Everyone loves a trusty pair of Doc Martens.
From a symbol of the counterculture laced every which way and representing Tumblr-obsessed millennials with a penchant for monochromatics, to a universally adored, versatile shoe brand specialising in sky-high platform soles, Dr Martens has undergone quite the journey since its foundation in post-war Germany.
I am a serial Doc owner. I had patent white 1460s as a tween, matte black vegan leather 1461s as a university student, and now, in my mid-twenties, a shoe you wouldn’t necessarily expect from DM: the fisherman sandal.
There’s something inherently gladiatorial about these shoes. I joked to my partner that I felt ready to enter a turtle formation at any moment with these on my feet.
Yet at the same time, they make me feel feminine and sweet, especially when paired with a simple tea dress or maxi skirt. Isn’t that the very definition of sartorial versatility? That is, the ability to shift between modes through subtle styling changes through one, stand-out piece.
With the onslaught of fashion cores ranging from outdoorsy granola girl and gorp boy to office siren, we’re being inspired to purchase hyper-specific clothing items that are void of this crucial versatility – the kind that allows you to form a true capsule wardrobe.
So, when these brown leather fisherman sandals, with their comfortable soles and adjustable buckles, arrived, I felt compelled to style them in a multitude of ways.
Style 1: Gig ready
First test? The long-awaited Oasis reunion.
Before inevitably coughing up for a band tee at the merch stand, I wore my fisherman DMs with a pair of burgundy adidas Firebird shorts and an asymmetric vest top from the Mia Regan x H&M collection. Once I popped my merch on top of the vest, I hiked it up a bit, tied it at the back, and tied a little bow with the asymmetrical string detailing on the vest.
They kept me comfortable for the whole gig. My feet? Well, they only gave me an inkling of grief during the half-hour hike to Preston Road tube station (skipping the crowds at Wembley Park).
Style 2: The commute
The next day, I threw on a plain white tee with a brown, tie-strap maxi dress from ASOS. On the tube to work, a total stranger tapped me on the shoulder to enquire about my shoes. She couldn’t believe they were DMs.
Style 3: Family party
While helping my dad set up for his 60th birthday party, I paired the Docs with vintage denim shorts emblazoned with sunflowers and a boat-neck, butter-yellow vest top. For work, I have paired them with a second-hand polka dot tea dress, a men’s vintage linen shirt, and some silver accessories, despite the brass buckles (I write my own rules, mixed metals included).
My next look? A light blue cable knit, my favourite baggy denim jeans, a hot cup of coffee, and my now nicely worn-in pair of Doc Marten fisherman sandals. Perfect for the weekend.
Effortlessly cool, endlessly stylish, and a go-to pair of kicks you’ll love for decades.
It’s what Dr Martens does best, after all.
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Dr Martens San Fisherman Leather Sandals
Featuring a cross-over design at the toe, these leather fisherman sandals from Dr Martens are equipped with two sets of adjustable brass buckles.
Available in black and brown leather with a subtle platform and plenty of grip, they’re an incredibly versatile spring/summer shoe that can even be worn into autumn with the right woolly socks.
Style with feminine skirt combos or dungarees for a more seaside-inspired look.
Buy now £130.00, Dr Martens
Alternative styles
Dr. Martens Strappy Platform Sandals
Featuring a slightly taller platform and ribbed, jagged sole, these strappy platform sandals are a worthy alternative to traditional fisherman silhouettes. They’re also available in soft suede, which requires less breaking-in than classic leather.
Buy now £98.93, Amazon
Dr. Martens Women's Blaire Quad Sandals
Not a fan of a criss-cross silhouette? Opt for this pair of platform DMs instead, which feature a buckle strap at the ankle, a SoftWair memory foam footbed and a lightweight EVA sole equipped with a tough ripple tread.
Buy now £165.00, Amazon
Camper Brutus Sandal
Camper’s aptly named Brutus Sandal is a modern take on the Gladiator design. With a chunky yet lightweight sole, leather upper and cushioned footbed, these will likely be the comfiest in your warm-weather rotation.
Buy now £108.14, Amazon
