Common Questions About Dr. Martens Repair
Whether you are wondering if your Dr. Martens are worth repairing, which replacement sole is best, or how our mail-in repair service works, you have come to the right place.
George has been repairing shoes and boots since the late 1970s, and High Street Shoe Repair has worked on thousands of pairs of boots over the years. Below are answers to the questions customers ask us most often.
Don't see your question here? We've been repairing Dr. Martens for many years. If your question isn't answered below, feel free to contact us. We'll be happy to help.
Is it worth resoling Dr. Martens boots?
Absolutely. In many cases, resoling a quality pair of Dr. Martens boots costs much less than replacing them with a new pair. If the leather uppers are still in good condition and the boots fit comfortably, a professional resole can add years of additional life.
Many customers become attached to their boots after they have been broken in. A new pair often takes weeks or months to feel as comfortable as an old favorite. Resoling lets you keep the boots you already enjoy wearing while replacing the worn-out sole with a durable new one.
At High Street Shoe Repair, we have repaired thousands of pairs of boots over the years. If your Dr. Martens have good leather uppers and solid construction, there is an excellent chance they are worth repairing rather than replacing. You can also visit our Dr. Martens repair page for service details and examples.
How do I know if my Dr. Martens are worth repairing?
The first thing we look at is the condition of the uppers. If the leather is still strong, the boots fit well, and you still enjoy wearing them, repair is often a very good choice.
Worn soles, cracked soles, and worn-down heels can usually be dealt with. Severe cracking in the leather, major structural damage, or damage that makes the boot uncomfortable may change the recommendation.
If you are not sure, send us a few clear photos before shipping your boots. A side view, a bottom view, and a close-up of the damaged area usually tell us a lot.
Will my resoled Dr. Martens feel different than the original soles?
They may feel slightly different, but most customers adapt quickly and are very pleased with the results.
Original Dr. Martens soles are manufactured differently than replacement Vibram soles, so there can be small differences in flexibility, cushioning, weight, or tread design. However, because the leather uppers have already molded to your feet over years of wear, many customers find their repaired boots are more comfortable than buying a brand-new pair.
In our experience, preserving a comfortable, broken-in upper is one of the biggest advantages of resoling.
How long does a Dr. Martens resole usually last?
The lifespan of a resole depends on how often the boots are worn, the surfaces they are used on, and the owner's walking habits.
For many customers, a professionally installed replacement sole provides years of additional service. Some people wear their boots every day for work, while others wear them only occasionally, so it is impossible to predict an exact lifespan.
One advantage of premium replacement soles is that many are made from compounds specifically designed for long-term durability. Regular cleaning, conditioning the leather, and replacing worn heels before they become severely worn can also help extend the life of your boots.
Can cracked or split Dr. Martens soles be repaired?
Yes, in many cases they can. One of the most common problems we see is Dr. Martens soles that have cracked, split, or deteriorated with age. This is especially common on older boots that have spent years in storage or have not been worn regularly.
The original sole is removed, the boot is carefully prepared, and a new replacement sole is installed. We use high-quality replacement soles, usually Vibram, though there are other excellent choices as well. The goal is to provide excellent durability and traction while maintaining an appearance that complements the original design.
If the leather uppers remain in good condition, cracked soles usually do not mean the boots are beyond repair.
Can Dr. Martens be repaired after the soles have crumbled?
Often, yes. When old soles crumble or break apart, the condition of the leather upper becomes the most important factor. If the upper is still sound, we can often remove the failed sole and rebuild the bottom with a new replacement sole.
Boots that have been stored for years sometimes look terrible underneath but still have excellent uppers. Those can be very good candidates for repair.
Every pair is different, so severely deteriorated boots should be evaluated before work begins. Photos are helpful if you want an opinion before shipping them.
Can vintage Made in England Dr. Martens be resoled?
Yes. In fact, many collectors and long-time Dr. Martens owners specifically seek out repairs for older Made in England boots because of their quality and craftsmanship.
While every pair must be evaluated individually, many vintage Dr. Martens have leather uppers that remain in excellent condition even after decades of wear. If the uppers are sound, replacing the worn or deteriorated soles can often give these classic boots many more years of useful life.
Preserving a well-made older boot is often a better investment than replacing it with a new pair, especially when the boots already fit comfortably and have sentimental value.
Can platform Dr. Martens boots be repaired or resoled?
Many platform Dr. Martens can be repaired, although the repair options depend on the construction of the particular style.
Some platform soles can be replaced with suitable alternatives, while others require a different approach because of their thickness or molded construction. Each pair is evaluated individually to determine what repair options are available.
If you are unsure whether your platform boots can be repaired, send us a few photographs or contact us before shipping them. We will be happy to let you know whether we believe the repair is practical.
Can you repair worn heels or uneven wear on Dr. Martens boots?
Yes. Replacing worn heels is one of the most common repairs we perform.
