Summary
I was struck by the Dr. Martens Women’s AirWair Rometty Boot’s appearance, but I soon discovered that it stands out in other ways as well. The leather upper’s oily surface adds a sleek touch, adding a classy vibe to the otherwise rugged style for an overall eye-catching silhouette. Thanks to the pull tab at the back and elastic side gussets, pulling on this tall boot didn’t pose any problems. I loved how the platform sole and chunky heel delivered a height boost, delivering increased stability and powerful traction on different surfaces. The sole also contributed to my comfort as the air-cushioned structure protected my foot from feeling the hardness of the ground. To know more about this remarkable boot, read on as we look more closely at its superb characteristics.
If you prefer footwear that stands out, this boot won’t disappoint when it comes to appearance and performance.
Performance Analysis
Comfort
With a profile that’s equal parts stylish and rugged, I wasn’t expecting a lot from the Dr. Martens Women’s AirWair Rometty Boot when it comes to comfort. Fortunately, this boot didn’t disappoint as it turned out to be more comfortable than my initial assumption. The footbed was lightly cushioned so it provided enough softness from the bottom, cradling my foot and keeping it in a stable position inside the boot. There was a soft fabric lining that embraced my foot with a welcoming texture, protecting my skin from chafing against the inner portion of the leather boot so I easily avoided painful blisters.
I was surprised at how the platform sole worked not only to stabilize my steps but also to enhance overall comfort from the bottom. The proprietary air-cushioned sole gave a bit of bounce to my steps, enabling me to walk more comfortably with an almost weightless feeling. The sole also protected my foot from feeling the extreme hardness of the floors and other surface conditions.
I especially liked the height boost that the chunky sole provided as it made me feel taller without the awkward feeling that I sometimes experience when using boots with thick soles.
Meanwhile, the high heel worked not only to boost my height but also to make my steps more stable. The heel dug strongly into different surfaces, so I easily maintained my balanced gait.
While the boot was comfortable enough, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t have the cushy or foamy feel that can be expected from more comfortable boots. The tall height and pull-on design combined to make foot entry a bit challenging and uncomfortable as the leather cinched around my calf. The narrow opening had an advantage, though, as it helped keep my ankle in a steady position to prevent accidental twisting.
Weight
I wasn’t surprised that the boot tipped the scales at the higher end of the weight spectrum. The thick leather and strong cement construction were enough to increase the weight, but the addition of the exceptionally thick and chunky sole sealed the deal. I should mention that the considerable weight also worked to my advantage because it helped stabilize my steps, providing reliable support that prevented my gait from becoming unsteady. However, the significant weight can lead to an uncomfortable experience, especially when the boot is used for walking or standing for extended periods.
Traction
The thick air-cushioned sole featured aggressive treads that strongly bit into the ground I walked on. I was impressed with the proprietary sole design as it provided the outstanding level of traction that I needed to confidently navigate wet or uneven surface conditions without fearing that I’ll easily slip in the process. I felt like I had more control over my steps as the thick sole planted my foot firmly into the ground and enhanced the supportive feeling. The high heel was a welcome enhancement that gave me a taller profile and also offered improved stability, digging into inclined floors and terrains to prevent my foot from sliding in tricky conditions.
Fit and Sizing
This boot is true to its size. The narrow opening gave me the impression that I would have an extremely difficult time sliding my foot in. Luckily, the pull tab saved the day, making the boot much easier to pull on than I expected. However, taking it off was quite hard to do, even with the elastic side panels that stretch to accommodate the foot’s entry and exit. I believe the challenge stems from the narrow structure that locks the ankle and calf in place as soon as the foot enters. Without laces that can be loosened to make the opening wider, there’s no way to get the foot out but by exerting more effort and time.
Waterproofing
The high-quality leather offers some resistance against water and other liquids. It helped protect my foot from getting soaked when liquids were accidentally spilled onto the boot. However, as this isn’t a completely waterproof boot, I won’t recommend it for use in environments that are constantly exposed to wet elements.
Breathability
I was happy to discover that this boot was quite breathable since it didn’t have ventilation holes (or even shoelace eyelets) where the air can pass through. The fabric lining was made of a breathable material, permitting the air to flow freely so that heat can easily disperse before it can cause an overly warm feeling inside the boot. Even in warm weather, my foot still felt comfortable and didn’t feel overheated as the interior remained nicely ventilated.
Quality and Durability
The Dr. Martens Women’s AirWair Rometty Boot is equal parts rugged and classy. I liked how the striking sole contrasted with the sleekness of the burnished leather upper, creating an appearance that’s tough and stylish at the same time. I enjoyed pairing this boot with a wide variety of outfit choices so I was able to maximize my purchase in different environments without worrying that my footwear would look out of place.
