Are Dr. Martens boots good for winter?

Temperature drops. Snow falls. Rain pours down. When winter comes around, you need boots that stand up to the elements. Pick the right pair, and you’ll stroll through the season with ease.

If you’re asking, are DM’s boots waterproof? Will they keep me warm? Can they handle the snow? This is the guide for you.   

RAINY COMMUTES

Wet pavements and deep puddles. Rain changes the game. For a bit of drizzle or short showers, water-resistant leather should be enough to stay carefree and dry. Step up to full waterproof protection for heavy downpours or if you’re stuck outside.

COLD DRY DAYS

For winter walks when temperatures drop, extra insulation is the way to go. Keep feet from frost with WarmWair lining. A cosy layer to lock in the heat.

SNOWY STREETS

Snow, ice and sleet bring their own challenges. When pavements get slippery, you need to get a grip. Increase your traction and avoid unexpected bumps with our engineered WinterGrip outsole.

Some DM’s styles are completely waterproof, and most traditional leather styles are naturally water-resistant.

Waterproof vs Water-Resistant 

Water-resistant boots can handle everyday conditions such as light rain, splashes and damp pavements. Take our 1460 boot in Smooth leather; a solid choice for an everyday rainy commute, but it isn’t designed to keep water out indefinitely. 

Waterproof boots are built for the heavy stuff. The hard rain. Depending on the style, this can include waterproof DryWair linings, or a fully sealed construction like our Rain collection.  

To keep your boots in the best condition, use Dubbin Wax to add water protection and nourishment to the leather. 

Most DM’s boots are warm enough for casual winter wear. Leather is your friend in colder weather, blocking biting winds and trapping heat with thick fibres.  A classic leather 1460 boot should handle everyday winter walks, no problem.  

When the cold starts to bite, wrap up with WarmWair. An extra layer of protection crafted from insulating fleece or faux fur to keep toes toasty.  

Don’t forget about your socks. Thick, winter-ready socks can make a big difference to warmth and comfort. Check out our double-lined and extra thick styles. 

Yes, Dr. Martens boots can work for snow, slush and everyday winter weather, but for deep snow or a winter expedition, choose specialist footwear.   

Light snow: Standard leather DM’s boots should be fine, especially when properly cared for. 

Slushy streets: Water-resistant or waterproof styles are a better choice when snow turns to slush. 

Urban winter: Look for winter-ready features like insulated linings and enhanced-grip soles to take on cold, wet pavements. 

Heavy snow: Choose a dedicated waterproof winter style with substantial insulation and enhanced traction like the 1460 Trinity boot. 

For winter conditions, the sole matters too. Dr. Martens WinterGrip is designed for extra traction and grip.  

Whatever you wear, give your boots some TLC after they’ve faced the elements. Brush or wipe away salt and grit, let them dry naturally, keep them topped up with protective waxes, balsams and sprays. Look after them, and they’ll look after you.

Always start with the leather. Check out the care instructions for your pair. Different materials need different products, and no treatment can transform a boot to be fully waterproof. 

For most leathers, we recommend using Dubbin wax, Wonder Balsam, and Ultra Protector spray to nourish the leather while adding extra protection. 

A simple routine is: 

• Clean your boots to remove dirt and grit. 

• Let them dry naturally if they’re wet. 

• Apply the right care product to the leather. 

• Re-treat when needed, especially if the leather starts to look dry or loses its water resistance.

For full waterproof protection, choose a DM’s boot specifically engineered to be waterproof, like a 101 Rain boot or 1460 Trinity boot, rather than relying on aftercare alone. 

Check out our Style Guide For Winter Weather with 7 looks from our man of many layers, stylist Jordan Schnieder. Designed to move your winter wardrobe from predictably practical to practically perfect.  

Definitely, just need to match your winter weather to the right winter protection.  Most Doc’s leather boots work in everyday cold, a bit of rain, and light snow. When winter really shows its teeth, boost your protection with waterproof DryWair, WarmWair insulated linings, heavyweight leathers, and extra-traction WinterGrip soles. 

And don’t skip the shoe care. With a bit of regular maintenance, your boots will keep you breezing through this winter and beyond.   

WINTER FAQ’S

• Are Dr. Martens boots waterproof?Chevron

  Some Dr. Martens boots are fully waterproof, and most traditional leather styles are naturally water-resistant. For prolonged rain, puddles and consistently wet conditions, choose a style specifically labelled waterproof.

• Are Dr. Martens boots good for snow?Chevron

  Most of DM’s leather boots can handle light snow, slush and everyday urban winter conditions, while winterised styles offer additional grip, warmth and weather protection. For heavy snow, choose a DryWair lining and WarmWair insulation to keep you moving.

• Are Dr. Martens boots warm?Chevron

  Yes, Dr. Martens are suitable for casual winter wear, while WarmWair boots with faux fur and fleece linings and WarmWair styles provide additional insulation. Your choice of socks can also make a big difference to warmth and comfort. 

• Are Dr. Martens boots non-slip?Chevron

  All DM’s soles are designed for everyday wear. For more slippery winter conditions, choose WinterGrip for extra traction.

• Can Dr. Martens boots get wet?Chevron

  Yes, Dr. Martens boots can get wet, but how well they handle it depends on how wet things get, the material, and any waterproof tech. Always allow wet boots to dry naturally and follow the recommended care routine. For seriously wet conditions, play it safe with a waterproof boot. Be extra careful with suedes, which definitely prefer to stay dry. And don’t forget to boost protection with a misting of Ultra Protector spray.  

• What is Dr. Martens WinterGrip?Chevron

  WinterGrip is our winterised sole. With a special tread designed to give extra traction on slippery streets.  

• What is WarmWair?Chevron

  WarmWair is the Dr. Martens insulated lining technology, designed to add an extra layer of warmth and comfort when the temperature drops.  

• Do I need to size up in WarmWair faux fur or fleece-lined boots?Chevron

  Maybe. WarmWair boots do fit more snugly than non-lined versions, so it depends on your individual foot size and shape. To get the best possible fit, we recommend trying them on in-store while wearing your go-to winter socks.