Doc Martens are a popular brand of boots made for various purposes. Some people wear them as fashion accessories, others as work boots. But are Doc Martens good for hiking?
In short, you can use your Doc Martens for hiking, but they aren’t ideal as hiking boots. Doc Martens boots are highly durable, and their construction is so stiff, so they aren’t breathable as well as hiking boots. Their stiffness and lack of breathability can cause your feet to sweat faster. Then it can cause blisters and discomfort on the trail.
This blog post will explain everything about Doc Martens, and we will discuss the pros and cons of Doc Martens as hiking boots, so you can decide if they are good for hiking.
What Are Doc Martens? What Do They offer?
Doc Martens are a brand of boots that originated in Germany. The boots were first made in the early 1900s. Doc Martens become iconic in both the fashion world and the underground subcultures.
The boots are characterized by their distinctive style, which features thick soles, chunky hardware, and robust construction. Doc Martens were initially designed as work boots. Still, they quickly gained popularity among young people who were attracted to their rebellious image.
Today, Doc Martens are still popular among alternative crowds, but the mainstream fashion world has also embraced them. In addition to their unique style, Doc Martens offers several practical benefits.
The boots are extremely durable, meaning that they can last for years with proper care. They are also comfortable and easy to break in, making them a good choice for everyday wear. Finally, Doc Martens come in a wide range of styles and colours, so there is a pair to suit every taste.
The pros of wearing Doc Martens for hiking
Everything has good sides and bad sides. Also, wearing Doc Martens for hiking has pros and cons. So seeing all the pros and cons, I’ll give the final discission whether are Doc martens good for hiking or not.
Ankle support
It’s always important to protect your ankles from potential injuries while hiking, even if the terrain doesn’t seem particularly treacherous. A good ankle support system helps to absorb impact and prevent rolled ankles, both of which can ruin a hike. It helps to stabilize your feet and ankles, preventing you from slipping or losing your balance.
Doc Martens boots provide excellent ankle support. Sometimes it depends on the boots model you’re having. Usually, Doc Martens boots have higher ankles, and their upper construction is very stiff. The padding of Doc Martens boots is around the ankle. So they provide excellent ankle support on rocky trails or steep terrains.
So, considering the ankle support, they are suitable for hiking.
Stability
Stability helps to prevent injuries. When hiking, you constantly change directions and move over uneven surfaces. A lot of pressure is placed on your ankles and knees, causing pain or even injury.
Wearing stable boots helps to distribute the force more evenly, reducing the risk of pain or injury. Furthermore, stable boots provide better foot and ankle support, which helps you hike longer and more comfortably.
Doc Martens boots are excellent when it comes to stability. The boots have a very thick sole that helps to distribute the weight evenly. A high heel also helps the shoe to balance well because it keeps the center of gravity low.
Furthermore, the boots are made of a sturdy and strong material that is durable and long-lasting. As a result, Doc Martens boots offer high levels of stability, perfect for people who must spend long hours on their feet.
So, you will find excellent stability and support while hiking in doc martens.
Durability
Durability is an essential quality for hiking boots. Durability is especially important for hikers who hike on rugged terrain or in extreme conditions. Hiking boots are subject to a lot of wear and tear, so they must be durable.
Durable hiking boots will protect your feet from the rugged terrain and harsh conditions you may encounter while hiking. Durable boots will last through multiple hikes, as you do not want to have to replace your boots after every hike. Durable boots will also provide you with the support and stability you need while hiking, which can help prevent injuries.
Doc Martens are made from high-quality materials. The leather is tough and resistant to wear and tear, and the soles are designed to withstand a lot of abuse. Furthermore, the construction of Doc Martens boots is substantial. The boots are put together with care, and the stitching is very strong.
So, even if you go for long hikes in Doc Marten boots, they will last longer.
Durable hiking boots are also more expensive than less Durable boots, but Durable hiking boots are worth the investment.
Cons of wearing Doc Martens while hiking
Unlike the pros of hiking in Dr Martens, there are also some major cons, including discomfort, lack of breathability, lack of flexibility, waterproof problem, too bulky, and lack of traction. So, let’s have details look at the disadvantages of wearing Dr. martens for hiking.
Discomfort
Anyone who has ever gone for a hike knows that comfortable shoes are essential. After all, there is nothing worse than blisters or sore feet halfway through a hike. Comfortable shoes help prevent these issues and allow hikers to enjoy the scenery without worrying about their feet.
Doc Martens boots are suitable for regular use, but they won’t provide you comfort while hiking on the trail as the boots are not designed for this type of activity. The main reason for the discomfort is that the boots are very stiff, which can cause chafing and rub against the skin.
Additionally, the boots are not very breathable, so they tend to trap sweat and moisture, which can lead to blisters.
Lack of Breathability
Breathability is an important consideration when choosing hiking boots. In warm weather, comfortable shoes are a must to avoid blisters and other foot problems. To avoid overheating, hikers should also be able to regulate their body temperature.
