11 Dr. Martens Outfits That Prove These Chunky Boots Are Just as Versatile as Your Favorite Sneakers (2024)

From dresses to work pants, these shoes mysteriously look good with everything.

By

Samantha Sutton

11 Dr. Martens Outfits That Prove These Chunky Boots Are Just as Versatile as Your Favorite Sneakers (1)

Samantha is InStyle's senior fashion editor. She joined the brand in 2019 and oversees the site's fashion coverage, including trend reporting, fashion exclusives, celebrity style interviews, and Fashion Week coverage.

Updated on March 9, 2022 @ 04:30PM

11 Dr. Martens Outfits That Prove These Chunky Boots Are Just as Versatile as Your Favorite Sneakers (2)

A quick scroll through your favorite influencers' Instagram feeds and you'll likely notice a little something: Dr. Martens outfits are everywhere. While these famous chunky boots are nothing new (they've actually been around since the 1940s!), they've definitely seen a resurgence in recent years. Fashion lovers are now styling them in a variety of fun, creative ways, reaching for this comfortable-cool, lug-soled shoe instead of high heels or, in some cases, sneakers.

The truth is, Dr. Martens lineup of Chelsea and combat boots is way more versatile than we originally thought. Instead of just complementing grunge or gothcore looks — two aesthetics this bulky footwear choice tends to be associated with — Dr. Martens outfit ideas are aplenty, and people are finding a way to make this shoe feel more casual, office-appropriate, and even fancy at times. These days, they're styled with everything from comfy leggings to tight mini dresses, helping to spice up simple looks and create a cool, fashion-forward statement.

Ahead, we've rounded up a few Dr. Martens outfits that are worth recreating with a pair of your own, whether your preference is the platform Jadon, the 1460 Pascal boots, or another must-have choice from the brand.

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With Blue Jeans

11 Dr. Martens Outfits That Prove These Chunky Boots Are Just as Versatile as Your Favorite Sneakers (3)

Add some flair to your well-worn basics by incorporating these chunky, statement-making shoes into your look. Even if your outfit is somewhat simple, Dr. Martens will give things a fashion-forward twist.

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With Black Bottoms

11 Dr. Martens Outfits That Prove These Chunky Boots Are Just as Versatile as Your Favorite Sneakers (4)

A darker pair of Dr. Martens will complement black bottoms, but if you're hoping for an eye-catching pop, swap 'em out for a white, printed, or colorful pair, which will provide some contrast — and a little spice. Even switching out your laces will give your look an extra dose of fun, and you'll find that a pair like the 1940s Pascal Atlas, which includes bright yellow details, is just as versatile as the original boot.

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With a Maxi Dress

11 Dr. Martens Outfits That Prove These Chunky Boots Are Just as Versatile as Your Favorite Sneakers (5)

The rugged, bulky nature of these boots will offset any ruffles or sweet floral patterns, giving a fancier design a more subtle, laid-back spin.

RELATED: Jennifer Lopez Is Correct — 2022 Is the Year of the Maxi Skirt

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With a Mini Dress

11 Dr. Martens Outfits That Prove These Chunky Boots Are Just as Versatile as Your Favorite Sneakers (6)

While night-out looks are often completed with over-the-knee styles or stilettos, Dr. Martens give things an easier, edgier feel while still providing a little bit of height.

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With Sweats

11 Dr. Martens Outfits That Prove These Chunky Boots Are Just as Versatile as Your Favorite Sneakers (7)

We'll always love our slipper-like UGGs and convenient slide sandals, but there's something about these chunky combat boots that turns loungewear into a sleeker, more intentional, and put-together ensemble.

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With Leggings

11 Dr. Martens Outfits That Prove These Chunky Boots Are Just as Versatile as Your Favorite Sneakers (8)

Embrace the '90s grunge look by styling your boots with leggings and an oversized jacket (extra points if it's flannel or a shacket). The combination is an easy and comfy outfit idea that doesn't feel boring or lazy.

