EXTRA TIP: Gel heel cups work super well for protecting your ankles from your new Docs (I wish I had discovered these before breaking in mine, maybe I'd have avoided the scars I'm left with 🙃), they are pretty cheap and get the job done if you don't want to mess around. Check them out here: fave.co/4eBNjVt (not sponsored! Affiliate link)
I remember getting my first pair as a teen in 1994 trying to break them in…I was in so much pain walking home I took them off as was bleeding,walked home in my socks lol… lasted me till 2000 when my daughter was born worth every penny!!!
i tried one of your tricks. i did not have any feminine pads because i am a guy but i did find two tampons a female friend left in my bathroom, so being the Macgyver that i am i used them with duct tape. Worked great! Thanks for the tip!
When I saw the plastic bag trick I was like “no way am I doing that”. And then I got desperate and did it. Worked perfectly 😂 This will make breaking them in much nicer.
I got a pair of 1460 Pascal Mono. Really hard leather. I have oiled and waxed them and leather is a little bit softer. As for the massaging part I am really considering just running them over with my car every morning for two weeks. 😄🤷🏼♂️
I just got the blue roses with snake leather. The top of foot is Rick hard. I don’t want to return. But I need a good fix. Y this is my 15th pair. This is the hardest I kept. Please help. Running out of time. I have fibromyalgia and my feet are very sensitive. I like the suede pascals best. But those also are very tight we’re the laces start. I like to put inserts in. But some are too tight to do that. I will not give up on. My docs. Ps. My mother who is 93 likes all my newest ones that have prints. She asked if dr. Marten was my boy friend. I said I wish. Lol
I grew up on a farm and was in the US military for twenty years. Did the thick socks, second skin and bandaids. My feet are use to braking in new boots. Thanks for the tips!!
I remember my first pair of Docs and I was super excited but then I hated myself for spending so much on a medieval torture device. So I went back to the Doc Martens shop and they were able to help me break them in. They gave me a few stick on heel pads. And since they had a sale I bought a few pairs of Doc Socks. I gotta say, the socks really work wonders. They have these cushion areas to help stretch out the boots when walking. My current pair I recycled some insoles from some old trainers I have and now they're the most comfortable shoes I own. I never thought of using a bag or even a sanitary pad for this. I gotta try them out with the new pair I am purchasing soon.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! i just got my first pair of docs yesterday, and i need them broken in for tomorrow. i didnt even know i needed to break them in before today so tysm
OMG!!! I put pads in my Doc boots in high school when I was 15 because they were too big! You are the only one I've heard do this too!!! Pads are PERFECT. Especially the bulky overnight ones 🤣 BUT I am going to try the plastic bag trick because my right foot is larger than my left and I have a pair of the leather chelsea Docs. I bought a stretcher that isn't working and due to this they have sat in my closet for 1.5 years...
Thank you so much for the tips! i’m going to try the bag of water tonight? @ NurseFaerie-Did you ever try any of these methods? I too have a pair that have sat in my closet for two +years because I did the sizing conversion wrong online. I used to always buy mine at this awesome independent shoe store on the college campus nearby, but it sadly closed up. So i ordered them online and apparently math is not in my skill set, and converting sizes is hard! ps..it’s not really that difficult, just difficult for me.
I’m 36, have worn a pair of 1460’s since the moment I could walk (thanks to my S.H.A.R.P Skinhead Dad!), and my go to tips are putting 2 thick socks over a hammer and smash the back of the heel of the shoe is until the leather is soft, and also thick socks on and hairdryer on hot for a minute (followed by a blast of cold air for a minute). However I have Doc Martens Chelsea Boots and the bridge is a sod for stretching thanks to my wide feet!
I dont know if you went over this but the top of my foot on the lower part of the tongue kills my tootsies- do you think a sanitary napkin/ pad on top of my foot would help alleviate that pressure?
Yeah!!! I can't believe I found this. I have a pair coming and was wondering how to do this. Also found your UGG boot cleaning videos and I love your tutorials!
haha im in the states and i bought my first pair in 1990 i was 20 and they were 3 hole oxblood shoes and i just put them on and away i went no problems at all,i ended up trading them for a pair of 14 hole steel toes oxblood boots and when i say oxblood im talking about the color in the video,i wore those for yrs got in many fights and ive learned the more you scuff them up and then polish them the better they shine,they ended up looking kinda like the color of a shiny apple almost burgandy they were nice,i ended up going to 14 hole black steel toe grinders which again i put them on and away i went i wore those from 1997 till around 2003 i still have them,so i was bored the other day and ordered a pair of 3 hole steel toe black grinders and omg they are so heavy and have a new design sole on them,yea im sending them back to the uk in the morning so im going to buy a pair of black 3 hole vintage 1461 shoes made in england only.i see all these videos and web sites about breaking them in,i never EVER had one blister in all the yrs of wearing boots and i keep mine highly shined so i cant wait to get my black 1461's i was going to get oxblood but im 54 now lol i dont look it or act it so im going with black,hey they match everything,i was a skin for over 12 yrs and well that long it never goes away i still have it in my heart i just dont hang out anymore plus i quit drinking but anyways cheers right haha
I take size 8.5 in DMs but they don't make them do they ? Yes they do. Remove the insole and they magically go up half a size. Other things which work for me: Strip of gaffer / Gorilla tape on the backs of your heels before you put on your socks (ballet dancers do this). Wear tights (or those things which are effectively the foot end of tights) under your socks. Polish them regularly; it softens and conditions the leather and helps keep them waterproof. Best of all, the ones not made of leather are much easier to break in and far less painful. Cross lace them but don't lace them right up. Just use the first 5 holes.
