The Best White Doc Martens for Women
This article discusses the history of Dr Martens and what makes them unique in the fashion industry, explains the care and break-in prep for the Doc boots, and shares the five best white Doc Martens for women on the market.
When most people think of Dr. Martens, they think of the typical black or brown work boots. However, many other colors and styles are available for those who want a little different. If you want to stand out without sacrificing quality and comfort? A pair of white Dr. Martens is a timeless choice that exudes individuality and style. If you are worried about caring for white leather, let us give you tips on how to easily keep them squeaky clean and share the best white doctor martens for women on the current market.
History of Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens' shoes have a long and exciting history. German doctor Klaus Maertens started the company after the War in 1945. While healing from a broken foot, he invented the first Dr. Maertens to help him walk easier during his recovery. After he showed his invention to his friend Dr. Herbert Funk, they went into the shoe business together. These cushy rubber boots quickly became a popular choice for German homemakers.
In the 1960s, the Griggs Shoe Company saw Maertens' ad on their shoes with the special air-cushioned sole. They jumped on acquiring an exclusive patent to the design and began selling the first Dr. Martens boots in the UK in April 1960. The famous yellow-threaded, eight-eyelet smooth leather boos in cherry red were a bit hit as the go-to work boots for police officers, factory workers, and post officers.
In the late 1960s, Dr. Martens became a rebellious icon of British youth culture as they were regular punk rock and grunge fashion staples along with Vivienne Westwood. They were often referred to as Docs, DM, and Doc Martens by various subcultures.
In the late 1970s, the British punk band Sex Pistols touring New York introduced the Docs to the American music scene. This trend kept increasing in popularity until the 90s, when the grunge fashion era became mainstream worldwide. Anyone "cool" must have a pair of the Martens in their wardrobe. Today, Dr. Martens boots are worn by people from all walks of life. They have become an iconic fashion statement, synonymous with individualism and self-expression.
What Makes Dr. Martens Unique in the Fashion Industry?
There are many reasons why Dr. Martens have become such a popular choice among the fashion-conscious. For one, they are extremely comfortable and last for years with proper care. They also come in a wide range of styles to suit any taste, from the classic eight-eye boot to more modern designs like the 1460 boot.
Another reason for the popularity of Dr. Martens is the wide range of colors they come in. While the classic black and brown boots are still popular, many other options are available to suit any taste. The white boot is a timeless choice that is perfect for anyone who wants to make a statement with their footwear.
Their many collaborations with current pop-culture brands like Sanrio Hello Kitty, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Adventure Time, Supreme, Star Wars, and Sponge Bob have kept the brand relevant and at the forefront of the fashion industry.
Photo source: Drmartens.com
What Features Make Dr. Martens a Quality Buy?
You get a boot built to last when you buy a pair of Dr Martens. The company uses only the highest quality materials in its products, and the shoes are made with attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Depending on the shoe model, Dr. Martens is either Quilon leather or Horween Chromexcel leather. Quilon Leather is a newer leather developed to imitate that fine vintage leather look. It is a high-quality, long-lasting leather known to withstand repeated wear and tear without cracking and drying. The Doc 2976 Vintage Chelsea boots, 1464 Vintage Oxford shoes, and 3989 Vintage Made Brogue shoes are excellent examples of the Quilon leather used in the construction of Dr. Martens shoes.
Although the Horween Chromexcel leather is a bit more expensive than the Quilon leather, it's durable but slightly softer and more pliable. Plus, it has a beautiful, natural shine that will make your Dr. Martens shoe look even better with age.
The soles of the shoes are also made to last, with the classic AirWair sole being the most durable and comfortable option. This sole is made of PVC and slip-resistant, making it perfect for work and play. The Goodyear-welted construction of the sole also means that it can be easily replaced if it ever wears down.
The position trademarked yellow threading characteristic of the Dr. Martens brand is also a sign of quality. This thread is made of a strong polyester that can withstand repeated wear and tear without breaking.
Are Dr. Martens Shoes All Made of Real Leather?
