HOW TO BREAK IN DR. MARTENS FOOTWEAR
The DM’s break in is the stuff of legend. From wearing boots in the bath to burying them in the garden, our wearers have gone to some lengths to skip the break in. Whilst it’s true that wearing-in any leather takes time and determination, we can offer some expert tips that’ll help ease those first few steps. Got your new pair ready? Put your feet first. Give these tips a go.
HOW TO BREAK IN DR. MARTENS FOOTWEAR
The DM’s break in is the stuff of legend. From wearing boots in the bath to burying them in the garden, our wearers have gone to some lengths to skip the break in. Whilst it’s true that wearing-in any leather takes time and determination, we can offer some expert tips that’ll help ease those first few steps. Got your new pair ready? Put your feet first. Give these tips a go.
IT STARTS WITH SOCKS
You could layer up multiple pairs of socks, or you could wear our purpose-made Double Doc Socks. Designed to give you extra protection on the foot’s key friction points, you’ll find that these socks make a world of difference on the break-in.
GIVE YOUR LEATHER SOME TLC
Massaging your footwear with your hands will simulate the effect your feet have on the leather when you first start stomping around. The more you work it, the more the leather will soften, so give it some elbow grease.
GIVE YOUR LEATHER SOME TLC
Massaging your footwear with your hands will simulate the effect your feet have on the leather when you first start stomping around. The more you work it, the more the leather will soften, so give it some elbow grease.
TRY A TIN OF WONDER BALSAM
Our balsam is formulated to nourish, condition and soften DM’s leathers, so it’s no surprise that it can come in handy when you’re looking to tame a new pair. Rub some into the inside of your boot to get the ball rolling.
TRY A TIN OF WONDER BALSAM
Our balsam is formulated to nourish, condition and soften DM’s leathers, so it’s no surprise that it can come in handy when you’re looking to tame a new pair. Rub some into the inside of your boot to get the ball rolling.
KEEP STRETCHING OUT THE UPPERS
As you enjoy some well-needed respite, keep working the uppers by filling them with something in place of your feet while you sleep. Grab a can or scrunch up some newspaper to stuff in your boot or shoe. Leave it overnight for the best results.
KEEP STRETCHING OUT THE UPPERS
As you enjoy some well-needed respite, keep working the uppers by filling them with something in place of your feet while you sleep. Grab a can or scrunch up some newspaper to stuff in your boot or shoe. Leave it overnight for the best results.
HEEL GRIPS WORK WONDERS
The top of the heel is often the spot that gives people the most trouble. Our easy-to-insert heel pads tackle the issue head-on – giving the back of your feet a bit of support while the rest of the boot softens up.
HEEL GRIPS WORK WONDERS
The top of the heel is often the spot that gives people the most trouble. Our easy-to-insert heel pads tackle the issue head-on – giving the back of your feet a bit of support while the rest of the boot softens up.
TAKE IT SLOW
Some wearers jump straight into their new DM’s and don’t unlace until the leather is moulded to their feet. We don’t recommend that. Ease yourself in by wearing them every other day. You’ve got a lifetime to wear your new Dr. Martens - don’t rush it.
TAKE IT SLOW
Some wearers jump straight into their new DM’s and don’t unlace until the leather is moulded to their feet. We don’t recommend that. Ease yourself in by wearing them every other day. You’ve got a lifetime to wear your new Dr. Martens - don’t rush it.
ALL THE ESSENTIALS
MYTH BUSTER: BREAK-IN EDITION
We’ve heard all kinds of break-in tips over the last 6 decades. We asked an expert at our Cobbs Lane Factory to bust 3 myths we’ve seen all over our socials.
-
MYTH #1
HAIR DRYER HEAT WILL SPEED UP THE BREAK-IN
"It’ll work for a little while, it opens up the pores of the leather and softens it a little bit, but when it goes back to room temperature it’ll go back to how it was.
It’s not a quick fix." -
MYTH #2
WEARING LOOSE LACES WILL BREAK IN THE BOOTS
"No, you’ll fall over. You want the shoe to mould to your foot. So you’ve got to get over that little initial period of pain, for the beauty."
-
MYTH #3
PEEING ON THEM WILL HELP THE BREAK-IN
"Personally… no. There is ammonia in the leather. It used to be used to tan leather, so you might end up tanning them and making them more tough.
Do not pee on your shoes."