Can i wear doc martens as a 40 year old woman?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes.

If you’ve ever been to norther Europe, many women wear this style of shoe with skirts and dresses and it doesn’t read as “young.” It does read as cool/creative, but not like a teenager. It’s a very practical shoe.

We aren’t in Northern Europe, sweetie.

NP. And?

So, it’s really weird to hold up fashion trends in a region 4,000 miles away as applicable to here. Or as desirable.

I have mixed feelings on Dr Maartens. I came of age in the 1980s when wearing them was a counter culture statement. Now they are mainstream and ubiquitous so they’re really rather … basic.

Can a 40 yo wear them? I guess so, if she’s basic.

Someone's maturity level is stuck in the 1980's...

[Anonymous]

Yes, you can and should if you love them! I’ve been wearing them since 1989. They’re great shoes and boots that last for decades.

[Anonymous]

They are not very comfortable though, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes.

If you’ve ever been to norther Europe, many women wear this style of shoe with skirts and dresses and it doesn’t read as “young.” It does read as cool/creative, but not like a teenager. It’s a very practical shoe.

We aren’t in Northern Europe, sweetie.

NP. And?

So, it’s really weird to hold up fashion trends in a region 4,000 miles away as applicable to here. Or as desirable.

I have mixed feelings on Dr Maartens. I came of age in the 1980s when wearing them was a counter culture statement. Now they are mainstream and ubiquitous so they’re really rather … basic.

Can a 40 yo wear them? I guess so, if she’s basic.

If you’re 20 and care what someone else thinks about your shoes, you’re 20.

If you’re 40 and still care what someone else thinks about your shoes, you’re doing it wrong.

If you’re 40 and judge people for their shoes, you’ve probably always done it wrong and still are.

[Anonymous]

Wear them if you like them and they’re comfortable. If you’re trying to look cooler or younger, though, these likely won’t do it.

[Anonymous]

Docs are amazing. They break in well, are easy on the feet, have bouncy soles great for walking, take a beating and don't show it, last forever, are waterproof.

[Anonymous]

The rich posers wore docs when we were young.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are not very comfortable though, right?

They are once you break them in

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wear them if you like them and they’re comfortable. If you’re trying to look cooler or younger, though, these likely won’t do it.

This is very true. They can look dated and make an outfit look dated very easily, depending how worn.

I love my boots and can’t ever imagine not wearing them, but I don’t wear them when I’m trying to look “pulled together” or am more conservatively dressed. They frump things up and age me in those situations.

[Anonymous]

I’m the one who mentioned that this look (not specifically docs but the heavy lug sole lace up boot) is common on women in their 30s/40s in Northern Europe. The reason I shared this is that these women show that these boots don’t need to be part of a “punk”, counter culture look. They are practical shoes for cold, wet weather. I had colleagues who wore them with long wool skirts and sweaters to work, or with cropped wool pants. It was a mature look. Since OP was asking if she was too old to wear them, I was describing how they look perfectly grown up when styled correctly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are not very comfortable though, right?

I wear mine with insoles. Docs has some, but I prefer the ones I get from Fleet Feet for my running shoes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m the one who mentioned that this look (not specifically docs but the heavy lug sole lace up boot) is common on women in their 30s/40s in Northern Europe. The reason I shared this is that these women show that these boots don’t need to be part of a “punk”, counter culture look. They are practical shoes for cold, wet weather. I had colleagues who wore them with long wool skirts and sweaters to work, or with cropped wool pants. It was a mature look. Since OP was asking if she was too old to wear them, I was describing how they look perfectly grown up when styled correctly.

NP. Do you have any links you could share demonstrating this look? I’m always struggling to fit my boots into my wardrobe when I’m not wearing boots or leggings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes.

If you’ve ever been to norther Europe, many women wear this style of shoe with skirts and dresses and it doesn’t read as “young.” It does read as cool/creative, but not like a teenager. It’s a very practical shoe.

We aren’t in Northern Europe, sweetie.

NP. And?

So, it’s really weird to hold up fashion trends in a region 4,000 miles away as applicable to here. Or as desirable.

I have mixed feelings on Dr Maartens. I came of age in the 1980s when wearing them was a counter culture statement. Now they are mainstream and ubiquitous so they’re really rather … basic.

Can a 40 yo wear them? I guess so, if she’s basic.

If you’re 20 and care what someone else thinks about your shoes, you’re 20.

If you’re 40 and still care what someone else thinks about your shoes, you’re doing it wrong.

If you’re 40 and judge people for their shoes, you’ve probably always done it wrong and still are.

+1

Nailed it. I like you.

[Anonymous]

Love this thread. Ive been wanting a pair forever. Never could afford in college Then my 13yo at the time was interested, then not interested overnight. But my thought still was that thry were too young and trendy. I saw a few moms wearing them over last couple of weeks and brought back my l longing.

I’m ordering a pair!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They are not very comfortable though, right?

It depends upon the style. The boots and shoes with stiffer leather will probably need breaking in. Softer leathers and suede might not. The bouncy soles are awesome! Docs were originally designed for people who had to be on their feet all day. I will say, though, that I bought some sandals this year that were comfortable right out of the box — but the soles were pretty shredded within a few months after wearing them a few times a week. The soles on my older Docs last for years of much harder wear.


I never stopped wearing Docs, and I’m over 40. It’s up to you to style them in a way that fits you. If anything, I’ve worn Docs more as I’ve hit the DGAF comfy shoes phase of my life.