We Tested Dr. Martens Secondhand & Repaired Platform
1460 W Black Smooth Boots from Dr. Martens’ Rewair platform
This is a sponsored post.
When I was in middle school, I got my first pair of Dr. Martens. When my mom wouldn’t let me cut my hair into a shag and my school uniform hid my collection of band tees, my Doc’s became my lifeline to express myself—silently signaling that I knew a bit about punk history and how combat boots became fashionable. I nearly wore the heels down entirely from wearing them so much. What I’d give to still own those shoes, even if just to frame them under glass as a piece of history in the museum of my life—or to have had them repaired and given a second life. Since letting go of that first pair, I’ve become a bit of an online secondhand shopping expert (my screen time says 10,000+ hours), and now Dr. Martens has launched a platform where preloved Doc’s can be brought back to life and loved all over again.
Dr. Martens ReWair is part of the brand's commitment to sustainability and circular fashion and an initiative to reach net-zero carbon emissions. ReWair refurbishes pre-owned Dr. Martens footwear and bags, giving them a second life while lessening the likelihood they’ll be tossed in the trash or a donation pile. Skilled technicians carefully inspect, repair, and restore each shoe, making sure they retain Dr. Martens’ iconic look and quality. Shopping through ReWair means sustainable baddies can enjoy the same durable boots while contributing to a more sustainable fashion cycle—each resold pair generates approximately 89% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than buying new.
I tested out the Dr. Martens ReWair platform to see if it would make it into my rotation of go-to secondhand sites and to reclaim a pair of Doc’s for my wardrobe. I was happy to find the #1 thing I look for in online secondhand shopping: transparency. Transparency, in this case, means honest photos of the item—some even styled for inspiration—along with brief, informative descriptions of the shoe's condition and details about the model. Best of all, you get a shoe that’s essentially brand new for a fraction of the original cost. I also appreciate that shopping secondhand on ReWair has the same feel and organization as their regular retail site. There’s no digging through suspicious listings—Dr. Martens takes care of the listings and repairs, themselves. You can even find rare vintage pairs restored to their former glory! If you’re looking to adopt a pair of Doc’s, here are my top tips for shopping ReWair:
How to Shop Dr Martens ReWair Platform
1. Filter Sizes & Styles
Nothing hurts more than finding a pair of cute shoes and then realizing, to your dismay, that they aren't your size. Save yourself the suffering and filter for your size in styles you like!
2. Scroll!
Take your time scrolling through the site. I like to open each product page in a new tab and add all the pairs I’m interested in to my “cart,” where I later compare and narrow them down.
3. Read the Description
While all ReWair shoes are expertly repaired, their condition can vary depending on their original state. Be sure to read the condition notes, learn about the model, and refer to Dr. Martens' condition guide for reference.
4. Is It Meant to Be?
As much as we love the platform, your dream pair of secondhand Docs may not have been posted yet! Really envision a pair in your wardrobe, and if you don’t see yourself wearing them to the point you might need to send them back to ReWair for a second repair, check back later to see what new styles they’ve added!
5. Care for Your Footwear
Once you’ve found your forever Doc’s, learn how to take care of them. Dr Martens goes beyond ReWair by helping their customers learn how to care for their shoes and keep them looking and feeling great. Check out their care guide here!