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With Trousers

11 Dr. Martens Outfits That Prove These Chunky Boots Are Just as Versatile as Your Favorite Sneakers (9)

Trousers have become the happy medium between jeans and sweats, but if you're still stumped for how to style these pants in a way that's not too stuffy, slip your feet into some Dr. Martens. The contrast helps to dress them down and provide a bit of edge.

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With Shorts

11 Dr. Martens Outfits That Prove These Chunky Boots Are Just as Versatile as Your Favorite Sneakers (10)

Sandals may be the shoe choice of the summer, but it's possible to make boots work for every single season. Dr. Martens feel just as classic as your favorite denim shorts and graphic tees, which is probably why those pieces look so darn good together on warm days.

RELATED: The Controversial Graphic Tee Trend Is Back, and It Feels Like It's 2002

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With a Skirt

11 Dr. Martens Outfits That Prove These Chunky Boots Are Just as Versatile as Your Favorite Sneakers (11)

Dr. Martens boots pair well with a variety of different skirt styles, whether we're talking pleated, mid-length, ruffled, or denim. They're more rugged than a heel or loafer, providing some balance and preventing your outfit from feeling too formal.

RELATED: Since Miu Miu's Micro Mini Is Trending, Here Are 9 Pleated Skirt Outfits to Wear Now

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With Dressy Items

11 Dr. Martens Outfits That Prove These Chunky Boots Are Just as Versatile as Your Favorite Sneakers (12)

Go ahead and experiment by wearing your Dr. Martens with items that seem as if they wouldn't go, such as structured blazers, polka-dot tights, sequins, or tulle. Opposites tend to attract, especially in the fashion world, and these shoes will work to tone down over-the-top elements and make them work for everyday activities.

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With Bright or Pastel Colors

11 Dr. Martens Outfits That Prove These Chunky Boots Are Just as Versatile as Your Favorite Sneakers (13)

When it comes to black shoes, it's easy to gravitate toward darker or neutral-colored clothing, since that kind of combination easily blends together. However, styling bright or pastel colored pieces with darker footwear — much like the Dr. Martens Audrick Platform Derby — creates an unexpected mix that feels fresh and fun.

11 Dr. Martens Outfits That Prove These Chunky Boots Are Just as Versatile as Your Favorite Sneakers (2024)

FAQs

Are Doc Martens versatile? ›

Martens are so versatile, you can pair them with just about any warm weather staple: skirts, dresses, shorts, and so on. “My favorite way to style my Dr. Martens is with a very feminine outfit,” Dwyer says.

What type of person wears Dr. Martens? ›

The boots were popular among workers such as postmen, police officers and factory workers. By the later 1960s, skinheads started to wear them, "Docs" or "DMs" being the usual naming, and by the late 1970s, they were popular among scooter riders, punks, some new wave musicians, and members of other youth subcultures.

Which style of Doc Martens are the most popular? ›

If there is a most iconic pair of Dr. Martens boots, it's these: The classic 1460, which is the brand's original style.

Why are Doc Marten boots so popular? ›

Although their sole original purpose was to be comfortable and reliable footwear for postmen, police officers, and many others, Doc Martens were transformed into a symbol of counter-cultural movements, seen in almost everyone in the ___[mention specific years].

What does wearing Doc Martens mean? ›

Martens became a style icon signifying social class for white British subcultures in the first place. In the early 1960s, Dr. Martens began as typical workman's boots, originally named after the German war doctor Klaus Märtens, who was injured in the Alps and experienced the discomfort of the traditional military boot.

Why are Doc Martens so expensive? ›

Doc Martens' fashion status wasn't always guaranteed, though. After the boom in the '90s, the boots dipped out of fashion, and the company struggled, almost going bust in the early 2000s. As the industry shrank, the cost of manufacturing shoes in England also got more expensive.

Can a 50 year old woman wear Doc Martens? ›

I have worn Dr. Martens throughout my life and even though I am over 50, I don't plan on giving up on them any time soon. Honestly, you can wear Dr. Martens at any age!