Oh my god!!!! I've been trying for a month now to get just a little more wiggle room in my eights since the nines were were way too big. Removing the insole did it! I cannot thank you enough!!!
Omg, this literally just saved me from taking mine back!! Lol I’m a 9.5 but a 10 is just way too big. The 9’s fit but my foot was just struggling. Literally took out the insole and BAM! It fits so much better. I didn’t even know they came out. Smh.. This makes the breaking in process much better. Thank you!!!
The party liner method works when you put it directly on your heel if they are pull on models. The liner won’t stay put as you pull them on, if there are no laces.
I have a collection of 1460’s vegan ones that are super difficult to break in. One is gunmetal and one is pink. They’re quite unique. I have about 13 pairs of Dr Martens. I might try the menstrual pad method. Thank you for the advice 😊
This is just awesome. Thank you for making this video! I think I'll skip the pad method though, because if I end up hit by a car in the emergency department & they take my boots off, I don't want the bloody pad to fall out, lol! 😎
wonderful tricks! Thank you, and I am on my way! I got my new doc's this morning, and so far i have started with thin soxes for an hour, then changed to thicker soxes for another hour, then you guessed it, changed to thicker soxes for another hour. I then found your video, and have included the plastic bags, which made quite a difference immediately, and i will continue for the rest of the day in them with my very thick soxes. (Might even add another pair if i can). Im doing as much moving around, sitting on my haunches (squatting) to stretch across the boot too. Im normally a 40EU, and after receiving my 41EU online and concluding they were toooo big, I went to a DM store and exchanged for the 39EU. They are tight, but will be good soon! Yay! so happy!
Rather than using a plastic bag full of water in your boots & then into the freezer. Use a rubber balloon the long sausage type & it won't leak if you tie a knot in the end.
Get any baby pomade, oily one. Use it both inside and outside, directly on stiches, leather will soften quickly. And wear old thick socks for a while, cause they will get a bit oily too… Btw, you can use baby pomade on your Docs as a daily care too, there’s no harm… I use this method for about 20y, works perfectly. 😊
@@kyleurban20 I never used it to be honest. Baby pomade is the safest afterall, without any additional substances or smell wich could damage your docs. You can get the cheapest one, it doesn’t matter, just needs to be really oily… 😊
I wish I knew all this when I finally got a real pair of dr martens last year because I bled out badly into them and I have scars all over the backs of my feet and all over my feet from the dr martins
Hey Sara, that sucks! Me too - I have scars on my ankles from learning the hard way, so I wanted to make this video to help others. I hope your scars fade with time ❤
My tips are. Buying a half size bigger. Sweat band round your ankles. Walking across the grass if you live near a park. Wearing them in the summer, leathers warm the soles warm and should mold to your personal step. I hope this is helpful. Peace.
Thank you for the video; however none of the advice takes care of the leather of the boots, which is one of the most important things in order to soften them and make them last without cracking.
Hey Oskar! Thanks for your comment - you are totally right, proper leather care using products is key, however I wanted to focus on free tips for breaking in docs, for those who cannot purchase a leather softener right now. If you use anything free to condition and care for leather please share here. Thank you
Majority of people put on new shoes and go straight out when you buy new shoes or boots you should wear them like slippers around the house for weeks before going out with them
My mum bought me a pair of docs last Christmas but they are super tight over the bridge of my feet. They hurt that bad I wanna cry.. will these tips help break the bridge because they’re bloody sore
I had some for my 17th birthday just over a decade ago and they hurt in exactly the same place! I just 'grinned and beared' it and kept wearing them, the leather did soften eventually!
IMObThe current doc martens made in Vietnam are pretty thin and require hardly any break in compared to what was required years ago. No "hacks" are required, just wear the boots. Within a week or two they will be good. This is not a knock or bash just stating an opinion. They still look great, they just no longer feel and last as long as the great boots from years past.
Ouch that sounds painful! I would suggest stuffing the boots really tight at the base of the tongue to try and break in that particular spot. Use old t-shirts or socks rolled really well, so the leather strains against them. Of course don't damage them, just judge it for yourself. Leave them like that whenever they aren't in use and it will save your feet doing all the work! Good luck!
