For many years Dr. Martens have reached people’s feet and made soft spots in their hearts with theextra toughness. But there’s no way to deny that the competition has become more challenging. After all, with the changing generation, the taste in shoes has gone through some changes too.
People are now equally concerned about comfort, durability, and extra benefits. While putting Dr. Martens under these lenses, there’s a question that might’ve hit your head, like –are Doc Martens slip resistant? After all, they’re among the toughest shoes, right? So, asking that is quite normal.
We believe that the question needs an answer, and that’s what you’re going to get right here. Don’t worry; that’s not the only thing you’ll be putting in your bag of knowledge today as there’s more on the way.
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Are All Doc Martens Slip Resistant?
We wish we could say that all of them are. But the truth is they’re not. There’s a certain segment of slip-resistant shoes of Dr. Martens, and that includes 1460, 1461, and 2976.
These shoes are made specifically for the professionals like baristas, waiters, bartenders, or people from any profession where they need to work on 8-hour shifts.
The professionals we’ve mentioned have a higher chance of slipping as their workplaces are full of the possibility of having piled up water on the floor. Putting the foot there by mistake can indeed cause significant injuries but not when you’ve got a pair of 1460, 1461, or 2976 from Dr. Martens.
But what has made those shoes slip-resistant? Well, the prime secret here is the GripTrax™ soles. Don’t think that’s the only part that knows how to fight the water. The moisture-wicking lining has also been a great help here, along with the extra cushioning. But what we loved the most is the water-resistant leather.
Along with being anti-slip, these shoes are also resistant to shock. So, for tough professionals, these can be really helpful. On top of that, with sufficient breathability, the comfort level also stays at the peak.
How to Make Dr. Martens Non-slippery?
We won’t be surprised if you say you’ve already got a pair of Dr. Martens, but it’s not among 1460, 1461, or 2976. But does that mean that spending money again on getting a new pair is the only solution? We don’t think so.
Many ways have been proven effective and helpful in turning slippery shoes into non-slippery ones. You’re free to try them on your current Dr. Martens too. Let’s check out what they are.
Wearing out the Soles
It’s pretty normal for new shoes to make you feel like you are walking on a road of soapy water when all you’re trying to do is walk on the tiles. But don’t think that’s what it’s going to be like forever if you allow them to wear naturally.
This is the thing about brand new soles, the one without anti-slip properties, of course. For them to be less resistant to slippingis quite normal. But with the passing of timeand thorough usage, the sole starts to wear and starts getting a grip on the floor. The more often you’ll use them, the faster they’ll turn into your anti-slip shoes.
Filing the Outsoles
If you’re feeling like the shoes are missing enough grip, we say you better create that on your own. But how? Well, the best way to do that is filing outsoles. Probably we know what you’re thinking. Dr. Martens are already tough. Will you be able to file them enough or not.
Well, nobody said that you’ll have to do it yourself. Get them to a shoe repair shop, and they’ll have the required tools to improve the shoe’s outsole filing. Once you get that done, the shoes are supposed to show significant changes in the gripping performance.
Scuffing the Soles
Call it the easier and faster way to make the soles anti-slip. Scuffing the soles properly while walking will improve their overall grip over the ground and minimize the chance of slipping.
Using Sandpaper
Don’t think we’re going to call it weird if you say scuffing is not your thing or you can’t do that. You’ve still got a more convenient option open right in front of you, and that’s the sandpaper.
All you need is a few sheets of sandpaper; rub the smoother parts of the outsoles with the sandpaper to create a ‘grippy’ surface. Make sure that you’re sanding only those parts that contact the floor directly. Otherwise, sanding the wrong parts might make your shoe look bad, and we bet you don’t want that.
Using Spray-on Coating
If you’re really into getting the anti-slip feature without hampering the shoe’s intactness, then we say you go for the Spray-on Coating. All you need is to buy a bottle of traction sprays and use it at the bottom of your Dr. Martens.
As they’re ideal for leather-made footwear and work shoes, they won’t be hurting your shoes for sure. The only drawback you might encounter is they’re a bit expensive.
Using Hair Spray
You didn’t see that coming, did you? Well, you can indeed attain that advantage of traction just by using your hair spray. Once you apply enough spray over the soles, let it be that way for at least 30 seconds, as that’ll be enough to be dry and tacky.
Grip Pads
You can count this one as the alternative to the Spray-on coating. These textured grip pads are not only going to save you from slipping but will also extend the life of your soles.
Masking Tape
This one is a temporary solution, just like the hair spray. To get the soles a better grip, use the masking tape in an X pattern on the parts of the sole that you think aremaking the shoe more slippery. But don’t count on it for too much of the extra grip as that’s not its cup of tea.
Using Puff Paints
For increasing the grip, puff paint too can be beneficial for your Dr. Martens. Once you apply them on your sole, the textured and rough surface they create under the shoes help make you stay steady on slippery floors.
Sticking Sand
For using this method, you don’t need to go for anything too expensive. Some adhesive and sand will be enough to pull that off. First, apply the adhesive in places of the sole that are making them slippery.
Then put some sand over the adhesive, or you can simply put the sole on the sand if you don’t want the sand all over the place. After that, let it dry. Don’t count it as a permanent solution as you might have to go for reapplication in a while.
Final Words
There’s no doubt that Dr. Martens are among the toughest shoes around the world. But if you’re asking whetherDoc Martens areslip-resistant or not, then we say you go for those models of theirs that come with this feature.
Don’t worry if you’ve already got the pair that doesn’t offer this amazing advantage. You still can turn them into anti-slip shoes by following some simple and affordable methods that we’ve mentioned above just for you.