The cushioned footbed added a soft element underneath that cradled my foot in a comfortable way. I welcomed this component as it protected the sole of my foot from rubbing painfully against the base of the boot with every step. The light cushioning didn’t feel too thick so the interior didn’t become unbelievably tight – something that can be a problem when wearing thickly cushioned footwear. The soft fabric lining surrounded my foot with a soothing texture and also protected my skin from painful chafing, especially with continuous walking.
The proprietary AirWair sole gave off a bouncy feeling that enabled me to walk comfortably for longer.
I liked how the thick sole helped increase my comfort as it protected my foot from feeling the extreme hardness of different types of surfaces.
The sole also elevated the boot’s aesthetic, giving it an eye-catching look that makes it stand out among other pull-on leather boots.
The thick air-cushioned sole didn’t disappoint when it came to function. The aggressive commando tread delivered an outstanding level of traction that helped me walk with more confidence over tricky surfaces. This high-traction outsole powerfully gripped various floor conditions, enabling me to walk in a steady manner without compromising my safety and comfort in the process. I loved how the chunky heel increased my height without the weird feeling that sometimes comes with wearing boots with thick soles. The heel had another functional benefit as it bit firmly into the ground, making it easier for me to navigate inclined or slippery surfaces without losing my balance.
Built with cement construction, this boot is designed to maintain its structural strength for a long time even with heavy usage. I can feel the durability of this boot not only on the exclusive sole and thick leather upper but also in the finer details, such as the robust stitching all around. These stitches ensure that the bond between the components will last for a long time and won’t easily unravel even when the boot is used in challenging conditions.
The supportive, cushioned sole had a significant role in making this a comfortable boot, but I should mention that it’s far from the most comfortable one I’ve tried. This is because it lacked the foamy and cushy sensation that’s delivered by generously cushioned boots. I also felt some discomfort when the back of the boot started rubbing against my heel, which resulted from the boot’s slightly loose fit. The narrow opening made the foot exit challenging, even with the elastic side panels in place. It’s also worth noting that the tall height made the leather collar rub uncomfortably against my calf.
Other Versions
The Dr. Martens Women’s AirWair Rometty Boot is offered in Black Burnished Wyoming leather. It also has a version with a side zipper and one with faux fur lining.
The Challengers
Ariat Fatbaby Western Boot
The Ariat Fatbaby Western Boot has a profile that’s chunky and feminine at the same time. The Western-style stitching on the upper gives the boot a striking appearance, making it stand out among other boots that only have plain uppers. This boot looks great with a wide variety of outfit choices, enabling you to maximize the footwear in different settings without worries that it won’t fit in. The footbed features four distinct layers of foam to ensure that the foot will have the cushioning and support it needs exactly where it’s required. The rounded tip gives the toes the space to wiggle freely, making it easier to prevent cramping, especially when you’ve already been on your feet for long hours. The rubber outsole has large treads that dig strongly into the ground, helping maintain stable footing even on tricky surfaces. This boot isn’t waterproof, though, so it’s not ideal for wet conditions. The Ariat Fatbaby Western Boot has a profile that’s chunky and feminine at the same time. The Western-style stitching on the upper gives the boot a striking appearance, making it stand out among other boots that only have plain uppers. This boot looks great with a wide variety of outfit choices, enabling you to maximize the footwear in different settings without worries that it won’t fit in. The footbed features four distinct layers of foam to ensure that the foot will have the cushioning and support it needs exactly where it’s required. The rounded tip gives the toes the space to wiggle freely, making it easier to prevent cramping, especially when you’ve already been on your feet for long hours. The rubber outsole has large treads that dig strongly into the ground, helping maintain stable footing even on tricky surfaces. This boot isn’t waterproof, though, so it’s not ideal for wet conditions.
Blundstone 500 Series Original Boot
The Blundstone 500 Series Original Boot is made with premium leather that gives a streamlined look, making it versatile enough to be used in work settings as well as in more relaxed environments. The leather has a breathable structure, permitting plenty of air to get in so the interior continues to feel cool for longer, even when the boot is used in humid or hot settings. This leather is water-resistant, so it protects the foot from uncomfortable wetness, preventing liquids from getting in. The elastic panels are stretchy, allowing the foot to enter the shoe easily. The exclusive XRD technology works in the heel area to deliver superior shock absorption, preventing foot fatigue from setting in when you’ve already been standing or walking for hours. The TPU outsole has a firm grip on different surfaces, helping you avoid slipping accidents on tricky ground conditions. The bond between the sole and upper isn’t extremely durable, though, and is one of the first sections that need to be broken in.
