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As some of the most notoriously uncomfortable footwear out there (that is, until it’s broken in), the best insoles for Doc Martens help cushion otherwise ridiculously rigid shoes. Although known for their durability and rugged nature, Docs are also recognized as having little to no support and a tight fit that can be hard to get used to.
If you’re looking to boost the comfort of your boots, loafers, or other leather footwear, then insoles for Doc Martens will offer some much-needed relief, whether through a dose of plush lining or by bolstering up arch and heel support. But settling on the perfect insoles can be tricky, especially when you get wind of the number of options on the market.
To make matters simple, I’ve rounded up the top six insoles for Doc Martens to keep your feet happy no matter how long you’ll be on them.
Key Takeaways
Fear not: the research has been done for you. Who knew there were so many opinions on insoles? Just kidding: anything’s possible on the internet. Anywho, I digress; let’s get to it. The best insoles for Doc Martens are the brand’s very own leather insoles, which add a touch of cushioning to the shoes and have anti-odor properties to keep your footwear feeling (and smelling) fresh. If you prefer an even more plush option, these basic Memory Foam Insoles are an unbeatable choice that mold to the feet and are extra affordable.
Keep reading to discover more of the best insoles for your Docs.
Why they’re great: Dr. Martens makes some high-end insoles for their footwear that strike an incredible price-to-quality ratio. These leather insoles are an apt choice if you want to cut down on foot odors and add a small amount of cushioning to the shoes.
The insoles themselves are quite low profile, giving them an easy fit in already tight shoes. If you’re seeking even more padding, consider Dr. Marten’s cushioned insoles instead (or the sherpa insoles for cold-weather wear).
Who are these for? If you’re already working with high arches, these insoles are the perfect addition to Docs. They don’t have the bulk that other cushioned insoles include, which makes them easier to fit into shoes that are a bit stiff right out of the box, such as boots like Doc Martens.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The only downside to these insoles for Doc Martens is that they reduce the available space in the shoe. So, if your Docs already fit perfectly, these insoles may make them a bit too snug.
Sizes: US 6–11 | Color: Tan | Benefit: Cushion, odor control
Why they’re great: Sometimes, all you need is an affordable pair of memory foam insoles to add a bit of pep to your step. These are the best insoles for Docs if you’re looking for just a touch of additional comfort or long to relieve achy, tired feet. These can be cut down to size and fit seamlessly into Docs, even those that are already tight. As you walk on the insoles, the memory foam will mold to your feet for a customizable and super comfy fit.
Who are these for? If you don’t need a ton of bells and whistles, these are basic budget-friendly insoles that will make a world of difference in rigid Docs. And because of the low price point, they’re also easy to replace whenever you feel them flattening out.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: During the first few wears, these insoles may feel a tad cramped in your Doc Martens, but as you continue to walk on them, they’ll form to your feet and give you more room in the shoes, namely in the arch area.
Sizes: US 4.5–12 | Color: Black, yellow | Benefit: Cushion
Why they’re great: At first glance, $60 for insoles seems laughable. But when you factor in the unbeatable comfort, it’s a done deal. They’re completely customizable for a personalized fit – simply stick them in the oven and then sculpt them to your feet, or wear them for about a week, and they’ll mold to your feet naturally. Stellar for extra cushioning and distributing pressure, you’ll likely find these are the ultimate insoles for Doc Martens, especially if you’re seeking arch support in your shoes.
Who are these for? These insoles are the best choice if you’re looking to cut back on foot and ankle pain. The added cushioning softens each step in your Docs with plush foam that retains its shape over time. Coupled with a cradling heel cup and odor-resistant technology, these insoles tackle a wide range of ailments but, most of all, make Dr. Martens a whole lot more comfortable. They also come in an exceptional range of sizes, plus wide fits if needed.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: You may find that these insoles take some time to break in (much like breaking in Doc Martens) – expect about a week of wear before experiencing the full results. I’d also be remiss not to mention the high price tag here, but considering that these will last you significantly longer than a brandless pair from Amazon, they’re a worthy investment.
Sizes: US 3–14 | Color: Red | Benefit: Arch support, cushioning
Why they’re great: As the crown jewel of the insole world, Dr. Scholl’s offers the best value, to say nothing of the insane comfort they provide. This pair is particularly well suited as the best insoles for Doc Martens, given the unobtrusive design and the unique foam bubble padding. Paired with a contoured heel and plenty of arch support, these insoles can be cut down for the perfect fit and inject a hefty dose of comfort into any pair of Docs.
Who are these for? Thanks to the notoriously flat design of Docs, these are an excellent choice for a touch of arch support. As some of the best insoles for Docs, these will provide added cushion and cradling for your feet, mainly if you walk a lot or need insoles for standing all day.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These aren’t the thickest insoles on the market, which turns some people off. However, this makes them a prime choice for Docs, considering that they skip out on the bulky design.
Sizes: US 8–14 | Color: Blue | Benefit: Cushion
Why they’re great: If you’re working with plantar fasciitis or are simply looking for the best insoles for Doc Martens, these have a whopping 38,000+ five-star reviews and come highly recommended for foot and overall full-body support. Through the thoughtfully structured design, you get added comfort for the whole body, including the knees, hips, and back.