What does yellow stitching on Doc Martens mean? ›

POSITION MARK

In order to defend themselves against copycats, Airwair, the company behind Dr. Martens, registered a special trademark: a so-called position mark. A position mark protects the specific way in which the trademark is applied to the product. In this case yellow stitching on the edge of the shoe.

Can you wear Doc Martens in the summer? ›

Sandals may be the shoe choice of the summer, but it's possible to make boots work for every single season. Dr. Martens feel just as classic as your favorite denim shorts and graphic tees, which is probably why those pieces look so darn good together on warm days.

How long do Dr. Martens last? ›

Dr Marten's boots are famous for their durability and many of its wearers attest to their boots lasting for up to 20 years and even longer. When properly cared for, Dr Martens boots can last a lifetime as they're made from the highest quality leather or vegan equivalent, rigorously tested to ensure their strength.

Who are Dr. Martens biggest competitors? ›

Dr Martens competitors include Vans, Converse, Crocs, Wolverine Worldwide and Timberland. Dr Martens ranks 3rd in CEO Score on Comparably vs its competitors. See below how Dr Martens compares to its competitors with CEO Rankings, Overall Culture Score, eNPS, Gender and Diversity Scores.

Are Dr. Martens still in style? ›

It should come as no surprise that the rise of '90s revival fashion has brought with it a renewed popularity for Dr. Martens boots. These classic grunge-era lace-ups are a fabulous wardrobe staple that can go with almost anything in your closet (provided you make it past the break-in period).

What are the disadvantages of Dr. Martens? ›

Dr. Marten Cons
  • High shaft.
  • Laces come undone easily.
  • Hard to resole.
  • Shapeless.
  • Doesn't fit well.
  • No shank.
  • Leather is thin.
  • Not versatile.

Are Dr. Martens as good as they used to be? ›

Sadly Dr M's workmanship and quality is not as good as it once was.” QBC from London wrote to Dr Martens, alleging: “Your production standards have dropped. The previous pair had a moulded insole that could be removed from the boot and fitted perfectly right into the toe of the boot.

How do you make Dr. Martens not hurt? ›

Double Docs Socks are designed to give you a little extra protection in key friction points, like the heel, ankle and arch. You might find they make a world of difference during those first few days.

Why do punks like Doc Martens? ›

Martens were initially popular with England's working class, they started to get picked up by Britain's skinheads. Dr. Martens suddenly became the favorite fashion of choice for followers of the underground punk music scene. Thanks to the British bands that were popular in the 60s, Dr.

How often should you wear Doc Martens? ›

Keep wearing your Doc Martens around your home for short periods of time every day. If you feel comfortable, you can increase the amount of time you wear them each time or wear your Doc Martens outside on short walks. You can also reapply the balm up to once a week.

What does pink shoelaces mean? ›

The song is about a fellow named Dooley, with whom the singer is in love, who has a strange lifestyle and an off-the-beaten-pathway fashion sense; primarily preferring to dress in "tan shoes with pink shoelaces, a polka-dot vest (...) and a big Panama with a purple hatband."

Do new Dr. Martens last? ›

Doc Martens are durable boots that can handle tough wear. As long as they are properly cared for the quality materials the boots are made with (leather and thick soles) can withstand decades of use.

Should I buy Doc Martens a size down? ›

Unfortunately, Dr. Martens aren't available in half sizes and the brand recommends that to get your true to size fit, you should size down to your closest whole size, rather than sizing up.

Who owns Doc Martens? ›

How do you wear chunky boots over 40? ›

To avoid chunky combats making your feet look huge, balance the look by wearing something long and loose up top, like an oversized sweater, tunic or loose flowy blouse. Skinny jeans can be tucked into combat boots or worn long over them, but leave cuffed jeans to the younger ones.

What is Dr. Martens target age? ›

drmartens.com Audience Demographics

Audience composition can reveal a site's current market share across various audiences. drmartens.com's audience is 39.23% male and 60.77% female. The largest age group of visitors are 25 - 34 year olds (Desktop).

