Sold initially as work-wear boots, Doc Martens became a symbol of rebelliousness in the mid-1960s. Nowadays, individuals of all ages and styles enjoy these iconic shoes.
If your insoles have worn down with time or you want additional support, we may have a solution with the best insoles for Doc Martens.
Our Top 5 Picks Of the Best Insoles for Doc Martens
1. Dr. Martens SoftWair Insoles
Dr. Martens SoftWair insoles can serve as a fitting replacement for your original inserts. The build features memory foam for cushioning with perforations to promote air circulation and keep your feet cool.
- Provides enhanced cushioning and support
- Promotes airflow
- Reduces moisture
- Enhances fit and comfort
2. Dr. Martens Comfort Insoles
Comfort insoles by Dr. Martens offer long-lasting support through polyurethane cushioning. The design also stabilizes your feet to keep them in the correct position. As the insoles are thick, they can make bigger Dr. Martens more snug.
- Smartmask technology cushions every step and stabilizes your heel and arch
- Features Agion
3. Dr. Martens Classic Insoles
The classic insoles by Dr. Martens are lightweight, so you can use them over your existing insoles. They’re sturdy to provide arch support and have an ergonomic heel cup for stability. The material is breathable to stop you from overheating.
- Gel insert in heel absorbs impact
- Ergonomic heel cup cradles the foot while offering firm arch support
4. Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles
Pinnacle insoles by Powerstep include a semi-rigid heel cradle and arch support to reduce the pain of common foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis. A thick dual-layer cushion brings comfort, and the build is suitable for all types of arches.
- Designed to Relieve and Prevent Pain - PowerStep Pinnacle is the #1 Podiatrist recommended insole for Relief and Prevention from Plantar Fasciitis pain.
- Full-Length, Total Contact Support - Our Pinnacle insoles feature an odor-control top fabric that helps reduce heat, friction, and perspiration while giving support to the entire length of your foot.
- Designed for Daily Comfort, Stability & Pain Relief - Premium dual-layer cushioning provides comfort from heel to toe while our deep heel cradle for increases comfort, stability, and motion control for those with standard arches
- Address Pain from Plantar Fasciitis & More - from Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, shin splints, and other foot, ankle, knee, hip, and back pain, PowerStep Pinnacle insoles stabilize and align feet to help relieve and prevent pain from mild to moderate pronation
- Exact Fit Orthotic Insoles - means no trimming required. Moveable from shoe to shoe with no trimming required, these arch support insoles for women and men are intended for footwear where the factory insoles can be removed and designed for shoes such as Walking, Work, & Casual Dress Shoes. PowerStep Pinnacle insoles are proudly produced in the USA at our Ohio facility.
5. Dr. Martens Premium Insoles
These Dr. Martens inserts are an enhancement of the classic insole design with a Skeletal Support Module to stabilize your heels and arches. The surface is antimicrobial to keep your footgear odorless, and polyurethane foam provides cushioning.
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Dr. Martens Insoles Reviews
If your Doc Marten footwear starts to feel loose and slippery, worn-down inserts could be the culprit. We share our recommendations for the best insoles for Doc Martens below.
1. Dr. Martens SoftWair Insoles
The Dr. Martens SoftWair insoles are unisex to fit both men and women. Available sizes for men are 4 to 14, with women’s sizes ranging from 5 to 11.
These insoles are low-profile and lightweight, so they shouldn’t take up too much room in your shoes. At the same time, if your original insoles are done for and your footwear is suddenly looser, these might could serve as an adequate replacement.
The SoftWair memory foam cushions your foot from heel to toe. The heels are padded to relieve pressure, and the insoles include arch support for those who need it.
A double-layer build alongside perforations in the design contributes towards improving airflow. The material is breathable and combats moisture to keep your feet fresh and dry.
If you wear your boots or shoes daily, you may find the Dr. Martens SoftWair insoles begin to lose their cushioning faster than you’d like.
Pros
- Breathable, moisture-reducing material.
- Perforated to improve airflow.
- Lightweight.
- Cushioned with SoftWair memory foam.
Cons
- Cushioning may flatten out with frequent wear.
| The Dr. Martens SoftWair insoles have memory foam cushioning along the whole foot. A padded heel and arch support promote stability and comfort, and the material is breathable to discourage sweaty feet. |
2. Dr. Martens Comfort Insoles
These Dr. Martens insoles can fit both men and women, with sizes ranging from 6 to 14 and 5 to 12, respectively.
They’re constructed from polyurethane foam filled with minuscule air bubbles, which helps keep the insoles from flattening out over time. The padded heel offers stability, reducing the likelihood of pain and poor alignment. Furthermore, there’s added support in the midfoot to relieve flat arches.
