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Best Men's Dr. Martens Boots

Updated March 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth
Dr. Martens
1460 Smooth
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Bottom Line

For the classic Doc Marten style, this is the right choice.

Pros

These leather boots have an iconic look and feel great. The leather uppers come in a variety of colors, and the synthetic sole provides good grip. The shaft measures 6.5 inches from the arch, and the heel is 1.25 inches tall.

Cons

May take some time to break in.

Best Bang for the Buck
Dr. Martens Tobias
Dr. Martens
Tobias
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A thinner sole than most Dr. Martens gives these a distinct style.

Pros

The waffle-pattern sole provides good grip, and the leather uppers provide protection from the elements. Shaft measures 6.5 inches from the arch, and the heel is 1 inch high.

Cons

Little support or padding can make these boots on the stiff side.

Dr. Martens Combs Fold Down Boot
Dr. Martens
Combs Fold Down Boot
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Bottom Line

The fold-down style makes these tough boots stand out.

Pros

The leather-nylon uppers are durable and attractive, and these work as well as a work boot as they do as a statement. These boots are warm, comfortable, and look great. Shaft measures 7 inches from the arch, and the heel is .75 inches high.

Cons

Some customers found these boots to be warmer than leather Dr. Martens.

Dr. Martens Fusion Steel Toe Chelsea Boot
Dr. Martens
Fusion Steel Toe Chelsea Boot
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Bottom Line

For a classy-looking work boot, it doesn't get much better than this.

Pros

No-lace leather uppers with a pull-on loop create a smooth look that provides excellent protection. These boots do a great job of keeping feet dry, and they're comfortable after hours of wear.

Cons

The pull loop isn't as durable as it could be.

Dr. Martens Icon 2295 Steel Toe Boot
Dr. Martens
Icon 2295 Steel Toe Boot
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Bottom Line

Tall, comfortable, anti-slip work boots.

Pros

Two pull loops make these easy to slide into. Though they're not as stylish as some of Dr. Martens' other styles, these don't take as long to break in and have padded ankles for extra protection. Leather uppers and PVC outsole.

Cons

Some customers found the opening too snug.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Consulted
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Buying guide for best men’s Dr. Martens boots

Dr. Martens boots embody a rare synthesis of style and statement. Dr. Klaus Maertens manufactured his first boot in 1945. He was a 25-year-old soldier who was suffering from a broken foot. To aid in his recovery, he designed a boot with an air-cushioned sole.

The durable, utilitarian boots went into production in 1947 and were worn by the working class. By the early 1970s, British subculture had embraced the brand, and Dr. Martens boots became a style icon.

If you'd like to learn more about the different types of men's Dr. Martens boots and how to care for them so they last for years, keep reading. Take a look at some of our favorites, too.

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When properly cared for, a pair of men's Dr. Martens boots can last a decade or more.

Considerations

When shopping for the best men's Dr. Martens boots, the two points to consider before all others are size and intended use.

Size

Like any wearable item, your men's Dr. Martens boots won't be of much use if they’re so tight that they cause discomfort. On the other hand, if they’re too loose, they may create blisters and become a safety hazard. Purchase boots that fit you properly.

Use

If you want a pair of men's Dr. Martens boots to make a stylistic statement, look for some that best express who you are. However, if you need your boots to have a special feature for safety, such as steel toes, it will limit your options.

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DID YOU KNOW?
Soaking your men's Dr. Martens boots in water won’t help break them in. It will only damage the leather and loosen the stitching.
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Features

Once you’ve settled on size and intended use, there are many options available when shopping for men's Dr. Martens boots. These boots start at around $60 for a basic ankle boot but can cost as much as $240 if you’re looking for a more stylized, lace-up, mid-calf pair.

Slip on vs. lace up

If you prefer to quickly step into your Dr. Martens boots rather than lace them up, that option is available in certain styles.

Special features

As noted above, men's Dr. Martens boots have a variety of special features that are designed for particular needs. These features include puncture resistance, heat resistance, slip resistance, spill resistance, steel toes, and more. It’s important to check to make sure that the style of Dr. Martens boots you’re considering has all the safety features that you require.

Don’t fret if your men's Dr. Martens boots aren't comfortable when you first put them on. It can take up to six weeks to break them in.

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Height

Men's Dr. Martens boots range in height from ankle to mid-calf. If you have a preference, look for the boot that best satisfies your tastes.

Materials

Leather: Men's Dr. Martens boots are manufactured using a wide variety of leather, ranging from stiff and glossy to pliable and distressed. If you have a preference, be sure to purchase the model that best matches your aesthetic needs.

Vegan: If you aren’t a fan of leather but still want to make a bold fashion statement, some models of men's Dr. Martens boots are 100% vegan, meaning they’re manufactured using no animal products.

men's dr marten's boots3
Although men's Dr. Martens boots are manufactured to withstand the elements in moderation, they aren’t waterproof.

FAQ

Q. What is the sizing like for men's Dr. Martens boots?

A. Although these boots are manufactured to fit true to size, there are noticeable variances from boot to boot, especially when comparing different styles. The best advice is to try a boot in your usual size. If you experience any discomfort that can’t be relieved by removing the insole, try the next larger size. As long as the boots are not damaged in any way, you can exchange them.

Q. I wear a size 10.5 shoe. What size Dr. Martens boot should I get?

A. Men's Dr. Martens boots are only available in whole sizes. If you’re between sizes, it’s best to get the next larger size, and if the boot feels too large, wear thicker socks or an insole to achieve a better fit.

Q. What are some tips for taking care of my men's Dr. Martens boots?

A. Most men's Dr. Martens boots are made of leather. In order to help your boots last a long time, keep them clean and care for the leather using a product like Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam, avoid harsh weather conditions, and don’t leave your boots in direct sunlight or near a heat source.