Your boots are your mates for life. So, take things slow when you get them home; get used to each other. We guarantee you’ll get out what you put in.
Like all good things in life, Doc’s are worth the wait. Put in some effort when they’re new – wear in short bursts, give them a massage, stretch them out - and you’ll reap the rewards. This is the slow and steady approach to your relationship with your shoes.
METHOD 1
SOCKS
Wear thick socks; layer up multiple pairs; or try our purpose-made Double Doc Socks, designed for extra protection on your feet’s key friction points. All of these options will mean your boots feel tight to begin with, but this will help to soften and stretch out the leather more quickly.
“One of the big causes of pain is heel slip, so, the snugger the better.”
Charlie O’Byrne, Doc’s Footwear Designer
METHOD 2
MASSAGE
Massaging your boots with your hands will have the same effect as wearing them, without risk of blisters. You’ll need something to work with, so try our Wonder Balsam. It’s formulated to nourish, condition and soften DM’s leathers. The more you work them, the more the leather will soften.
METHOD 3
STRETCH
Work while you sleep. Stuff your boots with newspaper or balled-up socks for the first couple of weeks out the box, to keep working the uppers while you’re not wearing them.
METHOD 4
HEEL GRIPS
The top of the heel is often the spot that gives people the most trouble. Our heel pads give the back of your feet a bit of support while the rest of the boot softens up.
“Everyone's different. For me, my heel gets sliced. For others it rubs around the laces. So get to know your feet and use heel grips or plasters accordingly.”
Charlie O’Byrne, Doc’s Footwear Designer
METHOD 5
PATIENCE
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. We say little and often. Ease yourself in by wearing them every other day. You’ve got a lifetime to wear your Docs - don’t rush it.
“You've got to persevere. Think of it like a video game. You've got the XP bar and you're trying to level up. If you stop, it'll go back down again. So you've just got to keep going.”
Charlie O’Byrne, Doc’s Footwear Designer
My favourite Doc’s are a pair of 1460s. I've had them eight years. When I first got them, I remember having to slowly break them in. Now? They're like slippers. So you get out what you put in with Docs.
DISCOVER MORE
