It’s safe to say we all know and love the iconic Dr. Martens boots. Whether you opt for a classic black boot with laces or make a statement with a bold, colourful pair, the iconic brand has stood the test of time. In addition to the classic DM boot, there's also an abundance of brilliant Dr. Martens dupes out there that can give you that iconic style for less.
As we plan our autumn/winter wardrobe (pass me the chunky knits ASAP), Dr. Martens will definitely be part of our vision board. Whether paired with a cute skirt and tights or providing a cool touch to a classic jeans-and-a-nice-top combo, the versatile boot is the ideal addition to any outfit.
Closer's pick of the best Dr. Martens dupes, at a glance:
Best comfortable Dr. Martens dupe
Best budget Dr. Martens dupe
However, while you can’t go wrong with a pair of Dr. Martens Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots, £170, the dreamy boot is perhaps more of an investment piece. As much as it’s nice to bag a payday treat, there are many great alternatives on the market to be found at popular high-street brands, including ASOS, Boohoo, and New Look, that can help you achieve that cool girl vibe on a budget.
While the quality and durability of a classic Dr. Martens boot are hard to replicate, we’ve found some gorgeous autumn/winter boots at a more affordable price point
SHOP: The best Dr. Martens dupes
Best comfortable Dr. Martens dupe
With a chunky sole and statement zip details, we love New Look’s Black Leather-Look Lace Up Ankle Boots. In addition to being oh-so-stylish, these ankle boots boast cushioned padding and flexible soles - perfect for keeping your feet comfortable during busy days. One reviewer advised shoppers to check the site's sizing chart before purchasing, whilst other shoppers said the boots were comfortable and can be worn all day.
Best vegan Dr. Martens dupe
www.schuh.co.uk
We’re seriously lusting after Schuh’s Andria Lace Up Ankle Boots in Black, which would add a cool touch to any autumn/winter outfit. In addition to being super cute, these biker boots are also vegan-friendly – we love to see it. Whilst these boots are perfect for those searching for a vegan choice, they might not be the best option for those who prefer leather boots. One customer praised the boots for being comfy and going with everything.
Best budget Dr. Martens dupe
www.prettylittlething.com
The most affordable pair of boots on our list, these Black Basic PU Biker Boots from PrettyLittleThing are a great choice if you want to get that cool vibe for less. Made of PU material, these might not be the best choice for fans of leather boots. However, the classic lace-up detailing is sure to add that bit of an edge to your A/W fits. Brb, running to the PLT website.
Best lookalike Dr. Martens dupe
www2.hm.com
Priced at £37.99, these H&M Ankle Boots are a great dupe for the classic Dr. Martens boot. With satin lining and statement chunky soles, these boots are ideal for everyday wear. There’s also the option to purchase them in a shiny, patent material. One reviewer said that the boots were a little tight at first but super comfortable once they'd been worn in.
Best faux leather Dr. Martens dupe
ego.co.uk
These Zeasty Lace Up Chunky Ankle Biker Boots in Black Faux Leather from EGO, give us real cool girl vibes. With chunky soles and metal embellishment, you’re sure to make a serious statement. A chunkier boot, some people might find these a little harder to style, but they are sure to look cool if you're after more of an edgy vibe.
Best leather Dr. Martens dupe
www.asos.com
We love this offering from ASOS. With a chunky sole and round toe, the Off The Hook Lane Biker Leather High Ankle Boots in Black are a great choice for those looking for a leather boot. One ASOS reviewer suggested checking the website's size guide carefully, while several shoppers praised the boots for their good quality and comfortable fit.
Best wide fit Dr. Martens dupe
www.boohoo.com
If you are looking for a wider fit, these Boohoo Wide Fit Lace Up Chunky Hiker Boots might be the ideal choice. Offering style and comfort, these boots have been designed with extra room around the foot and ankle, so you hopefully won’t need to worry about rubbing or those pesky blisters. These boots might not be the best choice for those after a leather boot, but are perfect for shoppers wanting maximum comfort and a wide fit.
Best Dr. Martens Chelsea boots dupe
www.schuh.co.uk
If Chelsea boots are more your thing, Schuh has you covered with its Arlo Chunky Chelsea Boots in Black. These boots have a stylish chunky sole and elastic panels that help them fit comfortably. Another vegan-friendly offering from Schuh. One customer thought that the boots came up a little small, while several Schuh shoppers described the boots as comfortable.
Best Dr. Martens brogues dupe
www.next.co.uk
Dr. Martens is also well-known for its super-cute brogues - an ideal choice for an office shoe or for adding a preppy touch to an outfit. These Black Forever Comfort® Chunky Brogue Lace-Up Shoes from Next, are adorned with subtle detailing and boast a chunky sole. These brogues have a faux leather upper, which might not be the best choice for fans of leather shoes. However, the cushioned footbed makes them perfect for all-day wear.
Best chunky Dr. Martens dupe
www.boohoo.com
An ideal choice for those looking for a statement boot, Boohoo’s Lace Up Chunky Hiker Boots have those edgy vibes that will elevate your autumn/winter outfits. These boots might not be the best choice for those after a leather boot, but are perfect for those looking for a chunkier style. What’s more, with 20 per cent off, you can currently bag these boots for less – adding to basket, immediately.
What are the most popular Dr. Martens boots?
With so many different styles of Dr. Martens to choose from, there’s sure to be something that suits your taste. If you’re looking for a staple everyday boot, the 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots, £170, might be up your street. The classic style was the original Dr. Martens boot, so it’s no surprise that it is one of the brand's most popular styles. The cool boot comes in various colour options in addition to classic black, including cherry red, green, and white.
How do I break Dr. Martens boots in?
While the Dr. Martens dupes we’ve found might be easier to wear, there are plenty of ways to break in a classic DM boot if you want to opt for the original instead. The boots are often known for taking a little while to break in, but when it comes to speeding up the process, there are plenty of fab tips from the brand itself to help maximise the comfort of your new boots.
You might find choosing the right pair of socks helpful to prevent friction and rubbing on your heels and ankles. You can even bag a pair of Double Doc Organic Cotton Blend Socks, £12, specifically designed to be teamed with the brand’s boots and shoes.
Dr. Martens also recommends massaging the leather on your boots to help it soften and giving yourself breaks from wearing your shoes to make it easier to get used to them. You can also try Dr. Martens’ Wonder Balsam Shoe Protector, £8, which can help keep the leather on your boots soft - an ideal choice for keeping them in good condition, too.
For many people, the top of the heel is where they feel the most discomfort when breaking in a fresh new pair of Docs. Luckily, you can also purchase a pair of Heel Grips, £3, with some reviewers crediting the product for helping to avoid blisters and rubbing. Sign us up.
How can I style Dr. Martens boots?
Dr. Martens boots (and their dupes) are super versatile, meaning they are an ideal choice for a staple autumn/winter boot. If you want to dress them up, Docs pair nicely with a dress or skirt if you want a comfier shoe for a fancy occasion. For everyday wear, the boots are a great addition to any outfit, whether you want to pair them with straight leg jeans, black leggings, skirts, or dresses - you can’t go wrong.
Charlotte Roszko is a Deputy Commercial Content Editor at Bauer Media, specialising in home, fashion and lifestyle content. In her spare time, she enjoys watching live music, trips to the theatre and getting stuck into a good TV series.