Nothing is more inconvenient than your shoes that just don’t fit properly. Shoes that are way too small can squeeze your toes and cause blisters, whereas shoes that are way too large feel utter like they will slip off your feet.
However, it can be hard to find the right fit when a size 7 in one brand corresponds to a size 9 in another, typically when it comes to boots like Doc Martens. You might all know that Doc Martens is a well-known brand in terms of boots. But do Doc Martens fit true to size? Do they run small or big?
In this article, we will go over the various styles of Doc Martens and discuss whether they run large or small. After that, you should know precisely what size to buy.
How Do Doc Martens Fit?
Doc Martens, as some of you might know, is one of the best work boots for standing all day because they provide adequate comfort and excellent stability. Here are three quick points that define the proper and comfortable fit of Doc Marten boots:
- Your toes do not become cramped and strike the toe box area.
- Your heels do not slip.
- The fit should be a little bit snug but comfortable.
- If you go for one size up, the only thing that will change is the length of the boot, while the width will continue to stay the same.
Generally speaking, a normal size that you wear in other boots will allow your toes to fit nicely in the toe box area. However, when you walk around, you may notice some heel slip, which is not good for stability. Furthermore, Doc Martens tend to stretch after a few weeks of breaking in, so you might want to begin with a size larger in Dr Martens.
If you go for one size down, for example, if you wear a size 8 and buy a size 7 in Doc Martens, they will fit awkwardly snug all around the tongue area at first if you do have wide feet. At first, your toes will touch the front of the boots, and you will consider ordering a size larger. However, due to the superior leather quality of their boots, you will begin to feel a much more comfortable fit all around your feet after a few weeks of wearing them in your house. This is also known as a break-in period, which is to make the boots less stiff and become more flexible and softer to wear. You can also apply other stretching shoe methods to make your Doc Martens softer.
If you ask for my opinion, I will not go down a size because Doc Martens tend to take a couple of weeks to completely break-in and stretch out, causing blisters or chafing on the feet. The only issue with the true-to-size is that you will feel like the heel is slipping off your feet. However, you can easily fix it by heel grips or using orthotic inserts to keep your heel from slipping.
Sizing Guidelines for Doc Martens
There are a few additional points I want to make here:
- Doc Martens uses British sizing systems, which are typically 1 full size smaller than the US sizing system.
- Your true shoe size is most likely smaller than your normal shoe size. My shoes are usually a 10, and my true-to-size sneakers are a 9.5. Almost all American boots are a 10, but the majority of Australian and UK boots are a 10.5. (My 1460s are included.) To get the most precise sizing, you can use a Brannock device that can be bought from a local store or online store.
- Half sizes are not available from Doc Martens. I can only choose between a 9, 10, and 11, and while the 10 is adequate, I would also have favored a 9.5. (A boot size 10 would have been insufficient.) As a result, there is a good chance your Dr. Martens won’t feel great. If you really need a half size, it is best to go for a size down in these Doc Martens.
If you want a full size, the added wiggle space should not be an issue. If you don’t really have broader feet, you might benefit from wearing thick socks or inserting some insoles.
Obviously, going to a store and trying on a few sizes to see what works best is the best option. However, if you’re placing an order for Doc Martens online, it is ideal to go for a size down. In case your true shoe size is a half size, take into account whether you will need thick socks or insoles.
Remember that Doc Martens shoes and boots run true to size (roughly half a size down from your regular shoes) and are not as large as you might think. The 1460s, Chelseas, and Jadons are the exceptions, as they must be sized down around a full size from your regular shoes.
Doc Martens Shoe Size Chart
Here come the three detailed Doc Martens shoe size charts for women, men, and kids.
