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I’ve compared boots before, but this is different. Timberlands and Doc Martens aren’t just big in the world of boots - these two brands make plain, round toe boots that anyone on the street recognizes. It makes sense that a lot of people have asked me to compare them - so I did.
FIRST GLANCE
Timberland
This is the wheat nubuck Timberland 6’’ waterproof boot, the most popular color. The nubuck (a kind of textured leather) is treated to be waterproof.
Six inches tall and pretty bulky - they’re not dressy and don’t look great with skinny jeans. Still pretty versatile.
Other signature features include a grippy rubber lug sole, iconic Taslan nylon laces, and the leather collar for added insulation - in addition to the Primaloft insulation.
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Doc Martens
These are Doc Martens’ standard issue 1460, made in Asia. It’s a pretty uncomplicated boot: round toe, 7” tall, and mostly single stitched. The “full grain” has been fully corrected out, making for a shiny, plasticky, relatively thin leather.
The toe is rather snubby and overall the profile is chunky. Slightly more streamlined than Timberlands and look better with slim pants, if that’s your thing.
The sole is made from a soft, inorganic rubber and attached to the upper with the iconic bright yellow stitching. I think the sole is one of the best parts about this boot - it’s really squishy and comfy.
The biggest difference between Timberlands and Docs at first glance is in the leather - thin, plasticky leather vs insulated nubuck.
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LEATHER
Timberland
The buffed leather on these boots is called nubuck and these are treated to be incredibly waterproof.
The color is quite bright and can be a nice break from plain brown or black. The downside is that they’re super hard to keep clean. Despite the waterproofing, they pick up little stains all the time. A pencil eraser, a stiff brush and maybe some Renewbuck, sold by Timberland, can help keep them clean.
Doc Martens
This semi-bright leather comes from either South America or Asia, and super, super smooth and with no trace of grain, which makes them look plasticky to me.
They’re easier to keep clean than the Timberlands and just need an occasional polish. They’re not super waterproof but improve if you treat them with a product that has beeswax in it.
I know that the aesthetic speaks to a lot of people but I gotta say, to me, it’s pretty cheap-looking leather.
SOLE
Timberland
Gripstick lug rubber outsole, made from 10% recycled materials, rubber midsole, urethane insole, and a removable foam insert to top it all off. No leather or cork here, but a steel shank provides a nice bit of arch support. Excellent shock absorption and comfy out of the box.
The sole is cemented to the upper with a bonwelt, not totally unlike sneakers. It’s not bad quality - waterproof, with sealed seams - but once you go through the sole, that’s probably the end of this boot.
Doc Martens
The sole is my favorite part of these Docs. Super soft with excellent shock absorption. There’s a rubber outsole, cork material and then a urethane insole, but there’s no shank, less stability and arch support than Timberland.
The pronounced yellow stitching isn’t a normal Goodyear welt - it’s actually made with an unusual heat sewing technique that makes them hard to resole.
FIT & COMFORT
Timberland
I’m usually an 11.5 and went down to an 11, which fits fine - it’s a pretty roomy boot. Great arch support and shock absorption.
Doc Martens
I got the 11s because they don’t come in half sizes. They fit OK - I would have preferred a 10.5 but definitely couldn't get a 10. Generally the fit was blobby and generic. Super comfy sole and excellent shock absorption, but doesn’t contour to the foot and the arch support is meh.
PRICE
Timberland
Generally between $160 and $180.
Doc Martens
Between $120 and $145.
PROS/CONS
Timberland
PROS
*Waterproof and insulated
*Better arch support
*Better grip
*More masculine
*Generally I consider them tougher boots
CONS
*Slightly pricier
*Super hard to keep clean
*Doesn’t patina well; looks best when new-looking
*Lining not super durable
*Too bulky to wear with slim or skinny jeans
Doc Martens
PROS
*Leather is easier to manage
*Very cheap
*Super soft sole
*Slightly better shock absorption
CONS
*Unlined
*Not waterproof
*Shapeless
*No shank
*Thin, plasticky leather
*Not versatile