Got your first pair of Docs? Then you have to read this guide on how to break in Doc Martens fast.
However, you could either follow the traditional method to break them in like wearing thicker socks, removing the inner liner, wearing them at home for trial, etc.
Or, you could hasten the process by stretching the shoe materials with the help of a shoe balm, heating them with a blow dryer, hammering the shoes, using ice to widen them, etc.
But which of the methods is the easiest yet the most effective? Let’s try to figure it out below.
Related Article: why do your doc martens hurt the top of my foot
How to Break in Doc Martens Fast? Step-by-Step Guide
As stated above, there are two ways if you think, how to make Dr. Martens comfortable.
One is the year-old traditional method that takes some time. But once done correctly, you will get the comfiest pair ever.
The other is the fastest way by using some external influences. You can surely follow it if you need to put on a pair the very next morning.
Remember, whichever way you prefer, going slowly and steadily, or speeding up the procedure, you must pick a Docs pair in the right size.
Usually, they are true to size and are designed to be a bit inflexible at first. So, size down if you wear a half-size. They are only available in full sizes.
Nevertheless, let’s check out both ways of breaking these classic boots in to avoid the hobbling cries from your feet.
The Traditional Method
The conventional break-in method follows the steps below to widen a pair of Docs-
1. Remove the Inner Liner
Usually, every Docs pair has an extra liner inside. If you feel too tight, just remove the liner. This will create some extra space inside your shoes.
Resultantly, your feet will be at ease. Also, you can avoid bruises and blisters caused by that removable liner.
But please don’t throw it out. You are definitely gonna put the inner liner back once the shoes become molded to your foot feature.
2. Wear Thick Socks Inside
Next, you can wear thick socks with your new Dr. Martens boots. Not only do the socks protect your feet from blisters but also help widen the shoes.
Trust me, wearing socks could make a world of difference, especially, if you wear Docs for the first time.
It saves sensitive areas like the ankle, heel, and arch from severe injuries. Moreover, they push the leather outward to make extra space inside, ultimately breaking in the shoes faster.
3. Don’t Rush
The most common mistake first-time Docs users make is to put on the pair outside as soon as it arrives.
Hey, don’t do it! You are going to experience acute foot pain and develop uncountable bruises on your heels and toes.
Rather start wearing them for 5-10 minutes in the beginning, of course at your home. Gradually, you can increase the time as you get used to the stiffness of the shoes.
Do this several times a day for a few weeks. Eventually, you can see the difference.
If you wonder how to stretch Doc Martens that are too small, this is the very basic way to do so. Combined with any other break-in method, this actually works the best.
Although it’s a bit time-consuming, you have to give your shoes enough time to adapt to your feet.
Things to remember when you try those shoes at home, you must protect the key-friction areas like the arch, ankle, and heel with band-aids.
4. Bend Your Boots
You can manually stretch the leather boots by bending them in and out. Bending the back inward and pushing the toe from and to the laces make them more flexible.
However, don’t forget to apply leather conditioner before you break-in your brand-new Dr. Martens boots by stretching the leather.
The Speedy Process
If you are too impatient to boast of your Docs among friends or colleagues, we have some super fast hacks for you. Here we go-
1. Stuff the Shoes with Newspaper
Well, you cannot probably find a connection between the newspaper and Doc Martens.
But if you ask how to break in Docs free of cost, newspapers could be really handy, according to Dr. Martens. We all have bundles of them at home, right?
First, remove the shoelaces. Then place some newspapers into the shoes as tightly as possible. This will stretch the leather boots even when you are not wearing them.
Instead of newspapers, you could also use shoe stretchers though.
2. Soften the Leather
If you want to accelerate the break-in process of your new Docs, start with softening the leather.
But how to soften Doc Marten leather?
Simply use a leather softener like Wonder Balsam, coconut oil, or mink oil.
Among these, the Wonder Balsam works great for Doc Boots as it also hydrates the leather to protect the sparkle.
As the key ingredient of Wonder Balsam is beeswax, it also makes the Docs water-resistant. It’s an awesome shoe balm, indeed.
But remember, whatever you use as a leather softener, be it coconut oil or Wonder Balsam, don’t apply it too much.
3. Use Ice to Widen Them
Take a zip-lock plastic bag and fill two-thirds of the bag with water. Then seal the bag properly to avoid any leakage.
Now, place the bag inside the Docs and wrap the Docs in another plastic bag.
Put the Docs inside a refrigerator overnight. The water will turn into ice and naturally, it will expand.
Thus, the ice bag will make the leather boots stretched and more comfortable.
Things to remember, the zip lock water-filled bag should be wide enough to touch the shoe shafts. Otherwise, it would make no impact.
4. Apply Heat
If you are looking for another way to break in Doc Martens fast, take a hairdryer to heat the shoes.
Before that, you need to put on woolen socks under the shoes so that they feel tight. You can even wear two or three pairs of socks if one pair doesn’t make the shoes snug enough.
Now, take the hair dryer and set the heat range from low to medium. Keep the dryer at least 6 inches away from the boots and start heating the toughest parts.
