Here's how to break in your boots Dr. Martens easily and painlessly

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Dr. Martens has been making stylish and durable boots since the early days of punk rock, and while the style may change, their signature look remains footwear main product. Whether it's RS cover star Kristen Stewart sporting Oxfords on the street, or Olivia Rodrigo rocking a pair of Dr. Jadon Martens under her floor-length gown at the Grammys this year, those kicks never seem to go away. soon. You can dress them up or down, but because of their sturdy sole and leather material, they'll be able to withstand wear and tear all year round — you'll just have to break them in first.

It's no secret that the boots of Dr. Martens may take a day (or two) to break in, but that break-in period is the stuff of legend, for better or worse. Softening the leather of your shoes by taking them for a walk around the block sounds great until you tie up the bleeding heels. Transforming that supple leather from stiff and hard to soft and comfortable is no easy feat, but getting that custom feel around your feet? Oh, it's worth it.

The best ways to break in your Docs (and yes, that means everything from classic combat boots to soft loafers) with minimal pain and discomfort may involve a little physical exercise, but it's easier than you think. Looking cool is just as important as feeling good on your feet, and there are lots of little things you can try to make it easier on these first timers. But what methods? actually work? Can you really wear your boots by sticking them in the bathroom? And what does it have to do with Wonder Balsam?

We chose these methods based on the experience of many Docs players in the RS office, along with recommendations from the DM himself. So grab your heavy socks and put on some leather conditioner, because we put comfort and support first – that's how to break in your boots Dr. Marten, so you don't want to start them before the end of festival season.

1. Try a Tin of Leather Conditioner

A leather conditioner is meant to nourish even the driest skin (like that cracked vintage leather jacket you just did), but it's well known that well-treated leather is much easier to break. Think of it as a deep condition for your boots, and to make sure the material stays hydrated and supple, you'll want to condition your boots with a boot protector like Cobbler's Choice or Dr. Wonder Balsam. Martin.

“Our balm is designed to nourish, soften and soften DM skins, so it's no surprise that it can come in handy when you're looking to tame a new pair. Rub a little on the inside of your boot to get the ball rolling,” says the team at Dr. Martens.

2. Get the right pair of socks

Every pair of Doc's needs a special pair of socks, but these cute ankle socks aren't going to cut it when it comes to those first few days of breaking in your boots. Getting a thicker pair or even doubling up with pairs of crew length socks will give you a one-two punch by 1) helping to stretch the top of the shoe while 2) helping to protect your feet from that dreaded rubbing around the ankle area.

If you don't have thick, winter socks, Dr. Marten offers special “Doc Socks” designed to give you a little extra cushioning and slip resistance in key friction points such as the heel, ankle and arch. “You may find they make a big difference during those first few days,” says Dr. Martens.

3. Heel grips are your best friend

The top of the heel is often the area that causes the most trouble, especially if you break in a pair of low back loafers. An easy hack is to preemptively stick on a blister bandaid, with the gentle hydrocolloid gel creating a barrier between your skin and the hard leather so you can wear your boots without crushing your heels. Cushioned heel inserts are another way to do it as well, and can also help with fit if you've accidentally sized up.

Dr. Martens recommends these types of adhesive heel grips, saying, “Our easy-to-use heel pads tackle the problem head-on — giving the back of your feet some breathing room while the rest of the boot is cushioned.”

4. Use a hair dryer

Before you start trying to stick your shoes in a hot bath, you can use warmth to soften the leather and make it easier to stretch your shoes, but let's be smart about it here. With a hair dryer like this set on medium heat, you can give your boots the blow-dry treatment and focus the hot air on those extra tight spots.

Just be careful not to apply too much heat to any area of ​​your shoes for too long — not only will you want to do it while you're wearing the shoes so they're shaped to your feet (with a pair of thick socks!), but getting too close can burn the leather on the shoe. Remember to take breaks and hold the blow dryer at least six inches away, and don't forget to finish with some moisturizing skin conditioner.

5. Stretch it by hand

Let's get physical! Look, we all know that walking around in your brand new leather boots will eventually soften the material – but a great way to start the break-in process without even setting foot is by hand. working this skin. “Massaging with your hands will simulate the effect your feet have on the skin when you first start stepping,” says Dr. Martens. “The more you work it, the more it softens the skin.”

While you can always cram them in with shoe stretchers like these, even something as simple as a soda can or a tight ball of newspaper can work to widen the leather uppers of your boots. “When you're not wearing your boots, you can still work on the upper by stuffing them with something in place of your feet. Try it overnight for best results.”