Iconic stitching, timeless style – “Docs” have it all.
You can’t walk down the street for more than five minutes without seeing a pair of ‘Docs.’ You just can’t. And for good reason, this brand has stood the test of time – both in terms of quality and style.
One thing that shouldn’t be timeless though, is the use of leather in footwear. Thankfully in 2024, Dr. Martens has better options. From their traditional 1460 Felix boot, to chunky platform shoes, and even cold weather options, they have a nice variety of vegan options for men – which you can explore below.
For good measure, we’ve also included other brands that are using contrast stitching and other Dr. Martens-like elements to fill some voids in styles and shoe types, while flirting with the iconic ‘Docs’ look.
So, let’s dive in!
Group 1 of 3 – Authentic Dr. Martens
These are the authentic men’s models made by Dr. Martens themselves – no dupes here!
9. DR. MARTENS – Vegan 1460 Felix Lace Up Boots
The iconic Dr. Martens 8-eye 1460 boot, but better. Available in black and cherry red.
Standout features:
- Upper-mid range price point
How vegan are they?
- Dr. Martens informed us that they have an agreement with suppliers that their vegan models will “not contain any materials or components which are derived from animals.”
Where do they ship to?
- Dr. Martens ships worldwide, and has a strong international retail presence
8. DR. MARTENS – Vegan 1461 Mono Felix Platform Shoes
A platform Derby-style shoe, featuring non-contrast welt stitching. Currently available in black.
Standout features:
- Upper-mid range price point
How vegan are they?
- Dr. Martens informed us that they have an agreement with suppliers that their vegan models will “not contain any materials or components which are derived from animals.”
Where do they ship to?
- Dr. Martens ships worldwide, and has a strong international retail presence
7. DR. MARTENS – Jadon ll Boot Kemble Mono Platforms
A monochromatic, chunky Derby boot, but without the signature Dr. Martens contrast stitching. Currently available in white.
Standout features:
- Upper-mid range price point
How vegan are they?
- Dr. Martens informed us that they have an agreement with suppliers that their vegan models will “not contain any materials or components which are derived from animals.”
Where do they ship to?
- Dr. Martens ships worldwide, and has a strong international retail presence
6. DR. MARTENS – Faux Fur-Lined Lace Up Boots
A cold-weather version of the classic 1460 boots from Dr. Martens. This model is their first to feature faux fur lining. Currently available in black and brown.
Standout features:
- Upper-mid range price point
How vegan are they?
- Dr. Martens informed us that they have an agreement with suppliers that their vegan models will “not contain any materials or components which are derived from animals.”
Where do they ship to?
- Dr. Martens ships worldwide, and has a strong international retail presence
5. DR. MARTENS – Vegan 2976 Felix Chelsea Boots
A slick and timeless model, these Chelsea boots are a cruelty-free take on the 2976 – a boot that Dr. Martens first debuted in the 70s. Currently available in black.
Standout features:
- Upper-mid range price point
How vegan are they?
- Dr. Martens informed us that they have an agreement with suppliers that their vegan models will “not contain any materials or components which are derived from animals.”
Where do they ship to?
- Dr. Martens ships worldwide, and has a strong international retail presence
4. DR. MARTENS – 1461 Oxford Shoes
This Oxford shoe from Dr. Martens may actually be a Derby, but we’ll defer to the shoe maker on that one. This is a vegan version of the second shoe ever released by DM – it doesn’t get more iconic than that!
Currently available in a high-gloss black and purple.
Standout features:
- Upper-mid range price point
How vegan are they?
- Dr. Martens informed us that they have an agreement with suppliers that their vegan models will “not contain any materials or components which are derived from animals.”
Where do they ship to?
- Dr. Martens ships worldwide, and has a strong international retail presence
3. DR. MARTENS – Platform Chelsea Boots
A platform take on their Chelsea boot, but without the contrast detail to the stitching. Currently available in black.
