Learn about the iconic brand and its best-selling styles
Olivia is a full-time freelance beauty and fashion writer. She has been writing and editing stories about fashion, beauty, style, and wellness since 2012. Her work has been published on PEOPLE, InStyle, Byrdie, Brides, and other publications. Olivia graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Florida. Loafer Shoes / Smoking Shoes
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I can still remember the first pair of Dr. Martens I owned. They were black, matte lace-up boots that seemed to make every outfit feel cooler, and as soon as I put them on for the first time, I knew I had found a go-to option for accessorizing any and every look. Dress? Pair it with Dr. Martens. Winter gear? Pair it with Dr. Martens. Skirt and top? You guessed it: Dr. Martens. I’m certainly not alone in feeling this way, either. Created more than 50 years ago, the Dr. Martens brand has created some of the most recognizable and iconic shoes in the world.
Head of Product/Merchandising Kristin Jones tells PEOPLE that the very first pair of Dr. Martens shoes were created on April 1, 1960. “With its trademark yellow stitch, grooved sole and heel-loop, it was a boot for workers, initially worn by postmen and policemen; comfortable, durable and lightweight in comparison to its competitors at the time,” Jones says, explaining that though the boots were initially designed with factory workers in mind, they soon became popular with “punks, musicians, and anyone who stood for self-expression.”
“Throughout Dr. Martens history, the brand has been adopted and subverted by diverse individuals, musicians, youth cultures and tribes,” she says. “These are the people who stand out from the crowd and their journey of self-expression has always been accompanied by a pair of DMs.” Dr. Martens aren’t just for musicians or artists, though. They’re for anyone and everyone in between.
If you’re looking to add your very first pair of Docs to your wardrobe, here are 10 of the most popular Dr. Martens shoes and some information on what exactly makes them great.
This traditional lace-up boot is a great choice for anyone who likes to stick to the classics
They require a bit of breaking in, so if you're not willing to spend some time stretching them out, then you might want to choose another shoe
If there is a most iconic pair of Dr. Martens boots, it’s these: The classic 1460, which is the brand’s original style. When the first Dr. Martens were created, they looked nearly identical to this traditional lace-up boot. This smooth leather version of the boot is available in eight different colorways this season and can be polished for a shinier coat or worn-in and scuffed up for a more casual look. The brand describes them as “famously stiff to start,” which echoes the one thing everyone should know about Dr. Martens boots: They require a bit of breaking in. However, once they are broken in, they’re incredibly durable, comfortable, and will last you decades. It's recommended to size down since they do run a bit large.
Price at time of publish: $170
Size Range: 5-12 US Women's, 6-14 US Men's | Construction: Smooth leather upper, Goodyear welt construction, textile lining, cushioned footbed, rubber outsole | Colors: Black, Cherry Red, White, Green, Navy, Pink, Burgundy, Hot Pink
If you want a pair of classic-looking Docs but you prefer a slip-on shoe, then this pair might be just what you're looking for
For anyone that prefers the traditional lace-up look, these might not be to your liking
If you’re more interested in a pair of boots that you can slip on, but you still want a classic pair of Docs, these are going to be for you. Like the 1460s, there are a few different versions of these (including the faux fur-lined pair that we’ll talk about next), but these smooth leather boots are incredibly versatile. Available in both white and black leather, these are a classic Chelsea boot silhouette and have been around since the ‘70s. Like the 1460s, these take a bit to wear in as well, but the elasticized sides may make the process a bit more comfortable. In fact, many positive reviews note these as even more comfortable than the classic, lace-up styles.
Price at time of publish: $170
Size Range: 5-11 US Women's (runs large) | Construction: Smooth leather upper, air-cushioned sole, elastic gussets, Goodyear welt construction | Colors: Black, White, Cherry Red, Burgundy
These trendy boots are great for keeping your feet warm in the cold weather
If you're looking for a pair of boots to wear in hot weather, then these might cause your feet to overheat
If you enjoy following fashion influencers on Instagram and TikTok, you might have seen these in a post or two over the fall and winter holidays. They’re a super cute, of course, but also incredibly practical for colder temperatures, thanks to the extra cozy faux fur lining. Almost all the reviews note just how cozy these shoes are, making them an acceptable replacement for your casual, worn-in slipper boots when you need to look more polished.
