Dr. Martens are made from a mix of leather, synthetic materials, and durable rubber soles—depending on the style.
1. Leather Styles
Most classic Dr. Martens, including the 1460, 1461, and 2976, are made from a variety of genuine leathers, including:
-
Smooth Leather – the iconic stiff, shiny leather Docs are known for
-
Nappa & Virginia Leather – softer, more flexible options
-
Patent Leather – high-shine, coated leather
-
Crazy Horse or Burnished Leather – rugged, distressed finishes
Explore our leather styles here: Boots, Shoes & Sandals
2. Vegan Styles
Dr. Martens also offers 100% vegan options, made from a synthetic leather substitute called Felix Rub Off—durable, animal-free, and finished to resemble real leather.
Explore our full range of vegan styles here: Vegan Footwear & Accessories
3. Canvas & Other Materials
Some seasonal or lightweight designs use canvas, nylon, or hybrid synthetics, especially in sandals or casual wear lines.
Explore our Canvas and Nylon styles here: Boots, Shoes & Sandals
4. Soles
All Dr. Martens footwear uses the brand’s signature air-cushioned sole made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It’s oil- and slip-resistant, and part of what gives Docs their unique comfort and bounce.
5. Heel Loop
Every pair comes with the distinctive heel loop—a branded pull tab at the back of the boot.
-
Most feature the classic yellow-on-black “AirWair with Bouncing Soles” loop.
-
Vegan styles use a yellow-on-brown loop that says “VEGAN”, making them easy to identify at a glance.