Who does not love a good pair of winter boots? Especially a couple of classy Doc Martens boots that are the equivalent of sunshine on a rainy day. But when it comes to shoes, then you know how tiring and exasperating it is to walk around in the wrong shoes when it is snowing outside.
So, are Doc Martens good for snow and ice as well as for winter?
Yes. The boots are made of tough, water-resistant leather that can withstand sub-zero temperatures and deep snow. They also offer excellent traction on icy surfaces.
Let’s find out more about the topic here.
What's Inside:
Doc Martens: Their Initial Purpose
Doc Martens first came into existence with a target audience of industrial workers. To accommodate the high-risk environment inside industries, ensuring an anti-slippage boot sole has always been in the company’s DNA.
Doc Martens boots, having been created to serve the postmen and factory laborers, have been made resistant to acids, alkalis, and grease. The shoes are water-resistant which means they offer protection against oil spills, harmful chemicals, and corrosive agents to a moderate level.
Now, Doc Martens boots come with a steel toe technology that allows safety from heavy objects falling from a height, a common scenario in industries. Their slip-resistant technology also makes for an amazing feature to shield workers from falling off and becoming fatally injured.
Are Doc Martens Boots Good for Snow?
Doc Martens has an exclusive line meant for wearing in snow. Wintergrip is one of the best winter boots since it provides you with amazing traction against the slick cobblestones of harsh winters.
What sets these thick pair of winter boots apart from regular boots is the grooved cleats embellished on the sole. That allows the desired friction against urban snow since the snow on pavements is more slippery than on earth.
On top of good traction, Doc Martens will deliver a firm grip on snowy roads and yards. They will make sure that you don’t fall off surfaces even if you go hiking in the hills.
Many people seem to have a common question, does snow ruin Doc Martens? The answer is yes and no. You have to make sure that the specific line of shoes you are buying is made for snow.
In that case, they won’t get ruined. Some good winter boots meant for snow Doc Martens offers are Warmwair, Drywair, and 1460 Waterproof Boots.
Are Doc Martens Good for Winter?
Indeed, Doc Martens are one of the greatest fan-favorite boots. With its slip-resistant feature that reduces flight risk, the fleece linings inside offer you insulation against the freezing winter breeze. As mentioned earlier, the grooved cleats provide superior traction on icy surfaces.
Apart from being the right pair of comfortable boots, Doc Martens boots offer you warmth in chilly and icy conditions. They will keep your feet warm and will make sure that your feet do not get frostbitten. The premium quality leather alongside faux fur will keep your feet as comfy as a bed by the fireplace.
As previously mentioned, Warmwair and Drywair lines come with a single layer of wool lining. That will keep you warm and a layer of fur will add some twist to your personal style.
Are Doc Martens Snowproof?
Doc Martens are not snowproof, but they are water-resistant. This means that they will keep your feet dry in light snow or rain, but they are not designed for heavy snow or extremely cold weather.
Doc Martens boots can also be waterproof given the right circumstances. Most of the Doc Martens boots are made of leather that water can easily seep through. So, if you wear your ones in rainy or snowy conditions, you might run into some problems.
If you plan on wearing your Doc Martens in the snow, be sure to treat them with a waterproofing spray before heading out. Also, adding ice grips to the bottom of your boots will help prevent slipping on icy surfaces.
But, you have to understand the difference between water resistant and waterproof. Although Doc Martens are water resistant, they are not completely waterproof. This means they can take some insults from water, but not all the way.
Are Doc Martens Comfortable in winter?
Doc Marten boots are demarcated from your regular winter wear as the hard rugged sole is replaced with an air-cushioned sole. Fun fact: the air cushion was added as a feature to allow the recovery of soldiers injured in World War Two. So, if you have been wondering, are Doc Martens comfortable? Hell yeah, they are.
If you are planning to wear Doc Martens on every occasion, this is going to be your friend in hot and cold. These are one of the best boots on the market that will not only make you look good. But, it will also keep you relaxed as the lightweight leather makes you feel like walking in the sunshine.
Are Doc Martens Warm?
The leather in the Doc Martens boots is thin, which might make them unsuitable for winter unless worn with thick cotton socks or wool socks. Again, this varies greatly depending on the weather of your location.
In humid but mildly warmer winters, as seen in parts of Asia, your boots will be amazing even without any winter-specific customization.
But if you are in a part of the world where the temperature goes several dozen below zero, then you might want to choose another pair of boots. They must have fur lining on the inside and faux fur on the outside.
If you chose to wear your Doc Martens with wool socks, make sure you do not wear them around wet snow. It is gross having to wear wet socks inside a wet pair of boots. But it is completely okay to wear your Docs in dry snow as long as you heatproof them.
Apart from the winter-ish questions, you might have about Doc Martens, here are some additional thoughts we took the liberty of answering:
Are the Soles Replaceable?
Doc Martens boots have a special welted construction that comes with a Goodyear welt. This welt is heat-sealed onto the sole along the seams of the leather to make it more long-lasting.
Although you cannot replace the welt on your own or by your local cobbler, you can send them to a Doc Martens repair shop where you will get it done as good as new.
Are Doc Martens Boots Good for Hiking?
Whether you will be hiking in snow, on moist earth, or on dry land; the Doc Martens boots are going to be a smart choice. They will offer you excellent traction to have a good grip on slanty and wet surfaces.
You will also get protection against insects or other questionable objects in forest areas as the water-resistant leather envelopes your feet.
If you will wear your Doc Martens to a snow skating trip, just remember to use mink oil to waterproof it, and wear thick socks to waver away from the cold.
Are Doc Martens Stylish?
Whether for a cold day in the snow or a classy day at a formal party, Doc Martens boots are never out of style. Their combat style appearance studded with boldness has been a favorite to many across the globe. You can wear them to style as well as casually.
One of the most sought after of this brand is the Chelsea boots line, popular among both men and women; which are the exact pair of boots that will leave a sophisticated finish to your overall attire.
The Chelsea shoes come with a soft and minimal design that tapers along the length of your feet, rendering a sleek glaze. Please remember that the regular ones aren’t meant for snow. Although they can handle moderately cold weather, you will be needing work-style Chelsea shoes to wear in wet snow.
How Do I Prepare My Pair Of Doc Martens Shoes for winter?
Now that you have picked the right pair of boots, you need to know the ways of prepping your Doc Martens adequately. Here are things to remember (in no particular order):
- Waterproof Your Docs
Waterproof your Doc Martens by brushing a thin layer of mink oil over the leather and the belt to make them suitable for snow, rain, and muddy situations.
- Use a Shoe Protector
Use a good shoe protector before stepping out in the snow (if your Doc Martens aren’t exactly from the line of snow boots).
- Use Bunion Pads
If your shoes are new and feel a bit stuffy, use bunion pads to prevent blisters. If you still end up with blisters or bruises (although highly unlikely to happen under socks, use corn plaster to heal them.
- Use Boot Stretcher
You can use a boot stretcher on the toe area to soften up the sturdy leather along with other uncomfortable areas of your boots since comfort is our number one priority!
Bottom line
We started our discussion with the basic question: Are Doc Martens good for snow and winter? And we ended up learning so much about these beauts along the line.
To conclude, yes Doc Martens can indeed be good for snow and winter. On top of being combat boots (as their history suggests), the recommended products can also function as amazing snow boots.
Hello, I’m Kristin, the founder and main author of footwearsfact.com. I’ve been working as a footwear designer and have built a keen interest in different footwear problems, suggestions, and designing. I hope I’ll be able to serve your needs with my skillful team member.