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Dr. Martens boots have trended since the 1970s and 80s, and parents might remember wearing Docs with everything from overalls to floaty floral dresses. They may also have sticker shock at today’s prices: At $150 or $200 per pair, Dr. Martens boots and sandals may not be part of the budget. Spending that much on one pair of boots or shoes can feel prohibitive, especially when a kid’s feet are still growing.
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If you don’t have Dr. Martens shoes of your own to share, try these 15 less expensive options to offer to teenagers. Sometimes the most affordable alternatives can come from the site itself. Sign up for the Dr. Martens newsletter and get a first time shopping discount plus information on periodic and substantial seasonal sales.
In the meantime, we’ve found 15 Doc Martens knock-offs that come in under $100, with many under $50.
The Soda Lug Chelsea Boots feature a PU leather upper, round toe, gored elastic sides and back pull-tab, block 3.5-inch rubber heel and familiar lug sole. These boots have the things that are recognizable in Dr. Martens pull-on Chelsea boots—minus the leather and a 1 in front of the price. Even the name Chelsea hearkens back to the early Dr. Martens popularity in 1960s London.
Get the Soda Lug Chelsea Boots at Tilly's for $39
Dr. Martens became popular as kids started customizing them with shoelaces and flower stickers. The Soda Chunky Chelsea Women’s Clay Boots gives today’s teenagers a blank canvas to do the same 50 years later.
Soda does a great job at throwing back to that time with these easily-customizable boots that are a switch from the classic black Dr. Martens. The 2.5-inch stacked rubber heel and lug sole bring the work boot look and feel, for just under $40. An added benefit for teenagers with smaller feet is that these boots are available in size 5.5 and up.
Get the Soda Chunky Chelsea Women’s Clay Boots at Tilly’s for $40
The classic Dr. Martens lace-up boot is echoed in the Chinese Laundry Dirty Laundry Newz Bootie. For just under $80, these Dr. Martens look-alike boots might have you (and your teenager) doing a boot double-take. Available in black or white, these boots look great with skinny jeans, floral skirts and ripped jeans too.
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Get the Dirty Laundry Newz Bootie at Chinese Laundry for $79
Dr. Martens popular Mary Jane shoes were nearly impossible to find for many months in 2021. There are many Mary Jane brogue alternatives but the Asos Maisie Chunky Mary-Jane Flat is a great option. Billed as having that “new shoe” feeling, the pin-buckle fastening, round toe and manageable 2-inch heel make these a great everyday option. Simply wipe the patent faux-leather upper clean with a damp cloth or sponge and these Mary Janes are ready to go.
Get the Maisie Chunky Mary-Jane Flat Shoes at Asos for $45
T.U.K makes their own stylish lug-soled Mary Janes. Perfect for the space between casual and dressed up, these T.U.K Mary Jane brogues feature a low 1 ½-inch platform. Made from TUKskin material, the polishable synthetic faux leather is both soft and breathable and lined with a removable memory foam insole—making them easy for teenagers to break in and wear everyday.
Get the Black TUKSkin Viva II Mary Jane at T.U.K for $89
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Chic chain detailing gives this classic lug-soled loafer a cool edge. Teenagers can slip these loafers on and easily walk the campus with a little bit of a lift and a lot of loafer. Perfect to wear with jeans or dresses, these Dr. Martens alternatives ring in just under $60.
Get the Madden Girl Hoxtonn Slip On Loafer at Macy's for $59
If you’re looking for a classic lace-up shoe reminiscent of Dr. Martens brogues, the Asos Mayan shoes are a great lower-cost option with no lack of stylish details. Described as “love at first scroll,” the shoes feature a classic round toe, chunky sole and lugged tread. Trendy and only $50, the smooth faux-leather upper is easy to clean and wear.
Get the Mayan Chunky Lace-up Flat Shoes at Asos for $50
Perfect with skinny jeans, the Steve Madden Santor boot has the work boot feel with the comfort of a padded collar and durable rubber soles for easy traction on campus. Take a walk on the less expensive side with the Santor Boot that features smooth faux leather, laced up front and stylish side zippers. Don’t forget to check out Journey’s sales and coupons to save even more on these boots, which are available in both black or cognac.
Get the Santor Boot at Journeys for $60
Dr. Martens may have started out with just functional work boots; now they have everything from Mary Janes to women’s sandals. However, even the sandals run upwards of $140. The Dazze Lug Sole Flatform sandals feature a strappy upper combined with a sturdy platform all for half as much. Available in black or white, these sandals feel substantial and are available at Target for easy returns.
Get the Madden Girl Dazze Lug Sole Flatform Sandal at Target for $65
Whether your teen is looking for a cooler shoe for a first job interview or just the hip styling of a patent brogue, these lace-up shoes (also available in wide fit) are a great option. From the more casual wing-tip details to the chunky sole and textured tread, these wipe-clean brogues work for fun or functionality. Walking the high school halls or the graduation line-up, these brogues are an easy way to wear a dressier shoe while still feeling age-appropriate.
Get the Truffle Collection Casual Lace-up Brogues at Asos for $64
What’s white and black all over but doesn’t cost a lot of green? The Asos Chelsea Calf Boots in white faux leather with a black sole. There’s something about a pair of white boots that is a conversation piece. No one will be talking about these boots not being Dr. Martens with their Smooth faux leather upper, pull tabs for easy entry, side zip closure, elasticized insert and chunky sole. Boots season is definitely back.
Get the Chelsea Calf Boots at Asos for $70
The classic Mary Jane platform gets a price makeover in these Madden Girl pumps. With a 1-inch platform and 2.5-inch stacked heel, teenagers can stand tall in these Mary Janes without shortening the budget quite as much. Available in white (with a black sole) or black (with a black sole), these Mary Jane platforms go equally well with a dress or skinny jeans. Dress them up or down, the platform keeps the wearer a little higher on their toes.
Get the Madden Girl Hollie Mary Jane Pump at DSW for $55
Even a combat boot can get a little floral-y. These Kiwi Platform Combat Boots are reminiscent of the Dr. Martens version with their thick sole and delicate floral design. Available in multiple colors, the black rose or white floral are a great way to put some spring in your step with flowers and the season. These UnionBay combat boots feature a faux leather upper and easy zip-up closure combined with a lace-up front for easy access and fit. A 1-inch heel and padded insole make these boots an all-day option at school or beyond.
Get the UnionBay Kiwi Platform Combat Boots at Shoe Carnival starting at $50
Sometimes lacing up a shoe is too much on busy school mornings. The Universal Thread Chelsea Boot takes the lacing out of the day, so teenagers can simply slip these on. Available in gray or dark brown, the neutral Chelsea-style boot features a 2.75-inch block heel, stretchy dual side goring and a back tab for easy off and on.
Get the Universal Thread Naya Heeled Chelsea Boots at Target for $40
Available in dark burgundy, ivory or black, these platform oxfords feature contrasting black shoelaces for the ivory version and contrast stitching on the soles. The almond-shaped toe balances the chunky lug base and lace-up front for easy fitting on growing feet. A great functional pair of oxfords, the 1.5-inch block lug sole gives these oxfords just enough Dr. Martens style to make people do a double take.
Get the Mark Fisher LTD Dorind Oxford at DSW starting at $80
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.