Dr. Martens qZERO®
Sustainability Score
United Kingdom Since 1960, Dr. Martens has stitched its way into cultural history, from factory floors to festival fields. Born in post-war England, the brand reimagined traditional work boots with an air-cushioned sole — known for its signature yellow stitching and air-cushioned soles, Dr. Martens has become synonymous with resilience and authenticity. Today, Dr Martens stands tall as an icon of self-expression and enduring craftsmanship, rooted in its proud British heritage.
As the world evolves, so does Dr. Martens. Innovation sits at the heart of its journey, blending timeless design with progressive steps towards a more responsible future. While the classic silhouette remains unchanged, the brand advances with new materials and circularity initiatives to lessen its environmental footprint while respecting people and communities throughout its supply chain.
Dr Martens continues to honour its legacy not just by creating durable footwear but by walking the talk towards a more sustainable tomorrow.
Dr. Martens business sustainability position is in line with average compared to other companies in the Clothing, Shoes & Accessories.
Dr. Martens positioning within the Clothing, Shoes & Accessories
Dr. Martens shows a similar overall performance to many brands in this category across environmental and governance areas, based on available information. The wider sector currently performs more strongly on social factors, highlighting the importance of continued progress in areas such as worker wellbeing, fair pay and supply chain transparency.
The brand’s focus on durable design and product longevity can help reduce waste over time. Continued improvements in material sourcing, manufacturing processes and supply chain visibility will be important to strengthen its overall impact. Clear, evidence-based reporting helps shoppers understand where progress is being made and where further action is needed.
Dr. Martens creates footwear, accessories and clothing designed for everyday wear. The brand is best known for its durable boots and shoes with air-cushioned soles, recognised for comfort and long-lasting construction. Alongside its classic styles, the range includes sandals, bags and vegan alternatives made without animal leather. Dr. Martens also offers repair options in selected locations, helping customers keep their products in use for longer. The focus is on combining distinctive design with practical function for daily life.
Dr. Martens approaches sustainability through product durability and long-term value. Its footwear is designed to be worn over time, reducing the need for frequent replacement. The brand supports this with repair services and product care guidance. While some products may have a higher upfront price, the aim is to offer value through longevity and consistent quality. Dr. Martens shares information about its materials and manufacturing practices, helping customers make informed choices based on clear, accessible information rather than broad or unverified claims.
"Crafted for self-expression. Committed to a better tomorrow."
Dr. Martens focuses on product longevity as a core part of its approach. Its footwear is designed to be durable and long-lasting, supported by care guidance and repair options that help extend its life. This can reduce the need for frequent replacement and lower overall resource use.
The brand is also working to improve how products are made. This includes increasing the use of alternative materials, such as lower-impact leather, recycled content and vegan options in selected ranges. Efforts to reduce packaging and manage waste are part of this process.
Across its supply chain, Dr. Martens sets standards for working conditions and carries out supplier checks. It shares progress through public reporting, helping customers access clear, factual information about how the business operates and where improvements are being made.
Dr. Martens shows progress in key environmental areas, with a clear focus on improving materials and product design. The brand’s approach to sourcing offers a solid starting point for reducing overall resource impact, particularly where lower-impact or alternative materials are introduced.
At the same time, some areas need further development. Based on publicly available information, actions to manage emissions and prepare for future environmental risks are still evolving. Strengthening these areas with clear targets, timelines and regular updates will help build a more complete picture of progress across the full product lifecycle.
Dr Martens places a clear focus on people, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, forming an important part of its workplace approach. Public disclosures indicate efforts to support representation, equal opportunity and an inclusive culture across its teams. This aligns with the brand’s long-standing connection to individuality and self-expression.
Across its wider supply chain, the picture is more complex. Like many global fashion brands, ensuring consistent working conditions and fair treatment across all suppliers remains an ongoing challenge. The brand has policies, standards and audit processes in place, but continued progress depends on how these are applied and evidenced in practice.
Clear, regular updates on these areas can help customers better understand how the brand is supporting people at every stage of production.
Dr. Martens shows a clear commitment to accountable, transparent governance, with business transparency standing out as a major strength and signalling strong openness around how the company operates. Governance foundations also appear resilient, supported by a high level of business resilience and sustainability that suggests planning for disruption and long-term continuity. That said, the picture is not fully balanced: corporate compliance behaviours sit at a mid-level, indicating that controls, training, and consistent implementation may not yet be uniformly embedded across the business. Supply chain management is a notable weak point, highlighting increased exposure to ethical, legal, and operational risk across suppliers and contractors. Overall, governance reads as values-led at the centre, with execution needing tightening across compliance and the supply chain.
Dr. Martens’ most significant strength is its timeless durability, authentic craftsmanship, and self-expression. Every pair is designed to be worn, loved, and repaired, not replaced — offering a product that stands the test of time in style and construction. With a focus on hard-wearing materials, responsible innovation, and services that extend product life, Dr. Martens empowers consumers to choose boots and shoes that are as individual as they are sustainable. It is a brand built on substance, not fleeting trends, helping every step leave a smaller footprint on the world.
Dr. Martens shows a balanced sustainability profile, with clear foundations in place and visible areas for further progress. For shoppers, this means the brand is taking practical steps—particularly around durability, materials and transparency—while continuing to develop its approach across the full value chain.
In everyday terms, this looks like:
The next step for Dr. Martens is to build on its strong foundation in durability and materials by setting clearer targets and sharing measurable updates over time. Greater visibility across supply chains and continued improvements in production processes will be key to strengthening impact. For consumers, this means more accessible, evidence-based information to support confident buying decisions.
When shopping online:
When shopping in-store:
Choosing well-made products and wearing them for longer can make a meaningful difference—helping you invest in style, comfort and more considered consumption.
Below are Dr. Martens's current sustainability-related certifications and memberships. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check the latest sustainability reports or official brand updates.
Dr. Martens has committed to a science-based Net Zero target, officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This reflects the company's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Dr. Martens is a member of Textile Exchange, a global non-profit that promotes sustainable practices in the textile and fashion industry, with a focus on responsible material sourcing and traceability.
Dr. Martens supports and aligns its sustainability strategy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing particularly on goals related to climate action, equality, responsible production, and clean water management.
Tip for shoppers: Look for labels such as "Vegan" or "Made with Sustainable Materials," or check online product descriptions and in-store signage for mentions of sustainability initiatives. For the latest certifications and sustainability efforts, we encourage you to visit the Dr. Martens Sustainability Hub and review their most recent Sustainability Report.
* Disclaimer: We use publicly available information, licensed data, information generated by artificial intelligence tools and information obtained directly from brands in order to determine our Sustainability Ratings. We recognise that you will be consulting various sources in order to do your due diligence and/or to inform your buying decisions, which may include considering our Sustainability Ratings. Please note that our Sustainability Ratings are for general information only and you must not use any part of the content on our site (including the Sustainability Ratings) for commercial or business purposes without first obtaining a licence to do so from us or our licensors. The Sustainability Ratings are not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. Although we make reasonable efforts to update the information on our site, we make no representations, warranties or guarantees that the content on our site or the Sustainability Ratings are accurate, complete or up to date. We therefore disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on such content by any visitor to our site, or by anyone who may be informed of any of its contents. Please refer to our Terms of Service or contact us at if you have any questions.
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