Doc Martens. Docs. DMs. Those iconic boots have been a symbol of rebellion, individuality, and edgy style for decades. But for people with flat feet, the question lingers: are Doc Martens good for our feet?
Flat feet can be very uncomfortable, and they are not very attractive. They may also cause pain in your knees and back as a result of a lack of arch support. Can Doc Martens, known for their tough construction and timeless look, provide the comfort or any kind of support that flat feet need? Let’s find out!
Why Should You Select Doc Martens for Flat Feet?
On the surface, you may think Doc Martens is too tough for someone with flat feet. However, here are some features that might help people with flat feet:
- Cushioning: Yes, Doc Martens is not known for its cushioning. Yet the soles are made with a specially formulated bouncy rubber compound called Bouncing Soles or AirWair. The technology absorbs shock from various parts of the foot when striking the ground and can reduce the impact on your joints, making it good for walking or standing jobs.
- Arch Support: Let’s be real here; arch support is spotty with Doc Martens in the first place. But here’s the twist: all that rigidity many people dislike can provide a decent amount of stabilization for mild to moderate degrees of flatfoot. The thick soles help spread your weight more evenly, causing less strain on your pressure points. Consider it as a gentle, solid, inertial structure.
- Ankle Stability: We know how important ankle support can be, especially for flat-footed people. The best part of the Doc Martens is their high top, which provides great ankle support to hold your ankle joint. This will help alleviate the rolling inwards (overpronation) that leads to pain in your feet, knees, and back.
- Orthotic Advantage: Doc Martens has removable insoles, and this allows a lot of customization room for you. Inserting a pair of custom orthotics created to help individuals with flat feet may greatly increase both comfort and the necessary arch support for your foot. Orthotics can help straighten out your foot posture, decrease shock absorption and even relieve symptoms of pain in patients with flatfoot.
- Heel Height: All Doc Martens are not created equal regarding heel heights, and you need to be cautious about what you put on your feet. Although the original boots have a clunky heel, many styles are made with either a shorter heel or no heel.
- Longevity Counts: Maybe the one reason why Doc Martens are among the best shoes you can have is that they last forever. The thick, high-quality leathery construction ensures the shoe stays in top-quality condition for many years to come. This uniform, steady framework is essential for flat-footed people who use footwear to support their arches.
How to Select the Correct Doc Martens for Flat Feet
When it comes to finding that perfect pair of Doc Martens for flat feet, it all boils down to balancing style, support, and comfort. Consider these tips to make the right decision:
Style Selection
- The Height of the Boot: Choose how high you want your boots to rise. You can choose to buy a timeless classic in an 8-eye or 1460 boot but with excessive ankle support. If you suffer from bad ankle stability, the longer boots do very well to help. Chelsea boots or Mary Janes can provide an aesthetically acceptable, though less versatile, option with more arch support.
- Materials: The traditional Smooth Leather of the Doc Martens is more robust but tends to take longer to break in. Softer materials like Virginia Leather might be some of the most comfortable materials, but they may lack a little longevity compared to more durable material choices. If you are a leather lover but looking for something easy to wear, we recommend looking into anything made with a pre-softened “Virginia” leather style.
Sole Searching
- Thickness: Opt for thicker soles on your shoes, as this will add more cushioning and arch support to your foot. You have a range to choose from like the classic “AirWair” bounce sole or the recent invention called “Bounce”, offering high-quality comfort.
- Treads: Tailor the type of tread to the terrain you will be walking on. Even though a slippery flat boot can look slick, if they have a studded bottom, they will provide better traction and be easy on one’s ankles when walking on rugged ground.
Fit for Flat Feet
- Size it Right: This is the most crucial thing! Doc Martens runs a little big, especially the classic boots. Go to a store and try on several pairs while wearing the same type of socks you plan to wear with them. The heel should be firm but not tight, and there should be some wiggle room around the toes. Moreover, the fit must be as snug as possible, as Doc Martens will stretch out over time.
- Insole Perk: You can insert your custom-made orthotics in a pair of Doc Martens. This will, in turn, help resolve issues related to flat feet without compromising on aesthetics. Arch support and proper cushioning for the heel will provide added comfort and assistance.
- Break-in Period: Expect a break-in period with these shoes because the stiffness can be rather noticeable at first—they’re Doc Martens, after all! You can wear them for short periods with thick socks and then slowly wear them for longer each time. After some time, they eventually conform to your feet. The break-in process can sometimes hurt, but the temporary discomfort fades away, and the pain turns into much-needed relief later. Doc Martens adapt to your feet with time, and you will have a custom shoe.
Takeaway
Well then—Are Doc Martens good for flat feet? The answer is that it depends! Just wear your DMs with the right style and fit, and potentially insert some orthotics for the best experience! They are pretty comfortable for mild to moderate flat feet.
If you’re confused about using orthotics and want expert advice on the same, then book a free online evaluation with Stride Soles. Our experts will give you the guidance and advice you need based on your needs and situation. So, don’t wait any longer, contact us today!