Should I tuck my jeans into my Doc Martens? ›

Yes! Since Docs are bulky, tight pants elongate the legs and emphasize the shoes, making them really stand out. So tuck your skinny jeans into the boot or cuff them off at the top.

What does purple Doc Martens mean? ›

Purple: Gay Pride. Purple is a color that's been associated with the gay pride movement for many years. In the 1950s and 1960s, it was commonly used on clothing and accessories to show support for the LGBTQ community.

What color were the original Dr. Martens stitch? ›

The shoes are marked by our yellow welt stitching, and decades of subcultural heritage.

Are Doc Martens stitched or glued? ›

The boot has a Goodyear welt, which means the sole and the upper part of the boot are stitched together rather than glued together. This helps the boot last longer. The welt stitching must be undone before the outsoles can be separated.

How do you wear Doc Martens at any age? ›

If you're nervous about wearing Doc Martens over 40, start simple. Pair the shoes with jeans or leggings and a simple tee or blouse. Dress up your Docs by wearing them with nice trousers and a dressy top or blazer. If you have a longer boot, cuff your pant legs at the bottom.

Can I wear Doc Martens to a wedding? ›

So, can you wear Doc Martens to a wedding? Of course, you can, because they are ideal for casual weddings. They can add an edgy and unique touch to your outfit, especially if the wedding is outdoors and in a nice environment.

Can I wear Dr. Martens in snow? ›

Can you wear Doc Martens in the snow? Yes, you can wear Doc Martens in the snow. The traction on the sole isn't great on ice and the leather is quite thin and prone to waterlogging, so it helps to treat your boots with a waterproofing agent like mink oil and to wear a thick pair of wool socks.

Can you break in Doc Martens in a day? ›

How Long Does It Take to Break in Doc Martens Fully? For most models, the break-in time is between three and six weeks. The break-in period might take a few days to a few weeks. Applying heat treatments or wearing them with socks might help speed up the break-in process.

Can you return worn Doc Martens? ›

All returns must be processed through our returns portal and must be in their original, unworn condition, with the shoebox intact and tags attached. We recommend returning your product in the container in which it was shipped to you.

Who made Dr. Martens famous? ›

Martens were suddenly picked up by early multi-cultural, ska-loving skinheads – who proudly championed British working class style. Shortly after, Pete Townshend of The Who became the first high profile individual to wear them as a symbol of his own working class pride and rebellious attitude.

Which Dr. Martens have the highest platform? ›

The Quad Max sole stands at a towering 2.2 inches: built to make wearers feel on top of the world. A full-volume update of Dr. Martens' smash-hit Jadon silhouette, these boots are kitted out with oversized eyelets and laces with metal aglets.

Where are most Doc Martens made? ›

Made In England Originals | Boots & Shoes | Dr.

What is the difference between Doc Martens and Dr. Martens? ›

Doc Martens and Dr. Martens are the same brand.

What is the classic Dr. Martens style? ›

The 1460 is the iconic Dr. Martens silhouette and the shoe that started it all. The 1460 boots have been seen on everyone from rock stars to rappers, and the distinctive lace-up eyelets, leather construction and chunky sole remain an instantly recognizable status symbol.

Can you wear Doc Martens in the rain? ›

As you can tell by these materials, your Doc Martens—while not being overtly waterproof—are typically going to be water-resistant. This means that, unless you're buying suede, even without any leather sprays, you shouldn't have to worry about light rains, a bit of moisture, or walking through puddles.

Why is it so hard to walk in Doc Martens? ›

If the boot feels uncomfortable when you try it on, especially in the width, then it is too small. Docs will soften and stretch as you wear them in - You can check out our size guide for more information. Our Dr. Marten's Wonder Balsam is a must-have shoe care product if you own a pair of Docs.

