Dr. Martens Size and Fit guide

Brand & fit at a glance

Size system
UK
Fit
True to size, whole sizes only
Origin
England
Best for
Hard-wearing boots and chunky school shoes

About Dr. Martens: Dr. Martens is a British brand, made famous by the air-cushioned sole first stitched onto a boot in Northamptonshire in 1960. The boots and shoes are unisex and sized in whole UK sizes, with the same size meaning the same fit whether it is listed as men’s or women’s. They are built to last, with a hard-wearing welted sole, and the chunky shoes and boots have long been a sturdy choice for older school children and teenagers.

Dr. Martens fit & sizing tips

  • True to size, whole sizes only. Dr. Martens are made in whole UK sizes. If you are normally a half size, take the size down rather than up, as they come up a touch generous.
  • Unisex sizing. A given UK size is the same shoe whoever it is listed for, so women converting from a men’s size take the same UK number, not one down.
  • Expect a break-in. The leather is firm to start with and softens to the foot over the first few wears. Thicker socks help while they settle in.
  • Children’s styles. The junior range is more flexible from the off and easier to wear straight away.
  • If in doubt, go by the EU size. The UK number on our site can be half a size out from the one printed on the box, so the EU size and the foot length in cm are the ones to trust.

Dr. Martens Children’s Shoes

Dr. Martens children’s shoes and boots carry the same look as the adult range in a lighter, more flexible build that is easier on young feet. They are hard-wearing and made to take a knock, so they suit everyday school and weekend wear alike. Children grow quickly, so it is worth checking the fit every few weeks against the foot length below. We stock junior sizes from EU 30 (UK 12) to EU 34 (UK 2). One school shoe is also listed in UK 10 (EU 45), which is an adult length, so please ask us before ordering that row.

Dr Martens children’s shoes size conversion
UK (site) EU UK (box) Foot cm Approx. age Shop
12 30 12 19.0 5–6 yrs
13 32 13 20.8 6–7 yrs
2 34 2 22.5 8–9 yrs
10 45 10 29.7 Adult

Dr. Martens Women’s Shoes

Dr. Martens women’s boots and shoes use the same unisex UK sizing, in whole sizes only. If you are usually a half size, take the size down. There is no need to size down again from a men’s listing, as the same UK number is the same fit.

Dr Martens women’s shoes size conversion
UK (site) EU UK (box) Foot cm Shop
3 36 3 23.4
4 37 4 24.2
5 38 5 25.1
6 39 6 25.9
7 41 7 26.8
8 42 8 27.6
11 46 11 30.6
12 47 12 31.4

Dr. Martens Men’s Shoes

Dr. Martens men’s boots and shoes use the same unisex UK sizing in whole sizes only. If you fall between sizes, take the size down. Allow for a short break-in period while the leather softens to your foot.

Dr Martens men’s shoes size conversion
UK (site) EU UK (box) Foot cm Shop
6 39 6 26.3
7 41 7 27.1
8 42 8 28.0
9 43 9 28.8
10 45 10 29.7
11 46 11 30.6
12 47 12 31.4
13 48 13 32.3
15 50 15 32.3

Dr. Martens Shoes Care Guide

Looked after, a pair of Dr. Martens will last for years. How you care for them depends on the leather.

  • Smooth leather: wipe off dirt with a damp cloth, let dry, then work in Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam or a neutral conditioner to feed and protect the leather.
  • Patent: a soft damp cloth is all it needs to keep the shine. Avoid polish and harsh cleaners.
  • Suede and nubuck: brush when dry to lift dirt and bring the nap back up, and use a suede protector spray.
  • Let wet boots dry naturally away from radiators, and store them with the laces loosened so the leather keeps its shape.

Glossary

AirWair

The brand’s name for its signature air-cushioned sole, marked by the yellow welt stitch and heel loop.

Bouncing soles

The original air-cushioned sole, comfortable underfoot and resistant to oil, fat and wear.

Goodyear welt

The boot upper and sole are stitched together with the heat-sealed yellow welt, a hard-wearing and repairable construction.

Wonder Balsam

Dr. Martens’ own leather conditioner for cleaning and feeding smooth-leather styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Dr. Martens run true to size?

We find most Dr. Martens true to UK size, though they can feel a touch roomy compared with some brands. Leather styles soften and give a little width over time, but they will not grow in length.

I’m between sizes. Should I size up or down?

Dr. Martens only come in whole UK sizes, so if you are normally a half size we would take the size down in leather boots and shoes. Go up instead for non-leather or vegan styles, or if you prefer a looser fit from the off.

How long does it take to break in Dr. Martens?

It varies by leather and how often you wear them, but allow a couple of weeks of gradual wear rather than a full day straight away. We tell customers to start with short stints around the house in thicker socks, and loosen the laces while the leather moulds to the foot.

How can I avoid blisters while breaking in Dr. Martens?

Thicker socks make a real difference, especially over the ankles where the leather is stiffest at first. If a spot starts to rub, ease off for a day rather than pushing through; a snug fit is fine, but painful tightness usually means the size or style is wrong.

Are Dr. Martens suitable for wide feet?

The unisex and men’s lasts tend to be wider through the toe, while some women’s styles are cut slimmer. If a pair feels pinched across the ball of the foot, try the same UK size in a unisex or men’s style before going up a size.

Do children’s Dr. Martens need breaking in?

The junior range is softer and more flexible than adult leather boots, so most children can wear them comfortably from the first outing. We would still check for heel slip and a thumb’s width at the toe, as growing feet need room.

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