I'm thinking of having my first pair, well hubby is gonna buy them 4 my b'day, just a little concerned though tht they will kill me & end up being a waste of money?? Need advice please, does all these tips work?? My sis inlaw wears them & she said took her bout 6 months break hers in & said was worth it in the end..
Hey Mary, I understand your concern! Docs can be a little tough to break in but they are worth it in the end. The tips in the video are things that have worked for me over many years of owning docs. If you are worried I'd suggest trying on a pair in a store and having a good walk around to see how they feel. Good luck, and I hope you have a good birthday!
Breakin Docs In is extremely easy Need 2 things liquid Mink Oil and a small heat to warm the leather thats it. Just warm the leather of the boot for about 5 mins till it nice and warm then apply the mink oil all over the boot both inside and out besure not get on the insole one done heat the boot once more push the oil into the leather when start wearing them they break insanely Fast no blisters. Been using Mink Oil on my Doc's since the 80s
Ouch, I know Jadons can have that problem. My best advice would be to use a boot stretcher that does the instep too, or to stuff the boots every time they aren't in use with old socks. Make sure to stuff them tightly, so the top of the boot strains a little bit. Hope that helps 👍
You said there was a list for some specific tricks per model. I can’t find it tho. I was looking for some specific tricks for the chelsea boots (platform) 😄
I got the embury boots. The heel bothers me and the shoe itself is quite wide so my feet move around in them resulting in much soreness at end of day. A thick gel insole helps but the heel bothers me a lot still. I will try the feminine pad hack for that
I have an unworn pair of Chelsea boots I've been putting off for the last six months because I'm afraid of the break in process...it's hard to forget that pain.
Hi there, my first Dr Martens are no Leather Boots. Don’t know how to describe - english is not my first language. Maybe Kind of a shiny synthetic/plastic Material with ribbed Fabrik on the Inside. Wore them First for a dogwalk and had no idea how Bad a Dr Marten can hurt. Had a terrible already ribbed blister on the back of my foot 😢 Since than i havend touched the Docs. Any advice? All I read About Breaking in is about leather boots. Does this also Work for mine? The Model is called 26887 (1460 Gloss Vegan).
I have no problem with it rubbing the heal but i need help with getting it worn in cos i can only do 5 eyes not the full 8 feels very tight then on my leg have the ones that’s got the platform sole the bottom is fine i wear them 5 lace’s but it hurts if i do them up all the way got mine for Christmas last year gonna buy the platform Chelsea’s one
i just got my 1460 pascal monos in chalk pink that i wanted basically since i found out doc martens exist... my problem is that i don't even get to the point of feeling pain at the toes or heel, the top of the boot (the seam where the shoe meets the tongue) digs into my foot THAT MUCH that it hurts immensely and cuts off the blood circulation of my foot... it made me almost scream in pain before even standing up ?! 😭 there's no way of putting even two pairs of socks on in them. i don't even fit them with bare feet... i do have quite wide feet and i heard the pascals are for slimmer feet. i have never experienced this with any shoes before... is there anything i can do about that? 😭
Hey I’ve got some new docs but mine don’t hurt on the ankles it’s the tongue of my left boot which rubs on my leg and making it sore, my right one is fine! Anyone got any tips for helping with this please 🙏🏼
Ouch that sounds painful, I see what you mean! You could try lining the boot tongue with the pad method I show in the video, to create a cushion for your leg 👍
i just ordered mine and the only problem i have w them is how tight they are around the the top of my feet. i can’t tell whether i have to get a bigger size or have to wait till i break them in. they fit perfectly from my toes and ankles so i’m very confused
I got my first pair of martens in 2001. and since they were very hard to get without internet and very expensive for me, breaking in had to work really well. In the oven at the lowest level (about 50°C) with the flap slightly open, I preheated it so that the pores of the leather opened well and became a bit soft, then apply a thick layer of leather grease and put it back in the oven. this made the leather fat very thin and soaked into the shoes. I thought I repeated this process 1-2 more times to get maximum softness and protection. At that time it was still Marten's, which were officially considered work shoes and had to meet special guidelines, with steelcaps. They were the best boots I've ever had and they really did last forever. Perhaps a combination of the methods you've demonstrated is a good middle ground to break them in. ((Boots warmed with the hair dryer, then walk a bit with panty liners and the plastic bag around the feet.) However, I would always treat them with leather conditioner, just to save time and pain.
Thanks for the advice. My new docs and Solov#re are a tough break in. Especially with my left foot because it's bigger round than my right. The blisters and torn skin are very painful. The blisters are slow healing. Any advice on that?
