Launched in 1960, Dr Martens has become a true British success story and is now famous the world over.
Instantly recognizable by the distinctive yellow welt stitch around the soles, the range of shoes and boots is now available in more designs and colours than ever.
Wondering how to style Doc Martens? Read on for the full guide or use the quick links below to jump directly to each section:
- How To Wear Dr Martens With Jeans
- How To Wear Dr Martens With Shorts
- How To Wear Dr Martens With Chinos
- Men's Dr Martens Street Style Outfits
- Men's Dr Martens Work Outfits
- Most Popular Dr Martens Styles For Men
- Looking After Your Dr Martens
How To Wear Dr Martens With Jeans
Switch up your off-duty style by swapping trainers for a pair of Dr Martens to instantly add attitude to your downtime outfits. Checkout the ideas below to discover how to wear Dr Martens with all the jeans you own.
Wearing Dr Martens With Black Jeans
![How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (1) How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (1)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Dr Martens 1460 boots were the original style launched by the brand in 1960 and add a vintage feel to any outfit. They look especially good in red, teamed up with distressed black jeans and plain tee. Add a black leather biker jacket to complete the look.
Wearing Dr Martens With Blue Jeans
![How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (2) How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (2)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Dr Martens and blue jeans is an easy look just about anyone can pull off, but to elevate your outfit to the next level you should look at the different boot styles on offer. The outfit above features Dr Martens Capper boots, which are more of a work boot style, and when combined with a check shirt create a rough 'n' ready look for downtime days.
Wearing Dr Martens With Cropped Jeans
![How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (3) How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (3)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
If you're planning on wearing Doc Martens with cropped jeans, always choose shoes over boots so there’s a bit of ankle on display. Distressed detailing on the denim adds further interest to the outfit and the addition of a denim jacket layered over a hoodie results in the perfect street style look.
Wearing Dr Martens With Skinny Jeans
![How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (4) How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (4)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Wearing Doc Marten boots with skinny jeans has become one of the biggest trends in recent years. Opt for red boots with black jeans and black boots with blue jeans to keep the focus on your Dr Martens. Then add oversized cable knit jumpers or longline tees for multiple outfit options.
How To Wear Dr Martens With Shorts
Get inspiration for the warmer months with these outfits for Doc Martens with shorts. These looks aren't easy for everyone to pull off, but if you can they'll see you through this summer and many beyond.
Wearing Dr Martens Boots With Shorts
![How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (5) How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (5)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Shoes are generally easy to style with shorts, but Doc Marten boots can work if you opt for 1470 or 101 styles over the taller 1490 boots. The outfit above works street style trends to the max, but can be pulled back by switching the cropped sweater for a regular fit.
Wearing Dr Martens Shoes With Shorts
![How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (6) How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (6)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Dr Martens shoes look great with tailored chino shorts, instantly giving an edgier look than standard summer loafers or boat shoes. Make sure you ditch the socks and keep the rest of the outfit simple with a simple white t-shirt and plus your favourite sunnies.
How To Wear Dr Martens With Chinos
![How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (7) How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (7)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
A favourite off-duty look for A-listers worldwide, the chinos and Dr Martens combo is a classic one that's not going anywhere soon. Bring the look bang up to date by wearing with a denim chambray shirt and layer with a fur-trimmed parka when the temperature drops.
Dr Martens Street Style Outfits
Keep your street style seriously on point with these effortlessly cool Dr Martens outfits. They won't be for everyone but if you want to stand out from the crowd, here's how to do it with your DMs.
Dr Martens Boots Street Style
![How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (8) How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (8)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Featuring the less common Dr Martens 101 boots, the outfit above shows how breaking the rules isn't always a bad thing. The brown mac goes brilliantly well with the black boots and jeans, while the white shirt brings the outfit together.
Dr Martens Shoes Street Style
![How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (9) How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (9)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Refine your street style by swapping your pristine white trainers for a pair of Dr Martens 1461 shoes and you won't be disappointed. This outfit will work for a range of occasions by just changing the t-shirt for a shirt or jumper and the varsity jacket for an overcoat.
Dr Martens Work Outfits
Checkout the outfits below for 9-5 style inspiration, showing how to incorporate Dr Martens shoes into your workwear wardrobe. That's right – the brand doesn't just make boots and there are some seriously smart shoe styles available.
Wearing Dr Martens With A Suit
![How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (10) How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (10)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Dr Martens 3989 brogues have become a firm favourite for wearing with suits. Constructed using the traditional Goodyear welt technique, they'll survive the pounding of your daily commute and keep you looking sharp in the process. The outfit above is deceptively simple, showing just how well a turtleneck can work with a suit instead of a shirt.