Doc Martens Size Chart for Women
| Foot length (inches) | US Women Sizes | US Men Sizes | EU Sizes | UK Sizes | JP Sizes |
| 9.21’’ | 5 | 36 | 3 | 22 | |
| 9.54’’ | 6 | 37 | 4 | 23 | |
| 9.88’’ | 7 | 6 | 38 | 5 | 23.5 |
| 10.21’’ | 8 | 7 | 39 | 6 | 24.5 |
| 10.55’’ | 9 | 8 | 41 | 7 | 25.5 |
| 10.88’’ | 10 | 9 | 42 | 8 | 26 |
| 11.22’’ | 11 | 10 | 43 | 9 | 27 |
Doc Martens Size Chart for Men
| Foot length (inches) | US Men Sizes | US Women Sizes | EU Sizes | UK Sizes | JP Sizes |
| 9.35’’ | 4 | 5 | 36 | 3 | 22 |
| 9.68’’ | 5 | 6 | 37 | 4 | 23 |
| 10.02’’ | 6 | 7 | 38 | 5 | 23.5 |
| 10.35’’ | 7 | 8 | 39 | 6 | 24.5 |
| 10.68’’ | 8 | 9 | 41 | 7 | 25.5 |
| 11.02’’ | 9 | 10 | 42 | 8 | 26 |
| 11.34’’ | 10 | 11 | 43 | 9 | 27 |
| 11.69’’ | 11 | 12 | 45 | 10 | 28 |
| 12.03’’ | 12 | 46 | 11 | 29 | |
| 12.36’’ | 13 | 47 | 12 | 29.5 | |
| 13.70’’ | 14 | 48 | 13 | ||
| 13.03’’ | 15 | 49.5 | 14 | ||
| 13.36’’ | 16 | 51 | 15 |
Doc Martens Size Chart for Kids
New born
| US Kids’ Sizes | Age (Approx.) | Foot length (inches) | EU Sizes | UK Sizes | JP Sizes |
| 1 | 0 – 3 months | 3.82’’ | 16 | 0 | 8 |
| 2 | 3 – 6 months | 4.15’’ | 17 | 1 | 9 |
| 3 | 6 – 9 months | 4.49’’ | 18 | 2 | 10 |
| 4 | 9 – 12 months | 4.82’’ | 19 | 3 | 11 |
Infant
| US Kids’ Sizes | Age (Approx.) | Foot length (inches) | EU Sizes | UK Sizes | JP Sizes |
| 4 | 12 – 18 months | 4.86’’ | 19 | 3 | 11 |
| 5 | 12 – 18 months | 5.19’’ | 20 | 4 | 12 |
| 6 | 18 – 24 months | 5.53’ | 21.5 | 5 | 12.5 |
Toddler
| US Kids’ Sizes | Age (Approx.) | Foot length (inches) | EU Sizes | UK Sizes | JP Sizes |
| 7 | 18 – 24 months | 5.86’’ | 23 | 6 | 13.5 |
| 8 | 2 years old | 6.20’’ | 23.5 | 7 | 14 |
| 9 | 3 years old | 6.53’’ | 26 | 8 | 15 |
| 10 | 4 years old | 6.87’’ | 27 | 9 | 16 |
Junior
| US Kids’ Sizes | Foot length (inches) | EU Sizes | UK Sizes | JP Sizes |
| 11 | 7.2’’ | 28 | 10 | 17 |
| 12 | 7.53’’ | 29 | 11 | 18 |
| 13 | 7.87’’ | 31 | 12 | 18.5 |
| 1 | 8.20’’ | 32 | 13 | 19.5 |
| 2 | 8.54’’ | 33 | 1 | 20.5 |
| 3 | 8.86’’ | 34 | 2 | 21.5 |
| 4 | 9.21’’ | 36 | 3 | 22 |
Youth
| US Kids’ Sizes | Foot length (inches) | EU Sizes | UK Sizes | JP Sizes |
| 5 | 9.54’’ | 37 | 4 | 23 |
| 6 | 9.88’’ | 38 | 5 | 23.5 |
See more shoe size charts and conversion for kids.
Doc Martens Fit Depending on Various Styles
The above sizing explanation of Doc Martens fit was just a broad one that you will find in almost all Doc Martens boots. If you really want to know precisely about various styles, keep reading until the end of this guide because I will give some examples that will clear up any confusion.
Doc Marten created their boots based on the various types of lasts. It is approximated that 90% of people have various parameters in all dimensions, such as a ball to the heel of the foot, heel width, instep, and so on. As a result, footwear companies have created trademark lasts for ready-to-wear catalogs.
Doc Martens also come in three different sizes as follows:
- 59 last: Traditional unisex form with less toe space. Dr. Martens refers to them as classic boots.
