Table of Contents
Today’s post is dedicated to this stalwart of the shoe world but with a slightly different twist. We all adore the durability and the rebellious edge that Doc Martens bring to any ensemble, but let’s be frank: they can leave a hefty dent in your wallet. Fret not because I’ve found a solution. I will take you on a curated tour of my seven favorite Doc Marten dupes.
By the end of this post, not only will you have a comprehensive list of more affordable yet equally fabulous alternatives to the beloved Docs, but you’ll also gain valuable insight into how to pick the right pair for you. We’ll delve into the specifics of quality, style variations, and the all-important factor of comfort to ensure that these dupes don’t just look the part but feel it too.
My 7 Fav Doc Marten Dupes
Madden Girl Carra Combat Boot: The Affordable Showstopper
Once, on a bustling New York street, I spotted a pair of Dr. Martens Shriver Hi Women’s Wyoming Leather Heeled Boots. My heart skipped a beat, but my wallet whimpered at the $190 price tag. I set myself on a mission to find a similar style at a more accessible price. That’s when I discovered the Madden Girl Carra Combat Boot. Priced at just $80, they bring the same rock ‘n roll vibe as the Shriver Hi. Remember, the combat boot look always stays in style!
Jeffrey Campbell Rain-Storm Platform Chelsea Boots: Style Meets Functionality
During my last rainy season in Seattle, the Dr. Martens Rometty Wyoming Leather Platform Chelsea Boots were on everyone’s feet – trendy, stylish, but again at $190, quite an investment. The solution? Jeffrey Campbell Rain-Storm Platform Chelsea Boots is an elegant steal at just $70. Bonus: they’re waterproof! From classic black to vibrant red, they come in colors that cater to both the minimalist and the daring in you. These boots prove that you can combine style, functionality, and affordability!
Steve Madden Bettyy: Trendy, Timeless, Terrific
Being a fashion blogger, I’ve seen trends come and go, but the Dr. Martens Jadon Boot Smooth Leather Platforms, priced at $210, have remained a fashion staple. Enter the Steve Madden Bettyy boots, a trendy dupe at half the price – $100. They offer the classic combat boot look with that modern, chunky sole. I once wore them to a music festival, and not only did I dance the night away in comfort, but I also received tons of compliments!
Soda Women’s Combat Lace-Up Ankle Boots: Multiple Looks, One Price
One of my favorite memories of attending Fashion Week was spotting Dr. Martens’s 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots on so many attendees. I loved the yellow stitching detail but was again held back by the price tag. I found the Soda Women’s Combat Lace Up Ankle Boots as an alternative. These shoes deliver the same vibe, minus the yellow stitching, at an unbelievable price of $40. You can even pick up a few colors to match your varied wardrobe!
UGG Ashton Lug Sole Waterproof Chelsea Boots: White Wonder
I vividly remember attending a summer festival where almost everyone wore Dr. Martens’s 2976 Smooth Leather Platform Chelsea Boots in White. With their 1.5″ platform and striking black-and-white contrast, they were the epitome of a ’60s revival. Paired with a sundress and oversized sunglasses, it was the perfect summer vibe.
But the $210 price tag? Not so perfect. Enter UGG Ashton Lug Sole Waterproof Chelsea Boots, a stylish dupe priced at $160. It’s hard to beat a versatile, waterproof Chelsea boot that leaves some extra cash for your summer adventures!
Jeffrey Campbell The Office Platform Derby: A Nod to Timeless Elegance
Moving away from the more famous combat boots, Dr. Martens also boasts a stunning range of Oxford-style platform shoes like the Holly Women’s Leather Platform Shoes. This perfect blend of vintage and modern styles caught my eye at a fashion show, but I had to draw the line at the premium price.
My quest for a more affordable alternative led me to Jeffrey Campbell’s The Office Platform Derby shoes. The 1″ platform, 1.75″ heel, and unique Derby style all harmoniously blend to infuse your outfit with a sprinkle of personality. They’re a remarkable Doc Martens alternative that won’t break the bank!
Melissa Brave Papete Platform: Retro Revival
And finally, let’s end our journey with a summer favorite: platform sandals. The Dr. Martens Voss Women’s Leather Strap Platform Sandals are a dream of ’70s nostalgia but also come with a rather dreamy price tag.
I stumbled upon the Melissa Brave Papete Platform sandals on one of my thrift-shopping expeditions. With a similar ’70s-style platform and a more manageable price point, these are a terrific dupe. Whether you’re dressing up for a beach party or going for a casual brunch, these sandals have the versatility to work with any outfit. They are making their way into my summer wardrobe!
7 Best Bits Of Each Dupe
Let’s delve deeper into each of the seven Doc Marten dupes I recommended, exploring their specific quality and style variations:
- Madden Girl Carra Combat Boot: This dupe offers a chunky, platform style, similar to Dr. Martens Shriver Hi Women’s Wyoming Leather Heeled Boots. They deliver solid construction and quality at an affordable price. The style is very much combat-inspired, with sturdy laces and a robust silhouette.
- Jeffrey Campbell Rain-Storm Platform Chelsea Boots: These boots are a solid dupe for the Rometty Wyoming Leather Platform Chelsea Boots. Quality-wise, they’re durable, and offer added functionality with their waterproof nature. In terms of style, they sport a platform sole, are available in various colors, and reflect the trendy Chelsea boot design.
- Steve Madden Bettyy: This dupe brings a similar aesthetic to the Dr. Martens Jadon Boot Smooth Leather Platforms. Quality-wise, Steve Madden has a reputation for delivering sturdy, long-lasting footwear. These boots feature a lug sole and a timeless combat boot design.