Many Dr. Martens owners wear through the heel long before the rest of the sole is worn out. Catching heel wear early can often prevent additional damage and extend the life of the entire sole.
If the wear has become severe, we will evaluate whether a heel replacement or a complete resole is the better long-term solution. We will always recommend the repair that makes the most sense for the condition of your boots.
Do you patch or resew Dr. Martens uppers?
Yes, we do that kind of work too. If your boots have worn areas, torn stitching, loose seams, or other trouble spots in the uppers, email us pictures and we will be glad to take a look.
Upper repair is evaluated case by case. Some repairs are straightforward, while others depend on the location of the damage and the condition of the surrounding leather.
What Vibram soles work best on Dr. Martens boots?
The best replacement sole depends on the style of your boots and how you use them.
For many classic Dr. Martens boots, we frequently recommend the Vibram Stowe 1705 lug sole because it has a good look, good wear, and good traction. It also has a profile that works well visually on many Dr. Martens boots.
For customers who want maximum durability rather than cushioning, heavier options such as the Vibram 100 may be a better choice. Our goal is not simply to install a new sole. It is to select a sole that complements the appearance of your boots while giving you the performance you expect.
What kind of soles do you usually resole Dr. Martens with?
By far, the most common sole we use on Dr. Martens shoes and boots is the Vibram Stowe 1705. It has a lug pattern, a good practical look, good wear, and good traction.
Some customers prefer a heavier work-boot style sole, such as the Vibram 100, especially when durability is more important than preserving the original appearance. We are happy to discuss the options before beginning the repair.
Are original Dr. Martens replacement soles available?
Unfortunately, original factory replacement soles are generally not available for independent shoe repair shops in the United States.
Instead, we use premium replacement soles from Vibram and other trusted manufacturers that have earned an excellent reputation for durability and performance.
Our goal is not to make your boots look “repaired.” We strive to choose replacement soles that preserve the overall appearance of your Dr. Martens while providing many more years of dependable wear.
Can you preserve the original fine-line edge on Dr. Martens soles?
Not exactly. The original Dr. Martens sole has a distinctive molded edge that cannot be duplicated once the factory sole has been removed.
Our replacement soles have a smooth, clean edge that looks professional and practical, but it will not exactly match the original factory edge profile. Most customers are more interested in durability, comfort, and extending the life of their boots than in perfectly duplicating the factory edge.
Do you preserve the original yellow stitching on Dr. Martens?
Whenever possible, yes. The yellow welt stitching is one of the most recognizable features of classic Dr. Martens boots.
During many repairs, the original stitching remains untouched because the repair is performed below the welt. Every repair is different, however, and the condition and construction of the boot determine exactly how the work is performed.
Our goal is always to preserve the original appearance of your boots as much as possible while providing a durable repair that will last for years.
Do you sell the original cushioned Dr. Martens insoles?
Sorry, we do not sell the original Dr. Martens cushioned insoles.
We do carry a flat Spenco cushioned insole that works well in Dr. Martens and does not have built-in arch support. The current price is $21.
Do you repair Solovair boots?
Yes. We resole Solovair boots and generally use the same repair options and pricing structure as we do for Dr. Martens.
If you have Solovair boots with worn or cracked soles, email us photos or send them in with our shipping form and we will evaluate them.
Does the adhesive ever separate during wet or snowy weather?
We repair shoes and boots for people who wear them in real weather. Here in western Oregon, rain is part of everyday life for much of the year. If our adhesives did not hold up in wet weather, we would not still be doing this work.
We use professional shoe repair adhesives designed for footwear. Proper preparation, proper adhesive, and proper technique are all important. That is part of the difference between a professional repair and a quick temporary fix.
How do I ship my Dr. Martens boots in for repair?
Shipping your boots is simple. Place both boots in a sturdy box, the US Post Office "shoe boxes" work great for most boots. Include our shipping form with your contact information and a brief description of the repair you would like us to perform.
If you are unsure exactly what your boots need, do not worry. Once we receive them, we will inspect the boots and contact you if we have questions or recommendations before beginning the repair.
We regularly repair boots for customers from across the United States, making our mail-in service a convenient option no matter where you live. You can learn more on our Dr. Martens repair service page.
How do I start the process?
Print and complete our shipping form. Take your shoes or boots and the form to your nearest US Post Office. They have boxes there that fit most boots just fine.
Before shipping, brush off heavy dirt, remove personal items, and include a note explaining what you want repaired. If we have questions after inspecting your boots, we will contact you.
Do you ship internationally?
Sorry, we only ship within the United States.
From George's Workbench
One of the biggest mistakes I see is customers waiting until the heel has worn completely through before sending their boots in. Once the heel wears down into the midsole or the structure above the sole, a simple repair can become a much larger repair.
If you notice one heel beginning to wear unevenly, it is usually much less expensive to repair it sooner rather than later. After nearly fifty years repairing shoes and boots, I have found that timely maintenance almost always saves customers money and preserves more of the original boot.
