Are Doc Martens Good For Snow? Find Your Next Winter Boots!

Doc Martens boots have been prominent in the footwear industry for over 50 years. Their comfort and toughness in all weather often set them apart from other brands. While Doc Martens’ durability cannot be doubted, their ability to handle snow surfaces has, over time, been debated among many users.

So, are Doc Martens good for snow? In my experience, Yes. Doc Martens can be used as both snow and winter boots. They are made from durable material that can withstand extreme weather and provide enough traction to prevent slipping on snow.

When buying shoes for snow, you need to consider water resistance, insulation, durability and slip-proof. And Doc Martens offer these features better than many other shoe brands.

In this article, I will explain everything you need to know about Doc Martens boots and which one you should get. Let’s dive in.

Are Doc Martens Good For Snow?

Yes, you can wear Doc Martens footwear in snow without worrying about running the construction.

Primarily, Doc Martens were designed as work boots for flat feet. The sturdy-looking military-like boots were distinguished by their signature visible yellow stitching, welted construction, and air-cushioned soles. This brand has since diversified its products and now offers a range of winter and snow footwear.

These shoes feature water-resistant leather, superior traction, faux fur, and fleece lining. They make walking on snow easier as well as keep your feet warm.

Doc Martens boots have thick and well-grooved soles that prevent you from slipping on snow surfaces. Also, these boots are built from a distinctive leather material, often called Snowplow. Snowplow is water, salt and grit resistant. This material makes it very easy to clean the boots too.

Are Doc Martens Slippery On Ice?

Surprisingly, as Doc Martens boots offer excellent traction on snow surfaces, they do very well on ice equally. Their innovative grippy sole technology enables you to comfortably walk on ice without slithering.

Furthermore, this footwear has heat-sealed seams that are watertight coalesced with the water-resistant leather side, making them ideal for walking on ice. Their thick rubber sole provides greater slip-resistant traction when walking on slippery ice surfaces.

Note: Keep in mind that depending on the severity of the weather, Doc Martens may not offer as much traction as desired.

Will My Doc Martens Get Ruined In The Snow?

Snow and leather boots don’t mix well. Ordinary Doc Martens will most likely get ruined in the snow after prolonged exposure. However, it depends on the amount of snow.

Little snow will easily slide off your boots without causing any damage, especially if you treat your boots with waterproof oil. Otherwise, heavy snow stuck on your boots will melt and get into the inner side.

The best thing to do is get the exclusive winter boots built for extreme weather conditions such as snow. This line of products will not get damaged in the snow. Always lace up your boots tightly to prevent snow from getting inside. You can also use waterproofing oil if necessary to enhance the durability of your Doc Martens boots.

Which Doc Martens Should You Get?

Your primary consideration when hunting for Doc Martens should be comfort and purpose. What is your intended use for Doc Martens? Do you need work boots or winter boots?

Don’t worry if this sounds confusing; I’ll help you decide which Doc Martens you should get in this section.

Doc Martens For the Winter

As aforementioned, not all Doc Martens models will work well in extreme weather conditions. There are those that are specifically designed for winter and snow.

If you need boots to help you navigate snow surfaces and keep your feet warm, these would be your perfect companion.

Usually, Doc Martens winter boots feature faux fur, extra fleece interior lining, and rugged sole for more traction. They are resistant to water too. Some of these models include:

• Doc Martens DRYAIR boots – These boots are made from rich and oily leather material with specialized treatment that makes them fully resistant to water. DRYWAIR boots feature heat-sealed seams that keep water from leaching through to your feet. They include 1460 Smooth Leather boots, etc.

• Doc Martens WINTERGRIP boots – If you live in a snowy or ice prone area, you should get the WINTERGRIP model. These boots variant is built to help you move effortlessly on slippery ice and snow surfaces. They provide tremendous grip, thus preventing you from skidding or falling. They are made from “Snowplow” leather which is 100% waterproof and easy to clean. Products in this line include 1460 DM’S WINTERGRIP boots.

• Doc Martens WARMAIR boots – This line of products is suitable for the cold winter season. They feature interior artificial fur with fleece lining. Their leather sides are much thicker to give your feet more warmth. And they are waterproof too, so you don’t have to worry about stepping on water or melting snow. Some include 2976 WARMAIR Chelsea boots, 1460 Pascal WARMAIR boots, etc.

Doc Martens Industrial Work boots

Doc Martens boots were originally designed for industrial use; to keep workers’ feet secure while working. These boots are the most commonly found in the market. Unlike winter boots, most feature steel toe caps and light leather sides.

If you’re looking for boots that guarantee your toe safety, consider these models. Some include Doc Martens 7B09 safety boots, Brace Safety boots, Riverton Safety Boots, Ridge ST Safety boots, Grapple Safety boots, etc.

Doc Martens Size Chart for Men & Women

Now that you already know the type of boots you should get let’s quickly look at Doc Martens boots sizing. Generally, these footwear are true-to-fit; therefore, you should get the exact fit as your regular shoes.

Here is a summary chart of Doc Martens shoe sizing:

How To Wear The Doc Martens In Winter?

It is essential to prepare adequately for the winter since the weather can be unforgiving; wet conditions and very cold temperatures. For this reason, a perfect pair of boots is a must-have for everyone, one that will not freeze your feet and let you slip while you walk around.

Ideally, what you want to do in winter is keep your feet as warm as possible. If you already have regular Doc Martens boots, pairing them with thick woolen socks does the job. Otherwise, you can get the Doc Martens Warmwair boots which have built-in fleece and faux fur lining meant to shield your feet from cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clean my Doc Martens Boots?

Cleaning Doc Martens boots is relatively easy, but that would depend on the material it’s made from.

Start by removing your shoelaces and cleaning every part of your boots using a rag and soapy water.

Condition the leather sides using your preferred conditioner. This prevents it from cracking and losing durability.

Polish it and leave it to rest for about 15 minutes. Use a shoe brush to buff it gently. Finally, use a piece of cloth to make it shine.

Doc Martens recommends doing a full clean procedure every three to four months.

Who should wear Doc Martens?

Generally, Doc Martens suits all walks of people, from kids, teenagers, and adults, to the old generation.

As much as they are functional boots, they are fashionable as well. Doc Martens are definitely meant for you if you desire comfort, sturdy design, and long-lasting footwear.

Can rain damage my Doc Martens?

No. Doc Martens are made from 100% water resilient leather; they are capable of withstanding light rain. However, do not overexpose your boots to rain. Some models could have water leak into the shoes through the seams.

Final Words

The forthright answer to “are Doc Martens good for snow?” is simply – Yes. While Doc Martens boots were primarily meant to be industrial work boots, we’ve seen winter boots from this brand exceptionally meeting expectations. They are undoubtedly comfortable to wear for long hours, have good anti-slip features, and are 100% water-resistant.

Looking for the best pair of shoes for the winter/snow season can be somewhat challenging. I hope that after reading this article, that shouldn’t be the case anymore.

Keep in mind that every Doc Martens model is designed for a particular purpose; don’t mix up. Be clear with your purpose before purchasing. Above all, these boots are worth their price; buy with confidence.