As someone who likes to hike, you may be wondering if you can hike in your Doc Martens.
Well, the answer is yes – you can hike in Doc Martens! These shoes are actually quite comfortable to hike in, thanks to their good traction and support for your ankles.
Of course, there are a few things to keep in mind before lacing up your Docs for a hike. First, you’ll want to make sure that your shoes are broken in before hitting the trail. hike in new Docs can be quite uncomfortable, as they may rub against your feet and cause blisters.
Secondly, you’ll want to pay attention to the weather. If it’s wet outside, your shoes may not grip the ground as well as they normally would. This can make hiking in Doc Martens quite dangerous, so it’s best to avoid hiking in wet conditions.
In this article, we are going to take you through everything that makes Docs great, as well as the features that might make you think twice about using them as hiking footwear. Join us and get ready for your next outdoor adventure.
Can You Comfortably Hike in Doc Martens?
Doc Martens are versatile shoes that offer good flex for most activities, but some of the new ultra-tough models may not be comfortable for hiking when compared to actual hiking boots.
The main issue with hiking in Doc Martens is that they are not breathable, so your feet may get quite sweaty during a hike. In addition, the shoes may not provide enough grip on slippery or wet surfaces.
With that said, there are some great reasons to go hiking in Doc Martens. These shoes are comfortable, have good traction, and provide support for your ankles. If you choose the right model, you can hike in Doc Martens with no problem.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before lacing up your Docs for a hike:
What Kind of Traction Do Docs Provide?
One of the main concerns people have when wearing Doc Martens on a hike is that they may not provide enough grip on slippery or wet surfaces.
However, most Doc Martens shoes have good traction and can grip the ground quite well. The outsole is usually made of a tough rubber that can handle different types of terrain.
The thing is, Docs were made with the intention of keeping people upright in oily conditions because they were designed for those who were working on factory floors. So, in this regard, DMs really do have a beneficial edge to them.
Of course, it’s always a good idea to be careful when hiking in any type of shoe, especially if the ground is wet or slippery.
Do Docs Have a Good Midsole?
The midsole of a shoe is important for cushioning your feet and providing support, so if you want to wear Doc Martens as hiking footwear, you need to consider this.
When it comes to Doc Martens, the midsole is usually made of a soft foam that provides good cushioning, known as an air-cushioned sole. This makes them quite comfortable to hike in, as your feet will be well-supported.
Why are they so famously comfortable? Well, Dr Märtens actually created them with the intention of providing comfort and support for his own injured foot. He really had the well-being of his customers in mind when he made them.
In addition, the midsole of Doc Martens boots is usually reinforced with a steel plate. This can provide decent support for your ankles, which is important when hiking.
Are Docs Breathable?
One downside of hiking in Doc Martens shoes is that they are not very breathable. This means that your feet may get quite sweaty during a hike, which can be quite uncomfortable.
To avoid this, you can try to hike in a pair of Docs that have mesh panels or perforations. This will allow your feet to breathe a bit more and will help to prevent them from getting too sweaty.
You can also try to hike in a pair of Doc Marten boots that have been treated with a waterproofing agent. This will help to keep your feet dry and will also help to prevent them from getting too sweaty.
In general, it’s best to avoid hiking in Doc Martens if you know that it’s going to be hot outside.
Are Docs Comfortable?
Doc Martens are usually quite comfortable, as they have a soft foam midsole that provides good cushioning. In addition, the shoes often have a reinforced steel plate in the midsole, which can provide decent support for your ankles.
However, some of the newer models of Doc Martens may not be as comfortable as the older models. This is because they are designed to be more tough and durable, which can make them a bit less comfortable.
If you’re looking for a pair of comfortable Doc Martens for hiking, it’s best to stick with an older model or pick up a pair of hiking boots instead.
Do Docs Offer Ankle Support?
Yes, Doc Martens can offer decent ankle support thanks to the reinforced steel plate in the midsole. This can help to prevent your ankles from rolling over when hiking on uneven terrain.
It should be noted that the high-tops of DMs are quite thin and flimsy, which provides a lot less support than you might expect.
However, it’s important to note that Doc Martens are not designed to be used as hiking boots. So, if you’re planning on doing some serious hiking, it’s best to invest in a pair of proper hiking boots.
The best hiking boots offer excellent ankle support to help you cross rugged terrain without the fear of injury.
Are Docs Flexible?
Hiking boots need some flex,so they are comfortable and do not affect your gait.
Doc Martens are usually quite flexible, as they are designed to be comfortable and versatile, especially for the factory workers the boots were designed for. However, some of the newer models may be a bit less flexible than the older models.
If you’re looking for a pair of flexible Doc Martens for hiking, it’s best to stick with an older model.
Are Docs Durable?
Doc Martens are usually quite durable, as they are made with high-quality materials. They are tough boots that have been designed to withstand a good beating.
DMs give you some good protection underfoot, but the thin ankles mean that you might have less protection from objects bashing into you while you’re hiking.
However, they are very durable and tough overall, and the models that have steel-toe caps are an even better choice if you want protection from falling rocks and debris.
Are Docs Lightweight?
The first thing to consider when wondering if you can hike in Doc Martens is the weight of the shoe. Hiking shoes are typically much lighter than boots, and this is for a good reason.
The lighter the shoe, the less fatigue you’ll feel in your legs as you hike. So, unfortunately, buying Doc Martens isn’t the best choice when it comes to weight. They’re not incredibly heavy, but they’re not as light as most hiking shoes.
Are Docs Waterproof?
Another important consideration for hike-worthy shoes is waterproofing. You never know when you’re going to encounter a river crossing or a puddle on the trail, and you don’t want your shoes to get soaked.
Many hikers prefer to hike in waterproof shoes or boots to avoid this problem altogether. Docs are not waterproof, so they’re not the best choice for hiking if you are afraid you will get caught in the rain or might have to cross water at some point.
However, you do have the option to treat them with a waterproof spray if you want to give them some water resistance.
Can You Walk in Docs All Day?
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for hiking gear is comfort. Can you imagine walking in your shoes for miles and miles?
If the answer is no, then they’re probably not the right choice for a hike. Fortunately, Docs are actually quite comfortable!
They were designed for long hours working on the factory floors, and if you have broken them in well, you can easily manage a whole day of city walking without any issue. You just have to remember that Docs take a long time to break in because of the thick leather used to craft them.
Many people wear them all day without any problems. The only downside is that they’re not as breathable as some other materials, so might end up with sweaty feet in warm weather and this is why they aren’t the best hiking boot material.
To Conclude
So, can you hike in Docs? The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
They’re not the lightest shoes available, and they’re also not waterproof. However, they are comfortable and will support your feet well if you have broken them in correctly.
With that said, hike in whatever shoes make you feel most comfortable. All in all, a hike in a pair of Doc Martens is perfectly fine – as long as you take a few precautions.
So go ahead, treat yourself to a brand new pair of Docs, and hit the trails – your feet will thank you.
