Do Dr Martens Run Big ? Your Best Fit Guide

Do Dr Martens boots and shoes run big?  The short answer is yes but It can depend on the version of boot or shoe you need. Not all of the styles run bigger.

Dr. Martens, AKA Doc Martens, boots are very common in the UK but they aren’t your typical footwear. Shoe designers had the working person in mind when they made these work boots.

They’re unique in that they put a little bounce into your step due to their air pockets. They are extremely comfortable, strong, and versatile, meaning they will go with anything.

It makes sense to have a comfy pair of work boots that will compliment any wardrobe and provide comfort at the same time.

Doc Martens footwear can make a plain wardrobe look very stylish. You can have simple and black or choose a pattern, design, or solid color that highlights your personality.

But not every boot fits the same for everyone.

Since everyone’s feet are different, it’s hard to know how these shoes will fit. From work boots to casual footgear, you have many different styles from which to choose. Dr. Martens footwear will last a very long time if you take care of them.

Dr. Martens Sizing Chart

It is better to have your footwear larger because you can do more to make them fit perfectly.

Since the Doc Martens offer extra wiggle room, wearing thick socks is critical. To help you find the size you need, refer to Doc Martens sizing guide below.

If you wear in-between sizes, consider selecting a size smaller or using an insole to make up that extra space. If you want more wiggle room for your toes, a larger size might be your best bet.

Different Styles

Not all versions fit the same. Those that run bigger are the 1460 boots, Chelsea, and Jadon Docs.

Dr. Marten 1460 (AKA Classic Boots)

The 1460 boots are the most common of the Doc Marten footwear. They are bigger and wider. If you wear half-sizes, you would be better off going down half a size. Women’s shoes run narrower than men’s. If you have wider feet, order according to your natural shoe size.

Chelsea

The Chelsea boots are versatile as they go with anything. You can dress for work or a night on the town. They consist of leather or suede and are available in multiple colors. They don’t lace up as the others do.

These shoes fit according to your size if you wear whole sizes. If you normally wear half-sizes, decreasing a half-size might be your best option. Should you choose to go up a size, keep in mind that the boot will be longer, not wider.

Vegan Docs

If you aren’t into leather, the Vegan Docs don’t contain any animal-type products. They consist of two materials in place of leather: a polyurethane blend (Cambridge Brush) and a combination of microfiber and polymer (Felix) that are safer to manufacture. You can find the vegans in lace-up or Chelsea styles.

The factories that make these shoes emit fewer gases and use less water. Vegan Docs will fit true to the original version. If the originals run big, so will the vegans. Something to consider when deciding on a style–the vegans are usually quicker to break-in than the average Doc Martens. 

Jadon Doc Martens

These boots have a smooth polished look to the leather and a sturdy high sole. The Jadon Doc Martens run big so go smaller if you usually wear half-sizes.

If you wear full sizes only, select footwear in your usual size. These boots can still fit perfectly with thick socks.

Corn Stitch

The corn stitch boots run true to size. Half-sizers should round up. Women sizes are more narrow than men or unisex sizes.

Cement Soles

For a simple and cost-effective choice, cement sole boots are pretty strong, but they don’t last as long as other Doc Martens due to their construction. The upper portion of these conformed shoes connects to the sole by adhesion.

They are separate from the sole itself, so you will need to replace them if they break. The cement soles fit to your usual shoe size, so there’s no need to up or downsize unless they are too snug.

How to Measure for Your Dr. Martens Footwear

Some Doc Marten run big so there is a specific technique to measure your feet for the right size. Dr Martens’ sizing chart reflects the length of the insole, not your foot. While standing up, have someone measure from the heel of your foot to the toes.

While measuring, wear thicker socks (the ones you plan to wear with your boots) during measurements to get a more accurate reading. Another way to get your measurements is by stepping onto a blank piece of paper and having someone trace around your foot.

Once you get the measurements, compare those numbers to the ones on the sizing guide to see where you are. If you sit just at or above that number, consider going up a size.

Break In Process for Your Doc Martens

Dr. Martens boots consist of tough leather or polyurethane that can be hard to wear at first. Like any new shoe, you may need to break them in. It can be a painful experience at first. Dr. Martens stretch and may take a few days for you to adjust.

Don’t try to wear shoes that feel strange. Look for something that resembles your style so you can be more comfortable. Avoid heel slip as much as possible because it’s usually an indication of boots being too big.

Some boot versions, such as the Vegan Doc Martens, break in faster than others. Over time, the shoes will conform to the shape of your feet. There are some things you can do to make your new shoes more comfortable:

Get Doc Socks

Are your Dr. Martens boots running too big? Before you put on your first pair of footwear, consider getting some thick socks, such as “Doc Socks”. They will help support your entire foot, especially the heel and sole, provide excellent padding, and prevent blisters. They also help your foot conform to the shoe.

