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Dr Martens’ boots are iconic: the yellow Goodyear welt stitching, the chunky rubbery outsole, the legendary “breaking in” period. But the brand is “Not Good Enough”, so if you’re looking for more sustainable boots, these aren’t it. Here, we’re spotlighting more responsible brands that make just as stylish boots but with a much better impact on the planet, people, and animals.
Why we don’t recommend Dr Martens boots
Dr Martens is an iconic brand: beginning humbly as a creator of comfortable boots for homemakers in the ’40s, its kicks have since become some of the most iconic British shoes and are repped by punks, musicians, and many others around the world. “Docs” may be a staple, but unfortunately its overall sustainability rating is “Not Good Enough“. This score has remained the same for years, not shifting in our most recent September 2025 rating review, meaning the brand hasn’t taken enough action to address the ongoing gaps in its sustainability disclosures.
Dr Martens’ labour rights are “Not Good Enough”, either. Despite manufacturing in the UK for 50 years, in 2003, the brand moved production to China and Thailand: two countries with a high and extreme risk of labour abuse. While some the brand does have a Code of Conduct, that is the bare minimum, and we found no evidence that Dr Martens ensures payment of a living wage to workers, or that it supports diversity and inclusion in its supply chain.
Dr Martens has made some positive steps when it comes to the environment, like having a lifetime warranty collection and using packaging from 100% post-consumer waste materials. Here it receives our “It’s a Start” score. But overall, the brand uses very few lower-impact materials, with most products being made from resource-heavy leather.
And from an animal welfare perspective, “It’s a Start”. Dr Martens took a commendable step by introducing a vegan line made from 100% non-animal origin materials, but it’s not clear what the alternative material is. It’s likely to be Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic—one of the most environmentally damaging plastics—since Dr Martens also uses it for the majority of its outsoles (and claims that’s a good choice for “durability”). The brand has committed to finding a more sustainable vegan material by 2028. It also still uses leather, shearling, and wool.
Overall, while the brand is making a start in some areas, it still has a lot of work to do to improve its impact, especially on labour and its use of more sustainable materials—both animal-derived and not.
But there’s some good news: if you’re into the Docs style, many conscious brands out there create chunky and cool boots like Dr Martens, but more sustainably. Keep reading to discover some of the top-rated alternatives to Dr Martens boots.
Why you can trust our recommendations
At Good On You, we provide trustworthy recommendations that align with your values and needs. Our mission is to simplify informed choices while embracing the “buy less, buy better” motto.
To ensure credibility, we aggregate comprehensive, transparent information on fashion sustainability—assessing brands using our leading methodology, developed by diverse experts. Our ratings directory of over 6,000 brands employs a simple five-point scale, curating a list of “Good” or “Great” brands making significant contributions to sustainable fashion.
Our editorial team, driven by expertise and passion, carefully reviews and approves each recommendation, upholding high standards of quality, longevity, and trend-transcendence.
While we recognise the value of reusing, mending, and secondhand shopping, our expert ratings system guides you toward new brands aligned with your values and sustainability goals.
Top rated brands creating alternatives to Dr Martens boots
2. Will’s Vegan Store Track-sole Lace Up Boots
4. COG @ Shop Like You Give A Damn Athena Boots
5. ESSEN Leather Lug Sole Boots
7. 8000Kicks Crossover Hemp Chelsea Boots
Buying secondhand Dr Martens
If you really love Dr Martens boots and can’t see yourself wearing another brand, then opt for a secondhand pair—try an eBay search to find resales in your region, like the US, UK, or Australia. Buying vintage and used items is a more sustainable way to shop than buying new, and it’s a good option if you don’t want to directly support a brand that isn’t doing enough for its sustainability. Buying preloved means adding items to your wardrobe without using additional resources in the manufacturing process, keeping clothes out of landfills, slowing down the fast fashion cycle and relentless demands on low-paid workers in the supply chain, and you’ll discover unique and special pieces along the way. Alternatively, you can always borrow or swap someone else’s boots if it’s for a one-off occasion or trip.