Price at time of publish: $180
Size Range: 5-11 US Women's (runs large) | Construction: Smooth leather upper, air-cushioned sole, elastic gussets, Goodyear welt construction, faux fur lining | Colors: Black
The platform Docs are a great choice for anyone who wants a little extra height from their shoes
If you're looking for a super stable shoe, then you might want to choose one without the extra platform height
Platform boots are another popular iteration of Dr. Martens, and the style is arguably more popular than ever. Though the Jadon boot has only been part of Dr. Martens since 2013, Jones noted that it’s now one of Dr. Martens best-selling styles. This particular pair comes in white and black options, and features a 1.5-inch platform, so it makes a statement without any discomfort. These are also made of a more pliable leather than some more traditional pairs of Docs, which some reviewers made them extra comfortable and eliminated the dreaded breaking-in period.
Price at time of publish: $200
Size Range: 5-12 US Women's (runs large) | Construction: Polished smooth leather upper, PVC outsole, Goodyear welt construction, 2-inch heel | Colors: Black, White
If you're looking for a pair of boots with a short heel, then these Docs are a great choice
If you're someone who prefers flat shoes, then there are other Docs that might be better suited to you
For those searching for a pair of Dr. Martens when a slightly more feminine feel, consider these Rometty Chelsea Boots which feature a stacked chunky heel. These are another style that are highly rated with many reviews specifically mentioning their comfort and all-day wearability — perfect if you love the Chelsea boot style but want a bit more lift. The 2.25-inch heel does just that, offering height for when you want to dress up your jeans and T-shirt or pair with floral dresses year-round.
Price at time of publish: $190
Size Range: 5-11 US Women's (runs large) | Construction: Rugged leather upper, air-cushioned sole, elastic gussets, 2.25-inch heel height | Colors: Brick, Black
For anyone who prefers a low-cut shoe to traditional boots, these Oxfords are a classic choice
They start off a bit stiff (like the classic Doc Marten boots) so if you want an option without any break-in time, look elsewhere
Although not boots, Jones named these 1461 Oxfords as quintessential Dr. Martens and one of the most popular styles of the brand. Like the 1460s, these oxfords have a lace-up design and the stiff, takes-time-to-wear-in leather that Dr. Martens is known for. This style is unisex, so is offered in both men's and women's shoe sizes — although, like most Docs, they do run large, so we suggest sizing down.
Price at time of publish: $150
Size Range: 5-11 US Women's, 6-14 Men's | Construction: Smooth leather upper, air-cushioned sole, elastic gussets, 1-inch platform height, Goodyear-welted stitching | Colors: Black, White, Khaki
These vintage-inspired boots are great for anyone who wants a little bit of extra height with a retro feel
If you prefer flat shoes, then you may prefer a different pair of Docs
Another vintage-inspired style that has a bit more of a modern feel than the Oxfords are the Dr. Martens Leona boots. They also have a heel, if you’re looking for something with a little more height. But there are more details, too, like a platform sole and antiqued brass tunnel eyelets for the laces — which are a tad reminiscent of the classic Gucci heeled boots. Think of it like a cross between the 1460s and Rometty Chelsea boots, but with a bit more flare.
Price at time of publish: $200
Size Range: 5-11 US Women's (runs large) | Construction: Smooth leather upper, antiqued brass tunnel eyelets, Airwair™ air-cushioned sole, slip-resistant sole, 2.25-inch heel height | Colors: Black
If you want a pair of classic-looking boots with a little extra height, then you might just love the Molly Leather Platform Boots
These boots only come in women's sizing, so they might not work on all feet
Still looking for your perfect Dr. Marten platform? Search no further than the Molly, a slightly more stylized version of a lace-up leather boot. This one only comes in women’s sizes, and has oversized eyelets and ribbon ties, adding subtle feminine details to the bold, chunky DM look we all know and love. Some reviewers note these also have a slightly shorter-than-usual break-in period, and that the sheen of the leather is a stylish plus.
