As a child of the 80s, and someone who lived in Portland Oregon, Dr Martens was a part of my adolescence. The ultimate in 90s fashion, grunge, punk and of course, just classic northwest style. Since I was just a tween when these became popular for my generation, my parents were not super thrilled about spending this kind of money on a growing tweens foot. And to be honest, my mom hated the trend. I don’t blame her, they’re not for everyone.
So while I’m now in my 30s, and have my very own credit card and income, you bet I finally bought a few pairs of these. I finally fulfilled my 90s and early 00s fashion dreams and have been loving styling these classic boots. Truly, they have not changed one bit since I last remember them being so popular. Proof that these are worth the investment. These boots are made insanely well and many with construction like Goodyear Welting. There are also so many boot styles to choose from that there is something for every one. Well maybe not everyone. I know this is not something a preppy or classic person may want. But for those who are more into trends, edgy, minimalist and even boho styles, these will be a staple in your closet. From classic combat boots, to chunky, edgy styles and more.
I bought a few boot styles over the last few years. One is truly the superior style for both comfort and versatility in my closet. If you’re looking to try this trend and not sure where to start, today’s post is for you. And if you’re looking to add a new pair to your collection, I’ve got you covered too.
Dr Martens Boots Review
Dr Martens Leona Heeled Boot
This is the pair of Doc Martens that got me so excited about wearing this brand. And I’m so glad I went with this classic Dr Marten combat boot style for a few reasons. The Leona heeled boot has a much chunkier sole and has an actual heel instead of it being a completely flat sole. I think this helps to not make my shorter legs look shorter and elongates them in such a way. Between the 2 1/2 inch platform rubber sole, and the illusion of a heel, I think it works. The other thing that I LOVE about these, which my other two pairs are SO not, is soft leather and comfort. These are a more thin leather, that is soft and more flexible and molds to your foot. No stiff leather here!
The details on the boot are great too. The shaft is 6 inches high making it great to wear on its own, with leggings or with the ever so popular mom jean trend. They hug close to your leg and go up high enough to be the perfect boot to wear with mom jeans. I also love the classic yellow stitching
Let’s talk comfort.
I wore these leather boots for an entire day walking around New York City. I clocked several miles on these. And my feet were TOTALLY fine. I was blown away. I would not have been able to do that in my other Dr Martens. The break in period on these is zero. They’re ready to go on day one. But they do give a bit more as you wear them. But i found them to be just as comfortable on day one and now.
As for sizing, these boots run big and only come in whole sizes.
I would recommend sizing down to your next full size if you’re in-between sizes. I’m usually an 8 or 8.5 and took an 8 in these boots. Plus, I can still wear thick socks with them and they’re not snug at all. They’re definitely roomy. I really like that I can wear a thick sock with them, makes them that much. more comfortable and warm in the winter.
Styling these are my favorite. They go with the most in my closet out of all my leather boots. They work with pretty little dresses for a nice juxtaposition like I’ve done here. I love them with my SPANX faux leather leggings and an oversized sweater for a super easy and effortless outfit. Check out this outfit idea and this one here. And they’re perfect with mom jeans or even skinny jeans. I can’t think of anything that they don’t go with it. Summer dress? Perfect. It’s 90s perfection. Shorts and a graphic tee? Done. I really think these are the best Dr Martens to get if you’re thinking about buying a pair. Definitely start here and move on to other fun styles if you really love the style.
Dr Martens Jadon II Boots
This is another classic Dr Marten option and comes in a few options in the Jadon style. The ones I own are the patent leather ones which are vegan. While I love them, they are definitely not as comfortable as my classic leather ones. However, they do come in classic leather if you want to go that route. Which are likely much softer and can actually be broken in. Vegan leather/patent is just not gonna be the ideal comfort level. So be aware of that. But this style comes in a few colors and materials to choose from.
This style is only slightly different than the Leonas. The platform is nice and thick which I love but is only 1 1/2 inches versus the 2 1/2 inches of the Leona. I still think both are great! And if you want a higher platform, there is also the max version here with a much taller platform. They are made with the Goodyear Welt construction making them a pair of leather boots you’ll have forever. There are so many variations of this shoe as well from vegan leather, nappa leather, faux fur lined for winter months, one with buckles instead of laces and beyond. I think this is one of the more popular styles since there are so many options to choose from.
For sizing, these also run a tad big and come in whole sizes.
These are not as roomy as the Leonas but I think it’s still safe to say you can size down if you’re in-between sizes.
These can easily be styled all the same ways as the Leonas with pretty dresses, denim and leggings. However, the shaft is not as high and you may have a hard time pairing them with the mom jean trend depending on the length.
Dr Martens Vegan Sinclair Platform Boots
These are definitely my more edgy and cooler Dr Martens. The Sinclair platform boots have a bit of different detailing on them to make them feel edgier. Out of the three boots featured today, these also have the lowest shaft height making them easier to style with dresses and some denim. But I find these more challenging to style with jeans. The hem and fit have to be just right to make it work.
The Sinclair platform Dr Martens are also made with the Goodyear welted construction making them comfortable and durable for years to come. There are also many options to choose from whether you want vegan leather, nappa leather or patent. There are even some fun printed and embossed variations to choose from. The boot also has a zipper detail but it is actually removable. It definitely stiffens up the shoe a bit, but it also gives it an edgier and punk vibe to the boot. I really like the look of it and that’s usually why I reach for these.
For the platform and heel, there’s a 1 1/2 inch platform with a 1 7/8 inch heel. It’s not really a big difference, so I wouldn’t even say these have a heel like the Leonas do. Just like all the other boots, these run a tad big and come in full sizes only. Size down to your next full size to get a good fit.
More Dr Martens To Choose From
There are SO many more Dr Martens styles to choose from. The options feel almost endless. If none of the above are for you, you may want something more classic and simple like the 1460 smooth leather boots. They’re a good boot to dip your toe into Dr Martens and just feel like a classic combat boot without a huge platform or crazy details.
And if you want something more fun and interesting, Dr Martens has that too. From cool chunky heeled boots, to crazy fun buckles and prints. They really have so many options to choose from. There are also oxfords, mary janes and more. Not just boots!