Standout features:
- Upper-mid range price point
How vegan are they?
- Dr. Martens informed us that they have an agreement with suppliers that their vegan models will “not contain any materials or components which are derived from animals.”
Where do they ship to?
- Dr. Martens ships worldwide, and has a strong international retail presence
2. DR. MARTENS – 101 Felix Ankle Boots
For those who want to show a little more ankle (why not, life is short!) while wearing their Docs, these boots are clean, sharp, and solid. Currently available in black.
Standout features:
- Upper-mid range price point
How vegan are they?
- Dr. Martens informed us that they have an agreement with suppliers that their vegan models will “not contain any materials or components which are derived from animals.”
Where do they ship to?
- Dr. Martens ships worldwide, and has a strong international retail presence
1. DR. MARTENS – 1460 Kemble Lace Up Vegan Boots
The iconic 1460 boot, but made with Kemble material (a type of PU) that gives off a smooth matt finish to contrast the signature Docs translucent, gum-coloured air-cushioned sole. Currently available in white.
Standout features:
- Upper-mid range price point
How vegan are they?
- Dr. Martens informed us that they have an agreement with suppliers that their vegan models will “not contain any materials or components which are derived from animals.”
Where do they ship to?
- Dr. Martens ships worldwide, and has a strong international retail presence
Group 2 of 3 – Analogues
The shoes and boots in this group closely resemble the iconic styling of Docs, but are made by other brands.
5. VEGETARIAN SHOES – Airseal Boulder Boot
From British brand Vegetarian Shoes comes their own classic Docs-style boots – the Airseal, which of course, features squishy Airseal soles.
Standout features:
- Upper-mid range price point
- Handcrafted with fair labour in the UK
- Comfortable and hard-wearing Airseal Town Soles
How vegan are they?
- Vegetarian shoes is a pioneer in the vegan footwear space. Despite lacking formal certification, the VS team assures us that “All shoes are vegan.”
Where do they ship to?
- Vegetarian Shoes ships worldwide
4. BELLASTORIA – JACK Boat Moccasin
Possibly drawing the most inspiration from Dr. Martens of any entries on this list, the waterproof Jack Boat moccasins feature yellow contrast stitching and translucent soles, just like Docs.
Currently available in brown.
Standout features:
- Lower-mid range price point
- Waterproof
- Made to order
- Made with fair labour in Italy
- Customizable shoes
How vegan are they?
- The Bellastoria team has assured us that their footwear is completely free of animal-derived materials and ingredients
Where do they ship to?
- Bellastoria ships worldwide
3. WORKERS PLAYTIME – Tuatara
A classic Derby shoe from British brand Workers Playtime, the Tuatara features a translucent sole and contrast stitching.
Currently available in black.
Standout features:
- Lower-mid range price point
- Made in Portugal with fair labour
- Donates to animal welfare related causes, such as The Hoppy Acre Animal Sanctuary
How vegan are they?
- Workers Playtime is a PETA-approved brand, so you can trust that their products are 100% vegan, down to the glues
Where do they ship to?
- Workers Playtime ships worldwide
2. BOHEMA – Chunky Derbs
Made with Vegea grape leather, these black derby shoes are a modern take on a timeless classic. Currently available in black.
Standout features:
- Mid to upper-mid range price point
- Bomeha plants 2 trees with every pair purchased
- Hand made with fair labour in Poland
How vegan are they?
- While not a certified vegan brand, Bohema assures us that all components of their footwear is 100% vegan
Where do they ship to?
- Bohema ships worldwide
1. BELLASTORIA – Dr. Low Derby
These low Derby shoes from Italian brand Bellastoria are customizable down to the smallest detail – from the choice of material, colour, and even the structure of the sole.
Currently available in a bevy of colours (and even fabrics!), ranging from black vegan leather to patterned textile.
Standout features:
- Lower-mid range price point
- Made to order
- Made with fair labour in Italy
- Customizable shoes
How vegan are they?