Hi, I used to ballet dance in point shoes and have blisters all over poor toes. My ballet teacher gave me the Tipp to be bare foot and plaster free at night and leave the feet hanging out with no blanket over them and it always worked. Good luck 😊
I have a new pair of 1461, i can tell you what i did So First of all, the leather of the new dr Martens Is not a full grain but a corrected grain and coated, that means that you can simply applay some oil, because they don't absorb It The problem is that because of the type of shoes and of leather they start to cracks very soon, and in some month you can have a hole in the leather So to try to prevent It what i suggest Is to buy a good oil for leather ( or balsam), to heat up the shoes (really hot, i use an hot air gun, those used to take away the Paint from cars) and to put a good amount of oil on the outside of the hot leather and massage It a lot Next, do the same think in the inside, in the points in which you have some crack Do It for 2 or 3 days, and Remember to massage the leather while Is still hot and full of oil outside and inside It Is important to put It also inside, in the outside because of the factory finish the leather can absorb only a limited amount of oil
Hi…I just read your blog regarding Dr. Martens and waterproofing. You recommend otter wax. Is the otter wax product you recommended safe for use on Dr. Martens Pisa leather? I just bought the Sinclair boot in Pisa leather and would like to make them waterproof before I wear them. Thanks
Hey there, I would suggest using the doc martens branded ultra protector aerosol product on the pisa leather for best results. It protects really well from rain and dirt and is great for the softer fine grained pisa leather. Hope that helped!
Because for many Docs are iconic boots that are super fashionable. They last a long time and are always in style. It depends on personal preferences of course, but many (including myself) really love them and find breaking them in worth it ☺️
Leather can be stiff and hard to break in, but will last you much longer than any synthetic materials. For high quality boots that I've seen last 10+ years? Worth it to have to break them in
That's not a stupid question! Here's the answer - if you size up in your docs they will still eventually break in and soften up, which will create even more space inside. The extra space will make the boots feel way too big when walking around. Sizing up may solve some of the initial break in pain, but in the long run it makes the boots simply much too big. Hope that helps! 👍
@@wearablyweird thank you for the reply, very appreciated. What you said makes sense. I have purchased myself a pair of Jadons a few months ago. I wore them around the house , the girl in the shop said going by my longest foot measurement of 26.5cm long I was told get the UK 8. But the boot felt to small and I was frustrated .I ended up selling them. But I want another pair of Jadons or Jadons Max. Thank you for the help.
EXTRA TIP: Gel heel cups work super well for protecting your ankles from your new Docs (I wish I had discovered these before breaking in mine, maybe I'd have avoided the scars I'm left with 🙃), they are pretty cheap and get the job done if you don't want to mess around. Check them out here: fave.co/4eBNjVt (not sponsored! Affiliate link)
I remember getting my first pair as a teen in 1994 trying to break them in…I was in so much pain walking home I took them off as was bleeding,walked home in my socks lol… lasted me till 2000 when my daughter was born worth every penny!!!
Ouch I know the feeling! Best boots ever once broken in though :)
i tried one of your tricks. i did not have any feminine pads because i am a guy but i did find two tampons a female friend left in my bathroom, so being the Macgyver that i am i used them with duct tape. Worked great! Thanks for the tip!
That's awesome, and a great trick! Thanks for the comment
When I saw the plastic bag trick I was like “no way am I doing that”. And then I got desperate and did it. Worked perfectly 😂 This will make breaking them in much nicer.
Haha it's surprisingly effective!
I'm so gonna try this once myfeet recover from my last attempt lol
I got a pair of 1460 Pascal Mono. Really hard leather. I have oiled and waxed them and leather is a little bit softer. As for the massaging part I am really considering just running them over with my car every morning for two weeks. 😄🤷🏼♂️
Haha this tickled me 😆!!
😂😂😂😂
Wrap it in something and hit it with a hammer. lol
I just got the blue roses with snake leather. The top of foot is Rick hard. I don’t want to return. But I need a good fix. Y this is my 15th pair. This is the hardest I kept. Please help. Running out of time. I have fibromyalgia and my feet are very sensitive. I like the suede pascals best. But those also are very tight we’re the laces start. I like to put inserts in. But some are too tight to do that. I will not give up on. My docs. Ps. My mother who is 93 likes all my newest ones that have prints. She asked if dr. Marten was my boy friend. I said I wish. Lol
I grew up on a farm and was in the US military for twenty years. Did the thick socks, second skin and bandaids. My feet are use to braking in new boots. Thanks for the tips!!
Wow, thanks for your comment! Yeah I bet you've broken in your fair share of boots!
I remember my first pair of Docs and I was super excited but then I hated myself for spending so much on a medieval torture device. So I went back to the Doc Martens shop and they were able to help me break them in. They gave me a few stick on heel pads. And since they had a sale I bought a few pairs of Doc Socks. I gotta say, the socks really work wonders. They have these cushion areas to help stretch out the boots when walking. My current pair I recycled some insoles from some old trainers I have and now they're the most comfortable shoes I own. I never thought of using a bag or even a sanitary pad for this. I gotta try them out with the new pair I am purchasing soon.
I tried these today with my boots and they worked amazingly, these are brilliant
That's great I'm glad the tips worked for you! Thanks for letting me know 😁
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! i just got my first pair of docs yesterday, and i need them broken in for tomorrow. i didnt even know i needed to break them in before today so tysm
Good luck!!