- 84 last – Slim fit with a trimmed toe box.
- Comfort last: There is an elongated toe as well as plenty of space in the toe box area.
I will give you some instances based on the various types of lasts to help you better understand how Doc Martens fit.
Do Doc Martens 1460 Run Small or Big?
In general, the Doc Martens 1460 fit true to size. These boots are built on the 59 last. I discovered that Doc Martens 1460 boots actually run true to size for men’s versions. However, ladies or even men with narrower feet might need to order a size down for these Doc Marten 1460 boots.
In addition, these boots have a distinctive design and have been around for quite some time. While the Doc Martens1460s are an old-time favorite, this boot has a lot going on, from the customized water-repellent coating to the tailored glossy finish knuckle on the toe box area.
The Doc Martens 1460 boot series is available in a variety of styles. These are some examples:
- For Life
- Smooth
- Made in England
These all differ owing to the various types of leather. Because of the high quality of premium leather, leather-made items are costly.
Smooth Doc Martens are made of synthetic leather, such as polyethylene. These are low-cost boots. However, leather is tougher and takes a bit longer to break-in. This is the most popular category among Americans.
Do Dr. Martens 1461 Run Small or Big?
If you normally wear full sizes, the Doc Martens 1461 fits true to size. On the other hand, if you wear half sizes in your normal shoes, such as 6.5 or 8.6, you should order a half size down for these Doc Marten 1461 boots.
In fact, both 1460 and 1461 versions are made from premium leather dress boots, as opposed to the bootie design with a high shank height. Because of their broad bottom, these are among the best dress shoes for overpronation, providing comfort and maintaining your standing posture.
- In terms of their size, here are some main aspects that I have taken note of:
- Because these boots do not come in half sizes, if you usually wear a half size, such as 7.5, order a half size down, for instance, 7.
If you have full-size feet, such as a size 8, and standard wide feet, just opt for the original size. For narrow feet, you may experience heel slippage, which you might correct by inserting heel grips or orthotic inserts. I wouldn’t recommend going a full size down because they might be way too tight all around the toe box area.
Do Doc Martens 2976 Chelsea Run or Small or Big?
If the Doc Martens 2976 Chelsea boots run large, there is no lacing alternative to stiffen them. So, if you normally wear shoes in a half size, I recommend ordering a half size down for the 2976 Chelsea Doc Martens. In the case of 7.5, choose a 7-size pair. The boots might feel a little tighter at first, but after a few days of breaking in, they will provide a snug and more comfortable fit.
These 2976 Chelsea Docs boots have close-fitting stretchy side panels that wrap around your ankles like a dock. Besides, these boots are available in both comfort and 59 lasts.
The boots made by Comfort Last have more than enough room owing to a rounded and wide toe box, so you may need to size them down. On the other hand, the version that is made with 59 lasts, tends to run true to size for the majority of customers.
If you normally wear full sizes, just choose a true to size. If your heels are particularly large, you can insert some insoles.
Do Doc Martens 8053 Run Small or Big?
Generally speaking, women in Doc Martens 8053 boots should order a size down. They are a little tight on men at first, but after the break-in period, they are good.
Their style is similar to the Doc Martens 1461 version. However, the 8053 and 1461 styles vary in that 1461 is a classic model with 3-eyelets that is a little bit harder to break in.
Doc Martens 8053, on the other hand, with 5 eyelets and a padded collar, are a new addition to the Doc Martens line.
According to the Doc Martens sizing chart mentioned above, the 13 US size equals 12 UK size. That indicates it will fit the male customer perfectly rather than the female counterparts.
Doc Martens Shoe Sizing Compared to Converse Sizes
Converse shoes seem to be mostly high-tops with a canvas or leather upper. In addition, Converse shoes are also in half sizes, while Doc Martens are not. A lot of customers report that Converse runs a little bit tight at the toe box and instep areas and is a little longer. As a result, they prefer to buy a half size larger in Converse sneakers to have more space in the toe box.
As such, whichever size you normally wear in Converse, order a size down. If you have a 7.5 in Converse, just go for a 7 in Doc Martens boots.
Do Doc Martens Stretch?
