Summary of Reddit Comments on "Dr Martens Work Sizing"

Dr. Martens

• Pros:
  • Durable: "I have a pair of Thursday Captains and Solovair chukkas. I love them both because of their r/goodyearwelt construction."
  • Comfort: "I have small but wide feet that have been ravaged by years of rock climbing, so for me Docs are one of the most comfortable shoes for walking."
  • Variety: "I own both England ones as well as the newer ones that are made in China/Vietnam etc. They're still a lot better made than most shoes in the same price range."
• Cons:
  • Break-in Period: "The only downside is the breaking in period. It took me 3 weeks of active breaking before the shoes finally gave in."
  • Quality Concerns: "My doc martens didn’t last one season of daily wear. Absolutely not worth the cost."
  • Size Issues: "Solidarity in not fitting into docs!! I have the same exact problem and ended up getting the 6 and they were too small no matter how much I wanted them to stretch."

Solovair

• Pros:
  • Quality: "Go Solovair, cost a little more but are actually great."
  • Similar to Dr. Martens: "I ended up with a pair of Made in England boots, which I really think is the way to go."
• Cons:
  • Sizing Issues: "Well it's not the case for everyone, especially for people with wide foot, they are as much expensive than a pair of Docs and you'll have a harder time to break in."

Recommendations

• General Sizing Tips:
  • Different Fit Options: "Try the Combs line of Docs that have a slightly wider fit."
  • Breaking in Process: "Use cream to soften the leather, break in with insoles and thin socks."
• Alternative Brands:
  • Vintage Docs: "Check eBay for Vintage Docs at a more affordable price."
  • Camper: "Consider Camper kids for lace-up boots with heavier outsoles and a strong sustainability policy."
• Customization:
  • Wax Coating Technique: "Try using the wax coating technique for a different look on your boots."

Overall, the consensus is that while some users love their Dr. Martens for their durability, others have experienced quality issues. Solovair is recommended as a high-quality alternative, but it may not be suitable for those with wide feet. Breaking in Dr. Martens can be challenging, but with proper care and techniques like wax coating, users have improved the look and feel of their boots.