One day, you opened your closet to pick the ideal shoes to go with your outfit. But where you expected fine-quality shoes, you found only tattered lumps of leather. The time has come to set off on a shoe hunt again.
If this happens to you often, you might need more durable shoes. Well, meet Doc Martens. This footwear brand has all but taken over the market. The comfortable yet fashionable design makes owning a pair a great luxury.
Summary
Most Doc Martens run true-to-size. However, Doc Martens models Chelsea, Jadons, and 1460 run big. No Doc Martens run small. Avoid the mistake of ordering the wrong Doc Martens because you didn’t check our recommendations for each model underneath.
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Since it’s a British brand, they use different metrics to label their shoes. How do Doc Martens fit? Do they run big or small? Should you size up or down? In this article, we will answer all these questions and more. Read on.
What size should I get?
Despite their great renown, picking the right-sized Doc Martens can be a nightmare. It is because of their quirky sizing. So how should you navigate the treacherous waters of choosing the right size?
The good news is that most Doc Marten models are true to size. However, there are three exceptions: Chelsea, Jadons, and the all-time favorite 1460. These Doc Martens shoes tend to run large. When dealing with these models, you should pick shoes one size smaller than your regular size.
You should keep in mind that Doc Martens don’t sell half sizes. If you find yourself stuck in the middle, choose the bigger size. Better for your shoes to be a little looser than too tight. Looser shoes are much more forgiving. You can fix them by wearing thicker socks, and adding insoles works too.
Do Doc Martens run big, small, or true-to-size?
Should you size up or down when buying these luxury shoes? Although most Doc Martens run true-to-size, you should consider three models. These are Chelsea, Jadons, and 1460. All three models run big, so you will have to buy them one size smaller than you’re used to.
Wear thick socks
Even if you use all the products, consider wearing thick socks with your new shoes. It’s especially during the first week. The thick layer of cotton will press against your boots, forcing them to stretch. If you don’t have a pair of really thick socks, you can wear two at once. It achieves the same result. Wear them like this at least one hour a day, and they’ll cave in soon enough.
Using a hair dryer
This DIY alternative is great if you don’t want to spend any money. After all, your Doc Martens likely weren’t cheap in the first place. All you’ll need is a pair of thick socks and a hairdryer.
Just wear the boots with thick socks and heat them with a hairdryer. Make sure it’s set at least to medium heat. Hold it 6 inches from your boots to avoid damaging it. When you heat them, wiggle inside your boots to stretch them. If it becomes too uncomfortable at any time, stop immediately.
While this method is undoubtedly effective, excessive heat may damage your boots. To prevent this, use this hairdryer technique for only short periods every day. We recommend doing it for at least a week. Applying a leather condition right after you finish may also protect your precious shoes.
Using ice
While stuffing your Doc Martens with ice might seem bizarre, it can work. This technique utilizes water’s ability to expand as it turns to ice. All you need is a freezer and some plastic bags.
To begin, cover your boots with plastic bags. It will protect them from any water found in your freezer. Then, place two zipped bags filled with water inside your shoes. Leave them in the freezer overnight. As the ice expands, it will loosen your boots.
Having cold feet about freezing your expensive shoes? Consider trying the more conventional methods we recommend above. They’re much more reliable anyway.
Size chart
Since different countries use different metrics for shoe sizes, knowing what size you should buy can be nightmarish. Check out our sizing guide if all these metrics give you a headache.
| Women (US) | Men (US) | UK | EUR | JAP |
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 36 | 22 |
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 37 | 23 |
| 7 | 6 | 5 | 38 | 23.5 |
| 8 | 7 | 6 | 39 | 24.5 |
| 9 | 8 | 7 | 41 | 25.5 |
| 10 | 9 | 8 | 42 | 26 |
| 11 | 10 | 9 | 43 | 27 |
| 12 | 11 | 10 | 45 | 28 |
| 12 | 11 | 46 | 29 | |
| 13 | 12 | 47 | 29.5 | |
| 14 | 13 | 48 | ||
| 15 | 14 | 49.5 | ||
| 16 | 15 | 51 |
While this sizing guide offers reliable estimates, you should try out your first Doc Martens in a store. It will help you find your perfect fit. Once you find it, you can order as many shoes online as you want.
Wide models
You might wonder if Doc Martens will fit you if you have wide feet. Well, not to worry. These shoes were designed to mold to the shape of your feet. Even though they may be a little too tight initially, the soft leather should break in within a month. Can’t wait? Try products such as a shoe stretcher on for size. It will make them fit you well much faster.
The only model that might not fit you well is the 1460s. Their fur lining makes them a bit tighter, so they’re not ideal for wide feet.
How much do the different models weigh?
Men’s Doc Martens generally weigh 1.60 pounds. Women’s shoes are slightly lighter, weighing 1.30 pounds. However, this estimate may vary slightly depending on the size.
Thick sole models
Nearly all Doc Martens models feature a one-inch thick sole, sometimes even thicker. Because they are air-cushioned, you won’t find any other shoes that can match their comfort. W
How tight should he shoe be?
How do Doc Martens fit? Like most shoes, they should wrap around your foot tightly but not to the point of discomfort. You should be able to move your feet inside comfortably. But if you get a size that’s way too big for you, your feet might start flying up and down inside the shoe. It leads to blisters. On the other hand, you don’t want to pick Doc Martens that are too tight either – your toes should never touch the toe cap.
How much height do the shoes add?
Are you looking to be a little bit taller? Well, Doc Martens can help in that department. Generally, they can add between one to two inches to your height. The exact number depends on the style.
Conclusion
All told, Doc Martens is one of the most famous footwear brands. Thanks to the soft leather and air-cushioned soles, their shoes are very comfortable to wear. Naturally, they’re always in fashion too. However, you have to look out for their sizes. Because they are situated in the UK, they use a different system. To choose your right fit, just choose one size smaller than your usual US size.
