Are Doc Martens Good for Hiking? Quick Answer!

Many users think about wearing Doc Martens for hiking in addition to being a timeless fashion staple. But are Doc Martens good for hiking?

The short answer is no, Doc Martens are not the best footwear for hiking. Although Doc Martens’ leather is stiff, they can still be uncomfortable on the trail even though they are relatively durable.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at whether or not Doc Martens are a good choice for use while hiking so you can find the best boots for your adventure needs.

Are Doc Martens Good for Hiking?

You can hike in Doc Martens, but doing so isn’t a great idea unless you plan to stick to very short and mostly flat trails.

Although Docs are now recognized as fashion icons, they actually began life as work boots that were distributed to police officers and factory workers in the early 1900s.

Because of this, Docs were created with toughness and durability in mind; however, they were not made to be worn for long distances through rocky terrain.

Plenty of people have worn Docs while hiking, but most complain of one or more of the following issues when they get back from their trip:

• Discomfort: When you spend the entire day on your feet, Doc Martens’ air-cushioned soles make them comfortable to wear. However, if you’re walking for a long time over rough terrain and are using Docs, the stiffness of the leather can cause serious damage to your feet. If they wear Doc Martens for an extended period of time, many people discover that they develop blisters or foot pain.
• Lack of Breathability: The traditional Doc Marten is made of smooth leather, which looks great as you stroll down the street. However, Docs were not designed with breathability in mind, which is why many hikers end up with sweaty, stench-filled feet at the end of a long day.
• Weight & Bulk: The bulk and weight of Docs may not be noticeable when you’re simply walking around town, but they can slow you down when you’re out on the trail. In actuality, a size 9 pair of Doc Martens typically weighs 3.2 lbs (1.5 kg), which is significantly heavier than a pair of the wildly popular Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX hiking boots (2 lbs/900 g). Even more weight can be saved compared to Docs if you choose trail running footwear rather than hiking boots.

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Tips to Keep in Mind When Hiking in Doc Martens

Here are some things to remember if you wear Doc Martens to hiking.

Break Them In

Before you go on a hike, make sure your Doc Martens are already plush and cozy.

I’ve worn Docs to a nightclub and experienced excruciating pain and inadequate ankle support. I was in such pain that I had to leave the event in a taxi after 30 minutes.

If your boots cause you to get hurt, you won’t have the luxury of leaving the trail in a taxi.

Find a Comfortable Sock Liner

I like to use my Doc Martens boots with thick socks on. Never wear thin socks because they are likely to eventually be worn through from friction.

The majority of outdoor outfitters sell hiking sock liners with arch support and moisture-wicking properties. The best hiking sock liners are covered in this wonderful article.

However, any thick socks will do if you are unable to buy a hiking sock liner.

Opt for Short Hikes

You never want to jump into a 20km thru-hike in Doc Martens for the first time. Instead, take several quick hikes to strengthen your body.

Spend some extra time breaking in your boots so that you can learn what kinds of challenges your Docs will face.

Insoles to Add Support

Due to the existing secure fit of a Doc Marten boot, it is unlikely that you will add a thicker insole.

But when combined with the AirWair insole, adding an additional insole, if practical, can help provide stability.

What Boots Are Good for Hiking?

The best boots for hiking are the ones that feel the best on your feet and that provide you with the traction and protection you need on the trail.

The best hiking footwear, in general, is a pair of specifically designed hiking boots or hiking shoes, but some people prefer to hike in light trail running shoes.

There are countless shoes available that are excellent for hiking, so we are unable to list them all here. Consider shopping for a good pair of hiking boots from companies like La Sportiva, Lowa, Hoka, Keen, Merrell, Salomon, Oboz, and Vasque.

Finding a pair that meets your needs simply requires looking through the offerings from hiking boot manufacturers, who create their footwear to suit a variety of hikers and hiking styles.

Related Reading:

• Are Blundstones Good for Hiking?
• Are Timberlands Good for Hiking?

Conclusion: Are Doc Martens Good for Hiking

After weighing up all of these factors, we decided that while Doc Martens aren’t the most optimal choice for hiking owing to their weight, lack of waterproofing, questionable ankle protection, and tendency to rub, they’re also not as poor a choice as hiking in jeans.

Although we don’t advise purchasing a pair specifically for hiking, if you’re in a bind, you could wear Docs on a hike as long as it wasn’t a long distance or in particularly difficult terrain or weather.

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