How Do Dr. Martens Fit?

If you are looking to purchase a pair of Doc Martens and you're wondering what size you should choose, then you've come to the right place. Having the right size for your shoes makes a world of difference. Wearing too-tight shoes could cause blisters and medical conditions like hammertoe while wearing oversized shoes could make it uncomfortable to move.

Doc Martens fit true to size. However, Doc Martens usually comes in whole US and UK sizes, and for people who wear a half size, it is recommended to go down to the nearest size to get the best fit or get an insole with a bigger size. Going for a bigger would only increase the length and not the width of the shoe.

The fit may vary based on the style of the boots; usually, the women’s boot designs are narrower than a male/unisex design. The unisex designs are typically designed with more consideration to fit men better.

There are many different styles of Docs, and each is slightly different. Therefore, we will review some types and give you some insights into how they fit. Before I delve into each style how they fit, let's take a look at Doc Marten's sizing guide.

Doc Martens Sizing Guide

US MenUS WomenUnited KingdomEurope
45336
56437
67538
78639
89741
910842
1011943
11121045
12 1146
13 1247
14 1348
15 1449.5
16 1551

Types of Doc Martens

There are various styles of Doc Martens shoes, and we will be highlighting a couple of them in this article. Doc Martens has a variety of shoes, ranging from lace-up boots to oxford boots to sandals.

If you are in the market for Doc's then I'd suggest that you check the following 3 sites to ensure you find the best selection and best price available... Amazon vs. Dr. Martens Official Website vs. Zappos (I've noticed that each can offer better deals and better selection at different times of the year)

The 1460 Greasy Leather Boots.

These iconic boots helped make Doc Martens what it is today. With an all-black leather finish, and the signature air-cushioned sole, the 1460 Greasy Leather Boot (find on Amazon or Dr. Martens or Zappos websites) is similar to the original Doc Martens but with a matte black waxed and oily leather feel. 

Dr. Martens 1460 Boots
Amazon vs. Dr. Martens vs. Zappos
(Each retailer can offer varying prices & selection... Check them all!)

The boots are also referred to as the 8-eye 1460 Greasy. As mentioned earlier, the boots retain the DNA of the original Docs by having grooved sides, yellow stitching, and a heel loop. The shoes are resistant to oil and fat and have excellent abrasion and slip resistance.

2976 Smooth Leather Chelsea Boots

The elastic ankle gussets of the 2976 Smooth Leather Chelsea Boots (check the current price on Amazon or Dr. Martin Official website and Zappos) make it one of the most popular choices for Doc lovers. This pair of boots incorporate a pull-on style ideal for both men and women. Even though these boots were first created in the 70s, they still make a fashion statement in the world today. 

2976 Dr. Martens
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Amazon vs. Doc's official website vs. Zappos

These boots are made from smooth, durable leather with a lightly textured soft sheen. It features the signature air-cushioned soles, stitching, grooved sides, and scripted heel loops. The boot is easy to wear and take off, and with its iconic design, it is a top choice for lots of Doc users.

1461 Atlas Leather Oxford Shoes

The 1461 Atlas (find in Amazon or Dr. Martens official site or Zappos) was the second line of shoes produced by Doc Martens. These boots are made with a special kind of leather called the ‘Atlas.’ The Atlas is a classy waxed aniline leather material with a slight sheen. 

1461 Atla Leather Oxford Shoes
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Amazon vs. Dr. Martens vs. Zappos

The boots feature a 3-eye hole lacing and retain the iconic features of the Doc Martens, which includes the air-cushioned soles and yellow stitching. These boots are perfect for those who are not looking for high tops or ankle boots and just need something low that is durable and stylish at the same time.

1460 Slip-Resistant Leather Lace-Up Boots

This list will not be complete without mentioning this pair of boots. The Doc Martens were initially designed as work boots but later evolved into a fashion statement. The 1460 slip-resistant leather Docs (find on Amazon vs. Dr. Martens website) embody the brand's initial vision by providing users with a highly comfortable pair of boots ideal for working long hours that require you to be on your feet.

Dr. Martens 1460 Lace-Up
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Amazon vs. Dr. Martens vs. Zappos

The boots feature extra cushioning and a unique anti-slip GripTrax tread. This ergonomically designed shoe has all the iconic features of the Doc Martens and more. With an 8-eye lace set up, scripted heel-loop, yellow stitching, and an improved air-cushioned sole.

These boots were made with an anti-fatigue design in mind. They are perfect people who work long hours on their feet and want to remain stylish and comfortable at the same time. It also features a breathable sock liner with well-placed memory foam pods to give the ultimate comfort.

Do Dr. Martens's shoes fit true to size?

If you are really into shoes, you know how important it is to get the perfect fit when you buy a new pair of shoes. As mentioned earlier, Doc Martens shoes fit true to size, and they only come in whole sizes. 

Dr. Martens are made of leather which means that they would eventually stretch but might take a while to break into them fully. It is advised for those who wear half sizes to either get insoles to fill up space when choosing a bigger whole size or to select the next whole size down. 

Do Dr. Martens's shoes run big?

Dr. Martens do not run big. However, some believe that they do run big, partly because they only come in whole sizes, meaning that every half-seized person might have to get a bigger size with insoles just to wear a pair comfortably. This can give off the feeling of the shoe being too big. 

It is always advisable to get a smaller size and gradually break into a better fit. Shoes are all about the perfect fit, and getting a bigger size may give off the impression that the shoe runs big.

Dr. Martens Women's Shriver Hi Fashion Boot
Amazon vs. Dr. Martens Official website vs. Zappos

Do Dr. Martens's shoes run small?

Doc Martens are made from quality leather material, which is one of the top-selling points. However, this is often a two-edged sword situation for those who do not get their perfect size. The rugged leather material could be harder to break into in the initial stage, making the shoes uncomfortable for a while. 

Tight shoes can often lead to blisters and discomfort on the feet. However, once you break the boots in, they become the most comfortable pair ever. The 1460 Greasy boots- the pair that brought Dr. Martens into the limelight- have been said to run small. So, it is always advisable to get a bigger size when getting this style.

Do Dr. Martens's shoes stretch?

Dr. Martens are made from high-quality leather material that, when broken in, take the form of the user’s feet, which makes them highly comfortable. So, the answer is yes. Doc Martens shoes do stretch.

The shoes were initially designed as work boots to withstand various work conditions. They are made from the highest leather materials- with vegan options now available- making them durable and stylish. 

Doc sizing compared to other popular shoes.

When comparing the sizing guide of Doc Martens to other popular shoes like the converse chucks or the vans, there can be slight variations. While most of the sizes are similar for both men and women, there can often be a variation of 0.5cm in the sizing amongst these different shoes. While this slight variation should not be a problem, it is always advisable to choose a smaller size for the Doc Martens and gradually break them in to get the ideal fit.

Conclusion

The Doc Martens are truly iconic shoes that have evolved over the years from simply durable work boots to stylish boots that make a fashion statement. While the shoes might come only in whole sizes, there are different options -like sizing down or up-to help people with half sizes get their perfect fit. 

Since the Doc Martens usually take time to break in, some methods of expanding your shoe’s size include using expanding spray liquid, stuffing wet newspapers in the shoes, sun drying them, or using a shoe stretcher to increase the size gradually.

The Doc Martens are a great choice if you are looking for something durable and stylish. With the different available styles, you will always find something that suits your preference.

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