Great ideas here. I wish I’d seen these before the painful blisters on my heels from my new docs. Thank you for sharing these handy tips xx
Aww I'm glad you think so ☺️
OMG!!! I put pads in my Doc boots in high school when I was 15 because they were too big! You are the only one I've heard do this too!!! Pads are PERFECT. Especially the bulky overnight ones 🤣 BUT I am going to try the plastic bag trick because my right foot is larger than my left and I have a pair of the leather chelsea Docs. I bought a stretcher that isn't working and due to this they have sat in my closet for 1.5 years...
Haha, I'm glad you've tried doing it too, it's such a good trick! Good luck breaking them in 😁
Thank you so much for the tips! i’m going to try the bag of water tonight?
@ NurseFaerie-Did you ever try any of these methods? I too have a pair that have sat in my closet for two +years because I did the sizing conversion wrong online. I used to always buy mine at this awesome independent shoe store on the college campus nearby, but it sadly closed up. So i ordered them online and apparently math is not in my skill set, and converting sizes is hard!
ps..it’s not really that difficult, just difficult for me.
I’m 36, have worn a pair of 1460’s since the moment I could walk (thanks to my S.H.A.R.P Skinhead Dad!), and my go to tips are putting 2 thick socks over a hammer and smash the back of the heel of the shoe is until the leather is soft, and also thick socks on and hairdryer on hot for a minute (followed by a blast of cold air for a minute). However I have Doc Martens Chelsea Boots and the bridge is a sod for stretching thanks to my wide feet!
The heels on my docs really bother me and I am looking to buy more heel pads from the store. Your feminine pad hack is frickin genius! Thank you!
Thank you! Good luck breaking in the heels, they can be so tough 👍
I dont know if you went over this but the top of my foot on the lower part of the tongue kills my tootsies- do you think a sanitary napkin/ pad on top of my foot would help alleviate that pressure?
Yeah!!! I can't believe I found this. I have a pair coming and was wondering how to do this. Also found your UGG boot cleaning videos and I love your tutorials!
haha im in the states and i bought my first pair in 1990 i was 20 and they were 3 hole oxblood shoes and i just put them on and away i went no problems at all,i ended up trading them for a pair of 14 hole steel toes oxblood boots and when i say oxblood im talking about the color in the video,i wore those for yrs got in many fights and ive learned the more you scuff them up and then polish them the better they shine,they ended up looking kinda like the color of a shiny apple almost burgandy they were nice,i ended up going to 14 hole black steel toe grinders which again i put them on and away i went i wore those from 1997 till around 2003 i still have them,so i was bored the other day and ordered a pair of 3 hole steel toe black grinders and omg they are so heavy and have a new design sole on them,yea im sending them back to the uk in the morning so im going to buy a pair of black 3 hole vintage 1461 shoes made in england only.i see all these videos and web sites about breaking them in,i never EVER had one blister in all the yrs of wearing boots and i keep mine highly shined so i cant wait to get my black 1461's i was going to get oxblood but im 54 now lol i dont look it or act it so im going with black,hey they match everything,i was a skin for over 12 yrs and well that long it never goes away i still have it in my heart i just dont hang out anymore plus i quit drinking but anyways cheers right haha
I'm obsessed with this video omg, thank you so much. this is so practical and I appreciate not having to go spend a bunch of money
Thank you! Such a lovely comment, I appreciate the feedback ☺️
I take size 8.5 in DMs but they don't make them do they ? Yes they do. Remove the insole and they magically go up half a size. Other things which work for me: Strip of gaffer / Gorilla tape on the backs of your heels before you put on your socks (ballet dancers do this). Wear tights (or those things which are effectively the foot end of tights) under your socks. Polish them regularly; it softens and conditions the leather and helps keep them waterproof. Best of all, the ones not made of leather are much easier to break in and far less painful. Cross lace them but don't lace them right up. Just use the first 5 holes.
Awesome tips, thank you for sharing!
Oh my god!!!! I've been trying for a month now to get just a little more wiggle room in my eights since the nines were were way too big. Removing the insole did it! I cannot thank you enough!!!
Omg, this literally just saved me from taking mine back!! Lol I’m a 9.5 but a 10 is just way too big. The 9’s fit but my foot was just struggling. Literally took out the insole and BAM! It fits so much better. I didn’t even know they came out. Smh.. This makes the breaking in process much better. Thank you!!!
The party liner method works when you put it directly on your heel if they are pull on models. The liner won’t stay put as you pull them on, if there are no laces.
These Tips are genius and creative thank you.
