The 6 Best Dr. Martens Shoes That Can Take You From the Classroom to a Concert

By Alexis Mikulski Ruiz

Alexis Mikulski Ruiz

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You might still be floating in the pool and perfecting your lemonade recipe, but the ads on your TV and TikTok feed are saying otherwise: Back-to-school season is already here.

I know… it feels early. Back where I grew up, school didn’t start until after Labor Day. But in some parts of the country, students head back as early as late July, while most colleges and universities kick off move-in during the last week of August. So if your social media is suddenly full of dorm hauls and school supply lists, you’re not imagining it.

At a Glance: The Best Dr. Martens Back-to-School Styles

Smooth Leather Mary Jane Shoes

Crazy Horse Leather Mary Jane Shoes

Leather Moc Toe Shoes

Delapre Made In England Penny Loafers

Delapre Made In England Leather Loafers

8053 Casual Shoes

And when it comes to back-to-school shopping, the list adds up fast. Beyond the books and the latest tech, you’ll want a pair of shoes that can handle everything that comes your way this year: That’s where Dr. Martens comes in. Thanks to their famously durable construction and iconic silhouettes, a pair of Docs could easily be the last school shoes you buy for years.

From Mary Janes and penny loafers to Made in England styles, the brand beloved by rockers, actors, and everyday folks alike has plenty of options that look just as good in the classroom or at your 9-to-5 as they do at a concert. I’ve had my Dr. Martens 1460 boots since I was a freshman in college (2014… please don’t do the math), and they’re still in my regular rotation today.

With prices starting around $150 and topping out around $260 (which still leaves room in the budget for all those other things you need to grab), these are the best back-to-school styles from Dr. Martens for everyone — from actual students to those of us still pretending we’re enrolled just to get that Spotify discount. Shop them before the fall rush hits and your size is gone.

Smooth Leather Mary Jane Shoes

$150.00

A silhouette that’s been around since 1902, and still holds up today.

Crazy Horse Leather Mary Jane Shoes

$150.00

For the bookworm who knows a good line can make all the difference (and in this case, that line happens to be dotted stitching).

Leather Moc Toe Shoes

$180.00

A timeless classic for both men and women. Share them with your freshman-year partner if you want — even if the relationship doesn’t make it to summer break, the shoes probably will.

Delapre Made In England Penny Loafers

$260.00

For the recent grad who wants a polished dress shoe without blowing what’s left of the budget after those student loan payments.

Delapre Made In England Leather Loafers

$260.00

One of my personal favorites, this rich burgundy colorway proves you don’t have to wear black to look professional.

8053 Casual Shoes

$190.00

An iconic pair that looks just as good in the classroom as it does at a Kid Cudi concert.