As you might know, Doc Martens are made of premium leather that might be easily stretched if the proper techniques are used. Doc Martens boots do require a lot of patience on your part in the beginning because they are a little tight all over your toes and Achilles, which can end up causing blisters. As a result, they must be broken in for a few weeks to soften and adapt the leather.
Here are some techniques for breaking in Doc Martens boots and shoes to extend them and accommodate your feet.
- To stretch the leather upper, blow warm air using the hand dryer on the tougher parts of the Doc Martens shoes and push them at corners. When it is cold outside, the easiest and best way to stretch your Doc Martens boots is to wear thick socks and stuff your feet into the boots, then walk around your house for a few hours over several days.
- Finally, this is a Doc Martens item that loosens the leather and helps make it smoother and bright. Dubbin wax is just a product, and balsam is just another one. Simply apply them to the tougher parts of the boots, such as the heel collar and the toe box. They will soothe and improve the look of the leather.
How do I find the correct Doc Martens size?
Knowing your foot size is the simplest way to find the correct size Doc Martens. You can quickly predict this by looking at the boot number of the majority of your naturally fitting sneakers. Keep in mind that the foot is three-dimensional, so it is not just about how long your feet are. This is because, whereas you may be a size 7 like one of your mates, your feet may be thinner or wider.
When shopping for Doc Martens boots, keep in mind that they will feel a little bit roomier after the beginning break-in period. As a result, if you do not want your Doc Martens boot that is a little too large for your feet, you must find the perfect size. However, this does not imply that you should choose a size that is so small that it can hurt your feet and make you feel uncomfortable wearing the boot. To avoid this, you should wear Doc Martens that:
- From the start, avoid squeezing your toes. As these Doc Martens boots stretch, the main difference is not in width or length, but in the soft texture and comfort of the boots.
- They are wearable. So, never wear Doc Martens boots that make it very hard to walk or give your foot an odd shape. It would also be ideal if your feet felt comfortable in the boots and you could happily walk around in them.
- Have a little heel slip. If you wear your Doc Martens boots with excessive heel slip, you have chosen the incorrect size. It would be advantageous if you wore Doc Martens with very little heel slip, as this will diminish over time when the leather molds.
Frequently Asked Questions
So, here we have several popularly asked questions about how Doc Martens fit. Learning more about these questions will help you answer if Doc Martens run small or big and then pick the right size for your next purchase.
Do Doc Martens run big or small?
For their classic boots and shoes, almost all Doc Martens run true to size. A few Doc Martens sizes run large. Because they only come in full sizes, if you typically wear a half size sneaker, you might need to round up and decide whether to size down or up.
Should I get Doc Martens size up or down?
When purchasing a new pair of Doc Martens boots, size up to avoid discomfort, blisters, and other issues while breaking the boots in.
Do Doc Martens run true to size?
Even though Doc Martens shoes fit true to size, they are not available in half sizes. So, if you are in between sizes, I highly recommend going up to allow for thick socks or insoles to help comfortably break in your new Doc Martens boots.
Do Doc Martens run narrow or wide?
Actually, Doc Martens boots do not run narrow or wide. They come in standard medium width. However, before buying Doc Martens boots, it is always a good idea to try them on. Their boots, nevertheless, are not available in extra-wide widths (or E widths).
How do Doc Martens boots fit?
In general, Docs Martens fit true to size and are ideal for people with wide feet. So, if you have narrow feet, you should consider sizing down. If you are having trouble wearing them while breaking them in, wrap a sanitary pad all around the heel area to prevent blisters.
What size Doc Martens should I get?
In fact, Doc Martens boots are available only in full sizes. So, if your true size sneaker is typically a half size, the brand suggests sizing down to the next full size for the best fit.
Conclusion
I hope the instances above have given you a clear picture of Doc Martens sizing and fit. Please be aware that Doc Martens typically run true to size, but lots of people complain about the break-in period for these boots. I have described various methods for stretching the Doc Martens so that you can quickly and effortlessly break them in.
Moreover, if you usually wear a true size, your heels may slip in Doc Martens. Rather than sizing down, I would recommend using your favorite heel grips or orthotic inserts to support your heels.
If you enjoyed this Doc Martens sizing and fit guide, please share it with your mates and those who might be interested in it and leave your opinions and experiences in the comment box down below.