I have a collection of 1460’s vegan ones that are super difficult to break in. One is gunmetal and one is pink. They’re quite unique. I have about 13 pairs of Dr Martens. I might try the menstrual pad method. Thank you for the advice 😊
This is just awesome. Thank you for making this video! I think I'll skip the pad method though, because if I end up hit by a car in the emergency department & they take my boots off, I don't want the bloody pad to fall out, lol! 😎
Haha 😂
I'm going to try both the plastic bag and pad liner at the same time for my new all leather motor bike boots. 👍😊
I might try the frozen water method too.
wonderful tricks! Thank you, and I am on my way! I got my new doc's this morning, and so far i have started with thin soxes for an hour, then changed to thicker soxes for another hour, then you guessed it, changed to thicker soxes for another hour. I then found your video, and have included the plastic bags, which made quite a difference immediately, and i will continue for the rest of the day in them with my very thick soxes. (Might even add another pair if i can). Im doing as much moving around, sitting on my haunches (squatting) to stretch across the boot too. Im normally a 40EU, and after receiving my 41EU online and concluding they were toooo big, I went to a DM store and exchanged for the 39EU. They are tight, but will be good soon!
Yay! so happy!
Docs are the best, I hope you really enjoy them! Good luck :)
Rather than using a plastic bag full of water in your boots & then into the freezer. Use a rubber balloon the long sausage type & it won't leak if you tie a knot in the end.
Awesome idea Keith!
For heels, I use duct tape for breaking in boots. Idk works for me. It works like moleskine and I've been blister free.
Hi any tips on stretching the band with the stich for the tongue please ?
Get any baby pomade, oily one. Use it both inside and outside, directly on stiches, leather will soften quickly. And wear old thick socks for a while, cause they will get a bit oily too… Btw, you can use baby pomade on your Docs as a daily care too, there’s no harm… I use this method for about 20y, works perfectly. 😊
@@eldritch6 how about pomade for adults?
@@kyleurban20 I never used it to be honest. Baby pomade is the safest afterall, without any additional substances or smell wich could damage your docs. You can get the cheapest one, it doesn’t matter, just needs to be really oily… 😊
oh my god the period pad trick is literally genius that’s so smart
Haha glad you like it!
I wish I knew all this when I finally got a real pair of dr martens last year because I bled out badly into them and I have scars all over the backs of my feet and all over my feet from the dr martins
Hey Sara, that sucks! Me too - I have scars on my ankles from learning the hard way, so I wanted to make this video to help others. I hope your scars fade with time ❤
First time owner, thank you for sharing ❤️
Thanks for your comment! Good luck with your Docs 😁
Your’s are the best and most creative suggestions anywhere..5 stars!
Thank you Will!
the bag method really works!!
Great to hear!
My tips are.
Buying a half size bigger.
Sweat band round your ankles.
Walking across the grass if you live near a park.
Wearing them in the summer, leathers warm the soles warm and should mold to your personal step.
I hope this is helpful.
Peace.
Thanks for the vid. Ive actually done the pad method, it works.
I'm happy you liked the video! It's a good method isn't it :)
Thank you for the video; however none of the advice takes care of the leather of the boots, which is one of the most important things in order to soften them and make them last without cracking.
Hey Oskar! Thanks for your comment - you are totally right, proper leather care using products is key, however I wanted to focus on free tips for breaking in docs, for those who cannot purchase a leather softener right now. If you use anything free to condition and care for leather please share here. Thank you
Majority of people put on new shoes and go straight out when you buy new shoes or boots you should wear them like slippers around the house for weeks before going out with them
I just use mink oil. Liberally apply. Allow to dry overnight. Brush. Repeat. A few weeks later, the leather is soft from the oil.
Ya I just got a pair of used ones, blisters on my back of my heels from that form
I’m gonna try this sanitary pad one! Thank you! 😂 I hope it works ..
I'm doing this!! the pad is a brilliant idea!! thank you so much
Why can't it be made comfortable to use without these steps to make it comfortable
My mum bought me a pair of docs last Christmas but they are super tight over the bridge of my feet. They hurt that bad I wanna cry.. will these tips help break the bridge because they’re bloody sore
I had some for my 17th birthday just over a decade ago and they hurt in exactly the same place! I just 'grinned and beared' it and kept wearing them, the leather did soften eventually!
Same!
Just got some and think il try the plastic bag trick
I got mine and i messed up my ankles so were gonna do bandaids, socks and padding
Can you do this for Oxfords
IMObThe current doc martens made in Vietnam are pretty thin and require hardly any break in compared to what was required years ago. No "hacks" are required, just wear the boots. Within a week or two they will be good. This is not a knock or bash just stating an opinion. They still look great, they just no longer feel and last as long as the great boots from years past.
What about if they fit fine except at the base of the tounge stitching, they fit fine but are so tight right there 😭
Ouch that sounds painful! I would suggest stuffing the boots really tight at the base of the tongue to try and break in that particular spot. Use old t-shirts or socks rolled really well, so the leather strains against them. Of course don't damage them, just judge it for yourself. Leave them like that whenever they aren't in use and it will save your feet doing all the work! Good luck!
