Made for Summer: Dr. Martens’ Latest Collection Lands at Tower!

A Shoot in Hackney

We shot the collection around Broadway Market in Hackney, photographing the Zebzag, Jorge, Josef, Nartilla and Blaire with Alex J Robson; Gustavo and Gabriella wear the pieces throughout the set. The market’s mix of textured backstreets, paused terraces and sudden pockets of sun is a useful mirror for chunky sandals in a London summer — they sit comfortably against linen stalls and graffiti walls alike, grounding airy outfits with an urban edge.

Design & Details

These five silhouettes offer a range of practical details to consider when styling for the season. The Jorge and Blaire present cleaner, slightly more structured lines in updated materials and new colours, while the Josef introduces adjustable straps and a robust, welted Shore sole with a soft suede footbed — features that translate into comfort and all-day wearability on city streets. The Zebzag, Nartilla and other shapes balance bold proportions with purposeful construction, so you get presence without sacrificing fit.

When choosing a chunky sandal for summer, look for elements that work with London’s variable weather and terrain: resilient soles for grip on cobbles, adjustable straps for a secure fit when you’re walking, and finishes that tolerate a light drizzle or a day of sightseeing. These are shoes designed to read as part of an outfit as much as they perform — use the contrasts between weighty soles and lightweight fabrics to shape your look.

Styling the Collection

Chunky sandals are unusually versatile for summer because they act as both anchor and accent. Here are practical ways to wear each style around town:

• Zebzag — Tuck into relaxed, baggy jeans for a casual weekday outfit or let the ankle strap sit undone against a flowing midi skirt for an undone, barefoot-in-the-park feel. The contrast between a soft skirt and a chunkier sole is modern and easy to pull off.
• Jorge — Pairs well with cropped tailored trousers and lightweight tailoring for a cooler evening. The structured silhouette complements sharper lines, so try it with a linen blazer or a fitted summer shirt.
• Josef — The adjustable straps make this one ideal for long days on foot; style with high-waisted shorts, a boxy tee and an overshirt for a practical festival-to-café look. The suede footbed and sturdy sole mean you can walk further without compromising on ease.
• Nartilla — Works with dresses and skirts when you want a slightly more feminine take on chunky footwear. A sundress or slip dress with a cropped denim jacket makes for a balanced summer outfit that’s still London-appropriate.
• Blaire — Excellent with tapered trousers or culottes, and strong when paired with neutral linens. Use it to add weight to lighter fabrics, or contrast it against colour — a bold sandal silhouette lifts pared-back summer pieces.

Because many of these sandals are unisex in shape, borrowing across gendered wardrobe lines is encouraged. For early mornings or cooler evenings, add thin socks for an intentional, streetwise look; for daytime, let bare skin and ankle straps keep outfits light. In general, think in contrasts — heavy sole + light fabric, structured shoe + relaxed tailoring — to make these sandals feel contemporary rather than overpowering.

These styles are about making the most of summer in the city: easy to wear, simple to style and adaptable from market mornings to evening terraces.

You can find the full collection in-store and online at Tower-london.com

Shop Dr. Martens Summer Styles at TOWER

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