Doc socks are also ideal for a tighter fit since some Doc Martens boots run too big. Consider something of a thick cotton-nylon blend or wool. Another option is hiking socks. They may not be as thick but they provide extra protection for your feet.

Start Slow

It’s best to break in your boots slowly. Don’t take a long walk until you adjust to your shoes. Wearing these shoes for an extended period on your first use can lead to blisters and extreme pain in the arch of your foot.

Your first use should be indoors, where the ground is softer, such as carpet. Wear them for a short period, around two to three hours, every two days to ease into them. If you start feeling pain, you may need to make your adjustment time a little longer.

Soften the Leather

Softening the leather is a high recommendation to fit into your footgear. It can also give you extra room in your boot. Get some Dr. Martens’ Wonder Balsam shoe oil to loosen up the leather of the boots.

The coconut oil, lanolin, and beeswax in the lotion moisturize the fibers and allow them to spread out.

When you add water to a sponge, it will expand. Oiling the shoes will do the same thing. The Balsam also adds extra protection against moisture and dirt.

Another way to loosen up the leather is to manipulate it through massage. Rub the outer surface of your boot and gently bend the toes back and forth until you gain some flexibility.

Use Inserts

If your Dr. Martens run big, insert the same brand insoles or heel pads for additional support and comfort. Not all insoles are the same. Think about your foot type, whether you have a condition that requires extra support, or how well your boots fit.

Dr. Martens has varieties of inserts from which to choose. Thick polyurethane insoles will not only cushion your feet but provide for a more snug fit.

If you need a thinner insole but still need the extra support, classic insoles may be the choice for you. If the boots or shoes continue to feel snug and you need extra room, you may not require a different type of insole. When the insoles wear down, replace them.

After breaking in your boots, you may find that Dr. Martens are the comfiest pair of shoes you’ll ever own.

Built to Last

When it comes to reliability, Dr. Martens footwear stands above the competition. They can handle heavy working conditions and constant standing. The yellow stitching between the foot and the air-cushioned sole gives these boots a distinguished look.

The lining of the shoe consists of antimicrobial, breathable fabric, so your feet don’t get too hot. The non-skid soles with rubber inserts provide traction while the PVC surface allows for flexibility while you walk.

However, the materials of these boots are not exactly friendly to the earth. They consist of leather and wool, which indirectly affect the environment through the manufacturing process.

There is a lot of water and energy usage, along with the release of carbons and gases into the air. As you read above, there is vegan footwear available.

How to Care for Doc Martens Footwear

Dr. Martens footwear can withstand a lot of stuff but they are not 100% resilient to water. One crucial thing to remember: Water and leather don’t mix well.

Do not soak your boots or shoes in water. Doing so may eventually lead to premature deterioration. Never use olive oil or vaseline on them.

This is where the Wonder Balsam will come in handy. Take appropriate measures to prevent your shoes from irreversible damage. After wearing your shoes, do this at least every three months:

• Clean them off with a damp, clean cloth. You’ll want to remove the laces for the next step.
• Select the leather cleaner of your choice and use a clean damp cloth to lather it into the boots.
• Gently scrub around the seams and eyelets with a toothbrush.
• Using a fresh, damp cloth, wipe off the cleaner.
• Put your shoes away to dry for about two days.
• Apply leather conditioner to the air-dried shoes with your hands or a clean cloth. After sitting for about five minutes, gently remove the conditioner with another soft cloth.
• Dry your shoes overnight.

At the end of the day, remove your shoes and wipe them with a soft, damp cloth to get rid of any existing dirt. If you choose to polish your boots, there is a technique for that too:

Polishing adds shine, glimmer, and that extra layer of protection to your nice expensive shoes. Before you begin, remove the laces and use a clean, soft damp cloth to remove any dirt or residue.

After your shoes dry, take a thin layer of polish and rub it evenly over the surface, paying special attention to cracks, crevices, and hard-to-clean areas.

The last step includes buffing with a soft cloth and using even strokes to create that shine. Re-lace your shoes. If you want you can spray them with a protective spray.

How to Know Your Dr. Martens Fit Right

Since Doc Martens can run big, how do you know if your boots or shoes fit you correctly? One way to tell is if you can wiggle your toes freely. You don’t want them to feel crowded.

Another sign that you have the right size is that once you adjust to the boots, you shouldn’t experience any pain or pressure, especially in the arches of the foot. If your heel fits snugly but no longer rubs against the shoe, you are striking gold. Any shoe you wear should feel comfortably tight.