Are Doc Martens good for hiking? What are the pros / cons - BootChief (2023)

FAQs

Can Doc Martens be used as hiking boots? ›

After weighing up all of these factors, we decided that while Doc Martens aren't the most optimal choice for hiking owing to their weight, lack of waterproofing, questionable ankle protection and tendency to rub, they're also not as poor a choice as hiking in jeans.

If the boot feels uncomfortable when you try it on, especially in the width, then it is too small. Docs will soften and stretch as you wear them in - You can check out our size guide for more information.

Their super comfortable cushioned soles make them easy to wear all day. They feature a chunky tread for excellent grip when walking whilst on shift, making them ideal work boots. Docs were designed to be sturdy and comfortable work boots. The original Doc Martens sole is resistant to petrol, fat, oil, alkali and acid.

Dr. Martens footwear, with its PVC air-cushioned soles, is known for both its comfort and durability.

Hiking shoes: Low-cut models with flexible midsoles are excellent for day hiking. Some ultralight backpackers may even choose trail-running shoes for long-distance journeys. Day hiking boots: These range from mid- to high-cut models and are intended for day hikes or short backpacking trips with light loads.

In general, remember, Dr. Martens boots and shoes run true to size (probably half a size down from your sneakers) and aren't as big as you may imagine. The exception is the 1460s, Jadons, and Chelseas, which need to be sized down about a whole size from your sneaker.

How Long Does It Take to Break in Doc Martens Fully? For most models, the break-in time is between three and six weeks. The break-in period might take a few days to a few weeks. Applying heat treatments or wearing them with socks might help speed up the break-in process.

The inner lining of Doc Martens is made of an abrasive material that rubs against the foot and creates blisters. Removing the insole takes some of the friction away and helps prevent blisters. It's still best to wear thick socks to prevent blisters around the ankle.

Martens, also commonly known as Doc Martens, Docs or DMs, is a German-founded British footwear and clothing brand, headquartered in Wollaston in the Wellingborough district of Northamptonshire, England.

Why are Dr Martens boots so popular? ›

Despite the drop, Doc Martens have been able to gain more traction onto consumers because of famous celebrities wearing the iconic shoes for a different reason than originally intended, fashion. An additional factor to their recent success is their new vegan line that uses 100 percent non-animal origin materials.

Over a time of breaking in the DMs, the leather, whether that be vegan or real, should stretch to fit your feet. However, if they are still not feeling quite right and a bit too tight after a time, it is possible to remove the inner sole to give yourself a bit more room.

The 1460 is the iconic Dr. Martens silhouette and the shoe that started it all. The 1460 boots have been seen on everyone from rock stars to rappers, and the distinctive lace-up eyelets, leather construction and chunky sole remain an instantly recognizable status symbol.

After the boom in the '90s, the boots dipped out of fashion, and the company struggled, almost going bust in the early 2000s. As the industry shrank, the cost of manufacturing shoes in England also got more expensive. And by 2002 it already cost around $87 for a pair of Doc Martens. That's around $140 with inflation.

The answer is pretty simple and lies mostly in the leather uppers. The classic Dr. Martens 1460 8-eye boots are crafted from a thicker, smooth leather. This leather gives the boot a little more structure than the softer Virginia leather used on the Pascal boots.

Hiking boots are commonly categorized into three groups — lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight categories — according to their weight, ankle stability, and the foot support provided.

Hiking shoes take the best elements of hiking boots and trail runners and combine them into one. They are lighter and more comfortable than hiking boots, but generally offer the same level of protection (minus the cuff around your ankle).

Bigger is usually better

Feet tend to swell a bit during hiking, so erring on the side of larger hiking shoes or boots is advisable. In general, aim to buy your hiking boots a half size larger than you think you need.

You don't need boots when hiking on easy terrain, smooth trails and dry conditions. Trail runners, sneakers or even certain sandals should be fine. However, hiking boots or hiking shoes are absolutely necessary whenever you are going on rougher, technical terrain with scree, creek crossings or lots of mud.

