popularity in recent years after originally being deemed a “grunge” look.
Dr Martens are now worn all year round, yes, all year – winter to summer. From winter walks to summer festivals, many turn to Dr Martens, and not just for the iconic chunky ankle boots.
There are plenty of styles we love from Dr Martens, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and not sure where to start when shopping for a pair.
The 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots are an iconic staple and versatile enough to wear with any outfit, and for any occasion – almost.
This unisex style is uber versatile and durable, which is just one of many reasons why we think they are so popular.
Pair with jeans and chunky knitwear, or wear with a bohemian dress, similar to this popular River Island number or even with shorts and a biker jacket for a rock-chic vibe for a festival.
But of course Dr Martens not only sells boots, the footwear label also has a variety of smart shoes, as well as sandals and heeled designs.
With so many styles to choose from and retailers to head to, we have helped narrow down your search for your perfect pair of Dr Martens, or expand your existing collection.
Where to shop Dr Martens?
Dr Martens is a popular brand for men, women and kids, whether you are looking for everyday boots, work-appropriate footwear, festivals, or everything in between.
There are plenty of styles to shop, for and numerous retailers to head to also.
So if the desired style you are shopping is out of stock, don’t panic as you may be able to secure the goods elsewhere.
- Shop Dr Martens from Dr Martens – here
- Shop Dr Martens, from Schuh – here
- Shop Dr Martens, from Selfridges – here
- Shop Dr Martens, from Office – here
- Shop Dr Martens, from Flannels – here
- Shop Dr Martens, from ASOS – here
- Shop Dr Martens from Urban Outfitters – buy here
Our top Dr Martens picks
Looking to invest in a pair? We’ve compiled our top picks across boots, sandals and more.
1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots
The 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots are, in my opinion, the most iconic boots from Dr Martens.
With an overwhelmingly vast collection of boots, it can be difficult to select just one pair, but when we looked at the impressive number of reviews spanning over 8,000, it’s a huge telltale sign these are the ones to go for.
Personally, there is nothing we do not love about this timeless style.
The sturdy leather makes these extremely durable, whether worn as a work boot, for walking, to festivals or out and about.
Jadon Smooth Leather Platform Boots
If you prefer a statement boot or are looking for a little extra height in your footwear, the Jadon are the solution, as the only difference is the heel height measuring just over 5cm.
When shopping for a pair of boots a pair that is durable enough to withstand wear and tear over the years is essential, especially for the price tag, the boots are an investment piece we need to know will last.
Dr Martens has designed the boots to be not only made from strong leather but the Goodyear-welted lines are sealed at a temperature of 700˚C.
For extra strength, these boots are reinforced with welt stitch, which is exactly the reassurance we need for long-lasting, stylish and sturdy boots.
2976 Virginia Leather Chelsea Boots
I love a Chelsea boot, they are a timeless classic boot and a welcome alternative to a lace-up or zip-up design.
Chelsea Boots are super stylish and can be styled for more formal occasions, such as the office, as they are sleeker than lace-up boots.
If you are looking for a sleeker and slightly softer take on a boot, then these Chelsea boots get our seal of approval.
The round toe is timeless, while the slightly elevated platform makes these modern but also robust.
We also love the elasticated section on the ankle, which makes it easy to slip on these boots without ruining the shape of the boot or stretching the ankle area
1490 Virginia Leather High Boots
If you have long legs, or like a high-rise boot that comes further up the calf the 490 Virginia Leather High Boots need to be on your radar.
While the grain of the leather will wear, it will not show as many creases in the leather as the 1460.
Plus we need the higher length in the ankle to wear under ankle-rise jeans, as well as other designs.
1460 Pascal Suede Lace Up Boots
We like boots in different textures as they can soften a look and add an extra dimension to the simplest of outfits.
For example, in an all-black outfit, we would inject different textures to elevate the look, which is when we would pair the suede boots.
The lace-up design and high ankle length are also winning formulas when shopping for boots.
Tip: Suede can get scuffed so before wearing any suede garment I will spray with a suede protector to make them last longer and prevent stains from ruining the design.
Dr Martens’s designs come with hefty price tags, but another reason these piqued our interest is the sale price tag of £95 – saving you over £60.
VOSS II Hydro Leather Strap Sandals
The Voss II Hydro Leather Strap Sandals are a summer staple we see many wear in warmer weather, as well as some summer festivals.
Sandals often need to be worn after wearing trainers and boots all winter long, so looking for a comfortable sandal is key.
This creation is made from hydro leather, which has been described as “a smooth-to-the-touch PU-coated leather”, so rest assured our feet will not be blistered and bruised.
When shopping for sandals with a platform we need a lightweight design, after all, we will be wearing them in the summer when it’s hot as it is, but this creation has been made using a light Ziggy sole that is easy to grip and comfortable for the sole of your foot.
Clarissa II PISA Leather Strap Platform Sandals
The Clarissa II PISA sandals are stylish sandals we have been lusting after for some time, after seeing them on numerous fashion fans over the years.
