Breaking in Dr. Martens, Sizing Guide and Docs Size Chart

Scroll down to see how celebrities wear boots and shoes by Dr. Martens, also commonly known as Doc Martens or Docs, an English footwear and clothing brand founded in 1947 and headquartered in Wollaston in Wellingborough.

British footwear and clothing brand Dr. Martens is also commonly known as Doc Martens, Docs, or DMs (Credit: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock)

Where to Buy Dr. Martens

You can find the best selection of Docs at the Dr. Martens official site, Shopbop, Zappos, Nordstrom, and Amazon.

To buy discounted Doc Martens on sale, check out Nordstrom Rack.

How do I know what size Dr. Martens to buy?

To determine your size in Dr. Martens shoes, you can follow these three steps:

1. Measure your foot

To get the most accurate measurement, stand up and wear the socks you will be wearing with the shoes.

Use a tape measure or ruler to measure the length of your foot from the tip of your longest toe to the back of your heel.

2. Consult the size chart

The size chart further down on this page will help you determine your size based on the measurement of your foot.

The size chart lists the corresponding shoe size for a range of foot lengths in inches and centimeters.

3. Consider the fit

Dr. Martens shoes tend to have a generous fit and may feel a bit roomy when you first try them on.

Some people prefer to size down for a snug fit, while others prefer to size up for a more comfortable fit. If you are in between sizes or have a wide foot, it is generally recommended to size up.

Keep in mind that shoe sizes can vary between brands and styles, so it is always a good idea to try on the shoes to ensure a proper fit before making a purchase.

Shoe Size Chart - Dr. Martens

How Do You Break in Doc Martens Overnight?

Try not to be impatient. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to break your Docs in overnight.

Luckily, there are several break-in methods to choose from if you want to make the process as easy as possible.

1. Buy Docs in the Right Size

If your Docs feel immediately uncomfortable when you try them on, they are likely too small.

Dr. Martens fit true to size and should feel tight but not uncomfortable (Credit: Yara Last / Shutterstock)

If you are unable to try on the shoes before purchasing, you may want to consider purchasing from an online retailer that has a good return or exchange policy.

2. Thick Socks

Wear thick socks to protect your feet from rubbing and pinching.

Wear the thickest sock you have when trying out your new Dr. Martens boots for the first time (Credit: Andersphoto / Shutterstock)

In addition to preventing blisters, the socks will push the leather outwards and make your boots more comfortable.

3. Ease Yourself In

Start by wearing your boots for just a few minutes or hours to let your boots start molding your feet.

Try wearing them at home the first few times while paying close attention to how your feet feel.

4. Remove Inner Sole

If your boots are feeling too tight for comfort over the top of your foot, try removing the extra inner sole.

You may put it back once you’ve broken in your shoes.

5. Balsam Works Wonders

Rub a small amount of Wonder Balsam from Dr. Martens ($9.95 on Amazon) on the inside of your boot to help soften the leather.

Doc Martens Questions & Answers

How Celebrities Wear Dr. Martens