While heating the Docs, keep moving your feet inside the shoes as it helps expand the leather. And apply heat to the inflexible areas of your shoes for not more than 30 seconds.
Finally, remove the shoes when they are at room temperature.
Nevertheless, apply some conditioning oil to the shoes beforehand so as not to crack the leather.
5. Use a Hammer
Finally, you can wrap your new Dr. Martens with a thick towel and then hit the heels with a hammer. You should continue hammering the shoes for 10-15 minutes so that they can flex enough to be comfortable.
Though we suggest using a rubber mallet instead of a hammer so as not to affect the smoothness of the Docs. Both will help create some space in the toe and arch areas of your new Docs.
FAQs
Can I use the wonder balsam on patent leather Doc Martens?
Not really. Though the Wonder Balsam is a great leather conditioner from Dr. Marten itself, it is not suggested to use on patent leather boots. Because it will make your Docs more matte. And you should avoid using this shoe balm with glittery Docs as well not to mattify their sparkle.
How do I apply the wonder balsam to my docs?
First, you need to clean the shoes thoroughly. Take a washcloth and wipe them up. Then apply the Wonder Balsam lightly on the shoes with a sponge, particularly in the seams. Let the shoe balm dry and it’s done.
Please don’t use too much product as it could affect the shoe’s shimmer.
How long does it take to fully break in Doc Martens?
Usually, a brand-new pair of Docs needs 4-6 weeks to break in traditionally.
At the same time, it also depends on the frequency of wearing the shoes. And you can always accelerate the process with heat or ice treatment.
How do I wear Doc Martens if I have a feminine style?
Basically, Docs are unisex shoes, which means they are for everyone. So, you can confidently style them up with some feminine outfits. Whether it’s a classic white shirt or a jumpsuit, blue jeans or black bottoms, leggings or trousers, oversized jackets or shorts, you can wear them with anything. Just keep it simple, elegant, and less edgy.
How to break in Doc Martens Sandals?
The most effective way of breaking in Doc Martens sandals is to wear them with at least two pairs of stocky socks. Then wear them at home for a few hours a day.
Try this technique for a week and you will find them more pliable.
Furthermore, you can apply heat to the sandals with a hairdryer to mold them to your feet.
How to break in Doc Martens Mary Janes?
Buying a pair of Mary Janes from Dr. Marten is a good decision, indeed. Because you can pair it up with a wide range of outfits.
Nevertheless, it takes a little time and effort to break in. Either apply a shoe balm and try to soften the leather as much as you can or use a shoe stretcher in combination with a stretching spray to create some extra space inside.
The shoe stretcher will keep stretching the leather even when you are not wearing them.
Lastly, wearing 2-3 pairs of chunky socks underneath and lacing up the shoes tightly is the most conventional way to break Mary Janes in.
How to break in Vegan Doc Martens?
Contrary to what you may think, Vegan Docs actually takes less time to break in than the classic models.
However, you can apply a vegan conditioner to soften the materials after taking the laces off. Leave the shoes for 30 minutes before polishing.
Or, you can use a shoe stretcher as well. But make sure not to put the stretcher inside for more than 24 hours.
How to break in Patent Doc Martens?
Patent Docs are pretty famous among fashionistas, with good reasons. To speed up their break-in system, you can insert a shoe stretcher inside after applying some stretching spray all over the shoes.
Wearing thick socks under the shoes for the first few days also helps stretch out the patent leather rapidly.
How to break in Jadon Doc Martens?
To be honest, Jadon Docs are the trendiest nowadays. But it’s quite challenging to break them in.
You should wear at least two pairs of chunky socks under the shoes. Then lace the shoes up as tightly as you can. Put the shoes on for 1-2 hours a day when you are at home.
Repeating the same process for a few days will make the shoes molded to your foot structure.
How to break in Sinclair Doc Martens?
The fastest way to break in Sinclair Docs is to apply a shoe stretching spray inside the shoes. But apply the spray moderately not to make the footwear fully wet.
Then place the shoe stretcher inside for at least the whole night, preferably for 24 hours. Once you get the stretcher out, you will find your footwear more flexible.
Do Doc Martens feel tight at first?
Yes, they are supposed to be tight at first. But still, you are suggested to stick to that snug fitting. Because eventually, the leather will be softened. And then you will feel more at ease wearing the shoes.
Do Doc Martens hurt your feet?
Yes, they do hurt your feet, especially, on the top. So, you need to know how to stretch the top of Doc Martens. However, with proper care and an adequate break-in period, they will gradually stop giving bruises and blisters.
Final Words
We tried to cover pretty much everything about how to break in Doc Martens fast. If you follow the methods accordingly, rest assured your efforts will be paid off.
Doc Martens are considered the style staple in the footwear field and we couldn’t agree more. These classic leather boots are truly timeless and you can use them for decades.
Just try to break them in properly unless you want an endless bloodbath at the foot.
Whether you choose a classic leather pair or a pair of vegan Docs, try stretching them little by little for a painless walking experience.
Hope this guide helps treat your feet better!