We plan on wearing them with dresses, of all lengths, jeans, trousers, shorts, and everything in between.
Sandals are often flat to the ground and can hurt our feet, which is why we love a platform heel on a sandal to elevate us slightly, but also protect our limbs.
The straight cross straps across the bridge of the foot, combined with the ankle strap with buckle fastening, will ensure your feet do not slip out, which they can do on a hot summer day.
Josef Nubuck Leather Buckle Slide Sandals
Josef’s Nubuck Leather Buckle Slide Sandals look very similar to the classic Birkenstock sandals we have lived in for many summers.
The Dr Martens variation has a slight elevation on the sole, which is elevated even higher by the heel, as it provides cushioning for the sole, as well as other joints, which is crucial in my style book.
As someone with narrow feet, I look for adjustable straps to ensure my feet do not slip out of the shoe and are held in place, which this design offers.
They look great styled with jeans, skirts, dresses and shorts, and are the ultimate sole summer staple.
3989 Smooth Leather Brogue Shoes
Brogues are a popular footwear to wear for formal occasions, but for everyday wear too.
In recent months we have seen the return of the loafer for a preppy look, so if you’re looking to emulate the style a pair of trusted brogues will also help to achieve that.
I have bookmarked the brogue shoes as they are not only timeless, durable and stylish, but they can be styled with numerous outfits, from smart trousers and jeans to dresses too.
We have seen many style brogues with a bold sock, or coloured tight, even a contrasting white ankle sock showing underneath a trouser for a stylish back-to-school look.
Adrian Yellow Stitch Smooth Leather Tassel Loafers
Similar to the brogues a pair of trusted loafers will never go out of style, and make for a stylish footwear staple to compliment any look.
In recent months Hailey Bieber brought loafers back in vogue once again, and ever since we have been lusting after a pair to emulate her look paired with an oversized blazer and tights.
When we need a smart shoe and do not want to wear a boot, or heeled boots, but would prefer a flat sole, a pair of loafers is what we go to, in particular, the Adrian Yellow Stitch Smooth Leather Tassel Loafers
Polley Smooth Leather Mary Jane Shoes
Mary Janes was a hugely popular footwear style in the 1920s, again in the sixties, and once again this year.
The preppy look is super feminine when paired with a dress or skirt.
The thick sole is an iconic feature of Dr Martens’ designs, which cushions our every step to protect our limbs, but also provide some height.
The buckle fastening ensures we have a secure fit, which we think everyone prefers as you will never fear them slipping off.
Are Dr Martens true to size?
Generally, Dr Martens’ boots fit true to size, though if you are in between sizes we recommend sizing up as with boots, you are most likely to wear thicker socks underneath too.
However, the Dr Martens site has revealed some of the original styles are created for a wider foot, and sizing down may be required for styles such as the original 1460 boot.
We recommend trying before you buy to ensure you find the best fit for you.
Dr Martens has a size chart to help shoppers find their perfect fit too, which is a nifty tool you won’t want to miss.
Are Dr Martens waterproof?
Dr Martens are made from durable leather fabric, which is thick and resilient enough to withstand the elements.
The original 1460 boots are said to be the most waterproof design, though we consider almost all designs to keep your feet warm and dry in bad weather thanks to the fabric and reinforced seams.
However, we would not recommend wearing suede boots or sandals in the rain as the fabric is more delicate and can stain when wet or mud touches the material.
Are Dr Martens comfortable?
Dr Martens’ are known for standing the test of time, and everyone I know who wears Dr Martens has praised them as the most comfortable shoe brand.
Whether those pals have shopped boots or sandals, they can wear them all day long without any aches, pains, sores or blisters.
Some claim they could slip into their Dr Martens with ease and without any discomfort.
However, others have said they need to break in their Dr Martens and wear them for some time before they feel super comfortable, though when they were worn in they were the most comfortable style.
How to break in Dr Martens?
If you have bought a fresh pair of Dr Martens but need to break them in so they are softer to wear and more comfortable, there are several ways to do so.
Many suggest breaking in a new pair of shoes by wearing them indoors so you can get used to them.
Others may break their Dr Martens in by layering a variety of thick socks underneath and wearing them indoors or out and about.
Dr Martens has some extra genius hacks to share too – yes, there is a dedicated page for tips to break the footwear in.
Dr Martens experts recommend massaging the shoe to work the leather so it is softer when you slip your feet in.
Dr Martens also suggested rubbing the brand’s Wonder Balsam into the leather, on the inside, to help soften the fabric even more.
If your boots are too tight, or just too firm, you may want to stretch them.
Of course, wearing them works to stretch out the leather, but when you are not wearing your boots you can slip a can or newspaper inside to encourage the upper of the design to give a little bit.
If you find your Dr Martens rub your heels and leave you with blisters, you can fit heel grips, or sole support, inside to provide some extra protection.
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