By Jayden Mark
Whether you’re working in a kitchen or walking on ice, it can be important to know, “Are Doc Martens non slip?” Being unprepared in your shoe choice can result in dangerous falls and embarrassing incidents. Skip the slippery soles and find a shoe that works best for you: a non slip shoe.
What Does Non Slip Even Mean?
Non slip is exactly what it sounds like – a shoe with exceptional traction and grips to all surfaces. They have soles with a specific hardness to allow for arch support and resistance. Too soft, and the shoes will fail to provide the necessary support. If the soles are too hard, the grip will not be enough to prevent slips. Workers who have to navigate slippery floors prefer non slip Doc Martens due to the style and safety features.
The tread is also an essential component of a non slip shoe. Shoes or boots will lose traction with a deep or wide tread. In a slip resistant shoe, the treads are narrow and repel water or other fluids. This action creates more traction and provides the wearer with non slip footwear.
Are All Doc Martens Non Slip?
Many Doc Martens are confirmed as non slip. While some may be unconfirmed, it is assumed that most footwear from the brand is a slip resistant shoe. Determining the possibility of your Doc Martens’ being safe on wet surfaces requires examining a few factors.
How Can You Tell if Your Dr. Martens are Non Slip?
Do you already have a pair of Doc Martens and want to know if they are non slip? If you don’t know the model number or are unable to find the slip resistant information online, these elements can be enlightening.
When a shoe’s sole is rubbery, it offers more grip. Additionally, the tread pattern indicates the traction level of the boot. Finally, the patterns on the outsole, near the tip of the toe, can imply the presence of an increased grip when walking.
Which Styles of Doc Martens are Best for Non Slip?
While most Docs are slip resistant footwear, the best styles include models 1460,1461, and 2976. These three models are best for non slip because of Dr. Martens application of Grip-Trax. Although Grip-Tax is only present on three models, the improved slip resistant soles come highly recommended.
What is Grip-Trax?
Grip-Trax is Doc Martens’ patented technology in non slip soles. The purpose of Grip-Trax is to prevent wearers from falling on slippery surfaces. It pushes moisture and other substances away from the center of the sole. With the Grip-Trax, the center of the sole can remain in steady contact with the floor or surface.
How Do You Prevent Slipping in Docs?
Even though many Dr. Martens shoes come slip resistant, there are some ways to boost the non slip aspect of the boot.
Add a Little Texture to Your Doc Martens
Try walking on gravel or other rough surfaces to add some natural markings to the soles of your boots. The extra texture can increase the slip resistance of your footwear.
Gain Some Extra Traction with Ice Grips
If you don’t live in an especially snowy area, you may have never heard of ice grips. Ice grips are covers to fit over your shoes to add more traction. It does not cover the entire sole of the shoe, but rather add something for better grip. Imagine snow chains for vehicle tires but for your boots.
Use Traction Spray on your Outer Sole
You can put traction spray on basketball shoes to prevent dusty courts from causing a fall or on Docs for use on any slippery surface. This option is far cheaper than ice grips and can be done quickly to ensure your Dr. Martens are as slip resistant as possible.
When Can you Trust Doc Martens to be Non Slip?
When a boot or shoe is advertised as slip resistant, you want to be able to trust it to keep traction. Knowing when Docs are adequate for non slip use can benefit your purchasing decisions and safety.
Snow
Doc Martens can be worn in snow and are still slip resistant. However, the upper part of some Docs is leather and can degrade over time. It is best to consider how deep the snow is before you wear your beloved shoes unless they are water resistant. Protect yourself and your Dr. Martens by wearing them in shallower snow.
Another consideration to make is the insulation on the boot. If you’re walking in the snow, you may want to wear thicker socks to ensure the warmth of your feet. Some Docs offer excellent insulation, but you must ensure the warmth of your footwear before venturing into the snow.
Ice
Docs are safe to wear on ice. The traction on Doc Martens is often better than other brands.