- Soda Women’s Combat Lace-Up Ankle Boots resemble Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth Leather Lace-Up Boots but lack iconic yellow stitching. In terms of quality, they’re pretty reliable for the affordable price point, and style-wise, they represent the classic ankle boot look.
- UGG Ashton Lug Sole Waterproof Chelsea Boots: They look similar to the 2976 Smooth Leather Platform Chelsea Boots by Dr. Martens but in white color. Quality-wise, these UGG boots are waterproof and exceptionally durable. They also feature a flattering 1.5″ platform and contrasting black and white tones.
- Jeffrey Campbell The Office Platform Derby: This is an excellent dupe for the Holly Women’s Leather Platform Shoes by Dr. Martens. With a 1″ platform and 1.75″ heel, these Derby shoes combine vintage and modern styles, much like their Dr. Martens counterpart.
- Melissa Brave Papete Platform: These sandals are reminiscent of the Dr. Martens Voss Women’s Leather Strap Platform Sandals. With a similar ’70s-style platform, these sandals can easily elevate any summer outfit. As for quality, Melissa is known for their durable plastic footwear, perfect for warmer weather.
While these options offer lower prices, remember to prioritize fit and comfort over style. It’s also important to consider the materials and craftsmanship to ensure you get a good quality shoe. Happy shopping, fashion enthusiasts!
How Do The Dupes Compare To The Original Doc Martens In Terms Of Durability?
It’s an important point to consider: how do these fabulous Doc Marten dupes hold up in terms of durability compared to the originals? Let’s take a look:
- Madden Girl Carra Combat Boot: Madden Girl boots are generally known for being reasonably durable. However, compared to the original Doc Martens, which are famous for their longevity, they might last less years.
- Jeffrey Campbell Rain-Storm Platform Chelsea Boots: Jeffrey Campbell is known for quality footwear. While the durability of these boots is pretty good, it’s unlikely they’ll outlast a pair of Docs, especially considering Docs are known for improving with age.
- Steve Madden Bettyy: Steve Madden offers robust, long-lasting footwear, but similar to the other dupes, it’s doubtful they would outlive a pair of Doc Martens. However, they’re a reasonable investment for their price.
- Soda Women’s Combat Lace-Up Ankle Boots: These boots provide decent durability for the price. Nevertheless, they may require more careful maintenance to match the longevity of the Doc Martens.
- UGG Ashton Lug Sole Waterproof Chelsea Boots: UGG boots are known for their durability and quality craftsmanship. These boots should provide several seasons of wear, but Doc Martens might reach a different lifespan.
- Jeffrey Campbell The Office Platform Derby: Similar to the Rain-Storm Chelsea Boots, these shoes are pretty durable but might fall a bit short compared to the sturdy nature of Doc Martens.
- Melissa Brave Papete Platform: Melissa shoes are usually made from a durable plastic material that’s easy to clean and maintain. These sandals should last a few good seasons, but as with any shoe, the lifespan largely depends on how often and roughly they’re used.
Overall, it’s important to remember that while these dupes mirror the style of Doc Martens, they may need to reach a different level of durability. Doc Martens are renowned for their hard-wearing, high-quality construction, often lasting many years with the right care. However, the dupes listed offer decent durability for their price point and are excellent alternatives if you’re after Doc Martens’ aesthetic on a budget.
6 Potential Drawbacks To Choosing A Dupe Over The Original?
While the Doc Marten dupes I’ve mentioned offer great value and style, it’s essential to consider some potential drawbacks when choosing a dupe over the original. Here they are:
- Durability and Longevity: One of the most significant differences is durability. Doc Martens are known for their robust construction and high-quality materials, often lasting many years with proper care. Although the dupes are quite durable in their own right, they might offer different longevity.
- Comfort: Doc Martens are notorious for their “breaking in” period, which can be uncomfortable but results in a personalized fit over time. The dupes may not have the same process, which could affect comfort levels, especially for long-term wear.
- Resell Value: Doc Martens, a well-established brand, often retains their resell value quite well, especially limited editions. Dupes, on the other hand, usually have a low resell value.
- Brand Heritage and Identity: Part of the appeal of Doc Martens is the brand’s rich history and cultural significance. Opting for a dupe will carry a different brand story and might give a distinct sense of identity than some find in wearing Docs.
- Minor Design Differences: While the dupes emulate the overall style of Doc Martens, they often lack specific design elements, such as the signature yellow stitching or the “bouncing” soles of the originals.
- Ethical Manufacturing: Doc Martens has committed to ethical manufacturing processes and supply chain transparency. While some dupes may also follow ethical practices, it’s not always the case, so it’s worth researching if this is important to you.
Remember, the choice between original Doc Martens and dupes ultimately boils down to personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle needs. Each has merits and can serve you well in the right context.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, my curated collection of the seven most fabulous Doc Marten dupes. They offer all the style, attitude, and durability we love about the iconic brand without the hefty price tag. Now, it’s important to remember, as with all things fashion, comfort is vital. While these dupes capture the original’s spirit, ensure they feel as good as they look on your feet.
And remember, while we all love a good bargain, let’s ensure we’re not compromising on quality. Check for sturdy construction and suitable materials because, in the long run, it’s not a steal if it doesn’t last.
At its heart, fashion is a form of self-expression, so don’t be afraid to make these shoes your own. Pair them with your favorite outfits, mix and match them, and create a unique look. The fashion world is your playground – explore, experiment, and, most importantly, enjoy!
Happy shopping, my fellow trendsetters, and remember – the world is your runway. Strut your stuff with confidence, and remember to have fun doing it. After all, the best accessory anyone can wear is a smile. Let’s make those sidewalks your catwalk!
Feature image by Syd Wachs on Unsplash