These inserts may be sufficiently thick to fill out Dr. Martens boots that have grown looser with age. If your Dr. Martens are a perfect fit, however, this pair could squeeze you out.
Pros
- Hard-wearing.
- Thick to fill out looser boots.
- Foot-stabilizing construction.
- Padded heel can absorb impact.
Cons
- Might not fit in tighter shoes.
| With polyurethane cushioning that’s made to withstand the test of time, these insoles might be a good choice for long-lasting support. The insoles hold your feet in the correct position to avoid stress and injury. |
3. Dr. Martens Classic Insoles
These unisex insoles by Dr. Martens are sold in sizes 5 to 11 for women, and men have the choice of sizes 4 to 13.
There are several supportive aspects featured here. The cushioned heel contains a gel pad to help absorb impact and the deep heel cup will keep your foot positioned correctly. Arch support in the Classic model is firm and sturdy, and a non-slip finish should prevent you from sliding around.
Perforations in the forefoot allow for airflow to combat sweating. Although the bulk of the insoles are thick for comfort, they’re also breathable and lightweight towards the front.
The downside here is that they might not suit boots or shoes that are an optimal fit, as they could come up feeling a bit too snug.
Pros
- Gel in the heel to absorb shock.
- Strong arch support.
- Deep heel cup.
- Non-slip surface.
Cons
- Could feel constricting if your Doc Martens fit perfectly.
| The Dr. Martens Classic brings you arch support, a gel heel for lessening impact, and a non-slip surface to keep your feet stable. The material is breathable offering adequate airflow throughout your footwear. |
4. Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles
Powerstep Pinnacle insoles are available in a variety of sizes to fit both women and men, spanning from 5 to 15.5 and 3 to 15, respectively. The company specializes in manufacturing orthotics, and has a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).
These inserts aim to relieve foot pain as a result of common conditions such as hammertoes and bunions, among others.
The heel cup and arch support are semi-rigid to hold your foot steady, and they’re suitable for all arch types, from low to high. Dual-layered cushioning and an EVO foam base add comfort throughout the entirety of the insole.
Furthermore, an antimicrobial fabric on the surface aims to combat bacteria that comes with sweaty feet.
This video explains how Powerstep Pinnacle insoles might help your sore feet.
If you plan on wearing these daily, however, these insoles might not hold up. Some buyers have reported that they come apart after a few weeks to several months. Keep in mind they’re also on the thick side, so they may not fit already-tight shoes.
Pros
- Appropriate for neutral, low, and high arches.
- Double-layered cushioning.
- Antimicrobial fabric.
- Targets pain caused by common foot conditions.
Cons
- Might wear out quickly with frequent use.
| Powerstep Pinnacle inserts are built to relieve soreness and pain as a result of various foot troubles. Both the heel cradle and arch support are semi-rigid to align your foot correctly, and it should work with all arch types. |
5. Dr. Martens Premium Insoles
The company claims here that the Premium model is an upgrade from Doc Martens similar products. You can purchase these insoles in sizes 5 to 11 for women and 4 to 13 for men.
A Skeletal Support Module consists of an ergonomic heel cup and firm arch support. Polyurethane foam infused with air bubbles serves to cushion your foot. The surface includes an antimicrobial treatment for fresher-smelling Dr. Martens.
This video shows you how the Dr. Martens Premium Insoles could work for you.
The disadvantage of these inserts is that they may be noisy while you break them in, but this shouldn’t last forever.
Pros
- Antimicrobial fabric.
- Dual support for arches and heels.
- Non-slip finish.
- Ample cushioning.
Cons
- Might be squeaky while you break them in.
| These Dr. Martens insoles improve on the classic design with additional support for your heels and arches. The surface is antimicrobial to reduce the chances of smelly feet. |
The History of Doc Martens
The history of this popular footwear brand is intriguing. It’s a story that originated in England but made its way to Germany over time. Eventually, it comes back around to where it all began.
England
It all started in 1901 when the Griggs family, located in a small town in Northamptonshire, built a remarkable reputation for producing tough boots for working people. For decades the business thrived at the center of the country’s shoe industry.
Germany
Over four decades later, in 1945, a German soldier named Dr. Klaus Maertens was prompted to modify his shoes while recovering from a broken foot. Maertens created an air-cushioned sole as an alternative to the typical hard leather sole of the time.
He began selling his invention in 1947 after going into business with his friend and mechanical engineer, Dr. Herbert Funk. After it proved a profitable venture, the two partners started to advertise the newly-invented sole internationally in 1959.
The Birth of Dr. Martens
This air-cushioned sole caught the eye of the Griggs family, still operating successfully back in England. Their company acquired licensing for the component, incorporating it into their trademark work boots.