Rain
Wet pavement can become incredibly slippery; painted pavement can be even more so. Docs are the perfect footwear option for walking on rainy sidewalks. However, like with snow, rain can destroy leather over time. Be sure you aren’t walking in deep water, or your Docs can be ruined.
Oil
Oil and grease can be scary when not wearing slip resistant shoes. Fortunately, Doc Martens can be worn in the kitchen or garage without fear of slipping.
Which Doc Marten Shoe is Right for You?
Three models are known for the highest expectations in slip resistance: 1460,1461, and 2976. Of the three options, a few things may help you make the right decision.
Doc Martens 1460
The 1460 Docs come in various looks and patterns. A great option in the 1460 model is the Slip Resistant Atlas Leather Lace Up Boots. These boots could be perfect for you with a great look and fantastic traction.
Doc Martens 1461
If you’re looking for shoes over boots, the 1461 Slip Resistant Leather Oxford Shoes could be the best for your needs. These shoes come in black or cherry red and are made from water and spill-resistant leather. The 1461 Slip Resistant Leather Oxford Shoes are excellent for kitchen or restaurant work.
Doc Martens 2976
The 2976 Slip Resistant Leather Chelsea Boots are perfect for various uses. These boots offer less weight and more flexibility, leaving the wearer more comfortable over a more extended period. The pull-on style makes for a quick option for those in a hurry!
Doc Martens Non-Slip FAQ
Q: Are Doc Martens non-slip shoes good for snow?
While all Doc Martens slip-resistant shoes and boots provide excellent traction in snow and ice, some are better for snow than others. Some models don’t provide full waterproofing, meaning that melting snow could cause them to become waterlogged. For comfort, some models use thinner leather, offering less insulation against the cold.
If the best Doc Marten non-slip boots for snow are what you’re looking for, I recommend their 1460 SR waterproof boot. The thick leather upper and moisture-wicking lining offer great comfort, waterproofing, and insulation, making them perfect for snow.
Q: Are Doc Martens non-slip shoes more expensive than regular styles?
Prices for Doc Martens vary from relatively inexpensive models, at around $70 to more fashionable models that cost well over $200. Non-slip Doc Marten boots are not the most expensive, but generally cost a bit more than their cheapest options. You can pay as little as $90 for a basic Doc Martens Slip Resistant Work Boot up to approximately $180 for the high-end 1460 SR work boot.
Q: Can you wear Doc Marten non-slip shoes in an industrial work environment?
Over time, Doc Martens work boots have gained a reputation for being more fashionable than practical. In essence, Doc Martens has always been mostly about safety and durability for hard work.
Unlike many of the more fashionable Doc Martens, their slip resistant boots and shoes are designed primarily for working environments, like industrial and factory conditions. Some models, like the 1460 and 1461 SR are ATSM F2892-18 EH certified for electrical hazards and are heat resistant up to 300°F.
Q: Are Doc Martens non-slip shoes ASTM rated?
Doc Martens non-slip shoes generally have numerous ASTM ratings for slip resistance as well as other safety features. The ASTM ratings will vary, depending on when the boot was designed and tested.
Below, I’ve listed Doc Marten slip resistant boot models and their respective safety certifications:
Q: Are Doc Martens non slip shoes water proof?
Waterproofing for Doc Martens non-slip shoes is not the same for all models. Most models are water resistant or spill resistant. Some slip resistant Doc Martens boots offer full waterproof protection.
The best waterproof Doc Martens non-slip boot is the Iowa Waterproof Tract II. The Republic WP upper is made from Crazy Horse leather which has an oily, wax-like finish. For exceptional comfort, the DryWair lining helps reduce moisture, keeping your feet dry in all conditions.
Choose Docs for your Non Slip Needs
No matter what you need from your footwear, Doc Martens has the perfect boots or shoes for you. Work in a greasy kitchen, take a walk on a snowy sidewalk, or dance in the rain. Dr. Martens have something for you that will prevent you from slipping.
Jayden Mark has gained a wealth of knowledge about safety protocols in industries while working in a steel mill as well as a welder in the construction industry. He is the content editor for comfortworkboots.com where he shares his insights and expertize in his related field.
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