Do podiatrists recommend Dr. Martens? ›

The Dr. Marten's Rometty boot is a great choice for many people who are having foot pain, but they are not an appropriate choice for every foot type and condition.

Are Dr. Martens good for walking? ›

Docs generally offer quite good flex, as they are made from pliable leather with soft rubber soles, and newer versions have been built with pockets of cushioning to enhance this. Some of the ultra-tough models of Docs, however, won't provide enough flex to be comfortable for hiking in.

What are unique about Dr. Martens? ›

Although famous for its footwear, Dr. Martens also makes a range of accessories – such as shoe care products, clothing, and bags. The footwear is distinguished by its air-cushioned sole (dubbed Bouncing Soles), upper shape, welted construction and yellow stitching.

Are Doc Martens real leather? ›

At DM's we have a long tradition of making leather shoes. Leather displays a unique range of physical properties and to this day, it remains our most used animal derived material.

What is the fastest way to break in Doc Martens? ›

If you want to accelerate your timeline for breaking in your Doc Marten boots, use liquid mink oil. Gently heat the boot with a hairdryer on a low setting, then drench it with mink oil and let them dry overnight. They'll be much softer and easier to wear come morning.

How do you walk in Doc Martens? ›

Wear Your Doc Martens In Intervals

Martens, take it slow and build up to being able to wear them comfortably for as long as you want. Start wearing your brand new Docs inside your house for 10- to 20-minute intervals a few times a day, and take them off once they begin to ache, as you want to avoid any blisters.

Can you wear Doc Martens with everything? ›

Can You Wear Doc Martens With Anything? Yes! As we've mentioned, Docs are versatile shoes. You can wear them with almost anything, but how you wear them is also important.

Are Doc Martens good for walking around? ›

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.

Why are Doc Martens so uncomfy? ›

If the boot feels uncomfortable when you try it on, especially in the width, then it is too small. Docs will soften and stretch as you wear them in - You can check out our size guide for more information.

Is 60 too old to wear Doc Martens? ›

Honestly, you can wear Dr. Martens at any age!

Does anyone wear Doc Martens anymore? ›

Known for its sturdy leather design and its signature yellow threading, the coveted style became a symbol for working-class and rebellious subgroups, and today, it not only reigns as a wardrobe must-have for many but it's proven to be a pop culture-meets-fashion phenomenon, too.

How long do Dr. Martens last for? ›

As the saying goes, “Docs endure forever.” Many customers testify to the longevity of their boots, for which they are renowned. With appropriate care, they may last a lifetime. Doc Martens boots are constructed from the best quality leather or vegan equivalent and are extensively tested to assure their robustness.

How long does Martens last? ›

Doc Martens last between 5 and 20 years, depending on their level of use, care and how they are stored. If the leather is properly cared for and soles replaced they could potentially last even longer. What is this?

Should I wear Doc Martens with or without socks? ›

One thing to keep in mind when breaking in your new Doc Martens is that wearing socks can help speed up the process. By wearing thick socks, you'll create a tighter fit between your foot and the shoe, which will prevent blisters and help break them in more comfortably.

How many hours to wear in Doc Martens? ›

Use balled up newspaper, tightly packed up the “leg” of the boot, and lace up your shoes tightly. Leave for 24 hours minimum, 48 hours max.

Should you buy Dr. Martens tight? ›

Martens be? Your boots should feel very snug out of the box, but not uncomfortable! Typically, you should have about a quarter of an inch (6mm) of length passed your toes. Boots will stretch and soften when worn in, but if they feel too tight when you try them on, they're too small and you need to size up.

How do you break in Dr. Martens fast? ›

Martens recommends purchasing its socks, heel pads, and balm to hasten the process. The balm is supposed to soften the leather and help them break in quicker, while the heel pads and socks will prevent blisters. The company also recommends using aluminum soda cans to stretch the uppers in place of your ankles and feet.

How long do Dr. Martens take to break in? ›

Doc Martens can take up to 3-6 weeks to fully break in. Vegan Doc Martens don't need to be broken in at all.

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