Maybe it’s high time we have a serious discussion about Doc Martens. There is no doubt they are among the best boots in the world. We love them. Not to mention that some of us have had more than few pairs growing up, including the classic 8-hole leather boots that spot yellow contrast stitching and those burgundy 3-hole kicks. All of which are outstanding.
But hype aside. As a columnist, it’s best to speak the truth to power. Doc Martens aren’t the best winter boots. They are not. And most people already know that. These boots are not associated with max traction, and they are not lined with warmth. In other words, they are really not waterproof.
While they are incredibly popular, it’s common to overlook docs waterproofing ability, until you run into a downpour and face a cold, harsh reality. Subject to the cut, shape, and build material, water resistance varies, and despite the fact that these are sturdy shoes, they are however not waterproof.
Even so, Dr. Martens do offer a fully waterproof boot, where you can rest assured of zero water damage. Besides, there are a few things you can do to keep your boots from water damage. For instance, you might want to use a shoe protector to avoid wet punches.
We would also suggest investing in protective sprays like Liquiproof for the fabric doc Martens as this will subside any water damage. While these boots are designed to withstand the muddy trenches, keeping up with your boot care can help avoid any harsh water damage.
Can you wear doc Martens in the summer?
Of course, yes. One of the best qualities of Dr. Martens is that you can wear them in both summer and winter. You like fashion spotting Dr. Martens paired with flowing Dresses or denim shorts during winter and summer festivals. Indeed, you can’t go wrong with skinny jeans, a chunky jumper, and a pair of docs.
The next question about docs applicability pertains to whether they are ideal for snow. Well, borrowing inspiration from the points stated above, it’s safe to say that doc Martens is not the best for snow either. Aside from softer versions, docs Martens boots, in particular, are made from leather and we all know that leather does not blend well with snow. The hard fabric, or rather the leather can easily get damaged and ruined by the snow.
There’s this misconception that salt can help you in such cases, probably by melting down the snow. However, be sure not to try this on your Doc Martens boots- not only will the snowmelt but your boots will also get ruined.
Docs are largely recognized for their air-padded soles, top shape, welted built quality, and yellow stitching. Furthermore, they were explicitly designed to deliver sustainable comfort.
Why Are doc Martens Not the Best For Snow?
The fact is that docs will keep your feet warm nor will they stop water from getting into your feet. Therefore, the positive aspect of being comfortable is lost entirely. Moreover, there are chances that you will not have a solid grip on the snow and might slip. Not to mention that the leather of the boot can also get damaged by the ice.
If you’re planning to wear doc Martens on snow, you might want to look at the following docs aspects:
- Are they comfortable?
- Are they warm?
- Are they slippery?
- Are they waterproof?
- Are they likely to get damaged by snow?
Again, waterproofing in doc Martens shoes varies with shape, material, and cut. That said, none of the Doc Martens boots are waterproof. Despite the fact that these boots are not waterproof, they are water-resistant to a certain extent. Fortunately, there are still ways to protect your boots against unwanted water patches:
- Using shoe protectors on areas vulnerable to water patches/damage
- Buy protective spray for your shoes to protect their fabric against water damage
How Warm Are Doc Martens?
Warmth is yet another aspect that dictates the versatility of Doc Martens shoes. It’s good to mention that docs aren’t that footwear that will keep your feet cozy and warm. The thin layer of skin doesn’t come in handy when dealing with icy conditions.
Nonetheless, if you’re still looking forward to doc Martens as your winter boots, there are ways to increase the warmth, and make it warmer, cozier, and agreeable to your feet. One of the most effective ways is trying to wear winter wool socks with your docs, as docs are not insulated.
How Long Before Docs Break-In Properly?
When you buy your new docs, you will realize that there’s a considerable “break-in” period. Some people have it that this can last anywhere between 3 to 6 weeks depending on leather thickness and material used. during this period, you will be better off wearing your boots for short outings until they become comfy and agreeable to the shape of your foot.
After breaking in, you will find doc Martens boots to be the comfiest and snuggest boots around. They can make great walking and working boots. It’s a structured boot that’s made from tough leather and while you might want to use softening agents, we found that by wearing your boots, you will create a more sentimental touch.
How To Clean & Polish Dr. Martens
If you want to keep our docs in good shape, then taking care of them is imperative. Getting your hand son Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam or such leather conditions, or maybe a colored polish that marches your boots can be a nice move to maintain your docs shine and longevity. Below are the simple steps to easily clean and polish your docs Martens:
- Unlace the boots whenever you want to clean them
- Get rid of any dirt or grit using warm water and a cloth/ toothbrush
- Ensure the boots are clean and dry before you start polishing
In addition, it’s important to note that Dr. Martens come in different materials and some and not all polishes will work well on fabric covered boots. In the case of softer fabrics, you might want to use a protector spray.