How to Wear Doc Martens

Co-authored by Kalee Hewlett and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: August 4, 2021

Doc Martens are sturdy, versatile boots and shoes that can be worn for many different occasions. There are several finishes, styles, and colors available for men, women, and children. With a little creativity, you can add Doc Martens to practically any outfit. Pick a classic black pair to wear to work, or choose a fun, patterned pair to wear with jeans and a tee on the weekend.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Styling Doc Martens Casually

1
Wear steel-toed Doc Martens as work boots. Doc Martens were originally designed as work boots, and though there are now more styles, colors, and patterns than before, you can still wear them to work. Select a basic pair of Docs, such as the “Icon 7B10 Steel Toe,” and pair them with thick socks and your work uniform.^{[1]
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2
Pair neutral Docs with jeans for an everyday style. During those winter months full of rain and snow, Doc Martens will keep your feet warm and dry. Choose a neutral color, like black, brown, or navy, and pair them with thick socks and your favorite jeans.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 20 April 2021.} Add a flannel shirt or a sweater in a complementary color to finish off the look.^{[3]
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3
Choose a patterned pair to add interest to your outfit. Doc Martens are available in several patterns, including “Union Jack,” neon “Daze,” and “Darcy Floral.” These boots can transform an ordinary outfit to an extraordinary style. Tuck skinny jeans into the boots and add a basic white t-shirt. Add a pair of bright socks in a complementary color.
4
Pair a leather mini skirt with Doc Martens for a grunge look. In the 90s, Doc Martens were synonymous with grunge. To recreate the iconic look, choose a black pair of Doc Marten boots and pair them with a leather mini skirt and a studded belt. Add a black blouse for a striking monochromatic look, or add a ripped tee for a more low-key vibe.
5
Swap out the laces for colored or patterned ones. To add interest to your Doc Marten shoes, get rid of those boring laces and replace with with neon or patterned ones. For example, choose a patent-leather Doc Marten shoe, and swap the laces for black and white polka-dot ribbons. Pair them with black leggings and a long, white sweater.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Dressing up Doc Martens

1
Add Doc Marten shoes to your business suit. Doc Marten shoes will work for an everyday business look. Pick a neutral pair, like navy or brown, that complements your suit. You could even pick a colored pair, like forest green, to match your tie or blouse so long as your workplace doesn’t have a strict dress code.
2
Wear cropped pants to show off colored boots. Neon Doc Martens, as well as colored pairs, like the iconic burgundy, deserve to be shown off. Wear tight-fitting cropped pants or roll up the cuffs so that your boots will be the star of the show. Add a neutral top and a close-fitting jacket to complete the look.^{[5]
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3
Select patterned Doc Martens to wear with a dress or skirt. Doc Martens look great paired with tights and a dress or skirt. Choose a neutral or solid dress or skirt to ensure your shoes are the focal point of your outfit. For example, wear floral Docs with a black dress and sheer tights. Add a jacket in a complementary color, like pink or yellow, to tie the outfit together.
4
Pair trousers with Doc Martens for work. Pick slim-fitting trousers to go with your favorite Docs. Add a patterned dress shirt for a professional yet laid-back vibe. Top off the look with a suede jacket and sunglasses.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Breaking in Doc Martens

1
Apply petroleum jelly to the outside of leather Docs twice a day. Take a soft, clean cloth and dip it in petroleum jelly or squirt it with baby oil. Rub the cloth over the entire outside of the boots to soften the leather. This will prevent creases from forming that will dig into your feet and make your new shoes uncomfortable.^{[7]
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- Over the course of several weeks, you should continue to apply either baby oil or petroleum jelly to the outside of the boots twice per day.
2
Use blister cushions to prevent blisters. Until your Docs are broken in, you’ll need blister cushions to protect your feet. Put on your new Doc Martens, walk around your home, and pay attention to where the boot or shoe digs in or rubs against your skin. Then, simply cut blister cushions to fit those areas and apply them to your skin.^{[8]
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- Blister cushions are available at your local shoe store, drugstore, or supermarket.
3
Wear thick socks with Doc Martens. New Doc Martens are quite sturdy and stiff, making them a bit uncomfortable. To cushion your feet, be sure to wear thick socks, like those made of wool, with your Doc Martens until they are broken in. Thereafter, you can stick with thick socks, go for thin ones, or even pair your Docs with tights.^{[9]
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4
Wear Doc Martens for short periods of time until they are broken in. In between applications of petroleum jelly or baby oil, wear the boots around your home for short periods of time to help them break in. Don’t plan on wearing a brand new pair for a full day or while walking or hiking, as you’ll likely get blisters on your feet. Slowly increase the amount time you wear them per day until they are comfortable enough to wear anywhere.^{[10]
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Expert Q&A

Question

What pants do I wear with Doc Martens?

Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’

Kalee Hewlett

Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Doc Martens work really well with a classic pair of boyfriend jeans if you want a casual look.