Doc Martens Size Guide – Do They Run Big Or Small?

Are you considering purchasing a pair of Dr. Martens but don’t know what size to buy? Maybe you have heard that the shoes run big or small and want to know if this is true?

Or are you curious and want to know more? Whatever your question is that brought you here today, we have the answer for you! 

Doc Martens Size Guide - Do They Run Big Or Small?

We know how tricky it can be to purchase shoes online, especially if you don’t know what size you need. And when you search for Dr. Martens online, you will see that information about the sizing can be quite inconsistent.

The last thing you want to do is purchase shoes and find out that they don’t fit! 

So do Dr. Martens run big or small? That’s what we are here to find out! Keep reading for a detailed guide that explores the sizing of Dr. Martens and tells you everything you need to know! 

Do Dr. Martens Run Big Or Small?

Let’s get straight into it! Dr. Martens are typically true to size, with the exception of the Chelseas, Jardons, and 1460s, which all run a little larger.

To buy these in your correct size you will want to size down if you are a half size. For full sizes, you can wear your usual size, but you might want to add insoles to pad out the extra room in the shoe! 

Dr. Martens sandals are true to size, although they can feel different on your feet compared to other sandals.

This is because they tend to be heavier than average sandals due to the thick sole on them. But once you have worn them a few times, the extra weight isn’t likely to bother you. 

Now that we have established how the sizing of the shoes works, let’s move on and look at Dr. Martens in closer detail! 

Dr. Martens Sizing Explained

There are several models of Dr. Martens that you can purchase, and they all come with slightly different sizings. So, let’s take a closer look at each model to find out if they are true to size, run big, or small! 

Chelseas, Jardons, And 1460s 

Let’s start with some of the most popular models! The 1460s are one of the most popular models, with the boot design and classic yellow-stitching around the sole.

And although Dr. Martens claims all their shoes run true to size, these 1460s do run a little large. But this only impacts those that wear half sizes, as the shoes only come in a full size. 

So if you wear a 9 and a half usually, you will want to go down to a size 9. As the shoes run a little large, the smaller size will still offer you plenty of room to get your foot in!

For those that wear a full size, you can purchase your usual size worry-free! Sure, there will be a little more room in the boot, but your foot shouldn’t feel like it is sliding around. 

If you find the shoes a little uncomfortable, you can add some insoles to them. They will fill up the space and provide you with some added comfort, which is ideal when you are in the shoes for long periods! 

The Dr. Marten Chelsea Boots, Jardons, and other forms of 1460s are the same size wise. You will want to size down if you are a half size and buy your usual size if you wear a full size.

Included in this category are the patent leather, vegan, and WinterGrips versions of the 1460s. 

But, just to make things complicated, there is an exception to this rule! The fur-lined 1460s fit snuggly, which is what you want from fur-lined boots!

You will still want to size these shoes like you do other 1460s, but it’s worth noting that these boots will fit a little tighter than other Dr. Martens. 

Sandals And Other Models 

With the exception of the Chelseas, Jadons, and 1460s, other Dr. Marten models are true to size! So if you are in between sizes, it’s best to choose a number based on your preference.

So if your foot is 11.5-inches from heel to toe in socks, that usually puts you at a 10 and a half. So what size would you get? Well, if you prefer a tighter fit, you can go for a 10, or if you want some more room, size up to an 11. 

No matter the shoe size, the width of Dr. Martens will stay the same. The standard D which is a medium for men which means you have plenty of room if you have a wider foot!

But this does mean that if you have narrow feet it will take a little longer for you to break the shoes in. 

We do recommend avoiding Dr. Martens if you have extra-wide feet, 4E and wider. You will be able to wear the shoes, but they won’t be as comfortable when you wear them for longer periods. 

For those wanting to purchase sandals like the Dr. Marten Romi, you might find them a little large when you first put them on. However, they just feel this way because they are larger and clunkier than other sandals.

It’s better to stick with your actual size and spend some time breaking them in. Once you get used to the extra weight of the sandals, you will be ready to go all day!

Do Women’s Doc Martens Run Small Or Big?

And what about women’s Dr. Martens? Well, just like mens shoes, they run true to size with the exception of the Chelseas, Jardons, and 1460s.

If women wear a half size, they should size down for any of these models. With other models Dr. Martens sell, you can choose the size that will give you the snugness that you prefer. 

There is a sizing difference of one size between men and women’s shoes. A men’s size 8 is a women’s size 9. It is worth knowing this as most Dr. Martens can be worn as unisex shoes, even if they aren’t stated as unisex! 

Dr. Marten Size Chart 

Check out our men’s and women’s size charts for Dr. Martens down below! 

Men’s Sizing Chart

USUKEuropeJapan
653824
6.55.538.524.5
763925
7.56.54025.5
87.54126
8.57.541.526.5
984227
9.58.542.527.5
1094328
10.59.54428.5
111044.529
11.510.54529.5
12114630
1311.54731
141248
1512.549

Women’s Sizing Chart

USUKEuropeJapan
753824
7.55.538.524.5
863925
8.56.54025.5
974126
9.57.541.526.5
1084227
10.58.542.527.5
1194328
11.59.54428.5
121044.529

You can use this sizing to see which Dr. Martens you should buy, no matter what country you are in! The sizing will be printed on all Dr. Martens too, meaning you can work out the size you should grab easily. 

Final Thoughts 

And there you have it! Dr. Martens for the most part are true to size! If you wear a full size, then you can just grab your usual size with ease, but for those with a half size, you just need to consider how snug you want the fit to be!

The only exception to this rule is the Chelseas, Jadon’s, and 1460s. 

These models run a little larger, so for those wearing a half size, you will want to size down. For those wearing a full size, you might find these a little roomier, but you can add insoles to these to give you a more comfortable fit! 

Don’t forget that these shoes and sandals are a lot heavier, so allow yourself plenty of time to break them in and get used to the extra weight.

Before you leave us today, be sure to check out our FAQ section below to get any last-minute questions you have answered! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Check out our brief FAQ section below and have all your questions answered! 

Do Doc Martens 1460s Run Big?

Yes, the 1460s run a little large. For those with a half size, you will want to size down. If you were a full size, stick with your usual shoe size.

The extra room shouldn’t be too much of an issue for you. If it is, you can add insoles to fill the shoes out. 

Do Doc Martens Jadons Run Big?

Yes, Jadon’s can run a little large, just like the 1460s do! For those in-between sizes, you can opt for a size down, and for full sizes, you should purchase your usual size.

Remember, you can use insoles to fill the extra room if you don’t find the size comfortable. 

Do Doc Martens Chelsea’s Run Big?

Yes, Chelseas do run a little big! Just like the Jadon’s and 1460s, these larger-fit shoes mean you need to adjust your sizing. If you wear a half size, opt for a size down.

For full sizes, you can purchase your usual size and use insoles to fill the room in the shoes and provide some more comfort. 

Do Doc Martens Oxfords Run Big?

No, these shoes are true to size. As they only come in full sizes, those with half sizes will need to size up if they want a roomier fit, or size down if they want a tight and snug fit. 

Do Doc Martens Romis Run Big?

No, these shoes are true to size. Just like other sandals Dr. Martens make, people think these run large as they are a heavy sandal. But once you get used to the weight of the sandal, you will feel super comfortable! 

Joseph Pais