If it's a paved nature trail, even a pair of city sneakers can handle it. If you expect to hike in cold, wet conditions, you might prefer the warmth and protection of a sturdy boot with a waterproof membrane, but you can find waterproof trail-running shoes as well.

Why are hiking boots so tall? ›

They'll typically rise just above the ankle, providing more protection from the elements and will keep your ankles safe from cuts or abrasions. They're also typically made from a hybrid of leather and rubber, tend to be more sturdy than trail runners, but with more flexibility than high-cut boots.

So, no, your toes should not touch the end of your shoes. More specifically, you should leave at least half an inch between your toes and the end of the shoe.

Will my docs stretch out? Doc marten boots will stretch out some with more wear. Eventually, they will conform generally to the shape of your foot. In the beginning they will be more snug, and you shouldn't buy a larger size to compensate for this.

Martens recommends purchasing its socks, heel pads, and balm to hasten the process. The balm is supposed to soften the leather and help them break in quicker, while the heel pads and socks will prevent blisters. The company also recommends using aluminum soda cans to stretch the uppers in place of your ankles and feet.

Remove The Inner Sole

Inside your Doc Martens, there's an extra inner liner. If yours feel a bit tight over the top of your foot, removing the liner will alter the fit slightly and should give your feet the extra bit of space they need.

If you're nervous about wearing Doc Martens over 40, start simple. Pair the shoes with jeans or leggings and a simple tee or blouse. Dress up your Docs by wearing them with nice trousers and a dressy top or blazer.

In order to defend themselves against copycats, Airwair, the company behind Dr. Martens, registered a special trademark: a so-called position mark. A position mark protects the specific way in which the trademark is applied to the product. In this case yellow stitching on the edge of the shoe.

1460 is the model number for the original Dr. Martens was made on April 1st, 1960. The number represents the date 1 (1st), 4 (April), and 60 (1960).

Dr. Martens' origins date to 1945, when Dr. Klaus Maertens, a 25-year-old soldier and medical doctor at the time, created a unique air-cushioned sole (rather than the traditional hard leather sole) to aid his recovery from a broken foot.

Are Doc Martens a type of boot? ›

Martens boots — consists of Dr. Martens' signature air-cushioned rubber sole, a smooth and stiff leather upper, and instantly recognizable yellow stitching in most of its pairs. Its most defining characteristic is its eight-eye design, making the boot tall enough to hit low on the calf.

In the UK, Dr Martens were initially a £2 work boot worn by postmen and factory workers. Later they were picked up by skinheads - and Pete Townshend of The Who. He became the first high-profile person to wear them, as a symbol of his own working-class pride and rebellious attitude.

No, Doc Martens are not fully waterproof. For that, you might consider a rubber boot or duck boot, which has a vulcanized rubber sole. Doc Martens are however quite weather-resistant, meaning the iconic gum rubber sole is highly durable and can stand up to harsh weather conditions.

Classic Doc Martens weigh 1 lb 9.6 oz per men's average boot, and 1 lb 4.8 oz per women's average boot. Please note the weight of the boots will vary slightly depending on the size.

Dr Martens competitors include Vans, Converse, Wolverine Worldwide, Crocs and Timberland. Dr Martens ranks 3rd in CEO Score on Comparably vs its competitors. See below how Dr Martens compares to its competitors with CEO Rankings, Overall Culture Score, eNPS, Gender and Diversity Scores.

"They are sturdy, highly functional, and very on-trend. You will see people wearing them with everything from distressed jeans to dresses," wardrobe consultant Alison Bruhn told The Zoe Report. Whether Doc Martens are your style or you prefer something a little more glam, you can't go wrong with combat boots.

THE 1461 SHOE

The Original DM's shoe. Made one year after our first boot, and packing the robust construction of the 1460 into a sleek 3-eye silhouette. In the decades since, the lace-up shoes have stomped down runways, pounded on stages and empowered individuality all over the world.

