Are Dr. Martens True to Size? Whether To Size Up or Down in DMs

Want to get your first pair of Dr Martens but wondering whether to size up or down? I’ve had more than a few pairs of DMs in my time (they do last for years, but I have a dog that chews, so…), so I’m here to help. Shoe sizing can be a tricky thing, but when you’re spending upwards of £100 on a pair of DMs, you want to make sure you’re getting the right size. I wish it was always as simple as picking our usual sizes and hitting ‘add to cart’, but shoe sizing can vary from brand to brand, and even from style to style within the same brand. While some brands may run true to size, others may run a half-size smaller or larger.

As someone who’s always struggled to find shoes that fit just right, I know first-hand how frustrating it can be to deal with ill-fitting footwear. Over the years, I’ve tried all sorts of tricks to figure out my shoe size, from measuring my feet at home to trying on multiple sizes in the store. And while I’ve had some success with these methods, I’ve also had my fair share of disappointments.

Now that most of us buy shoes online, the struggle has become more evident. In fact, Time Magazine reveals sizing issues account for the majority of online purchases that are returned, with an estimated 40% of all online purchases being sent back. But don’t let sizing issues hold you back from achieving a cool girl look with some Dr Martens Eye Boots.

Here’s everything you need to know about buying the right size. Next, in case you have decided which pair you should get, learn the tips and tricks on how to clean your precious Dr Martens or if you’re looking to save some pennies, you might want to see these Dr. Martens boots dupes too.

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Should you size up or down in Dr Martens?

Dr. Martens generally run quite true to size, but some styles run a little large. I have a pair of DM sandals and two pairs of boots and while all of them are in my regular size – a UK 7 – they’re pretty roomy. If you are in-between sizes, it’s safe to size down.

It’s a well-known fact that DMs take a while to break in, so it can be handy having a little extra room. As well as this, having shoes with a little extra wiggle room can be a good thing if you plan to wear thicker socks with them or want a little extra room for comfort, but make sure you’re not spending over £100 and getting some shoes that are too big.

Keep in mind that the leather will stretch over time, so if they feel tight around the sides of your feet, this won’t last forever. DMs also have a handy size guide and each of their product descriptions state whether customers find an item true to size, big or small.

How do I know my Dr Martens size?

Dr Martens follows the standard European sizing, so a UK size is an EU 38, a 6 is 39 and so on. The brand has a useful size guide, which explains how to find out your size if you’re unsure. That said, I usually go a size down in my DMs so to work out what size you should get, it’s worth trying a few on if you can. You can do this by going into store or ordering a couple of sizes online. Make sure you don’t get the wrong size, as it’s an expensive mistake to make!

Do all Dr Martens fit the same?

This is where it gets confusing. DMs don’t all fit in the same way; some styles are narrower, while others are wider. Generally speaking the women’s boots are slimmer than the men’s, while the unisex styles are wider and come up larger.

How are Dr Martens supposed to fit?

These boots should have a snug fit without causing any pain or discomfort. If you experience any pinching, particularly at the toes, while trying them on it’s an indication that the boots are too small. However the boots will gradually soften and expand as you break them in.

How to break in Dr Martens

DMs are notorious for being pretty painful to break in, but once you get past this, you’re laughing. The break-in time can vary depending on the style you choose and your feet, but in general, it can take between three and six weeks for most styles to get comfortable and mould to your feet. Below are some easy ways to break yours in.

• Wear them around the house: Start by wearing your Dr. Martens boots or shoes for short periods of time around your home. This allows your feet to get accustomed to the fit and helps to soften the leather.
• Use thick socks: Wear thick socks when you first start wearing your Dr. Martens to provide extra cushioning and to help stretch the leather. This can help prevent blisters and discomfort.
• Apply leather conditioner: Apply a leather conditioner or mink oil to the boots or shoes to soften the leather and make it more pliable. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
• Flex the soles: Flex the soles of your Dr. Martens boots or shoes by bending them back and forth with your hands. This can help to soften the sole and make it more flexible for walking.
• Wear them with wet socks: Put on a pair of damp socks and then wear your Dr. Martens for a few hours. The moisture from the socks can help to soften the leather and make it more comfortable.
• Use a shoe stretcher: If you have specific areas of discomfort, such as tight spots or pressure points, you can use a shoe stretcher to gently stretch those areas. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
• Be patient: Breaking in Dr. Martens can take time, so be patient and wear them regularly to help them mould to your feet over time. Avoid wearing them for long periods of time initially to prevent excessive discomfort.

Remember that Dr. Martens are made from high-quality leather and are designed to last, so the breaking-in process may take some time. It’s important to wear them regularly and gradually increase the amount of time you wear them to allow the leather to soften and conform to your feet. With time and patience, your Dr. Martens will become more comfortable and a long-lasting investment for your footwear collection.

How do you care for your Dr. Martens?

Let’s admit it, we tend to get lazy cleaning any shoes, whether they’re Dr. Martens or running shoes, but nowadays, it’s easier to keep our footwear in tip-top shape. If you’ve used it in a muddy area, try to hose them down, then rub off any scuffs with a wet wipe and let it dry, or you can clean it with any type of towel. Then I make sure to store them in a cool, dry place.