Since its launch in 1960, Dr. Martens has proven to be a brand with exuberant strength. Built with durable leather, sturdy soles, and impeccable stitching, its shoes are made to last. (A friend of mine now wears her mom’s vintage Dr. Martens on rotation.) The brand’s latest Made Strong campaign leans into the idea of strength, highlighting a diverse group of creators and diving deep into what makes them feel strong—whether it’s their community, identity, or anything in between.
Who What Wear’s editors (myself included!) relate to the sentiment that strength is more than the physical. We all have different stories, backgrounds, and ways that we perceive strength, but there’s one thing we can all collectively agree on: Dr. Martens remains a brand that we can count on for confidence. Keep scrolling to read about what makes us strong and how we wear our Dr. Martens to conquer the world.
What does strength mean to you?
When I think of being strong, I think of how much space we give ourselves to grow and evolve into the people we want to be! My strength manifests itself in really small parts of my day such as choosing an outfit to wear to the office or ordering a pair of shoes online. I intentionally choose which brands to shop from and make sure to change that list as the world evolves and as my values become more solidified with age. Dr. Martens has morals that match my own, and wearing chic clothes and shoes not only feels empowering but looks empowering, too.
Where do you find your strength and confidence?
The outfits that I put together every day play a major role in how confident I feel. As cliché as it sounds, when I look good, I feel good. As an NYC transplant, I have a deep appreciation for personal style and self-expression through clothes, so I also look to my fellow city dwellers for inspiration and encouragement to wear what makes me feel the most comfortable and stylish no matter the occasion.
Talk about your styling choices here. How does wearing Dr. Martens shoes help you embrace your strength?
Here, I chose to style my Dr. Martens platform boots with a denim-on-denim look that not only felt super on-trend but also edgy and appropriate for NYC’s fall weather. I tucked my jeans into my boots so that the edge of this leather platform boot could shine. I always feel more confident and empowered when I’m wearing a shoe that gives me even just a little bit of height. These boots instantly give me that confidence boost, especially when I see other people sporting these iconic shoes on the subways, on the streets, and even in our office. I added a grey coat to break up the blue and play into the neutrals that I’ll definitely be tapping into all season long.
What does strength mean to you?
I’ve always associated strength with self-worth. Having confidence in my beliefs, where I come from, and what I choose for myself has been my constant source of power. It fuels me with the resilience to overcome life’s many curveballs and the patience to trust that everything I’m looking for will eventually find me.
Where do you find your strength and confidence?
My strength comes from my hometown of Stockton, California. The city celebrates a community of diverse cultures and people who have shaped who I am today. Witnessing the grit and character of the city has given me the courage to live with purpose and go after what I want. And though doing so can be daunting at times, I know I will always have the support of such a vibrant community, which inspires me to keep going.
Talk about your styling choices here. How does wearing Dr. Martens shoes help you embrace your strength?
My tried and true style recipe for fall has been a warm, cozy sweater and a miniskirt. And the 8053 Arc Crazy Horse Leather Platform Shoes by Dr. Martens effortlessly tie the outfit together. The dark brown colorway has a cool, vintage feel, and the extra height makes me feel like I’m on top of the world. Not to mention, the quality of these Dr. Martens is undeniable. The shoes feel good to walk in, and wearing them reminds me how important it is to take my steps with purpose.
What does strength mean to you?
To me, strength is staying true to myself. I think society puts so much pressure on us to be this or that, but as I’ve gotten older, I find I’m just so much happier sticking to the things that make me feel the most like myself. I wear what I want, spend time with who I want, and do the activities that I want to do.
Where do you find your strength?
I’m blessed that I’ve always been so supported throughout my 28 years. My family is always giving me strength—whether that’s words of encouragement, showing up for me, or just keeping me in their thoughts. I’m lucky to have married a partner who knows my core and is behind me with everything I try to achieve in life.
Talk about your styling choices here. How does wearing Dr. Martens shoes help you embrace your strength?
Tastemakers and influencers have worn Dr. Martens for generations—there’s no question that the brand is all about strength. Whether I’m wearing a boot, loafer, or slip-on, a pair of Dr. Martens gives me that extra confidence when I’m walking down the street. I love that the shoes are not only comfortable and casual enough to wear with your everyday looks but also always making a statement. I wore my off-white boots with a cool pair of cargo pants (my favorite when I want to stay low-key but stylish) and a sweater. The combo of neutrals (yes, I consider maroon a neutral!) felt seasonal and right on-trend.