Wearing Dr Martens With Cropped Smart Trousers
![How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (11) How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (11)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
If you're wearing cropped trousers it's best to go for a statement shoe as the eye is drawn to that area – enter iconic Dr Martens shoes. This look is all about standing out from the office crowd, bringing in the best pieces from your capsule wardrobe for a sophisticated 9-5 outfit.
Wearing Dr Martens With Black Chinos
![How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (12) How To Wear Dr Martens - Men's Outfit Tips & Style Advice (12)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Black chinos offer a work-friendly alternative to black jeans and will go with all shirts in your wardrobe. Pair with Dr Martens 1461 shoes for a timeless look and layer with a pea coat to keep stylishly warm during your daily commute.
Most Popular Styles of Dr Martens for Men
Dr Martens 1460 Boots
+ Wear with: denim, beige chinos
Dr Martens 101 Boots
+ Wear with: shorts, skinny trousers
Dr Martens 1490 Boots
+ Wear with: distressed denim
Dr Martens Capper Boots
+ Wear with: slim fit jeans
Dr Martens 1461 Shoes
+ Wear with: denim, chino shorts
Dr Martens Penton Loafers
+ Wear with: chinos, smart trousers
Dr Martens Adrian Loafers
+ Wear with: skinny jeans, chinos
Dr Martens 3989 Brogues
+ Wear with: suits, cropped trousers
Looking after your Dr Martens
Although Dr Martens were originally designed as a work boot, nobody exactly wants them to look like they've suffered from years of stomping the streets. Follow the tips below to keep your Dr Martens looking good for longer:
- Protect the heels from unnecessary wear by using a shoehorn to put on your Doc Martens shoes or boots.
- Use only a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt and avoid putting detergent on the leather.
- Keep the laces clean by regularly washing them in your machine with similar colours.
- Condition the leather by using Dr Martens Wonder Balsam or similar to restore colour and shine.
- If your Dr Martens get soaked through, allow them to dry naturally away from a direct heat source.
FAQs
Wearing thick socks will protect your feet + encourage the leather to warm up + soften faster. Keep your laces tight to encourage the boot to mould to your foot and avoid rubbing. Grab some Double Doc socks, created to help break in a pair of Docs with extra padding and blister protection.
Can a 50 year old man wear Dr. 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!
How do you rock Dr. Martens for men? ›
When styling Doc Martens I find that you need to either pair them with a slimmer pair of jeans, cropped pants, or a regular pair of jeans that you roll up / pin roll. The main thing here being you don't want to cover up the boot and just let a the big chunky toe shoe. You want to show off the entire boot.
How to wear Doc Martens for men over 40? ›
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.
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.
Can I put Vaseline on my Dr. Martens? ›
Never soak your boots in water, this will make the stitching disintegrate over time. Never use Olive Oil to polish. Don't use Vaseline as it will make them greasy.
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.
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.
What is Dr. Martens target age? ›
drmartens.com Audience Demographics
drmartens.com's audience is 39.92% male and 60.08% female. The largest age group of visitors are 18 - 24 year olds (Desktop).
Can straight men wear Doc Martens? ›
Doc Martens boots are socially acceptable for men to wear in any circ*mstance* where rubber sole boots are appropriate. The fact that they may also be popular with women is completely inconsequential. It is socially acceptable for men to wear pumps with little silk bows on the vamp when the situation calls for it.
Dr. Martens is an iconic brand of shoes for men, but few people know the interesting history behind the Griggs family and their Dr. Marten shoes.
Should I size up or down Doc Martens men? ›
Generally, Dr Martens fit true to size, so we'd advise getting the size you usually are. However, Dr Martens can differ in size dependant on the style you are buying. The classic boots can sometimes fit a little big so if you're in between sizes, consider going down a size or getting an insole.
Can I wear Doc Martens with a suit? ›
Great style comes down to a healthy balance of compliments and contrasts. In this case wearing Doc Marten's with your business suit represents the latter—in a really good way. Guys like Justin Theroux can attest to their wear with anything (even a suit) superiority.
How tight to wear Doc Martens? ›
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.
Who usually wears Doc 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.
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 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.
How do you wear Doc Martens for the first time? ›
OG Doc Martens are notoriously difficult to break in. To break in your boots, Dr. 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.
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.
Should my toes touch the end of my Doc Martens? ›
So, no, your toes should not touch the end of your shoes. More specifically, you should leave at least half an inch between your toes and the end of the shoe.
One of the reasons why Dr. Martens can be so painful, is that your feet don't have enough room. Dr. Martens shoes come with removable insoles; removing the insoles is a quick and easy way to give your feet a little extra room while breaking in your boots.
How do you prevent Doc Marten blisters? ›
Start with socks
Double Docs Socks are literally made for the purpose of breaking in new shoes. The socks have padding around friction points like the back of the heel and around the ankle. They also have extra arch support to prevent blisters.
