About Dr. Martens
Dreaming of soft, supple leather and ways to recreate the most iconic grunge looks of the 90s? Find your inner Winona Ryder with a pair of Dr. Martens boots—featuring a signature chunky, combat style, with an easy pull-on tab, platform sole, and smooth leather exterior.
A cultural icon, Dr. Martens has amassed a following of 2.9 million on Instagram and 2.1 million on Facebook, with feeds that feature artsy shots of the fan favorite boots, in all colors and finishes. And if you’re one of the brand’s many followers, you’ve likely also seen that it has been featured in popular media outlets from Rolling Stones to Elle, just to name a few.
Ready to try on some boots that were made for walkin’? Leaf through our Dr. Martens boots review—we’ll walk you through everything there is to know about the brand, give you the rundown on the best-selling boots, share highlights from customer testimonials, and more, to help you decide if this brand deserves a spot in your closet.
Overview of Dr. Martens
The story of Dr. Martens began over 100 years ago: in 1901 with the Griggs family in Wollaston, Northamptonshire in the English Midlands. The family developed footwear designed for working that was durable and sturdy, earning themselves a reputation as one of the best.
Fast forward to 1945 and Dr. Klaus Maertens, a German soldier, found himself dissatisfied with the regular work boots as he was recovering from a broken foot. So, he made a prototype for his own design, featuring a comfortable and soft air-cushioned sole.
Maertens shared the shoe with his friend and mechanical engineer, Dr. Herbert Funk, and the duo went into business in 1947. Another interesting tidbit? They used recycled military supplies for their materials.
By the 1960s, the Griggs family acquired the air cushioned shoes. In fact, they actually named the shoes after the very day the shoes were created: the first of April, 1960, making them the 1460 Dr. Martens boots.
Since then, the shoes have gone through many phases, first being used as workwear, and then becoming more of a style icon. And now, they function as both, though they have never wavered from the original style.
Manufactured in the UK, China, and Taiwan, the shoes are available worldwide, so shoppers everywhere can try on the bold and everlasting styles. Now that we know a little more about the brand’s origins, this Dr. Martens boots review will cover some of the highlights.
Highlights
- Variety of combat style boots, leather loafers, and Oxford shoes for men, women, and children
- Crafted from durable and sturdy leather
- Bags and backpacks, cleaning accessories, socks, and laces also available
- Committed to sustainable manufacturing
- Vegan options available
- Easy to navigate website
- Free standard shipping on all orders over $50
- Financing options available
The Dr. Martens collection consists of men’s, women’s, and children’s styles, including a range of combat style boots and work boots, Oxford shoes, sandals, and more. Most of them feature the signature black leather, though there is a wide range of finishes and color options available.
That being said, the brand makes it super easy to navigate through your choices, with plenty of subsections based on style, materials, features, and more. Below, our Dr. Martens boots review will outline some of our top favs to give you a taste of what you’ll find.
Dr. Martens Boots Review
Our Dr. Martens boots review mentioned that there’s a wide variety of styles to choose from. But today, we’ll walk you through what the brand is best known for: its boots.
More specifically, its best selling boots, including platform, chelsea, and lace-up; basically any combat style you can think of.
Dr. Martens Jadon Smooth Leather Platform Boots Review
With a smooth polished leather and easy zipper detail, the Jadon Smooth Leather Platform Boots add a little height to every ensemble. They feature a chunky platform with the classic lace up detailing and golden yellow stitching where the sole meets the upper.
The inner ankle zip and pull tab make for easy on off–gone are the moments spent angrily trying to tie your boots as you head out the door. The smooth leather upper has a soft sheen that is eye-catching and silky soft, yet durable and long lasting.
With the classic air-cushioned sole, the Jadon Smooth Leather Platform Boots come in men’s and women’s sizes, with the shoppers choice of a black or white leather, for $200.
Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots Review
A twist on the original 8-eye boot, the 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots come in four different colors. Choose from a deep burgundy, warm aubergine, stark white, or moody black.
You’ll also find the convenient pull tab, supple leather, yellow gold stitching, and deep ridges on the side of the air-cushioned sole. They also feature a narrower design, specifically crafted to fit the natural shape of a woman’s foot.
The 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots, easily shined or scuffed for the desired look, are available in women’s sizes 5–11 and retails for $150.
Dr. Martens 2976 Polished Smooth Platform Chelsea Boots Review
A twist on the original 8-eye boot, the 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots come in four different colors. Choose from a deep burgundy, warm aubergine, stark white, or moody black.
You’ll also find the convenient pull tab, supple leather, yellow gold stitching, and deep ridges on the side of the air-cushioned sole. They also feature a narrower design, specifically crafted to fit the natural shape of a woman’s foot.
