While sneakers are what we specialise in here at The Sole Supplier, let it be known that we do also have a soft spot for formal footwear, with Dr. Martens being one of the most coveted and recognisable labels in the sphere. Whether it be the legendary 1461 shoe or the classic 1460 boot, any of the footwear offerings from the heritage English brand are built to last and make a statement when worn. If you’ve never ventured into the world of formal footwear it can be a little intimidating, as many assume that they fit and feel very different to sneakers.
While this is true when it comes to some labels, Dr. Martens is very much a contemporary brand, often releasing collaborations with revered streetwear labels such as Supreme, A-Cold-Wall* and even CLOT. here at The Sole supplier we’ve reached out to some of our in-house product experts to find out exactly how Dr. Martens fit, meaning you won’t even have to worry about copping the wrong size!
Dr. Martens – how Do They Fit?
Fit: In general, Dr. Martens shoes and boots fit true to size but they do not always come in half sizes.
Comfort: once broken in, they are one of the comfiest footwear choices which will last you for years to come.
Care: use a wet wipe or similar and wipe clean with ease.
Styling: While they’re perfect for formal looks, you can dress them down just as well.
Dr. Martens – What Our product Specialists Think
Image via The North Face
“They fit perfect and I can’t wait to rock them as part of my first formal outfit!”
Jack S – content Writer
How do they fit?
Dr. Martens are definitely true to size when it comes to fit. I bought my first pair recently for our upcoming Christmas party and asked a few of my mates what the fit was like – they all told me to go true to size. They fit perfect and I can’t wait to rock them as part of my first formal outfit!
Are they comfortable?
I’m currently in the process of breaking mine in, so I’m wearing them around the house for a few hours a day at the moment. apparently once the leather has been softened, they’re about as comfortable as it gets! I’ll keep you posted.
How do you style them?
I’m ready to dress my pair up as part of a smart-casual look, matched with a pair of straight-leg trousers, a mock-neck sweater and a blazer. I don’t usually dress formal but I’m hoping that it just might impress the ladies this time around!
How do you clean them?
The good thing about Dr. Martens is that if you do get them dirty they’re super easy to clean. due to the leather uppers and rubber soles you can usually wipe them clean with dedicated sneaker wipes or even just normal wet wipes. A little bit of elbow grease and the job is done.
Image via A-Cold-Wall*
“A lot of people might be wary of working boots or shoes into a more laid-back fit but it creates a contrast that really sets a mood.”
Adam – Head of news and Creative
How do they fit?
I wouldn’t risk buying any size other than my usual in Dr. Martens, they need to fit just right. I’ve got several pairs now and can’t stop buying more and they all seem to fit the same no matter what silhouette I go for. It’s nice to know that I won’t need to return them!
Are they comfortable?
Let’s be real here, they don’t offer the same level of comfort as some of the ultra-cushioned lifestyle sneakers I have in my collection, but they’re definitely comfier than one might think. I’ve worn mine on days where I’ve walked miles and my feet have remained intact.
How do you style them?
Recently I’ve been working my Dr. Martens into casual outfits and it’s worked an absolute treat. A lot of people might be wary of working boots or shoes into a more laid-back fit but it creates a contrast that really sets a mood and lets everyone know that I put a lot of thought into my styling choices!
How do you clean them?
I try not to get my kicks dirty to be honest as it’s a lot of work to clean them, however if it comes to it sneaker wipes usually suffice with the leather that features on most Docs. just give them a quick wipe and then leave them to dry and you’re good to go.
Image via Dr. Martens
“Dr. Martens can without a doubt rival the comfort of my other kicks, once they’ve been broken in of course!”
Raphael – content Writer
How do they fit?
When copping my first pair of Dr. Martens I was in a bit of a pickle, as they don’t come in half sizes and I usually take a UK7.5. After much deliberation I decided to take a UK8 to be safe, and luckily they fit just fine!
Are they comfortable?
I used to strictly a sneaker guy, as I love how comfortable all my new balance and Dunks are. However, as of late I’ve become a bit of a shoe aficionado, I’ve copped three pairs of loafers in the last week! Dr. Martens can without a doubt rival the comfort of my other kicks, once they’ve been broken in of course!
How do you style them?
I love rocking formal looks regularly, so incorporating Dr. Martens into my own personal style really came with ease. My go-to look would be an oversized suit with a plain t-shirt underneath, which I’d then accessorise with some subtle jewellery and maybe a cross-body bag. I’m heavily inspired by Korean streetwear and similar styles, so often my looks channel that sort of vibe.
How do you clean them?
As my colleagues have mentioned, Dr. Martens really are some of the easiest kicks on the market to clean. If they’re leather (which they usually are) you can simply wipe them down if they end up getting dirty. The only difficult part can be picking dirt out from the ridges soles, however you can just use some old cutlery to do this effectively.
Image via Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens shoes – What You need to Know
If you’re sold on grabbing you first-ever pair of Dr. Martens then now is a better time than ever, so head on out and find the best bargain you can! As mentioned by our product specialists, you should always take your true size when buying DM’s. As the brand doesn’t produce half-sizes, if you’re worried we’d always advise taking the larger of the two sizes to be safe. now head on out and get shopping!
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