Same here😅
Thats mine too just on the left foot! Currently using the bag and removed the innersole
Ommmg same issue I was watching the video and it kept saying about the heel I’m like what about the tongue stitching that’s my issue too
Same 🫠
But:) question. Mine are fixed. Like not a number bigger. In am 40 so i won’t have a bigger foot. I barely put my feet inside. What should i do?
I'm thinking of having my first pair, well hubby is gonna buy them 4 my b'day, just a little concerned though tht they will kill me & end up being a waste of money?? Need advice please, does all these tips work?? My sis inlaw wears them & she said took her bout 6 months break hers in & said was worth it in the end..
Hey Mary, I understand your concern! Docs can be a little tough to break in but they are worth it in the end. The tips in the video are things that have worked for me over many years of owning docs. If you are worried I'd suggest trying on a pair in a store and having a good walk around to see how they feel. Good luck, and I hope you have a good birthday!
@@wearablyweird hi hun thanx will let u know hiw i get on x
Breakin Docs In is extremely easy Need 2 things liquid Mink Oil and a small heat to warm the leather thats it. Just warm the leather of the boot for about 5 mins till it nice and warm then apply the mink oil all over the boot both inside and out besure not get on the insole one done heat the boot once more push the oil into the leather when start wearing them they break insanely Fast no blisters. Been using Mink Oil on my Doc's since the 80s
Thank you for these tips 🙏 ❤
You're welcome! Glad you liked the video 😊
Hoya! Never had DM's and in my house, ppl dont want to let me put the dock in the freezer. What should i do? Afraid of burning the boots 😵💫
My Jadons are tight over the top by the seam any advice?
Ouch, I know Jadons can have that problem. My best advice would be to use a boot stretcher that does the instep too, or to stuff the boots every time they aren't in use with old socks. Make sure to stuff them tightly, so the top of the boot strains a little bit. Hope that helps 👍
You said there was a list for some specific tricks per model. I can’t find it tho. I was looking for some specific tricks for the chelsea boots (platform) 😄
I got the embury boots. The heel bothers me and the shoe itself is quite wide so my feet move around in them resulting in much soreness at end of day. A thick gel insole helps but the heel bothers me a lot still. I will try the feminine pad hack for that
I have an unworn pair of Chelsea boots I've been putting off for the last six months because I'm afraid of the break in process...it's hard to forget that pain.
I've been there, the pain is real! Try the plastic bag method around the house for a few days and see how you feel 😊
@@wearablyweird That was my favorite one of your suggestions!
I just bought my first pair last week for my birthday. They don’t rub anywhere but my ankles feel like they’re snapping 😅
I hope they get comfy quick! 😁
Hi there, my first Dr Martens are no Leather Boots. Don’t know how to describe - english is not my first language. Maybe Kind of a shiny synthetic/plastic Material with ribbed Fabrik on the Inside. Wore them First for a dogwalk and had no idea how Bad a Dr Marten can hurt. Had a terrible already ribbed blister on the back of my foot 😢 Since than i havend touched the Docs. Any advice? All I read About Breaking in is about leather boots. Does this also Work for mine? The Model is called 26887 (1460 Gloss Vegan).
Yes. Google the material= its still leather ( even if it doesent look like it)
Very well
Blow dryer worked too good 10 mins each shoe heat them then work them over till its soft
I have no problem with it rubbing the heal but i need help with getting it worn in cos i can only do 5 eyes not the full 8 feels very tight then on my leg have the ones that’s got the platform sole the bottom is fine i wear them 5 lace’s but it hurts if i do them up all the way got mine for Christmas last year gonna buy the platform Chelsea’s one
Very good this Video.
Thank you very much!
So you think all dr.M’s are mid or high cut?
i just got my 1460 pascal monos in chalk pink that i wanted basically since i found out doc martens exist...
my problem is that i don't even get to the point of feeling pain at the toes or heel, the top of the boot (the seam where the shoe meets the tongue) digs into my foot THAT MUCH that it hurts immensely and cuts off the blood circulation of my foot... it made me almost scream in pain before even standing up ?! 😭 there's no way of putting even two pairs of socks on in them. i don't even fit them with bare feet...
i do have quite wide feet and i heard the pascals are for slimmer feet. i have never experienced this with any shoes before... is there anything i can do about that? 😭
lovely voice.
would like to know if the docmarten balsam discolours the boot
Hey! It shouldn't do if you get the official stuff. If it does you can get in touch with Dr. Martens and ask them to help compensate you!
Hey I’ve got some new docs but mine don’t hurt on the ankles it’s the tongue of my left boot which rubs on my leg and making it sore, my right one is fine! Anyone got any tips for helping with this please 🙏🏼
Ouch that sounds painful, I see what you mean! You could try lining the boot tongue with the pad method I show in the video, to create a cushion for your leg 👍
i just ordered mine and the only problem i have w them is how tight they are around the the top of my feet. i can’t tell whether i have to get a bigger size or have to wait till i break them in. they fit perfectly from my toes and ankles so i’m very confused
Hey! What did you do? They break, eventually?