The 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots, easily shined or scuffed for the desired look, are available in women’s sizes 5–11 and retails for $150.
Dr. Martens 2976 Smooth Platform Chelsea Boots Review
The Chelsea boot has consistently been a go-to choice for its high fashion look and convenient on-off style–and the 2976 Polished Smooth Platform Chelsea Boots are no exception.
With a super soft pPolished olish, deep black finish, elastic gussets, pull tabs, air-cushioned sole, and classic yellow stitching, these shoes add a little elevation to any look. Literally and figuratively. The platform sole is 1 ½ inches, adding plenty of height, while also adding a unique and more sophisticated touch.
The 2976 Polished Smooth Platform Chelsea Boots are available in men’s and women’s sizes in a carbon black color for $180.
Dr. Martens Devon Heart Leather Platform Boots Review
Crafted from durable pebbled leather with a low-top design, the Devon Heart Leather Platform Boots blend grunge with girly. These shoes come in four different color options, including the classic black and white, as well as a deep magenta or a warm baby pink.
With a 1 ½ inch air-cushion sole, pull tabs, and yellow gold stitching, these boots trade laces for heart shaped buckles for a trendy and fashionable twist. The padded tongue provides a more comfortable fit as the chunky buckles spread across the upper of the boot.
Available in women’s sizes 5–11, the Devon Heart Leather Platform Boots retail for $180.
Dr. Martens Vegan 1460 Felix Lace Up Boots Review
We’ve talked all about the classic shapes, and we’re not going to stop (because there’s nothing better than a timeless design) with the 1460 Patent Leather Lace Up Boots.
Like all the others, this shoe features that super soft and comfortable air-cushioned sole, the convenient pull tab, thick laces, and the gold stitch detailing. But, the ultra-shiny patent leather is something to write home about.
These glossy shoes are eye-catching yet super durable and easy to clean, meaning they’ll be a go-to in your collection all year round. They come in four shades, including our two classics of black and white, as well as a deep purple-y pink and a soft baby pink.
The 1460 Patent Leather Lace Up Boots come in women’s sizes 5–11 and retail for $140.
We’ve talked all about the classic shapes, and we’re not going to stop (because there’s nothing better than a timeless design) with the 1460 Patent Leather Lace Up Boots.
Like all the others, this shoe features that super soft and comfortable air-cushioned sole, the convenient pull tab, thick laces, and the gold stitch detailing. But, the ultra-shiny patent leather is something to write home about.
These glossy shoes are eye-catching yet super durable and easy to clean, meaning they’ll be a go-to in your collection all year round. They come in four shades, including our two classics of black and white, as well as a deep purple-y pink and a soft baby pink.
The 1460 Patent Leather Lace Up Boots come in women’s sizes 5–11 and retail for $140.
Who Is Dr. Martens Boots For?
Whether you want to add an edgy touch to your feminine ensemble, head to work in some comfy kicks, or simply adopt that 90s style we’re all so fond of, Dr. Martens provides a great variety of boots to choose from.
That being said, these boots are for more than style—they’re good for your feet, too. The ‘AirWear’ soles are cushioned and comfortable, providing the right amount of support for daily wear, no matter where you’re walking. Plus, many of the leather options are waterproof and super warm, meaning they’re ideal for cooler days.
Like this Dr. Martens boots review mentioned, they can also be worn at work. There are steel toe, slip resistant, and service styles available. All in all, if you’re on the hunt for a pair of quality boots, these are the ones.
Is There A Difference Between Doc Martens And Dr. Martens?
As you have flipped through our Dr. Martens boots review, you may be wondering: what about the classic ‘Doc Martens’? To keep the answer short and sweet: no, there is no difference. ‘Doc Martens’ is simply a nickname for the brand.
That being said, it’s important to ensure that you’re actually purchasing a pair of Dr. Martens, labeled as such. ‘Doc Martens’ is simply what consumers tend to call their shoes, as well as ‘Docs,’ but they are not sold under those names.
Dr. Martens Boots Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
Our Dr. Martens boots review has covered all the details of the brand, brought you up to speed with some of its best sellers, and filled you in on some important things to keep in mind. But, what are shoppers really saying about their purchases? On a mission to find out, we sourced comments from Zappos, Influenster, and Trustpilot.
On Zappos, the brand receives an impressive rating of 4.3/5 stars out of 717 reviews. One shopper reports being a lifetime buyer, writing, “I’ve worn Doc Martens for more than 15 years now, and each time I get close to wearing out one pair, I immediately start shopping for my next.”