Most Dr. Martens Shoes are made of leather from non-mulesed (also known as mulesing-free) sheep. You may wonder what mulesing means? Mulesing is an anesthetic-free skin removal process performed on the sheep's breach and tail area to minimize blowflies infestations on the sheep's skin. Research studies find that the practice does not work, and it causes a lot of pain and stress in the animals. As a result, Dr. Martens pledges to use only the leather from non-mulesed sheep in their shoes.
As the brand strives to become more sustainable, they have also started using more synthetic materials to construct its shoes. The 1460 Boot, for example, is now available in a vegan-friendly version made of PVC and does not contain any animal products. Other models may also have uppers made from other synthetic materials, canvas, and even wool.
Martens As a Sustainable Company
Dr. Martens is a sustainable company constantly working to reduce its environmental impact. The brand has recently committed to using more recycled materials to construct its products. For example, the PVC used in the AirWair sole is now made with up to 50% recycled content. The brand has also started using recycled cotton and PET (plastic) in the linings of their shoes.
In addition to using more recycled materials, Dr. Martens is also working to reduce the amount of waste produced during manufacturing. They have implemented a "zero-waste-to-landfill" policy at their factories. They are constantly working to find new ways to reuse or recycle the materials used in the construction of their products.
Customers Can Help Dr. Martens Become Even More Sustainable
The company collaborates with the Boot Repair Co. and Depop companies to bring customers the Dr. Martens Resouled Program. This program allows customers to send in their old Dr. Martens boots for repair and then resell on Depop. It is a great way to extend the life of your boots and help reduce the amount of waste produced by the company.
In addition, the company is also working with the charity Soles for Souls to collect used shoes and send them to people in need. Customers can donate their old shoes at any Dr. Martens store or send them directly to the charity.
What's With the Dr. Martens Break-In Ritual?
One of the most interesting things about Dr. Martens is the break-in ritual. Dr. Martens earned a reputation like the old Levis jeans, where the longer you wear them, the more comfortable they become. Unlike other comfortable shoes from the first wear, Docs must be broken in before they reach their full potential. Once the boots have been properly broken in, they will be your own most comfortable footwear. The breaking-in process is simple:
-
Massage and work the shoes so the leather can soften and become more pliable. Some suggest stuffing a pair of thick socks in the toe area of the shoes for several days to help stretch the upper leather.
-
Treat the leather with a leather softening balm to ease the material further.
-
Whack the PVC sole with a wooden spoon or the heel of your hand to help soften it.
-
Bundle your feet with thick socks and wear the shoes around the house for a few hours each day until they feel comfortable.
-
Once they feel more comfortable, you can begin wearing them for long periods with the lace undone.
After a few days of this, the shoes should be fully broken in and ready to take on the world with you. If you think that the breaking-in process is optional, think again. Even the brand warns that the break-in period is essential to the shoes' longevity.
How to Care for Your White Dr. Martens?
First of all, you should know that Dr. Martens are not waterproof. So applying the Dr. Martens Ultra Protector spray to your beautiful white Dr. Martens is an essential step before you bring them out to the street. This protection waterproofs your shoes and protects them from dirt, grime, mud, and scuff marks. If you do manage to get them dirty, the best way to clean them is with a damp cloth and the Dr. Martens Shoe Cleaner kit.
As for the laces, the best way to keep them clean is to soak them in a mixture of water and vinegar for about 30 minutes. After that, rinse them off with cold water and let them air dry.
How To Clean Resistant Scuff Marks Off the White Leather?
Those dark marks against the white leather can take away the beauty of the shoes. It is the one thing that keeps many people from choosing a pair of white leather shoes. But cleaning scuff marks can be easy if you know the right tool. Here are six everyday household items to the rescue:
-
Eraser: the first thing you can try is the good old eraser. Just rub the scuff mark with the eraser and see if it comes off. If it doesn't, move on to the next item on the list.
-
Magic Eraser: the magic eraser is a powerful cleaning tool that can work wonders on scuff marks. Just dampen the sponge with water and rub the scuff mark until it disappears. Be gentle as the Magic Eraser is essentially a super-fine sanding tool, not a sponge.
