Are Doc Martens Good For Snow (Debunked)

Why This Guide on Whether Doc Martens Are Good for Snow

So many people tend to find themselves asking if their classical Doc Martens (such as the trusty 1460), be it the "Made in England" that everyone so affectionately likes or the more recent made in Asia makes are actually any good for snow.

That is a question I will go about answering and debunking in this guide.

I have specifically crafted this blog post to ensure that you get a balanced view on the topic. Doc Martens is a great shoe brand but in preparation for this article I was often inundated with people giving readers a specific viewpoint.

So I will try my best to give you a balanced view on the topic

In summary the answer to your question is - it really depends. If you are keen to find out why, keep on reading.

Why even Doc Martens For Snow Anyways

As many of us know, Doc Martens are an icon in fashion and have been popular since the nineteen-sixties.

What started out as one man's quest for a better working shoe, has blossomed into something quite iconic over the years. There was a time when Dr. Klaus Martens created a $3 lightweight work shoe that no one would have given so much as a passing glance.

However, through the decades, this common shoe became incorporated into the world of fashion - people starting wearing them to everywhere from work, to recreational events and even in the snow. Hence the topic of the day.

While I don't want to bore you with too much detail in this section - let's look at whether this versatile boot is actually any good for the snow or cold whether. 

Read More:>>> Workers like electricians were work boots like doc martens. find out more here. 

Pros and Cons of Wearing Doc Martens in the Snow

They're water resistant but not waterproof

One of the biggest advantages of wearing Doc Martens in the snow is that they're water resistant.

In fact, these shoes are renowned for this property, and this is achieved by using a combination of leather and synthetic materials which act to seal specific sections of the shoe against liquids.

The upper part of the boot is crafted from premium, full grain leather which provides natural water resistance.

In addition, you will find that synthetic materials are often employed to further fortify the upper layers of the shoe. Over and above this traditional urethane-coated leather overlays as well as formaldehyde free layers are added for additional protection.

What this means is that your feet will stay dry, even if you step in a puddle or walk through deep snow.

The downside is that Doc Martens are not waterproof. Meaning that if you encounter situations with heavy snow or rain, water may enter through the hole were your foot enters the boot.

Read More:>>> Master the art of keeping your feet dry within you boots as you work

They Have Good Traction (but not all Doc Martens are suited for snow)

Another advantage of Doc Martens boots is that they have good traction due to the air-cushioned sole, which has been specially developed by the Dr. Martens brand for superior levels of comfort and durability.

The sole is constructed with a lightweight but strong synthetic material encasing thousands of air bubbles, making it both supportive and highly shock absorbent.

On top of this, the tread pattern on Doc Marten soles is designed specifically for added grip with its special and specific design of ridges, bends and shapes.

It is this combination of air cushioning, durable synthetic materials and purpose designed tread pattern that make Doc Martens some of the most reliable footwear when it comes to maintaining traction within the snow.

However the negative here is that many other boots are specifically made for the snow and with Doc Martens you need to ensure that you purchase the correct type of boot such as your Doc Marten's 1460 8-Eye Boot with specific traction properties for snow conditions.

They're Warm (but then again not all are made equally)

Another benefit of wearing Doc Martens in the snow is that they're warm. This is because the boots are made of thick, insulated leather that will help to keep your feet warm, even in cold weather.

In actual fact, the Doc Marten's 1460 8-Eye Boot and 1490 10-Eye Boot are available with a fur lining on the inside for that extra level of warmth within the snow.

Additionally, the boots' insulation will help to keep your feet dry, which is important for preventing frostbite.

The negative here once again is not all Doc Marten boots have an internal fur lining or excellent insulative properties for extremely cold subzero temperatures. So be on the lookout when you are considering your purchase.

How to Wear Doc Martens in the Snow for Optimal Performance

So, by now I hope that it is clear that Doc Martens can be good for the snow, but it really depends on getting the correct pair of shoes for the environment.

Let's analyze now how we can go about wearing this work boot for optimal performance.

1. Choose the Right Size

The first step to wearing Doc Martens in the snow is to make sure you have the right size.

Doc Martens come in both men's and women's sizes, so it's important to choose the right size for your foot. If you're not sure what size you need, you can always consult the size chart on the Doc Martens website.

2. Wear the Right Socks

The next step is to make sure you're wearing the right socks. When it comes to socks, thicker is better when you're wearing Doc Martens in the snow.

Thick socks will help to keep your feet warm and dry, and they'll also provide a bit of cushioning between your feet and the boots.

3. Lace Up Properly

The final step is to make sure you lace up your Doc Martens properly. When lacing up, it's important to start from the bottom and work your way up.

This will ensure that your boots are snug and secure, and that they won't come loose while you're walking in the snow.

Read More:>>>Other great waterproof options for working boots

Final Thoughts on Whether or Not You Should Wear Doc Martens in the Snow

I really had fun putting this article together. The decision of whether or not you should wear Doc Martens in the snow ultimately boils down to personal preference.

While they certainly provide a fashionable element and can withstand cold weather, they may not be the most ideal boot when it comes to traversing through snow and icy conditions.

Doc Martens are primarily made with leather, which is porous and susceptible to water damage. Additionally, these boots do not come with thick soles for extra traction on slippery surfaces, so footing could pose a problem if walking on ice or deep layers of snow.

Ultimately, you will have to weigh the pros and cons for your particular winter activity and environment.