Dr. Martens 1461 is not exactly a cheap oxford shoe. It is why a lot of people scour the web for reviews before purchasing this pair. Lucky for you, I made a comprehensive review of the iconic Doc Martens footwear.
Dr. Martens 1461 is a good value for the money. They are well-made, durable oxford shoe that comes in several colors and leather types. 1461’s can be hard to break as the leather is quite stiff in the front and heel tabs, however, they’re built to last for 10 years or more given proper care.
Eager to learn more about the 1461 DMs? Check out the rest of this article as I review its leather flexibility, shape, style, size, color, breaking-in period, lace, durability, and traction. I also answered how this style differs from the DM 1460 so make sure to check that out!
Dr. Martens 1461 is a very good quality boot. This boot will take a bit of time and patience to break in, but it will last you in the long run. Let’s talk a little bit about the construction of Dr. Martens 1461 boot:
Dr. Martens 1461 3-Eye Leather Unisex Oxford Shoes
The 1461 Doc Martens uses durable, smooth leather that is not that flexible. It is really stiff in the front, so it takes a lot of getting used to before you find this style comfortable.
The heel tab is also very stiff. You would have to wear several layers of socks or a thick one, so it doesn’t give you that many blisters during the breaking-in stage.
The Doc Martens 1461 has a round shape that makes it look chunky. Unlike other oxford shoes that are almond-shaped, square, or pointed, the 1461 docs creator chose the classic round shape to fit people with wide feet.
The round shape of the 1461 DM also makes the wearer’s feet appear shorter. Now, this may put some people off, but given the shoe’s chunkiness, it only makes the style more iconic.
The 1461 DM is an oxford shoe that comes with three pairs of eyelets. It exhibits the Docs’ DNA which is evident in the signature yellow stitching, easy-to-clean smooth leather, and the Goodyear welted lines. It also boasts of the air-cushion sole that is used in traditional Dr. Martens designs.
Although the website of Dr. Martens claims that 1461 runs true to size, there are many reviews that say it actually runs big.
It could be difficult to find the right size by just ordering online, so I highly suggest visiting a physical DM store for this one. Since this shoe is super stiff, it is also not suggested to get one that fits too snugly.
Dr. Martens Men's 1461 Oxford Shoes
If you are tired of the classic black color, you’ll be delighted to know that Dr. Martens also offer the 1461 style in white, green, cherry red, navy, and purple.
That’s a lot of options, so you’re sure to find one that matches your style. But then, if you want that Dr. Martens DNA in your oxford shoes, go for black. The yellow stitches make a deep contrast to this color, and the effect is very classy.
Dr. Martens 1461 is one of those DMs that will give you a hard time during the breaking-in phase. It would take a couple of weeks to fully feel comfortable with this shoe since it uses very stiff leather in the upper and in the heel.
To help you break in this pair of Docs, check out this article. It lists the steps you need to take to break into your 1461 and every Dr. Martens shoe.
The 1461 DM is very durable as it is made of high-quality leather. Its stiffness is, in fact, one of the features that contribute to its longevity as footwear.
It is also Goodyear-welted, or in other words, the leather upper and the sole are heat-sealed and reinforced with stitching for that extra comfort and durability.
Dr. Martens 1461 Iced Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes
The sole of the 1461 DM is, of course, the AirWair. This type of sole has been used by Dr. Martens since 1960 when they developed their first boot. The AirWair has bubbles and pockets that make them bouncy and comfortable to wear.
As for thickness, the 1461 packs a chunky sole, but it is not as thick as the 8053. Nevertheless, it would still give you that added height that can make you appear more powerful wherever you are strutting.
Just like most DM styles, the sole of 1461 also has good traction. This makes it very hard to wear and ideal even during snowy seasons.
Dr. Martens 1461 comes in many varieties depending on the leather type, color, etc. You can check them out here!
Some of the bestseller varieties of 1461 are the following:
Dr. Martens Men's 1461 Alt 2 Strap Shoes
Material-wise, there is no big difference between Dr. Martens 1460 and 1461 since they are made one year apart. However, it is important to note that 1460 is a lace-up boot, while 1461 is an oxford shoe.
Dr. Martens 1460 is the most classic Dr. Martens since it is the very first style to be created. It has 8 eyes, smooth leather, yellow stitching, heel loop, grooved sides, and air-cushion soles. It is also Goodyear welted so it’s a work boot through and through.
The classic 1461, on the other hand, is a 3-eye oxford shoe that uses the same materials as 1460.
Both the 1460 and 1461 have different varieties that you can check out on Dr. Martens’ website.
You wouldn’t go wrong choosing Dr. Martens 1461 for your next pair of oxford shoes. This bad boy is well-loved by many footwear critics because of its durability and classic style.
Although it is quite difficult to break this shoe in at the beginning because of the non-flexible leather used, however, they are going to last you a long time because of that!. It could last more than 10 years if you give them the TLC they deserve.