-
Toothpaste: another popular method is to use toothpaste to clean the scuff marks. Apply a small amount of non-gel formula toothpaste to the spot and rub it with a soft, clean cloth. Rinse the area with cold water and dry it off.
-
Baking soda: if the toothpaste doesn't work, you can try using baking soda. Just apply a paste of baking soda and water to the scuff mark. Rub it gently with a soft cloth and rinse the area with cold water.
-
Vinegar: another household item that can do the trick is vinegar. Soak a clean cloth in vinegar and rub the scuff mark gently. Rinse the area with cold water and dry it off.
-
Nail polish remover: if you have nail polish remover at home, you can give it a try. Just soak a clean cloth in the nail polish remover and rub the scuff mark gently. Rinse the area with cold water and dry it off.
-
Rubbing alcohol: the last thing you can try is rubbing alcohol. Soak a clean cloth in the rubbing alcohol and rub the scuff mark gently. Rinse the area with cold water and dry it off.
The 5 Best White Doc Martens for Women
So now that you know more about the history of Dr. Martens, what makes them unique, the different types of boots available, and how to take care of them, it's time to take a look at the best white Doc Martens for women.
1. Martens Women's 2976 Platform
The White Dr. Martens Women's 2976 Platform is one of the most popular shoes among celebrities and everyday people. First and foremost, comfort is key to Doc Martens, and 2976 doesn't disappoint. The 1.5" platform sole and 2.25" heel provide a bit of extra height for anyone who is not into high heels. The only downside is that they can be a little pricey. However, the quality is worth the price, and they will last you for years. In addition, many people find the white color very versatile and go with various looks.
Photo source: Drmartens.com
2. Martens Women's Lace Fashion Boot
Inspired by the Classic 1460 8-eyelet Doc, the Dr. Martens Women's Lace Fashion Boot plays up the feminine twist with the almond-shaped toe design. This boot also has the signature yellow stitching and the iconic AirWair bouncing soles. The Lace Fashion Boot is available in white and black. You can dress them up or down depending on the occasion. One thing to keep in mind is that the sizing does run a bit small, so you may want to size up when ordering.
Photo source: Drmartens.com
3. Martens Women's 1460 W Originals Eight-Eye Lace-Up Boot
The 1460 W Originals Eight-Eye Lace-Up Boot is the classic Doc Martens boot that started it all. This shoe features the AirWair bouncing soles and the Goodyear-welted lines. Unlike the Classic design, these Docs have white threading instead of their signature yellow threading. It's a great option for anyone who is not a fan of the yellow stitching and wants a completely monochrome color boot. Besides the White Virginia Mono color, 1460 is also available in various pastel colors.
Photo source: Drmartens.com
4. Martens Devon Heart
Do you want a more playful and feminine-looking Doc option? These Milled Nappa leather Devon Heart Dr Martens with heart-shaped metal buckles on the side may be the perfect option. These shoes are available in both the classic black and white colors, as well as a variety of vibrant colors. Like any Doc Martens, these ankle boots come with the Signature AirWair cushioning soles and the Goodyear welted construction. Along with a 2" platform heel, these beautiful boots pair well with anything from skinny jeans, summer dresses, shorts, and even the lolita frilly dresses.
Photo source: Drmartens.com
5. Martens Women's 1460 Pascal Max Combat Boots
Love the Docs but want something to give you some mega height? These Dr. Martens Women's 1460 Pascal Max Combat Boots feature a 1.75" platform and 2.25" heel to provide a total of 4" towering height. These boots are the perfect conversation starters with their unique platform and chunky heel design. The Pascal Max Combat Boots come in classic black and white colors and contain the AirWair cushioning soles to provide hours of comfort even when you party all night long.
Photo source: Drmartens.com
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, the five best white Doc Martens for women. As you can see, there is a Doc boot style for everyone. Whether you're looking for the classic 1460 design, something with a feminine touch like the Devon Hearts, or something to give you extra height like the Pascal Max Combat Boots, there is a boot on this list for you. Don't let the cleaning and care routine scare you away from these beautiful boots. With a little TLC, your white Docs will last you for years.