UGG Markstrum Boot
The UGG Markstrum Boot uses waterproof leather to block wet elements, ensuring that your foot will remain comfortably dry even when you’re staying in exceptionally wet settings. The seam-sealed construction stops liquids from seeping in so you can be rest assured that the interior can sustain a completely dry condition for a long time. The pull tab aids in convenient boot-wearing, making it easier for you to pull the boot on without exerting too much effort. The dual panels are designed to stretch easily to accommodate the foot’s entry, saving you from the discomfort that comes from trying to squeeze your foot into an extremely narrow boot opening. The foam-cushioned footbed cradles the foot with enough softness, warding off the pain that can come from walking or standing for extended periods on hard surfaces. A fabric lining soothes the skin with welcoming softness, preventing blisters from developing, especially with continuous foot movements. The thick rubber outsole offers a nice height boost while delivering strong traction to help stabilize your steps over tricky surfaces. However, the boot’s structure is a bit narrow, so it may be uncomfortable for those with wide feet.
Steve Madden Howler Boot
The Steve Madden Howler Boot has a pull-on Chelsea style for convenient wearing. The elastic gussets allow the foot to enter without any trouble, stretching easily so it doesn’t need to be forced into a narrow boot opening. A pull tab at the back helps make foot entry much easier so you won’t need to spend a long time on the task. The cushioned footbed cradles the foot to keep it comfortable while you’re walking or doing other activities that require staying upright for hours. The soft lining has a breathable design, allowing the air to move unhampered throughout the boot so the interior easily maintains a properly ventilated environment to stop overheating. The thick outsole features massive treads that grip the ground firmly, sustaining your stable footing to prevent slipping in slick or unstable ground conditions. This chunky sole also delivers a height boost and gives the boot an eye-catching appearance. The boot’s narrow structure isn’t for those with wide feet, though, as it may lead to discomfort.
Sorel Brex Chelsea Boot
The Sorel Brex Chelsea Boot is sustainably certified and is created using leather that’s sourced from a Gold-Rated (by the Leather Working Group) tannery. The waterproof construction forms an impenetrable barrier against wet elements to ensure that your foot stays completely dry when you’re in exceptionally wet surroundings. The seam-sealed design won’t allow liquids and other sources of moisture to penetrate, so you can confidently move around wet settings without worrying about compromising your foot’s dryness. The elastic side panels allow the foot to enter in a comfortable way, so you won’t need to force it into a narrow boot opening. The footbed offers good cushioning to support the foot comfortably throughout the day. The exclusive molded rubber outsole has an almost futuristic look, showcasing a cool vibe that significantly elevates the boot’s aesthetic, so it easily stands out among other boots. The toe box may feel a bit tight, though, so this boot may not be the most ideal option for those with wide feet.
UGG Markstrum Boot
The UGG Markstrum Boot uses waterproof leather to block wet elements, ensuring that your foot will remain comfortably dry even when you’re staying in exceptionally wet settings. The seam-sealed construction stops liquids from seeping in so you can be rest assured that the interior can sustain a completely dry condition for a long time. The pull tab aids in convenient boot-wearing, making it easier for you to pull the boot on without exerting too much effort. The dual panels are designed to stretch easily to accommodate the foot’s entry, saving you from the discomfort that comes from trying to squeeze your foot into an extremely narrow boot opening. The foam-cushioned footbed cradles the foot with enough softness, warding off the pain that can come from walking or standing for extended periods on hard surfaces. A fabric lining soothes the skin with welcoming softness, preventing blisters from developing, especially with continuous foot movements. The thick rubber outsole offers a nice height boost while delivering strong traction to help stabilize your steps over tricky surfaces. However, the boot’s structure is a bit narrow, so it may be uncomfortable for those with wide feet.
Steve Madden Howler Boot
The Steve Madden Howler Boot has a pull-on Chelsea style for convenient wearing. The elastic gussets allow the foot to enter without any trouble, stretching easily so it doesn’t need to be forced into a narrow boot opening. A pull tab at the back helps make foot entry much easier so you won’t need to spend a long time on the task. The cushioned footbed cradles the foot to keep it comfortable while you’re walking or doing other activities that require staying upright for hours. The soft lining has a breathable design, allowing the air to move unhampered throughout the boot so the interior easily maintains a properly ventilated environment to stop overheating. The thick outsole features massive treads that grip the ground firmly, sustaining your stable footing to prevent slipping in slick or unstable ground conditions. This chunky sole also delivers a height boost and gives the boot an eye-catching appearance. The boot’s narrow structure isn’t for those with wide feet, though, as it may lead to discomfort.
Conclusion & Verdict
The Dr. Martens Women’s AirWair Rometty Boot is a solid choice when you’re on the lookout for high-quality pull-on boots with a remarkable style. The top-notch materials and reinforced stitching offer lasting durability that can be enjoyed for a long time. There’s enough cushioning inside to promote comfort, although I discovered that this boot lacked the foamy feel that I enjoyed in the most comfortable boots I’ve worn. I loved how the signature AirWair sole delivered powerful traction and a wonderful height boost, at the same time cushioning the foot against the impact of repetitive steps on hard surfaces. This boot is a bit difficult to take off, though, as the narrow opening locks the foot in place.
- Sleek
- Air-cushioned sole
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Powerful traction
- Difficult to take off
- Not waterproof