Price at time of publish: $200
Size Range: 5-11 US Women's (runs large) | Construction: Satin gloss leather upper, extra-wide eyelets, Goodyear-welted stitching, air-cushioned sole | Colors: Black
If you want a pair of Docs that are sleek yet unique, then this matte black might be just what you're looking for
If you prefer a flat shoe, then you may not like these heeled boots
Here’s another combination that you may be looking for in a boot: Matte black leather, stacked heel, lace-up closure. The Shriver is another popular Dr. Martens style, the Wyoming leather has a subtle grain, oily surface, and a more rugged feel than the brand's classic smooth leather. These boots might also be a good alternative to the 1460s, as one customer points out in their review, as they don't take as long to break in and the heel makes it more versatile for dressing up.
Price at time of publish: $180
Size Range: 5-11 US Women's (runs large) | Construction: Rugged leather upper, cemented sole, 2.25-inch heel height | Colors: Black
If you love the look of Docs but prefer a style that is easier to put on, then this zippered pair is a great choice
If you want a traditional, adjustable lace-up boot, then you might want to look elsewhere
If there’s one thing that most people can agree on with leather boots, it’s probably that they can sometimes be hard to put on. Lacing up boots can be an annoying task that requires extra time when you’re already running out the door, and we have all probably struggled with a pair of pull-on boots before, too. That’s what makes the Sinclair boots such a popular Dr. Martens style: They have a removable zipper closure, so you can choose between lacing up or zipping up — making these perhaps the most versatile option of them all. They also come in three different colorways and are available in both men's and women's sizing.
Price at time of publish: $210
Size Range: 5-11 US Women's, 6-10 US Men's | Construction: Pebbled Nappa leather upper, Goodyear-welted lines, 1.5-inch platform height | Colors: Black, White, Burgundy
Dr. Martens come in a variety of styles with different heel heights, so it's important to think about which height is best for your purposes and lifestyle before purchasing a pair of your own. If you're looking for a stylish pair of shoes that give you a little extra height, then choosing one of the heeled versions of the Doc Marten boots, such as the Shriver boot, is a great option.
The traditional Doc boots have laces that cinch up the front of the boot, but there are also a few other options for shoe closure available. Dr. Marten also makes boots with a zipper that may be quicker and more accessible for some to put on. You can also find a slip-on Chelsea version of the traditional Doc boots.
Classic Dr. Marten boots are notorious for starting out stiff and loosening up with wear. But, while the traditional boot might require break-in time to reach that comfortable, molded-to-your-foot feel, some of the shoes offered by the brand require less break-in time, according to customer reviews, including the Molly boots.
Dr. Martens are popular because they’re entirely unique. Though other brands may mimic the silhouettes of some of Dr. Martens most popular pairs of shoes, the craftsmanship is one of a kind.
“There are a lot of brands out there creating similar models to the Jadon, 1460 and 1461, but the highly skilled manufacturing and product detail can not be replicated,” Jones explains. “The expertise that goes into making our boots, the attention to detail and the long-lasting durability sets Docs apart from the rest.”
The other thing that makes Dr. Martens such a fan favorite is their versatility and practicality in day-to-day life. “The simple silhouette allows people to customize each pair; whilst on a utilitarian level their famous durability and comfort make them ideal footwear for the world of gigs and street fashion,” Jones says. “On an emotional level, they are a flag of attitude and empowerment."
If you take good care of your Dr. Martens, then it’s safe to say that they will last a very long time, with some customers stating theirs have lasted over 20 years. This comes down to particular craftsmanship and construction, of course. In fact, some Dr. Martens shoes are still created in the exact way they were more than 60 years ago, so you know they have the process down to a science.
“The Northamptonshire factory where it all began still exists to this day, in the village of Wollaston,” Jones says. "A specific range of ‘Made In England’ products are manufactured here by a small, close-knit team of people schooled in traditional shoe-making and a process that hasn’t changed since our first pair six decades ago."
While not every pair of Dr. Martens is waterproof, the brand does offer a wide variety of waterproofed footwear (like these Iowa Waterproof Poly Casual Boots) that are great for snow, rain, and other elements.
Olivia Muenter is a freelance writer who has written for numerous outlets such as Refinery29, Glamour, and Byrdie. She is also a co-host of the lifestyle podcast Bad on Paper. For this article, she compared the features, benefits, and uses of some of the most popular Dr. Martens shoes. She compared shoes based on factors including price, style, comfort, and durability. She also interviewed Kristin Jones, the head of product and merchandising for Dr. Martens US. She reviewed the most popular Dr. Martens shoes, evaluating reviews and detailing her personal experience with the brand.
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