Q&A for How to Break in Your Doc Martens

Turn your hair dryer on low heat and hold it 5-6 inches (12.5-15 cm) from the boot or shoe. Move the blow dryer back and forth along the surface of the shoe for 3-5 minutes to soften the leather up. You can repeat this process as needed until your Docs feel comfortable on your feet.

It's best to use Doc Martens Wonder Balsam to soften your shoes. You could also look for a generic version. The Wonder Balsam is a blend of oils.

Wear thick socks on top of your tights and tuck them into the boots so they don't show.

Yes, the Wonder balsam contains beeswax, which can be buffed to a shine with a brush.

Yes, as long as it is not suede.

The vegan boots are far more comfortable at first than the leather ones. If they need breaking in just follow steps 4-10 as described.

No, you can't really make something better than what is out there. To be cheaper, most Wal-Marts carry Kiwi brand saddle soap and lotion, which works very well.

You might have bought the wrong size, or you might have not broken them in enough. You might also be wearing the wrong type of sock. Try wearing something that goes over your ankle. If you are wearing below-the-ankle socks, the boots might be causing friction in that area.

You might have a wrong size. If not, you should do the "cleaning the house" method to make sure you break it in as much as possible.

Depends on the type you buy, but commonly around 3/4 inch from the treads on the bottom to the leather around your foot.

You could take your boots to a cobbler. I don't recommend trying to do it yourself.

Not exactly. The leather won’t absorb the dubbin since it’s considered a top coat and cannot keep the leather hydrated. You need to apply the wonder balsam, let the leather absorb it, and then apply the dubbin.

Follow the same steps. They should be easier to break in compared to the first time, but treat them as new.

No. Patent leather is different entirely. You can apply it to the inside of the boot, but it will not absorb well (or at all) on the exterior.

Using a leather conditioner regularly will soften all parts of the shoe over time (including the toe area), but if your toes are still hurting after you have softened and broken in the shoes then it is possible that you have the wrong size.

You could, but it didn't do anything for me; I just ended up with greasy Docs.

Breaking in means wearing new shoes or new equipment for short periods of time to make them slightly more comfortable for long term use. It's always recommended to 'break in' your new Doc Martens, as otherwise new shoes are likely to give you blisters when first wearing them.

Shove a small can of beans or other round object that is the right size into the shoe to stretch out that part of the leather. Leave overnight. Repeat as often as needed to stretch the Doc Martens.

Try the methods in Stop Your Shoes from Squeaking .

I've done this too, I found no matter how long I wore them (owned them for years) they would always rub and blister. You can take it to a cobbler who might be able to shrink them a bit, add an insole, or wear very thick socks if you don't want to return them. Otherwise, be prepared to have your feet hurt.

Depending on the length of your feet, either size up or size down. It’s best to buy them in store to try both the size up and size down to see which ones fit best.