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AT A GLANCE: The Best Dr. Martens Shoes
It’s hard to remember when people weren’t wearing Dr. Martens. We’ve been lacing up those classic leather boots and chunky-soled oxfords for decades, as a favorite of the street-style set, artists, and musicians alike. Even though these time-honored kicks have been updated with modern detailing and designs, they’re still as durable as ever, whether you’re rocking out on stage, bar hopping across the city, or running to make the next set at your favorite music festival.
Though “Docs” are often associated with the rise of punk rock and the counterculture movement, the original Dr. Martens boots were originally more modest, as everyday work-wear boots for postal service workers and factory workers in the UK. It wasn’t until Pete Townshend of The Who donned a pair of the 1460 boots that they became associated with music and art. By the Seventies and Eighties, the brand’s combat-style boots, leather loafers, and stitched oxfords were quickly adopted by the psychobilly, hard-core, and alt-rock music scenes, and it seemed like every grunge and ska artist in the Nineties wore Docs too. Even today, a pair of Docs is still as versatile as a good guitar lick or fat beat — just look at the list of artists who wear Docs, which runs the gamut from Machine Gun Kelly and Lil Nas X, to Rihanna and Olivia Rodrigo.
But the low-key leather boot from London is still one of the most iconic pieces of footwear in fashion history, even as the brand has since expanded its offerings to include collaborations with musicians and design houses, casual canvas styles, and festival-ready sandals. Naturally, they’re also favorites of the Rolling Stone staff, so we asked around to find out the best pairs of Dr. Martens to buy right now according to wearers who rock them on the daily. Here’s what you should be adding to your closet.
What Are the Best Dr. Martens to Buy Online?
Whether you’re searching for a gift for a music fan and fashionphile, or looking to pick up a pair of kickass shoes for yourself, we’ve rounded up our favorite pairs of Dr. Martens to buy right now.
1. 1460 Vegan Leather Lace Up Boots
Dr. Martens
Our VP of Commerce Jessica Seib is “eternally loyal” to her old cherry red 1460 boots, and for good reason. “I survived my first three years working in New York city in these shoes. I didn’t make much money at the time so I needed as many all purpose closet items as I could possibly find. These were my shoes for walking to work, walking to the club, walking to the bar, walking up the 5 flights in my walk up… I walked pretty much anywhere if it meant I could avoid paying for an Uber.”
She says you can dress these up and down, and loved how the dark brown-red leather wore in nicely over time to expose the undertones of red on the toe, heel and insole gap. “I would buy these shoes 10x over if I could — cannot recommend them more if you’re looking for a first pair.”
2. Blaire Hydro Leather Strap Sandals
Dr. Martens
For yours truly, these Docs strap sandals were in heavy rotation when I was living in Havana a few years back. Because many of the sidewalks and roads are broken or uneven, that rugged ripple tread was essential for not rolling my ankles every time I walked to university for classes. The horseshoe buckles and multiple straps also kept these locked on my feet with surprisingly minimal chafing considering how much I was sweating.
I had actually brought along another pair of Docs platform sandals, but quickly abandoned them because the sole was just too heavy for lengthy walking. But the super-lightweight sole and memory foam footbed made these Blaire Hydro Leather sandals must-haves for travel going forward.
3. 1461 Smooth Leather Oxford Shoes
Dr. Martens
The 1461 purple patent Oxfords are the most prized pair of RS Executive Assistant, Yaasmiyn Alam. “I spotted them in a Dr. Martens store window on vacation in 2016 and it was love at first sight. I get compliments every time I wear them and wish I had a backup pair as sadly they are no longer sold.”
Looking for a stylish alternative? These Oxford shoes in Rich Purple get you the same traditional design in with a durable, matte smooth leather, while the eye-catching, glossy finish on this Vegan alternative pair gets you closest to the sheen of the patent Oxfords. Break out these color ways when you’re looking for a “going out” shoe that will actually last you all night, or something to pair with your festival fit.
4. Adrian Leather Platform Tassel Loafers
“My second favorite pair are the 3989 Kiltie Metallic Wingtip Shoe (worn without the overlays),” adds Alam. “They add an extra spark to any outfit I pair them with.” While this style is no longer sold, the legacy of these Kilties live on in these classy Adrian loafers.
Favored in the Eighties by mods and other subcultures looking to “smarten up without losing their edge,” this season Docs has reissued the classic loafer with a towering 2-inch Quad sole, along with a double tassel and kiltie fringe. Pair this with smart business wear for the office, or baggy pants and a cropped top for a high-low look.
5. 1460 Serena Faux Fur Lined Lace Up Boots
Social Media Editor Elise Brisco has been favoring these 1460 Serena 8-Eye style, fur-lined boots this past winter. Built from supple black Atlas leather and lined with faux fur for enhanced insulation, these are the only boots that can stand up to New York winters full of slushy streets.
We like the subtle sheen from waxed aniline leather, and with the rugged AirWair sole, you can handle stomping over snowy patches or just kicking around in warmth. These are also the perfect colder winter boot to buy if you have wide width feet, too.
6. Combs Leather Casual Boots
Dr. Martens
Research Editor Rick Carp got these boots as a gift for Christmas, and has been wearing them ever since. “I don’t normally wear high socks and have been wearing baggier pants with the colder weather. I combined these with long-ass socks and tucked tighter jeans into them today and they’re not too bad to break in. I like that they’re not too high, and not too low.”
The new lightweight construction of these boots make them perfect “all-season” wear, and you can even switch them up and go grungier with a pare set of hiker-inspired laces or keep the sleek black on black look of the laces and the grain and oily finish.
7. Audrick Nappa Leather Platform Chelsea Boots
Dr. Martens
Thanks to how comfortable they are, these Audrick Nappa boots are “hands-down my favorite Doc Martens,” according to Senior SEO Manager Morgan Greenwald. “I’ve had trouble breaking in some of the classic leather boots, but I was able to wear these Nappa leather boots right away without a blister in sight. Since I’m on the shorter side, I also love how the platform sole gives me a little bit of height.”
If you want big, bold style, but don’t love lace-up boots, these are a great alternative. An EVA midsole and PVC outsole with rugged deep cleats mean they weigh lighter than ever, but still bring the attitude.
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