Boots that are too hot can cause sweat and discomfort, while boots that are too cold can lead to frostbite. Breathable materials help to keep feet dry and comfortable by allowing air to circulate.
Doc Martens boots are not breathable enough for any kind of activity. This can be a major problem when hiking or doing other activities in warm weather, as the lack of breathability can lead to sweaty and uncomfortable feet.
The leather material that doc martens used does not allow air to circulate well. The boots are not lined with breathable fabric. As a result, heat and moisture are trapped inside the boots, making it difficult for your feet to stay calm and dry.
Lack of Flexibility
Flexibility is an essential quality of hiking boots. Flexible boots provide a more comfortable fit, as they can mould to the shape of your feet. This can help to prevent blisters and other foot problems. Flexible boots are also more likely to provide good support and stability on uneven terrain.
In addition, flexible boots are often lighter in weight than stiffer, less flexible models, making them easier to hike in over long distances.
Docs generally offer excellent flex in shoes and boots. But, they are not flexible enough for hiking on the trail. As I mentioned, they’re made with stiff materials. Comparatively, hiking boots have more cushioning inside than doc boots. The outsoles of doc boots are very thick.
So, you shouldn’t wear doc for hiking for their lack of flexibility.
Waterproofing
Water resistance is a crucial consideration in hiking boots. Boots that are waterproof will keep your feet dry in wet conditions, which is essential for comfort and safety. Water-resistant boots will provide some protection from water, but they are not designed to be fully waterproof.
While hiking, sometimes you have to walk through water-crossing, muddy paths or streams. So, then you will need waterproof boots.
Doc Martens boots are not waterproof. They won’t provide enough waterproof support as you need on the trail. So you must avoid doc martens for hiking.
Weight & Bulk
Docs boots are made to be durable and stylish. You will see the sole of doc boots are so thick, and they have very high uppers. As a result, they become so heavy and bulky.
While hiking or other outdoor activities, you need a pair of low-weight boots with many features that you can carry by packing into a bag when needed.
Traction
Doc boots have thick soles that are puncture-resistant. But they won’t provide you with good traction on steep terrains or slippery terrains. If you have a look at their soles, you will see a big difference between hiking boots and docs boots.
As I mentioned, docs boots are made to be durable. They are suitable for walking in town or for casual uses. You can use them to do your work. If you wear docs martens on a long hike, you will regret it.
Overall, Are Doc Martens good for hiking or not?
No, Doc Martens are not good for hiking. If you have owned a pair of docs boots, and you want to go on a hike on your holiday, then you can go for a short hike. If you’re considering getting a pair of docs boots for hiking or other outdoor activities purposes, you should stop thinking about it. You should invest in a pair of hiking boots.
Alternative to doc martens for hiking
The best alternative to doc martens for hiking is buying a pair of hiking boots with many features like water resistance, durability, good traction, ankle support, and lightweight. I have three pairs of hiking boots. One for short or random hikes. The other two are for long hikes.
Salomon Quest 4 GTX is one of them. This pair of boots have so many excellent features, including waterproof support. I feel so comfortable and relaxed wearing Salomon Quest 4 GTX for hiking. This pair of boots cost 230$.
If you think that is a too high price for you, then there is another good option available. Best Budget Hiking Boots Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP ($86.83). This pair of boots also offer a good number of features. I will suggest that when buying any boots, ensure that they suit you. And carefully read their feature or terms and conditions.
Tips for hiking in Doc Martens
If you want to go hiking in doc martens boots, these few tips will help you.
- Choose the right size. Boots that are too small will be uncomfortable, while those that are too large will be difficult to walk in. If you want to ensure a perfect fit, take the boots for a test drive before you purchase them.
- Wear them around the house. Try walking around in your boots at home once you’ve received them to familiarize yourself with their feel. This will help reduce the risk of blisters when you hit the trail.
- Bring along bandages. Even with careful break-ins, it’s possible that you’ll experience some blisters when hiking in Doc Martens Boots. Be prepared by packing some bandages in your backpack, just in case.
By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a comfortable hike even in tough Doc Martens Boots.
Are Doc Martens ruined by rain?
No, they don’t. Doc Martens are made with high-quality materials that are designed to withstand wet conditions. The leather is treated so that it repels water, and the stitching is also waterproof. If you get caught in a rainstorm wearing Docs, don’t worry – they’ll look just as great as when you first put them on.
Are Doc Martens suitable for Walking All Day?
Doc Martens are a good choice for those who walk long distances or stand for extended periods of time. Often made of leather or canvas, these shoes are known for their durability and comfort. The thick sole provides cushioning and support, while the laces allow for a snug fit.
Doc Martens also has a good reputation for being slip-resistant in town, making them a wise choice for wet or icy conditions. In addition, the chunky style of Doc Martens can help to make feet look smaller, an added bonus for those with large feet.
Overall, Doc Martens are a wise choice for those who need a comfortable and durable shoe for walking long distances or standing for extended periods of time.