One of the perks of wearing a pair of boots is their usual weather resistance. Their ability to brave whatever comes their way has held many a pair in high regard by folk of all sorts.
From construction workers to rockers, there are tonnes of people who need their boots to be slip resistant. The streets of London are often wet with rain, and even the friendliest Toronto neighbourhood holds the risk of black ice.
So, the question for today is whether one of our favourite boot brands out there can handle the possible slippage lurking around the next corner. That’s right, today we’re talking about Dr Martens.
The Magic Behind The Slip Resistant Soles All Doc Martens Have
The AirWair Dr Martens have been a staple in not just the boot industry but the shoe industry for 24 years shy of a century. A German brand that took Britain by storm even during times of post-war stigma and has even survived being the staple shoe of the skinhead. There’s a reason, however, aside from being saved by the punk and the hipster, respectively. They’re a damn good boot, with the quality to last decades if properly cared for.
Aside from their slick, nearly glossy style, one of the main reasons the DM is so popular is the sole. The soles have superior cushioning and enhanced slip-resistant material compared to many boots out there. In fact, the only popular boot that can rival martens boots are Tims, which men all across America proudly wear every day. The traction on Timberland’s makes it a great work boot for sites that require maximum safety. But enough about the competition, let’s talk about doc martens! A boot that was literally made to outperform the standard-issue.
The sole was the first part of the shoe Klaus Märtens ever designed. Märtens suffered a foot injury, and the standard-issue German boots of the time stood too uncomfortable for him to manage. So, he devised his own original design, which was air cushioned, water and slip-resistant and proved far more comfortable.
The outsole is made from melted PVC granules, which are then moulded into shape. Then, along with the cushioned sole, they are stitched to the leather with that signature yellow thread.
The outsoles are hyper durable and lightweight, able to bend to any environment and remain intact. The moulded grip is designed deep enough to offer adequate traction in every step.
Are All Dr Martens Soles the Same? Are All Doc Martens Slip Resistant?
Since 47, some minor improvements have been made, and some new soles have made their debut.
There’s a variety of soles DMs offer now, ranging from differing colours and heights, with some boots seemingly specifically designed for the height impaired. Who says you can’t fix shortness?
The boots have also since catered to women who, with the help of accessories, turned them into a staple of the fashion industry, compatible with any shape or size.
Let’s quickly go over each sole Doc Martens has to offer…
The DMs Sole
The classic Dr Martens sole remains as iconic as ever, with most DMs still having this sole. Why mess with the best? Even now, online stores that offer the classics sell out from time to time, and those who sell them view them as one of their best products.
The Quad Sole
As we’ve said before, short can still be stylish. The Quad was first released to the unsuspecting public in the 70s and quickly gained popularity in the punk scene, especially in London. Despite being taller, the soles still offer slip-resistance to those who wear them. They stand at 4.7cm. If that’s not enough, don’t worry, there’s taller.
The Quad Max Sole
And here’s taller! The Quad Max is the tallest of the Doc Martens soles, towering at 5.8cm. For safety purposes, beware of altitude sickness if choosing to wear these. Thankfully, these too, offer great traction; we’d hate to slip from such heights.
The Neoteric Quad
If the Quads are still too mainstream, there’s always the Neoteric, a doc martens product made for the men and women of the avant-garde. These pronounced soles stand at 4.5cm but are still not for the faint of heart; the edge may be too much, ESPECIALLY with a steel toe cap!
The Bex Sole
Possibly the most popular sole, aside from the classic DM. The Bex sole is the perfect middleman between the classic and a platform, standing very slightly higher than the classics yet shorter than any of the quads. These are often found in the Dr Marten Oxford Shoes and Mules. They also come in ‘Chunky’ for those who still aren’t happy with the compromise.
Almost all of them have the same core mould. Some of the higher outsoles have bigger teeth, which may improve grip in some circumstances (ie. against slippery surfaces), but for the most part, a Doc Marten outsole is a Doc Martin outsole. All of them are partnered with the air cushioned sole as well, and of course, all of these soles are hailed for their slip resistance.
Side note: If anyone is looking for clothing tips for what looks best with these, we have a post just for the chunky shoe look. While it may be specific to loafers, the fashion advice will match just the same.
Can Dr Martens Soles be Replaced?
Usually, it is the rest of the shoe that needs replacing, with most leathers giving way long before the soles do. However, there are the outliers. There are some circumstances where the sole could suffer, like if thrown in a fire or perhaps a vat of totally real acid.
In these tragic cases, the soles can be replaced. Cobblers often pride themselves on the ability to resole these classics. Make sure to go to a cobbler with plenty of experience and a good reputation; a quick peek at their Google reviews should do the trick. You might also want to enquire if they’re up for the task. An inexperienced cobbler can do more damage to the boot than good.
Docs truly are great boots and the perfect footwear for work and play! They go with a manner of accessories from a vast range of styles and also keep the wearer safe from the elements, being highly water and spill resistant – take that, trendy sock shoes!
No affiliate link here for docs; they can be found in pretty much any fashionable shoe shop or online store. Check out their website!
