- Which is better for all-day standing?
- The Dr. Martens. Its EVA foam insole, Goodyear welt and thick Bex outsole cushion and support far more than the Michaela's flat sole. The trade-off is weight: 2 lbs 8 oz per pair.
- Which lasts longer?
- The Dr. Martens. Goodyear-welted construction lets a cobbler resole it, and the smooth leather upper holds up for years. The Michaela's PVC upper and cemented sole are not built to be repaired.
- Is the Dr. Martens worth the extra money?
- If you wear Mary Janes often, yes. At $150 versus a recent low of $25.93 for the Michaela, you pay about six times more for a resoleable leather shoe. For occasional wear, the Michaela is the cheaper call.
- Which is better for a dressy outfit?
- The Michaela. Its pointed toe, flat sole and studded finish read dressier and lighter. The Dr. Martens platform is chunky and casual.
- Do the Dr. Martens run true to size?
- Dr. Martens generally run slightly large and the unlined leather is stiff at first. Many buyers size down half a size, especially in the 8065 style.
- Which is better in rain or on rough ground?
- The Dr. Martens. Its AirWair outsole has a rugged commando tread and the leather upper sheds water better than PVC with a smooth rubber sole.
