Are Doc Martens Waterproof?
Last Updated on 13/12/2021
Are Doc Martens Boots Waterproof?
Are Doc Martens waterproof? Standard leather Doc Martens are not 100% waterproof however they are water-resistant and can be improved with waterproof waxes and spray solutions. Vegan Doc Martens are less porous and considered to be more waterproof but still don’t have a waterproof lining. But there is one type of Doc Marten Boot that is fully waterproof and can be worn in the rain.
Firstly we should explain that unless we mention vegan Doc Martens specifically, we are talking about leather Doc Martens in this article.
Doc Martens have been around since 1945 and while back then they would have been considered very waterproof back in the day, today they are just resistant in comparison to modern waterproof footwear with a membrane lining. But Doc Martens now make a fully waterproof version of one of their classics.
Which Doc Martens are Waterproof?
The only Doc Martens boots we know of that are totally waterproof are Dr. Martens 1460 Waterproof Lace-Up Boots, available in men’s and women’s options. The soles are twin heat sealed to the welt which makes them impenetrable to water which is where most waterproof boots fail after lots of use.
Inside the 1460 Boots is Doc Martens proprietary waterproof membrane which works just like Goretex to remain breathable and dry. Using a thick, oily water-resistant leather known as Republic WP, rarely does your waterproof lining get tested. If we were going to wear any Doc Martens for hiking, it would most certainly be these.
How to Tell if my Doc Martens are Waterproof?
There is an easy way to tell if your Doc Martens are waterproof or not and that is to look for the small metal waterproof badge on the side of the boot. If it doesn’t have this then you can assume your doc martens are not fully waterproof.
The other way to tell is to look inside and if you can see bare leather or vegan leather then you know you have the standard Docs which are not waterproof. If you see a fabric lining then there is a chance this could be a waterproof membrane. Send us your picture if you need help identifying your docs.
What is the Difference Between Water Resistance and Waterproof Doc Martens?
Most leather and vegan Doc Martens are only water-resistant but don’t stay dry if submerged or used in wet conditions for more than an hour or two. All Doc Martens are water-resistant because they will keep your feet dry if you step in a puddle, walk in the rain, or briefly walk across some wet grass. The reason most Docs are only water-resistant and not waterproof is that they only stay dry for so long until the leather starts to soak in moisture.
Fully waterproof Doc Martens feature their own waterproof membrane known as DryWair which covers the entire inside. Waterproof Docs also showcase their innovative double heat sealed welt which creates one of the best sole seals out there. The main difference is that the waterproof Doc Martens will keep your feet dry and sacrifice some breathability.
How to Improve your Doc Martens Waterproofing
You can use most types of boot waterproofing wax or spray to make your Doc Martens more waterproof. Doc Martens Ultra Protector spray is a safe choice as it is made by the shoe company itself but we prefer to use Nikwax waterproofing wax. Use an old sock or piece of cloth to massage and work the wax into every inch of leather and stitching.
There are lots of other boot waterproofing products out there but those are the two we would recommend especially for Doc Martens.
Can I Wear Doc Martens in the Rain?
Doc Martens are perfectly fine to wear in the rain and will perform better than most non-hiking boots. Whether they are made of leather or vegan leather, Doc Martens are safe to wear in the rain. If you are hiking in the rain though, there are much better options out there from trail runners to long-distance boots.
Are Doc Martens waterproof in the rain? The short answer is that they are water-resistant which means they will repel a gentle rain shower no problem. You don’t have to worry about rain damaging any part of your boot.
Will Doc Martens Get Ruined in the Snow?
Doc Martens have an excellent grip on snow although if you spend enough time in wet conditions they will eventually soak through. That being said, if you are walking about in snow you should be good for a few hours at least before you might start to feel the moisture on your socks.
Even if they do soak through though, your Doc Martens will not get ruined or damaged if left to dry out naturally. Never dry your Doc Martens too close to a campfire or leave them next to a wood burner or radiator or you will damage the leather.
We hope we answered the questions, “are doc martens are waterproof?”, but get in touch if you want to learn more.