Do you tuck pants into 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.
Can you walk through snow in Doc Martens? ›
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 drive in Doc Martens? ›
Clumpy shoes
Big boots like Dr Martens or wellies can accidentally cover the brake and accelerator at once, so maybe not best for driving.
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 Dr. Martens stands for? ›
Martens' origins date to 1945, when Dr. Klaus Maertens, a 25-year-old soldier and medical doctor at the time, created a unique air-cushioned sole (rather than the traditional hard leather sole) to aid his recovery from a broken foot.
What type of fashion is Doc Martens? ›
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 normal Dr. Martens called? ›
THE 1461 SHOE
The Original DM's shoe. Made one year after our first boot, and packing the robust functionality of the 1460 into a sleek 3-eye silhouette.
Are Dr Martens 1460 for men? ›
Marten's 1460 Original, Men's Boots.
In order to keep up with the high costs and low demands, Doc Martens moved a majority of their manufacturers to Asia. Despite the drop, Doc Martens have been able to gain more traction onto consumers because of famous celebrities wearing the iconic shoes for a different reason than originally intended, fashion.
Are Dr Martens unisex vs men? ›
How do the sizing schemes work? Most of the boots list both men's and women's sizes on the purchase page, but there are a few the brand doesn't consider unisex. You shouldn't let that stop you, though. The sizing difference between men's and women's Docs is just one size — a men's seven is a women's eight, for example.
Who owns Dr Martens? ›
Is it better to go bigger or smaller in Doc Martens? ›
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.
Is it better for Doc Martens to be big or small? ›
Dr. Martens fit true to size, and they are great for wide feet. If you do have narrow feet, you may want to consider sizing down. If you are struggling with wearing them whilst you break them in, stick a sanitary pad around the heel to avoid getting blisters.
What size docs should I buy? ›
Martens boots and shoes run true to size (probably half a size down from your sneakers) and aren't as big as you may imagine. The exception is the 1460s, Jadons, and Chelseas, which need to be sized down about a whole size from your sneaker. What is this? The Original Docs!
Can you wear Doc Martens with straight leg jeans? ›
Dr Martens With Straight Leg Jeans
I really think Dr Martens are the perfect boot for this. They have a high shaft that can be laced up close to the leg so your jeans can fall nicely over them.
Is it OK for men to wear Doc Martens? ›
Big believers in expression beyond gender, Dr Martens are for everyone, will all styles being unisex. Their philosophy; if you like them, wear them as all of their most iconic styles are unisex.
Do you tuck jeans into Doc Martens men? ›
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.
Do Doc Martens go with a suit? ›
Great style comes down to a healthy balance of compliments and contrasts. In this case wearing Doc Marten's with your business suit represents the latter—in a really good way.
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.
Are Dr. Martens unisex vs men? ›
How do the sizing schemes work? Most of the boots list both men's and women's sizes on the purchase page, but there are a few the brand doesn't consider unisex. You shouldn't let that stop you, though. The sizing difference between men's and women's Docs is just one size — a men's seven is a women's eight, for example.
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.
Why do Doc Martens crease so easily? ›
Wearing them for extended periods of time without allowing them to air out can also result in creasing as this can cause the leather to become stiff and create creases. Another common cause is storing them in an area that is too warm or too cold.
Why are Doc Martens 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].
Do Docs go with skinny jeans? ›
Skinny jeans go really nicely with Doc Martens. Make sure you tuck your skinny jeans into your docs for the most flattering proportions. Because pairing docs with skinny jeans creates a very slim silhouette you will want to balance that out with one looser piece.
Do you tie Doc Martens all the way up? ›
Leave the top two eyelets free to give yourself some excess lace, then wrap the two lengths around the back of the boot, through the heel loop, and around to the front again. Tie a firm knot to keep it in place. If you don't fancy a wraparound, just keep lacing your boots up to the top, and knot.
How do you walk with Doc Martens? ›
Start with wearing your Doc Martens around your home for short periods of time. The soles of the boots will be very stiff, and the leather will feel tight. Once the boots start to hurt, take them off. Don't try to wear your boots for a long period of time or on a long walk the first time you wear them.
Should I size up or down in 1460? ›
Martens boots and shoes run true to size (probably half a size down from your sneakers) and aren't as big as you may imagine. The exception is the 1460s, Jadons, and Chelseas, which need to be sized down about a whole size from your sneaker.
What does 1460 mean Dr. Martens? ›
What does 1460 mean in Doc Martens? 1460 is the model number for the original Dr. Martens was made on April 1st, 1960. The number represents the date 1 (1st), 4 (April), and 60 (1960).