The boot design was altered to have eight eyelets and that distinctive yellow stitch that make these shoes instantly recognizable. These were branded “Dr. Martens Airwair,” although it became shortened to “Dr. Martens” in 1960 when the first boots were sold.
Present Day
Nowadays, Doc Martens are sold in many styles. There are ankle boots, Mary Janes, sandals and canvas footwear, among others. This video details the inception and cultural impact of Doc Martens throughout the years.
Dr. Martens SoftWair insoles are a play on the old branding.
Choosing Insoles for Dr. Martens
You might already know about the Dr. Martens removable insoles that came with your shoes. While the company’s known for long-lasting footwear, it’s highly likely your shoes will outlive the original inserts.
Furthermore, over the years, foot conditions can manifest that demand different types of support. Rather than give up on wearing your beloved Dr. Martens, you can find insoles to restore comfort for you.
Whatever your reasons for wanting insoles for Doc Martens, we hope to simplify the selection process with these crucial factors for consideration:
- Choose the right fit: Martens come in a range of styles but are somewhat limited in size. The company only sells whole sizes, which means your footwear might not fit as well as you’d like. If your shoes are too loose, pick insoles that offer a thicker fit depending on how much space you need to fill.
- Size conversions: You may notice that some Dr. Martens insoles are listed in UK rather than US sizes. As international sizing can be tricky, we recommend that you consult the size chart on the official website to guarantee a perfect fit.
- Foot health: Are you suffering from foot pain or other conditions? Take the opportunity to choose insoles that will work for you rather than against you. For example, if you suffer from flat feet, insoles with firm arch support could help, preventing muscle fatigue, among other difficulties.
- Odor protection: If your Doc Martens are your favorite footwear, you may want to think about insoles that have an antibacterial surface. Your shoes or boots may look pristine, but if they smell bad, it can be off-putting. This is even more important if you’re prone to sweat a lot in your shoes.
- Durability: Some insoles are built to last longer than others. If you wear your Dr. Martens on a daily basis, it’s crucial you find an insole to withstand the test of time. Insoles made from polyurethane and air bubbles are meant to hold up with regular use, without flattening out too early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Doc Martens Good for Orthotics?
If you’re wondering whether Doc Martens will mix with orthotics (either custom or premade), the answer is “yes.” You do need to choose a compatible insole that doesn’t squeeze you out, though. If your footwear has a bit of give or extra room this will be beneficial.
Do You Need to Break in Dr. Martens?
Enthusiasts of this brand probably already know that breaking in a pair of the classic Doc Martens can be tough, particularly if they’re leather.
Leather products, in general, are resistant to harsh elements and the daily wear and tear that can occur, especially in footwear. This indicates that your Doc Martens will initially feel quite firm, and take time to grow supple.
When you get your boots, that unyielding hardness can be uncomfortable. Wearing thick socks like these can help, as can insoles that help your boots fit better if they’re too big. Don’t try soaking your shoes in water or applying heat as these methods can cause irreversible damage.
This video offers advice on breaking in Dr. Martens.
Do Doc Martens Run Big?
As with any other footwear brand, the exact size can vary based on the model of the shoe or boot you buy. Keep in mind that, as we mentioned earlier, the company only sells Dr. Martens in whole sizes.
Since buying a shoe that you can’t fit your foot into is pointless, most people buy a larger size and fill it out with socks or insoles.
How to Remove the Original Doc Martens Insoles?
You can take out the insoles in your Doc Martens by feeling around for an edge and pulling them out gently.
If the original insoles have disintegrated, you may have to scrape some of the material out. If you don’t, your new inserts might not fit correctly.
How to Replace Doc Martens Insoles?
Once you’ve bought your new insoles, you can choose to wear them on top of, or in replace of the old ones. This will, of course, depend on your foot and the room available in the shoe.
If your footwear is quite spacious and the insoles are lightweight, you might be able to get away with plopping the new ones right in. Otherwise, remove the original insoles and press your new ones firmly into the shoes. If you picked the right size, they should fit like a glove.
How Long Do Doc Martens Last?
Dr. Martens are hardy, but they still need care like any other type of footwear. Keeping your boots or shoes clean can help extend their lifespan.
If you have leather Doc Martens, using a conditioner can preserve the material. You can also apply protective substances against dirt, water, and other hazards.
Feel at Home in Your Doc Martens
Doc Martens don’t come cheap. If you’ve invested in a pair, you deserve to feel supported and comfortable in your shoes or boots of choice.
You shouldn’t feel like you can’t wear your favorite footwear anymore due to flat feet, high arches, or any other condition. Furthermore, individuals who wear half-sizes don’t have to cope with Dr. Martens that slip and slide.
Combat pain, tighten up loose-fitting Dr. Martens, and revitalize your boots or shoes with the best insoles for Doc Martens. They could help you feel at home in your shoes again.
