We are always on our feet when traveling, so we should invest in footwear that is not only stylish for our OOTDs but also comfortable. One of the many brands that travelers look into is Dr. Martens. But is it really worth purchasing? Can Doc Martens withstand the demands of travel?
Doc Martens are good for traveling for a number of reasons. But primarily, it is chosen by many because it is very durable and it works on all terrain. It also fits a lot of outfits and can be used day and night. The only drawback of Doc Martens is that it can be pretty expensive as compared to other traveling shoes.
This article goes into detail about using Docs for traveling. If you need help deciding whether you should go for this brand or not, I got you covered!
Dr. Martens 1460 Pascal Bex Boots
Yes. Doc Martens are comfortable for travel. In fact, most travelers suggest this brand whether you are going for a casual vacation to another country or you'll go backpacking in the jungle or the glaciers. Doc Martens is that hard-wearing, durable, and, yes, comfortable.
Of course, if you really want maximum comfort, opt for shoes that are really made for the specific adventure you're going to. For instance, if you're going on a hiking trip, get a pair of hiking boots as there are reasons why Docs is not the best for this activity. Don't fret, though, because if you already have Docs, you can still use them for hiking.
Doc Martens will do a pretty decent job on most activities because it is quite comfortable after breaking in. Just do not expect it to provide the same level of comfort as the shoes that are really made for certain activities.
As mentioned earlier, there are a number of reasons why Doc Martens is good for traveling. In this section, we'll take a closer look at each of these reasons to better weigh if this brand is really worth purchasing.
For backpackers or casual travelers who do not have an extra baggage allowance, bag space is really important, primarily because they can only carry what is in their bags. This is where owning classic Docs comes in handy.
Black boots or shoes from Doc Martens fit any outfit on any occasion. That said, it will work together with the rest of the clothes in your backpack.
Also, Docs remain stylish even though fashion trends change. No matter how ridiculous the outfits are, they become better when paired with Doc Martens.
Doc Martens is undoubtedly one of the best brands, if not the best, in terms of durability. It is made of high-quality types of leather that span from Smooth to more flexible ones like Nappa and Virginia. It lasts for more than 20 years given proper care.
With all these in mind, expect that no matter where you travel or visit, your Docs will remain hardwearing. Docs are built to last. From the stitches used to the sole, the quality is impeccable.
Even with intense wearing, all your Docs would have are minor scratches or scuff marks. These are just minor things that you would be irked about if you want your Docs to look aesthetically pleasing all the time.
The soles would still be very much attached to the upper thanks to the Goodyear welt, and it would still pretty much repel water.
I'm sure that through some polish or leather conditioner, the sign of wear will not be noticeable in no time. But for the other parts of your Docs, you wouldn't have any problem.
Dr. Martens Men's 1461 Oxford Shoes
Docs are pretty expensive, but luckily, wherever you go, you can wear them night and day— talk about the best value for money!
You can use them for daily walks in the neighborhood if you are visiting Madrid or Paris, but you can also wear them for fancy dinner at night or when you go to clubs. Well, especially when you go to clubs.
For starters, you might step on wet areas of the club, thanks to humans spilling their drinks all the time. Wearing Docs means that you won't be uncomfortable since you won't even notice it. Next, most clubs, wherever you go in the world, are packed with people. You don't have to worry that people will stomp on your feet.
As mentioned earlier, you need to have at least one all-rounder of footwear, and Doc Martens is a good candidate. Since Docs are very durable and stylish, you can wear them to multiple activities, be it extreme or not, well, except for jogging since Docs are built to be extra heavy.
You can use it for casual walks, hiking, cycling, and other activities. But of course, do not expect maximum comfort because Docs are pretty tough.
Your Doc Martens can be an excellent ally for all seasons— whether it's the summer, spring, or fall.
They have a good grip, so you can use them on snowy roads, and you can insulate them if the weather is freezing. There are insulation accessories that you can buy for your Docs.
The only inconvenience you may encounter during summer is that they can overheat a little. But don't be anxious because they won't get your feet stinky or moldy.
During the fall or wet season, they will still be very useful. You can step on puddles without them being soaked. However, don't expect that they'll remain waterproof during the heavy monsoon season. Once the lace becomes wet, it'll start to leak.
Although, you'll be glad to know that Docs dry up quickly. You wouldn't have a wet pair of shoes in the morning.
Your Docs can be worn on all terrain, even though it can be heartbreaking to see them being weathered by your adventures. If you ever feel like it's a waste of money to use your Docs in muddy areas, on the sand, or on the jungle, let me tell you that they're living their best life when you use them.