I got my first pair of martens in 2001. and since they were very hard to get without internet and very expensive for me, breaking in had to work really well.
In the oven at the lowest level (about 50°C) with the flap slightly open, I preheated it so that the pores of the leather opened well and became a bit soft, then apply a thick layer of leather grease and put it back in the oven. this made the leather fat very thin and soaked into the shoes. I thought I repeated this process 1-2 more times to get maximum softness and protection.
At that time it was still Marten's, which were officially considered work shoes and had to meet special guidelines, with steelcaps. They were the best boots I've ever had and they really did last forever.
Perhaps a combination of the methods you've demonstrated is a good middle ground to break them in. ((Boots warmed with the hair dryer, then walk a bit with panty liners and the plastic bag around the feet.) However, I would always treat them with leather conditioner, just to save time and pain.
Thanks for the advice. My new docs and Solov#re are a tough break in. Especially with my left foot because it's bigger round than my right. The blisters and torn skin are very painful. The blisters are slow healing. Any advice on that?
Hi, I used to ballet dance in point shoes and have blisters all over poor toes. My ballet teacher gave me the Tipp to be bare foot and plaster free at night and leave the feet hanging out with no blanket over them and it always worked. Good luck 😊
I got my solovairs too big by mistake. But my heel doesnt slip and i have loads of toe room. They feel really comfortable. I got shearling lined ones
Have you found that any of these work particularly well for 1461's?
I have a new pair of 1461, i can tell you what i did
So First of all, the leather of the new dr Martens Is not a full grain but a corrected grain and coated, that means that you can simply applay some oil, because they don't absorb It
The problem is that because of the type of shoes and of leather they start to cracks very soon, and in some month you can have a hole in the leather
So to try to prevent It what i suggest Is to buy a good oil for leather ( or balsam), to heat up the shoes (really hot, i use an hot air gun, those used to take away the Paint from cars) and to put a good amount of oil on the outside of the hot leather and massage It a lot
Next, do the same think in the inside, in the points in which you have some crack
Do It for 2 or 3 days, and Remember to massage the leather while Is still hot and full of oil outside and inside
It Is important to put It also inside, in the outside because of the factory finish the leather can absorb only a limited amount of oil
@@federicomarzocchi8730 you're awesome thank you!
nice boots
They're my favourite pair of Docs 😁 thanks!
Hi…I just read your blog regarding Dr. Martens and waterproofing. You recommend otter wax. Is the otter wax product you recommended safe for use on Dr. Martens Pisa leather? I just bought the Sinclair boot in Pisa leather and would like to make them waterproof before I wear them. Thanks
Hey there, I would suggest using the doc martens branded ultra protector aerosol product on the pisa leather for best results. It protects really well from rain and dirt and is great for the softer fine grained pisa leather. Hope that helped!
It’s the tongue on mine I’ve sold on 3 pairs and I’ve braved another pair. These are worse😢
My friend told me , if you want to break the leather ,you just have to keep using it, and getting used to it… wdyt?
Lovely 💕
❤
Why not to buy just quality boots with soft leather and avoid blisters in first place?
Because for many Docs are iconic boots that are super fashionable. They last a long time and are always in style. It depends on personal preferences of course, but many (including myself) really love them and find breaking them in worth it ☺️
Rubb vasaline on em done
Thanks for sharing your advice Mark! 👍
I think shoes should be comfortable in the first place, so to do all this seems a bit too much
Leather can be stiff and hard to break in, but will last you much longer than any synthetic materials. For high quality boots that I've seen last 10+ years? Worth it to have to break them in
What socks are you wearing ?
Thick wool socks or military socks!
Ure brilliant pet 💕😎
Cheers Sean!
Just wear two shocks and walk. Walk a lot.
If it were that easy
2 socks
I just bought a pair of nylon ones. but all this effort? just buy another type of shoe lmao
So badly made since being made in China since 2003...give me back the old Brit ones...see Rose Anvil who cuts them in half not made well at all.Shame.
"We all know what this is" Well, i can tell you you're wrong there. Not everyone knows what a pad is(right name for it?? idk 2nd language)
You can literally google it lmao
I'm very new to docs. But I have a stupid question, why not buy next size up ?
That's not a stupid question! Here's the answer - if you size up in your docs they will still eventually break in and soften up, which will create even more space inside. The extra space will make the boots feel way too big when walking around. Sizing up may solve some of the initial break in pain, but in the long run it makes the boots simply much too big. Hope that helps! 👍
@@wearablyweird thank you for the reply, very appreciated. What you said makes sense. I have purchased myself a pair of Jadons a few months ago. I wore them around the house , the girl in the shop said going by my longest foot measurement of 26.5cm long I was told get the UK 8. But the boot felt to small and I was frustrated .I ended up selling
them. But I want another pair of Jadons or Jadons Max. Thank you for the help.
Ahh I see what you mean! Good luck with your next pair :)