Doc Martens are more than just a pair of boots; they’re a revolution, with laces. From the unofficial footwear of the counterculture to leading sustainability efforts and endless style potential, Doc Martens are a wardrobe must.
Doc Martens, also known as Dr. Martens, or simply Docs, are a distinctive style of boots that have been popular since their introduction in the 1960s. Doc Martens have become an iconic symbol of youth culture, rebellion, and individualism. Originally worn by workmen in the U.K., over the years, they have been adopted by subcultures including punk rockers, skinheads, and grunge music fans. And with such a far-reaching audience, their style potential knows no bounds, either.
The history of Doc Martens can be traced back to Germany in the 1940s, when a doctor named Klaus Maertens injured his ankle while skiing. He designed a comfortable and supportive shoe with an air-cushioned sole to help with his recovery. Later, he teamed up with a British shoe manufacturer named R. Griggs Group Ltd. to develop the shoe into what we know today as Doc Martens.
The first Doc Martens boot was released in the U.K. in 1960, and it quickly became popular with workers who needed sturdy and comfortable footwear. The boots were originally made with black leather and a simple design, but over time, they became more stylish and colorful.
In the 1970s, Doc Martens became associated with the punk rock movement. Bands like the Sex Pistols and The Clash wore the boots as a symbol of their rebellion against mainstream society. By the 1990s, Doc Martens had become popular with grunge fans, post-punk, and metalheads alike. The boots have remained popular with young people ever since — well-suited in dark clubs as well as red carpets.
Doc Martens sustainability
In recent years, Doc Martens has been making efforts to become a more sustainable label. The footwear giant introduced a range of eco-friendly materials as well as lower-impact production methods aimed at reducing its carbon footprint. The company’s ReWair take-back program recycles old boots and gives them a second life. Customers can send their worn boots to the company, where they will be cleaned, repaired, and resold.
Production processes have been streamlined to use less energy and water than traditional bootmaking methods. Doc Martens is also working to reduce the amount of waste produced during the production process.
How to style Doc Martens
It’s safe to say a pair of classic black Doc Martens is a must-have for any wardrobe. Their color and shape make them incredibly easy to style. Here are a few favorite ways to style them.
Wear the rainbow
A pair of black Doc Martens will complement any outfit, but if you are hoping to create an eye-catching look, swap the traditional black for a white, printed, or colorful pair instead. Paired with black trousers or jeans, the shoes will create the perfect contrast.
If you don’t want to invest in additional pairs, swap out the standard laces for something bright and bold to add fun and spice to your look.
Or try brightening up your clothes to offset your boots. When wearing dark shoes, you are often tempted to stick to darker or neutral-colored clothes. But this is not a hard-and-fast rule, and choosing to style bright or soft pastel colors with dark footwear is a match made in heaven.
It creates the ideal balance of freshness and fun, with the contrasting colors playing off of each to get their moment to shine. This combination works best with dresses, but also works with trousers and jumpsuits. The flip side of this is that they also work well with a black-on-black outfit, whether it is a little black dress or a formal pantsuit. For a more comfortable spin, swap out wedged winter boots or sky-high stilettos for your trusty Docs.
The shoes’ bulkiness complements the clothes’ feminine tones while maintaining the long and sleek silhouette. Add a pop of color with a bold handbag and bright sunnies. Or hold the edge with dainty jewelry and black accessories.
Dress them up
Wearing Docs with skirts is not a new style discovery. It has been a popular trend for many fashion seasons and can easily complement various materials and styles. But why not go a step further and pair these boots, which carry a strong masculine influence, with a sexy and feminine slit skirt.
“It may seem counterintuitive,” InStyle says, “but soft fabrics like lace, organza, silk, and satin can contrast perfectly with leather and black accessories like Dr. Martens. This is particularly true when you pair the shoe with soft layers, voluminous proportions, and ruffles.”
Finish it with a crop top or vintage t-shirt, and you have a well-balanced and comfortable outfit suitable for lunch with friends or a day of errands.
Docs also match with a wide range of dresses, ensuring you can always choose an outfit on the days you find yourself rushing out the door. Pair with an airy mini summer dress and leather jacket for date night or an evening out with the girls. Or pair your favorite summer maxi dress with a distressed jean jacket for a day of errands or your favorite Sunday market.
Wearing Docs to the office or formal gatherings can also add style. Pair these bad boys with a chic black blazer, a button-down, and fitted black or dark blue jeans, and you have a sophisticated and fashion-forward look. A formal updo and dainty jewelry round out this outfit.
Opposites tend to attract, and you can use this with Docs, too. Sequin dresses, polka-dot tights, and big bunches of tulle get balanced by a pair of classic Docs.
Cozy comfort
It may seem like an unusual pairing, but when one considers how comfortable Doc Martens are to wear, it is no wonder they pair nicely with sweatpants, oversized shirts, and sporty crop tops. This outfit is perfect for those days you can’t be bothered to put a look together but still need to leave your home.
“We’ll always love our slide sandals, but there’s something about these chunky boots that turn loungewear into a sleeker, more intentional, and put-together ensemble,” InStyle says. “This gives the impression that you’ve buttoned up trousers instead of pulling on sweatpants.”
Your footwear will elevate your clothes in a simple but stylish way, even in inclement weather, as the rugged nature of Doc Martens makes them ideal for mud, snow, and rain. They will easily see you through many winters, keeping your feet warm and dry if properly maintained.
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