Another buyer explains that the boots are of the highest quality: “The leather feels good and sturdy and has a nice distressed look, so that I was able to wear them without them screaming “We are new shoes!” I carefully inspected all the seams and stitching and was pleasantly surprised to see that it looks as good and heavy duty as ever.”
On Influenster, 377 shoppers rate the different shoes available, most of which earn around 4/5 stars. One patron mentions how versatile and easy to wear the shoes are:
“Men’s, Women’s, unisex. These Dr. Martens boots are made for everyone! These boots are a classic and they’re iconic! Functional and great through everything, and looks amazing for all attire.”
Another customer says they’re worth the buy considering how long they last, writing, “these boots are so comfortable. I wear them everywhere. From universal to the mall. These boots are a definite must have in your closet. Quality over quantity so the price is right for the quality of the product. These have lasted me 2 years and they still look brand new.”
2470 reviewers on Trustpilot rate the brand a seemingly unfair 2.5/5 stars. Regardless, one shopper rates the brand 5/5 stars, outlining the brand’s quality customer service:
“Excellent customer service from Dr Martens. My daughter boots zip broke and I contacted them via DM and they have provided information on how to return and replaced the boots no problems.”
Some shoppers report issues with their shoes, but other customers explain that the brand has impeccable customer service, so we can only hope that anyone upset with their order is quickly attended to.
Overall, Dr. Martens boots are backed by over 100 years of experience and design, as well as millions of happy shoppers throughout the years. They hold up well over time with a unique yet timeless style and provide the best comfort, from day 1 to day 100.
Is Dr. Martens Boots Worth It?
Nearing the end of our Dr. Martens boots review, we only have one thing to say: these shoes are worth the buy. There are so many things that make it great, from the variety of options, to the versatility and wearability, to the function and design.
Each shoe is designed to last from sturdy and durable leather that only gets better over time. Speaking of time, they are also a timeless style. After years and years, combat boots have consistently been a go-to, and so has the Dr. Marten brand.
And of course, shoppers have nothing but good things to say, documenting that they have owned their shoes for life and love them as much as the first day they got them.
Finally, they’re uber comfortable and easy to work in, but this Dr. Martens boots review will touch on that more in depth later.
Dr. Martens Boots Promotions & Discounts
On the hunt for a deal on your new fav kicks? Here’s what the Dr. Martens boots review found:
Take 10% off your first order when you subscribe to emails
Receive free standard shipping on all orders over $50
Where to Buy Dr. Martens Boots
If something in our Dr. Martens boots review caught your attention, you’ll be happy to hear that they are widely available. You can shop the brand directly on drmartens.com, as well as many shoe retailers such as:
- SoftMoc
- Journeys
- Nordstrom
- Amazon
- Many more!
FAQ
Who owns Dr. Martens Boots?
This Dr. Martens boots review discovered that the brand is currently owned by private equity company, Permira.
Are Dr. Martens Boots good for your feet?
The lining and sole of Dr. Martens boots are specifically designed to be super comfortable and cushioned. They also have good arch support that stops wearers from developing uncomfortable callouses. So, this Dr. Martens boots review feels that it’s safe to say these shoes are good for your feet.
That being said, all shoes need to be broken in for the most comfortable fit. Here’s how to break in your new kicks:
- Ensure they are the right size
- Wear a pair of thick and comfy socks to avoid friction
- Walk around in them for short periods of time (5-10 minutes)
- Start wearing for longer periods of time (1-2 hours)
- Repeat this process once the shoe feels comfortable
- Does Dr. Martens Boots ship internationally?
Got your eye on a new pair of kicks from our Dr. Martens boots review? Fortunately, the brand offers international shipping. Charges, including duties, are calculated at checkout based on items in the order and the location.
What is Dr. Martens Boots’ Shipping Policy?
Anxiously awaiting your Dr. Martens platform boots in the mail? Thankfully, the brand offers more than one way to receive your order via UPS or FedEx, with 1 business day for processing:
- Ground (5-7 business days): $5 or free on orders over $50
- 3 day shipping (3-4 business days): $10 (unavailable for Alaska and Hawai’i)
- 2 day shipping (2-3 business days): $25 ($35 for Alaska and Hawai’i)
- Next day shipping (1-2 business days): $30 ($40 for Alaska and Hawai’i)
What is Dr. Martens Boots’ Return Policy?
If your boots aren’t the perfect fit, you can return them unworn with tags still attached within 30 days of shipment. Online returns must be returned online only and the return will be processed once the item is received. Here’s how it works:
- Start your return by creating a label via the website
- Package your item(s) and attach the return form and label
- Bring the package to the nearest UPS location
By using the provided return label, a $7 fee will be deducted from the final refund. Exchanges are not available at this time.