Martens has, but many consider Solovair the real Dr. Martens because when Dr. Martens moved most of their production to Asia, cutting ties with Solovair, Solovair didn't stop manufacturing boots. They used their facility to make boots that are extremely similar to the Dr.

Doc Martens were then popularized by a famous musician in The Who. Pete Townshend, guitarist for the rock band, was the first high-profile person to wear the boots as a symbol of rebellion and working-class pride and support.

As you can tell by these materials, your Doc Martens—while not being overtly waterproof—are typically going to be water-resistant. This means that, unless you're buying suede, even without any leather sprays, you shouldn't have to worry about light rains, a bit of moisture, or walking through puddles.

Which Doc Martens are comfortable? ›

With their soft leather shaft and bouncing soles, these are boots that will keep your feet happy. Score one for truth in advertising: The Doc Martens Pascal Virginias are more comfortable from the get-go than my OG Docs ever were. I never got a blister when breaking them in, even without wearing thick socks.

Most Dr. Martens shoes do feature yellow stitching, but some have black or white stitching for those that prefer a monochromatic look.

If you don't have any special hiking footwear, go with your most comfortable sneakers. Some people swear by hiking sandlals in hot weather. I used to use Chacos and they're great, but switching to a breathable trail runner eliminated the need for sandals. If you get a leather hiking boot, you will need to break it in.

Walking boots are great for walking long distances uphill and across uneven terrains, although they are noticeably heavier than walking shoes. This is necessary for mountain hiking, or off the beaten track trails where the path underfoot is likely to keep changing.

If you're thinking about going on a hike and you only have a pair of work boots, you'll be fine. Yes, your feet may be a little extra sore at the end because of the added weight and lack of flexibility. But if you'd like to go on a few hikes throughout the year, picking up a pair of hiking boots is worthwhile.

Leather uppers are the go-to option, particularly for sturdy hiking boots and mountain boots. Footwear made of a high proportion of fabric is ahead in terms of weight and often price too. However, leather can often compensate for these factors because it lasts so long.

Trail runners and most hiking shoes generally flex more easily across the toes and forefoot than hiking boots; this makes them easier to walk in on moderate trails but reduces stability on rougher and more challenging terrain.

Feet tend to swell a bit during hiking, so erring on the side of larger hiking shoes or boots is advisable. In general, aim to buy your hiking boots a half size larger than you think you need.

You should have at least an inch of space between your big toe and the tip of your boots. More room for your toes will be more comfortable on longer hikes as your feet swell. And, if your toes can splay out as you step you'll have better stability.

Hiking boots offer better ankle coverage, which helps prevent ankle sprains, and much stiffer midsoles, which provide better support. It's dangerous to wear regular sneakers or tennis shoes when hiking because not only can you sprain your ankle, but you can actually hurt yourself.

What is the difference between trail and hiking? ›

The trails are generally visible trails but not the smooth surfaces of a walk. Hikes tend to be longer than walks and require proper equipment and footwear as terrain and trails are more rugged. Hiking tends to see you move from lower to higher as you progress and are generally more undulating than a walk.

Heavier hiking boots, whether they're made of full grain leather or a combination of leather and synthetic materials, are designed for more challenging conditions. They are, well… heavier, but there are payoffs for the extra weight. Ample rands or rubber bands around the uppers take the brunt of scuffs and abrasion.

If it's a paved nature trail, even a pair of city sneakers can handle it. If you expect to hike in cold, wet conditions, you might prefer the warmth and protection of a sturdy boot with a waterproof membrane, but you can find waterproof trail-running shoes as well.

When hiking, it is probably best to wear socks. Socks will help prevent blisters and any avid hiker knows that blisters can ruin your experience and in some occasions your hike. You do not want to take a break from hiking to tend to blistered feet, especially when hiking with others.

While classic Timberland boots may not be ideal for hiking, you may be pleasantly surprised at their capabilities. We would recommend investing in a hiking specific boot from Timberland or another brand instead of hiking in your classics. That being said, if it is all you got, it's going to work!