- Although their PETA-certification has recently lapsed, the Bellastoria team has assured us that their footwear is completely free of animal-derived materials and ingredients
Where do they ship to?
- Bellastoria ships worldwide
Group 3 of 3 – Somewhat Similar to Docs
We’ve chosen the shoes and boots in this group to showcase models with some “Doc-ish” elements, but are different from the styles favoured by the good people at Dr. Martens.
12. BOHEMA – Combat Workers Men’s Cactus Leather Boots
From Polish brand Bohema comes the Combat Workers Cactus Leather Boots – a platform boot with a slightly raised heel and contrast stitching. Currently available in black.
Standout features:
- Mid to upper-mid range price point
- Bomeha plants 2 trees with every pair purchased
- 3 cm sole height
- Hand made with fair labour in Poland
How vegan are they?
- While not a certified vegan brand, Bohema assures us that all components of their footwear is 100% vegan
Where do they ship to?
- Bohema ships worldwide
11. WORKERS PLAYTIME – Rhino
A padded ankle boot from Workers Playtime, the Rhino features a very Docs-like translucent sole, and some subtle contrast stitching.
Currently available in brown (“tan and brass”).
Standout features:
- Lower-mid range price point
- Made in Portugal with fair labour
- ISO 14001:2004 and Oekotex 2005AN2562 certified and REACH compliant
- Donates to animal welfare related causes, such as The Hoppy Acre
How vegan are they?
- Workers Playtime is a PETA-approved brand, so you can trust that their products are 100% vegan, down to the glues
Where do they ship to?
- Workers Playtime ships worldwide
10. ALTERCORE – 656 – Steel Toes
A chunky, steel-toed boot with thick welt stitching. Not contrasted like the traditional Doc Martens, but could definitely pass for the Doc’s industrial cousin. Currently available in black.
Standout features:
- Lower-mid range price point
- Steel reinforced toe
- 4 cm sole height
- Thick welt stitching
- Made in Poland with fair labour
How vegan are they?
- Altercore has assured us that these boots, and others marked on their site, are free from any and all ‘zoonotic products.’
Where do they ship to?
- Altercore ships internationally via Zibru
9. BEFLAMBOYANT – Coco Boots
From Spanish brand BeFlamboyant comes a military boot that reviewers claim to be extremely comfortable and easy to wear.
Being carbon neutral, shipped in zero waste packaging, and made from a variety of low-impact materials such as rice and recycled PET, these boots are also easy on the environment. Currently available in black or brown.
Standout features:
- Upper-mid range price point
- Low-impact environmentally
- Instant refunds offered
- Hand made in Spain with fair labour
- 5/5 from 8 reviews on the BeFlamboyant website
How vegan are they?
- BeFlamboyant is a PETA-approved brand, which means these boots are guaranteed to be free from animal-derived materials and ingredients (right down to the glues)
Where do they ship to?
- Free worldwide shipping
8. GOOD GUYS GO VEGAN – BOBBY Tyrolean Shoes
These moc-toe shoes from French brand Good Guys Go Vegan feature welt stitching like Docs, but it’s more subtle since it’s not contrasted.
Standout features:
- Upper-mid range price point
- Charitable brand that donates to animal welfare causes
- Made in Italy with fair labour
- Oekotex Standard 100 Class-approved shoes
How vegan are they?
- Good Guys Go Vegan is a PETA-approved brand, so all components of these cowgirl/cowboy boots are guaranteed to be vegan-friendly
Where do they ship to?
- Good Guys ships worldwide
7. GOOD GUYS GO VEGAN – BLAZE Combat Boots
A similar yet-not similar alternative to the classic 1461 boot from Dr. Martens, these combat boots don’t have contrast stitching or a translucent sole. So if you’re looking for something Docs-esque, but without some of their notable features, these could be an option worth exploring.
Standout features:
- Upper-mid range price point
- Charitable brand that donates to animal welfare causes
- Made in Italy with fair labour
- Oekotex Standard 100 Class-approved boots
How vegan are they?
