Dr. Doc Martens Hardie Chelsea Work Boot Air Wair Women's Sz 8 • £42.17 (2024)

FAQs

Do Dr Martens Chelsea boots run big or small? ›

Generally, Dr Martens fit true to size, so we'd advise getting the size you usually are.

Unfortunately, Dr. Martens aren't available in half sizes and the brand recommends that to get your true to size fit, you should size down to your closest whole size, rather than sizing up. However, we know that this makes for a pretty miserable breaking in process.

The inner lining of Doc Martens is made of an abrasive material that rubs against the foot and creates blisters. Removing the insole takes some of the friction away and helps prevent blisters. It's still best to wear thick socks to prevent blisters around the ankle.

Using Heat Treatments to Soften the Leather

A lesser-known but effective method to break in Dr. Martens Chelsea boots is the use of heat treatments. The principle is simple: heat makes the leather more pliable, and thus, easier to mold to the shape of your foot.

Chelsea boots are normally true to size, so there's no need to size up or down. If your Chelsea boots feel too loose, pop on an extra pair of socks. Check for a gap between the boot and your ankle. The elasticated side panel helps keep this a close fit, so there should be no gap here.

Docs usually last a minimum of 5 years but can last up to 20 years thanks to their quality construction and excellent durability. The amount of time your Docs last for is dependent on the level of care and love you show then along with how often you wear them and what you wear them for.

We recommend ordering a size down and measuring your foot to find your perfect fit.

If you normally take half a size, we recommend sizing down. The boots should feel tight but not uncomfortable. If the boot feels uncomfortable when you try it on, especially in the width, then it is too small. Docs will soften and stretch as you wear them in - You can check out our size guide for more information.

With their lace front openings and leather that molds to the shape of your foot, they're made tough enough to withstand outdoor labor but stylish enough for a night on the town. These classic Dr Martens boots tend to run a bit small for their size, so when making a purchase, it's safest to size up.

In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to break in a new pair of boots. The more often you wear your boots, the faster they will break in. If you only wear your boots once or twice a week, it will take longer for them to break in than if you wear them every day.

Why are my Doc Martens so tight? ›

If the shoes feel painful or particularly tight in the width, they're too small and you need to size up. Although Dr. Martens shoes do soften with wear, the width is the hardest part of the shoe to stretch out. It's unlikely the shoes will ever feel comfortable.

The boots should feel tight, but not uncomfortable. If the boot feels uncomfortable when you try it on, especially in the width, then it is too small. Docs will soften and stretch as you wear them in - You can check out our size guide for more information.

The Dr. Martens sandals are not overly wide for your foot although they have a chunky appearance. They are true to size but if you sit in the middle of sizes then we would recommend sizing up to help you with breaking them in.

The shoes should fit snug and somewhat tight, perhaps even a little uncomfortable, especially when they're brand new. But the shoes shouldn't ever pinch or otherwise feel painful to wear. If the shoes feel painful or particularly tight in the width, they're too small and you need to size up.

They do run pretty big, however. I have very small feet and usually wear a size 5.5 or 6. I got the 5 in these, which is the smallest size available and they fit like a 6. I put inserts in though and they're perfect.