Doc Martens has manufactured boots for almost everyone (starting from workers to fashionistas). While the boots are slip-resistant, to begin with, people often have doubts about their credibility, and seek a comprehensive answer!
If you’re one of them, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll explain (in detail) everything you need to know about Doc Martens and their anti-slip features.
Without wasting time, let’s get to the point first: Are Doc Martens Slip Resistant?
Now that you have a basic idea, keep on reading to know it all.
Are Doc Martens Slip Resistant?
Doc Martens first entered the post-war shoe market in 1960. Their debut in the British market was fantastic, and from there on, they haven’t looked back.
The shoe model 1460 (a pair of work bost) was a massive hit and got a massive response from the active community.
That being said, the company exclusively designed shoes for those who could withstand high arches. However, their flexible air-cushioned soles are capable of accommodating most arch types quite comfortably. Those looking for more support may consider using over-the-counter inserts.
As for the grip, not all the models were good on slippery surfaces. Keeping this in mind, the famous company officially introduced three models that are super effective on slippery surfaces. The models are:
- 1460
- 1641
- 2976
Made From premium leather and equipped with seamless stitching, these pairs of boots by Dr. Martens will offer unmatched traction on muddy, oil, and slippery surfaces. With them at your feet, you’ll have a firm grip on any plane.
Follow our guide to know Can I Wear Dr. Martens To Work.
Are they breathable, though?
Yes!
These boots have proper breathability that will keep your feet fresh and dry even in high-humidity weather. Workers tend to work on various surfaces in different types of temperatures. With these at their feet now, they’ll have no problem.
Features That Make Doc Martens Slip Resistant
Doc Martens are famous among different types of workers as the boots were manufactured (at the beginning), keeping the workers’ safety in mind. Over the years the famous company has expanded its production and manufacture of boots for all kinds of people.
By now, I’m sure you’ve grasped the fact that there are three specific models from Doc Martens that are immune to various surfaces and conditions. That being said, you must be wondering what makes these boots so good! And what features do they carry! Well, don’t worry! You’ll have all the answers.
You see, this specific effectiveness comes from the built quality, the design of the boots, and the soles by the manufacturer. Doc Martens has equipped 1460, 1461, and 2976 models with their patented GripTrax soles.
The Griptrax are engineered in such a way that they’ll stand firm on any surface you step on. With these boots covering your feet, now you can plow across any plane without having to worry about slipping.
Read more on how to Tell If Doc Martens Are Real.
How to know if your Shoes are Slip-Resistance
If you look at specialized non-slip shoes, you won’t distinguish them from regular shoes. However, the difference lies within the materials used and the tread pattern. That’s right, anti-slip shoes have a different pattern at the soles compared to regular footwear.
It could be quite challenging to detect whether a shoe is slip-resistant or not. But there are some features in this kind of shoes. If you can identify them, you’ll have no problem whatsoever.
Here are the features that distinguish regular shoes from non-slip shoes:
Shoe Material
An ideal pair of anti-slip shoes should consist of material that’s soft, pliable, and flexible. Sturdy materials do not provide good traction at all! Plus, specialized anti-slip shoes have very flexible soles. If you look at the GripTrax soles by Doc Martens, you can quickly tell they’re flexible.
You may also like to read: Are Doc Martens Waterproof.
Outsole Design
The outsole has a crucial role when it comes to providing proper grip and stability on challenging surfaces. Slip-resistant shoes have rounded outsoles and grooves that provide maximum traction on the floor. This feature allows liquids like oil and water to flow through the holes easily.
Tread Pattern
Just like the outsoles, the tread pattern also plays a vital role in making any footwear slip-resistant. Nowadays, footwear companies equip the outsoles with multiple tread patterns for enhanced grip and stability on slippery surfaces.
If you pay closer attention to the features mentioned above, you’ll be easily able to distinguish non-slip shoes from regular shoes.
Here are the key differences between Vegan Doc Martens Vs Regular.
How Can You Prevent Your Doc Martens From Slipping
We all know Doc Martens manufacture slip-resistant boots, not to mention 1460, 1461, and 2976 models. But, let’s say you want more from the before mentioned variants or you want to improve the grip of other Doc Martens footwear; what can you do?
Well, there are specific techniques you can apply to increase the traction of your precious Doc Martens Boots. Will I mention them? Of course, I will!
Here are the techniques you can apply:
- To begin with, you can use grip pads underneath your boots’ outsole. There are plenty of grip pads available in the market. Just pick one and apply. You can also use grip pads to repair old boots that have already worn out. You’ll get excellent traction in both situations.
- You can also use traction sprays and pads. Traction pads are designed to be used as slip-resistant outsoles. Traction sprays serve the same motive. All you have to do is spray them onto your outsole and let them dry a bit. Traction sprays are cheaper compared to pads. So, it’s up to you to decide.
- Another technique you can apply is, scuffing your shoes on a rough surface. All you have to do is wear your new pair of boots and walk on an uneven surface. This way, you can quickly increase the book and abrasion for much better traction.
- In some cases, the scuffing may not work or simply take more time. When this kind of situation arises, the use of a nail file or sandpaper is recommended. You can use either of the two pieces of equipment to scuff your boots’ outsole for a better grip.
- You can also apply a combination of salt and rubber on the outsole of your Doc Martens boots to make them slip-resistant.
- Another convenient way to increase the traction of your boot is, coating the underneath with sand. To pull this off effectively, you’ll need to apply a quality adhesive on the sand.
Quickly check out our separate post: Are Doc Martens Considered Work Boots.
Are Doc Martens Good on Ice?
As mentioned earlier, Doe Martens have good traction to begin with. But to operate on an icy surface, you’ll need something more. Keeping this in mind, the company has launched an exclusive line of boots called WinterGrip.
The boots are equipped with grooved cleats with excellent grip and durability, perfect for solid footing on an icy surface. The upper of these boots are made from an exclusive leather called Snowplow. Snowplow is immune to salt and grit, and on top of that, it’s water-resistant too.
Related Questions People Ask
Can you wear Doc Martens in the rain?
The answer’s both yes and no! You can’t wear regular Doc Martens in the rain; the leather tends to wear down. But, there’s a line of boots from the company called DryWair. This line of boots is immune to the rain, thanks to the 100% waterproof leather. The boots are double sealed, which means rainwater won’t seep through the leather and touch your feet.
Can you wear Doc Martens in the summer?
If you can find the Eason Canvas variant, then you most certainly can. These boots are made of breathable canvas in a chukka style manner. They go well with rolled-up chinos. But, sadly, they’re no longer available on the official Doc Martens online store’s website. However, you may find them elsewhere. You may have to search hard, though.
Are Doc Martens good for your feet?
Doc Martens have very springy and cushy soles. The boots are very comfortable and supportive. If you want arch support, then you might have to consider an over-the-counter insert. Like any other boots, Doc Martens, too, needs a break-in period. Once the break-in period’s done, these boots will be the most comfortable pair of footwear you’ll ever come across.
Final Thoughts
There’s no doubt about Doc Martens and their quality. They’ve been a household name when it comes to comfy, durable, and safe work boots. Over the years, they’ve expanded their production, and now they manufacture boots for various people.
With time, the company has evolved with its technologies as well. Now they produce boots that are capable of supporting you in various conditions. In short, Doc Martens have good traction from the start; it’s just the models vary with the conditions you’re in.
Nonetheless, I hope you’ve found the answer to the much-coveted question, “Are Doc Martens slip-resistant?” Take care! If you have the slightest of confusion, feel free to ask me anything in the comment section below. I’ll be more than happy to assist you.