- Good Guys Go Vegan is a PETA-approved brand, so all components of these cowgirl/cowboy boots are guaranteed to be vegan-friendly
Where do they ship to?
- Good Guys ships worldwide
6. SARCASTIC RHINO – Vegan for The Animals
For those who want to boldly express where they stand, these combat-style boots from American brand Sarcastic Rhino feature “Vegan for the Animals” messaging. Currently available in black with white print.
Standout features:
- Mid-range price point
- Supports Mercy for Animals with Every Purchase
How vegan are they?
- The SR team told us that, “Our shoes do not contain any animal-derived products. Everything used is synthetic.” The brand themselves is as vegan as it gets, as they promote animal welfare activism, and support Mercy for Animals with every purchase
Where do they ship to?
- Sarcastic Rhino offers free worldwide shipping
5. SELBI – Weasly Dry
Made primarily with organic cotton, recycled plastic, and natural rubber, these sneaker boots from Colombian brand Selbi feature natural and recycled materials and loads of features geared towards comfort.
Currently available in black, tan, or red.
Standout features:
- Mid-range price point
- Made in Spain with fair labour
- Ergonomic insoles
- Waterproof
How vegan are they?
- Selbi is a PETA-approved vegan brand, so you can trust that their products are 100% free of animal-derived ingredients and materials
Where do they ship to?
- Selbi ships worldwide
4. SOLOVAIR – Vegan Leather Sneaker
A vegan leather plimsoll-style sneaker with subtle contrast stitching, making for an elegant look.
Currently available in black or cherry red (please note – other colours listed as options on the Solovair website may not be vegan).
Standout features:
- Mid-range price point
- Made in England with fair labour
How vegan are they?
- While not an entirely vegan brand, these shoes are 100% vegan (down to the glues), as they are part of Solovair’s PETA-approved line
Where do they ship to?
- Solovair ships worldwide
3. SOLOVAIR – Vegan Hi-Shine Tassel Loafer
A tassel loafer with some subtle contrast stitching – now we’re in business. Currently available in cherry red or black.
Standout features:
- Mid-range price point
- Made in England with fair labour
How vegan are they?
- While not an entirely vegan brand, these loafers are 100% vegan (down to the glues), as they are part of Solovair’s PETA-approved line
Where do they ship to?
- Solovair ships worldwide
2. SOLOVAIR – Vegan Monkey Boot
For those looking for a bold choice that’s somewhere between a combat boot and a Chukka boot, English brand Solovair brings us these Monkey boots that feature subtle yet sharp contrast stitching. Currently available in cherry red, blue, black, and merlot.
Standout features:
- Mid-range price point
- Made in England with fair labour
How vegan are they?
- While not an entirely vegan brand, these boots are 100% vegan (down to the glues), as they are part of Solovair’s PETA-approved line
Where do they ship to?
- Solovair ships worldwide
1. ALTERCORE – 653
The 653 boots from Polish brand Altercore feature a thicker and more defined version of Doc Marten’s contrast stitching, giving it an edgy, industrial vibe. Currently available in grey.
Standout features:
- Lower-mid range price point
- 4 cm sole height
- Thick welt stitching
- Made in Poland with fair labour
How vegan are they?
- While not an entirely vegan brand, Altercore has assured us that these boots, and others marked on their site, are free from any and all ‘zoonotic products.’
Where do they ship to?
- Altercore ships internationally via Zibru
As you can see, not only does Dr. Martens have a nice variety of vegan options for men, there are other brands stepping up to fill some voids in styles and options.
Did we miss any models or brands? Please let us know in the comments below!
Tim is the Founder of Get it Vegan. A vegan for nearly 10 years, he spends his days learning about veganism and animal welfare issues. He enjoys finding vegan-friendly items and saying, "Look, this is vegan!!" to anyone who will listen.
Be First to Comment