Who are these for? These insoles are impactful if you battle foot pain or need additional arch support when you wear your Docs. The cradled heel is backed by a layer of high-density foam that mitigates shock impact while walking and adds a significant amount of cushioning to the shoes.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The Walk Hero insoles are a bit more rigid than other options on the market, which may feel uncomfortable to some wearers expecting a softer feel.
Sizes: US 4–16.5 | Color: Blue | Benefit: Arch support, plantar fasciitis relief
Why they’re great: Docs aren’t exactly known for their arch support, so if you need extra help in this area, these are the best insoles. As mentioned before, Docs can be a bit constricting and don’t accommodate extra bulk inside the shoe (one reason why it’s essential to invest in the best socks for Doc Martens).
These insoles offer medium arch support, which keeps the design low-profile enough to fit into Docs easily. They’re lined with foam and bolstered by a rigid piece of plastic to provide extra lift for the middle of the foot while simultaneously cupping the heel.
Who are these for? For a more structured product, these are the best insoles for Docs. They’re not flimsy like regular foam insoles but instead have a set form that supports the foot in the arch area.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These insoles are certainly on the premium side with a price tag to match.
Sizes: US 2.5–15 | Color: Blue | Benefit: Arch support
Buying Considerations for the Best Insoles for Doc Martens
Target Problem
The main consideration when choosing insoles for Doc Martens is the specific problem you’re looking to target. If you’re hoping to increase the comfort of your Docs, then choose insoles with additional cushioning. These are often made from memory foam, which molds to the foot to soften each step.
Alternatively, you may need increased arch support for your Docs. If this is the case, then choose insoles with a lifted mid-section, adding support to otherwise flat shoes.
Finally, you may seek to mitigate foot-related issues like plantar fasciitis. Plenty of insoles are designed to cradle the heel and distribute pressure while standing or walking, hopefully cutting down on the discomfort while wearing Docs.
Compatibility With Docs
As someone who has owned their fair share of Dr. Martens, take it from me when I say that the shoes can be very tight, particularly a new pair. Because the shoe has less room, your chosen insoles must be compatible with Docs.
You’re better off choosing a lower-profile pair of insoles than you may select a pair of sneakers. The insoles should fit comfortably, allowing you to slide your foot in and out easily while still providing support. This will ensure that your Docs become the most comfortable shoes in your wardrobe.
Price
Finally, price plays into the best insoles for Docs because you’ll find a vast range while shopping. Insoles start at under $10 and can climb to $50+, all offering different qualities, materials, and fits.
You can find a lot of great insoles at a really reasonable budget price, between $10 and $15. These types are often made from soft memory foam and can be cut down to fit your shoes. The only downside is that these wear out faster than more expensive insoles with a rigid frame, designed to hold their form longer than simple pairs.
With insoles, it’s often the case that you get what you pay for. If you want a long-lasting pair, then it’s worth investing a little more in your budget. But if you don’t mind replacing them every few months, then you can easily get away with insoles for $10.
How We Chose
To choose the best insoles for Doc Martens, these are the criteria used:
Material: More than anything, material was at the forefront of my mind when choosing the best insoles for Docs. The material aids in different problem areas, so you’ll find a range on this list covering soft memory foam, odor-repellent leather, and cushioned plastic to ensure a pair that fits your personal preference and targets the problem area you want to solve.
Quality: Given the colossal number of insole options on the market, quality was a top priority when choosing the pairs for this list. Every choice has been vetted for its durability, reliability, and overall quality standards to ensure that they hold up over the long haul and do what they say they will.
User Reviews: All of the insoles for Docs on this list have extensive user reviews to back them up. With no exaggeration, I read thousands upon thousands of reviews to determine the best pairs out there.
Why Trust Us?
Jane is a long-time fashion writer passionate about helping men feel as comfortable as possible through every dress code. Whether it’s by tracking down the most supportive insoles or doling out brand recommendations, Jane spends her time extensively researching the most satisfying menswear to encourage guys to feel their best. Through this article and related posts like the best insoles for dress shoes and top athleisure brands, Jane is obsessed with trying, testing, and writing about the cushiest aspects of fashion.
Final Verdict
The best insoles for Doc Martens are the brand’s Leather Insoles, which are the ideal profile to fit into already tight shoes while providing extra cushion and fighting stinky odors. Looking to soften your step even further? These Memory Foam Insoles add an extra plush layer to Docs for an unbeatable budget price.
FAQ
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Aside from breaking them in properly, adding insoles is the best way to make Doc Martens comfortable. Docs can be flat and rigid. Adding insoles can increase the amount of cushioning and support the shoes while making them significantly easier to wear.
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Dr. Martens insoles are some of the best options because they’re specifically designed for the brand’s footwear. This ensures that they have the proper profile to fit in the shoes, rather than bulkier pairs of insoles that take up too much space and make Docs more uncomfortable than they were initially.
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You can replace Dr. Marten insoles with other insoles by the brand or third-party insoles that provide additional cushioning or support for the shoes. New insoles can make Docs some of the best walking shoes for men, not to mention much more comfortable.
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