There is no combat boot that’s more iconic than the classic Doc Marten. The legendary shoes hit the scene in the 1960s, and have had their fair share of moments in the decades since. They were a punk-scene staple in the ’70s and ’80s, and once the ’90s hit they became a must-have amongst the grunge set. Fast-forward to today, and the style is still winning awards for being the best combat boot out there—but there’s one problem: They are endlessly hard to break in.
Though Doc Martens get a whole lot more comfortable over time, those first few wears can be so brutal that you’ll feel tempted to toss ’em in the donation pile. Thankfully, though, there are plenty of other ways to get involved with the lug sole trend without forcing your feet to suffer. Below, we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite Doc Martens dupes—all of which will keep your feet feeling great from the moment you lace them up.
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The comfiest Doc Marten dupes your money can buy
M. Gemi, The Clara — $398.00
Available sizes: EU 35-41
W+G Commerce Editor Francesca Krempa was a Doc Marten purist until her boots were sadly destroyed by a teething puppy. However, she hasn’t looked back since getting her feet into these M. Gemi lug boots, which she wears daily during the fall and winter months.
“I love Docs but, damn, are they brutal to break in,” she says. “These are comfy to wear out of the box thanks to the supple Italian leather that only gets softer the longer you wear them. I also appreciate the elastic sides (something my Docs never had) that make them easy to pull on and off. And they’re downright cute. 10/10, highly recommend.”
Colors: 3
Materials: Italian leather, thermoplastic rubber sole
- Soft, supple leather
- Durable, non-slip outsole
- Stretchy elastic panels
- Versatile
Clarks, Orianna 2 Hike Black Leather — $200.00
Available sizes: 6-10, in half sizes
If a combat boot and a hiking shoe had a baby, it would be Clarks Orianna 2 combat boots. With their smooth leather uppers and durable rubber outsoles, they’re built for indoor and outdoor adventures alike. Even more, they’re built with a breathable inner sock to keep your feet from sweating and stinking, plus a cushioned footbed (which, by the way, is removable) that makes for optimal comfort.
Colors: 2
Materials: leather, thermoplastic rubber sole
- Soft, responsibly sourced leather
- Durable, non-slip outsole
- Cushioned removable footbed
- Breathable sock liner
- Zipper for easy on-and-off
- Versatile
- Pricey
- Taller, chunkier silhouette heavier than other styles
Dr. Scholl’s, Women’s Headstart Combat Boot — $83.00
Originally $130, now $83
Available sizes: 6-11, in half sizes
Considering Dr. Scholl’s was started by a podiatrist, you can be damn sure that the brand’s shoes are going to be comfortable—and these combat boots are no exception. Shoppers note that they’re soft out of the box thanks to the soft, feel-good linings (and antimicrobial insoles that prevent things feet from getting swampy.) One shopper notes that she had them on for 13 hours without breaking them in, and her feet “didn’t ache at all.”
Other notable features include the zip-up side that makes them easy to get on and off, plus the laces which can be loosened or tightened, depending on your preferred fit. For less than $100, they’re a comfy bet on a budget.
Colors: 2
Materials: faux leather, synthetic rubber outsole
- Affordable
- Designed by a podiatrist
- Soft, supple faux leather
- Durable, non-slip outsole
- Zipper for easy on-and-off
- Not as durable as other options
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Timberland, Greyfield Leather Lug Sole Boots — $130.00
Available sizes: 5-10, in half sizes
Rugged with a fancy twist, this patent-leather style from Timberland feels slightly more formal than your usual combat boots. They’re crafted with all the durable features Timberland boots are known for, including a hardy upper, grippy outsole, and padded collar for added comfort. They also sport a 1.25-inch heel that’s in line with what podiatrists recommend for lug-soled shoes. And if the shiny black patent leather isn’t your thing, they also come in a trendy gray and a more classic, khaki suede, both of which look great with anything.
Colors: 3
Materials: patent leather, rubber outsole
- Supple upper
- Durable, non-slip outsole
- Laces for a custom fit
- Padded collar for added comfort
Vionic, Lani Lace-Up Boot — $170.00
Available sizes: 5-11, in half sizes
Another podiatrist-developed brand, Vionic, designs its shoes for maximum comfort and arch support. The Lani Lace-Up Boot has an ultra-supportive footbed and is treated with a water-repellent so you can step out into any kind of weather without having to worry about ruining your shoes. Other foot-friendly features include a side zip, back pull tab, and lace-up front which can be adjusted based on your fit preference.
Colors: 2
Materials: leather upper, synthetic outsole
- Podiatrist-developed and approved
- Built-in arch support
- Supple upper
- Durable, non-slip outsole
- Side-zip and back pull tab for easy wear
Madden Girl, Women’s Carra Fashion Boot — $61.00
Available sizes: 5-11, in half sizes
Stylistically speaking, these Madden Girl Doc Marten dupes are the closest you can get to the real thing. They come in 22 colors (including black floral, patent leather pink, and shearling-lined nude), and are so easy to wear you’ll be tempted to add at least three of them to your wardrobe. Like the others on the list, they require little breaking in and are comfortable enough for walking and standing for hours on end.
Colors: 20+
Materials: synthetic upper, synthetic outsole
- Affordable
- Available in multiple colors, patterns, and styles
- Comfortable
- Lace-up front for a custom fit
- Select colors/sizes sold out
What to look for in a Doc Marten dupe
Not only are combat boots an edgy addition to any outfit (they look equally as great with a mini-skirt and tights as they do with a pair of boyfriend jeans), but these Doc Marten dupes also happen to be great for your foot health.
“Lug sole shoes and boots can be great for people suffering from joint pain,” Dallas podiatrist Nam Tran, DPM previously told Well+Good. “The thick sole restricts the movement of the little joints of the foot. This can help decrease the wear and tear of a joint.” He recommends looking for soles that are less than two inches in height since anything too thick can create instability that puts you at risk for ankle sprains.
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