Dr. Martens Size Guide & How to Break In Docs

The short answer: Dr. Martens come in whole UK sizes only. Most styles fit true to size, though some people find them roomier than other brands. If you’re between sizes in a leather style, Dr. Martens says to go down — leather stretches in width as you wear it in, but not in length.

Dr. Martens’ own answer: most styles fit true to size, but some customers find them slightly roomier than other brands. If you’re new to Docs, it suggests considering a size down for a snug fit — especially in leather.

A new pair should feel tight, but not uncomfortable. If it hurts when you try it on — especially across the width — it’s too small. And make sure your toes can move: if they feel cramped, go up a size.

Dr. Martens doesn’t make half sizes. Its advice:

• Leather styles: choose the smaller size — the leather stretches with wear.
• Non-leather styles, or if you want a more relaxed fit: choose the larger size.
• Add a slim insole to take up the extra half size.

Sandals are different: Dr. Martens says they generally run larger than its boots, so try both your usual size and a size down.

Dr. Martens sizes on the UK scale, and our listings print the US equivalents in the name — for example, the 1460 boot in UK 9 / US M10 W11. Across the range, US men’s is UK + 1 and US women’s is UK + 2:

Styles cut for women are labelled the same way — the Flora Chelsea boot, for example, is UK 5 / US 7. For other brands, see our shoe size conversion chart.

Dr. Martens calls breaking in a new pair “a marathon, not a sprint”. Its own tips:

1. Start at home. Wear them around the house for short periods first. Don’t make a festival or a long walk their first outing.
2. Thick socks, tight laces. Thick socks protect your feet and help the leather warm up and soften faster; tight laces help the boot mould to your foot and stop it rubbing. Dr. Martens’ Double Doc socks add padding at the heel, ankle and arch.
3. Condition the leather. Worked in regularly, Dr. Martens’ Wonder Balsam (lanolin, beeswax and coconut oil) helps soften the leather and adds a protective layer.
4. Massage them. Working the leather with your hands does what your feet do in those first wears — without the blisters.
5. Stuff them overnight. When you’re not wearing them, fill them with balled-up newspaper to keep working the upper.

Some leathers stretch quicker than others. Dr. Martens names Nappa, Crazy Horse and Virginia as softer options — the leather is in each product’s name.

Once they’re broken in, keep them that way — see Dr. Martens’ polishing routine in our leather care guide.

For leather styles between sizes, go down — Dr. Martens says leather stretches in width with wear. For non-leather styles or a more relaxed fit, go up. If your toes feel cramped, go up.

Leather Docs stretch in width over time, but not in length. Slight pressure on the top of your foot should ease as you wear them in.

It varies with the leather and how often you wear them — Dr. Martens only says it’s “not an overnight process”. Softer leathers like Nappa, Crazy Horse and Virginia stretch quicker.

Many styles are unisex and labelled with both: a UK 7 is US men’s 8 and US women’s 9. Styles cut for women carry UK and US women’s sizes only.