There is no point in letting your Docs rot in the darkness of your closet. They deserve the adventure, so use them whenever you can.
It can be comforting to know that your feet are protected when you go backpacking. Thankfully, Docs can very much protect your feet because of the hard-wearing leather used for its upper and its AirWair soles.
You'll get all bruised up on your adventures, but not your feet. Moreover, if you plan to hike mountains or trek jungles, you know something will protect you from a snake bite.
Dr. Martens Unisex 1460 Mono Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots
If you're looking for a pair of Docs that can be worn on any occasion wherever you are traveling, go for the classic 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots. Although this is made of stiff leather, it becomes very comfortable to wear after the breaking-in period. These Docs are very hard-wearing since it is heat-sealed and made with the finest materials.
If you are traveling into places where it rains or snows a lot, better purchase Doc Martens 1460 Waterproof Ankle Boots. This bad boy sports a DryWair Bootie that is encased in Republic WP.
DryWair is a breathable membrane that helps lock out moisture. It makes the classic boot revolutionary, along with the twin heat-sealed welt that ensures that water won't get into the AirWair soles.
There are a lot of things to love in the 1460 DM's Wintergrip Leather Ankle Boots. For starters, it is fleece-lined and can withstand extreme cold. It also features the signature WinterGrip sole that has superior traction and grip.
On top of all the features mentioned, this boot also uses Snowplow. A type of leather that is water, salt, and grit resistant. This leather is an improved version of the Crazy Horse.
Dr. Martens Tarik Boots
The Tarik Utility Boots belong to the toughest designs of Doc Martens. It has a rugged outsole, while the upper is made of Extra Tough. This material is made of 50% recycled material, that's why it has exceptional strength.
If you are a backpacker, the Tarik Utility Boots should be on top of your list.
Not fond of chunky classic Doc Martens? Then opt for the 2976 DM's Wintergrip Chelsea Boots. This footwear is fleece lined and uses a Wintergrip sole and Snowplow leather. Expect no less from this boot as it also comes with grooved cleats for better traction.
Another boot you would be glad to purchase and wear in cold areas would be the Barton Shearling Lined Leather Ankle Boots. This is made of Hudson, a high-grade shearling leather that brings extra warmth to the feet in addition to the boot's faux fur lining.
Yes. Doc Martens are good to wear all day once you have broken into them. After the breaking-in process, the leather would have perfectly molded to the shape of your feet, so you'll be able to walk miles with it. This is perfect if you walk a lot when traveling because you'll get maximum comfort.
You can also wear this to work all day since they have air-cushioned soles. They also have a good grip, so you can wear them in warehouses.
Dr. Martens Vegan Jadon II 8-Eye Synthetic Unisex Platform Boot
Yes. You can use Docs for hiking, but only for short trails. They are not suggested for extensive hikes on very steep terrains because they can be very heavy, and their sole grip is not made for hiking. They are also bulky, non-breathable, and non-waterproof, and the ankles are restricted. You can read more about this in our dedicated article.
The answer as to whether Doc Martens is good for a mud would depend on the type of Doc Martens you have. Waterproof Doc Martens can definitely be used in the mud. But if you are using classic Docs that are not waterproof and the mud is somewhat watery, there would definitely be leaks.
If you have no choice but to use your Docs in mud, expect some drops to get through and avoid the wettest puddles of mud. All in all, Docs can help you avoid trench foot so go and wear them in muddy areas.
Yes. Ordinary Doc Martens like the classic 1460 and 1461 will get ruined in the rain because they aren't made of waterproof leather. If you want them to withstand the rain, you would need to put in some waterproofing products. But note that this doesn't make your Docs 100% waterproof.
You can learn more about how waterproof Docs are by reading this article. Meanwhile, if you want to browse waterproof Docs, head over here.
Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth Unisex Boots
Ordinary Doc Martens that aren't waterproof is also no good for snow. Most Docs are not insulated and they do not have enough traction. In other words, they cannot prevent your feet from freezing and it would be really uncomfortable.
Still, you can check out Docs' website for footwear that is water-resistant, has improved traction, and has fleece linings. Learn more about it in this article.
While there are ideal shoes for each type of adventure, Doc Martens is still one of the best all-rounder shoes you can bring for traveling. Let us recap the reasons why.
If you really aren't comfortable wearing Docs for certain adventures, then buy footwear that is more suitable for you. Yes, Docs are great for traveling in general, but it's still a matter of style preference and comfort if Doc Martens will suit you.