Dr Martins

[nancybotwinbloom]

Any tips on breaking them in?

I've a lovely patent leather pair of boots but they just give me really bad blisters everytime I wear them.

I can't wear them for long because of this.

I really want them broken in for the winter.

Well, you'll just gave to bear it. Thick socks, plasters and wearing them. Meh. Did you think a fairy might do it?!

No but I am in agony with the blisters everytime.

I didn't think it would be this hard.

New respect for everyone who I see wearing them.

I just can't see an end to it.

I have no advice. I think I'm going to give up on mine soon as they are just ruining my ankles!

It's a pity as they look so cool but I need something more comfortable.

Sanitary pad down the back of each. Not a joke, I did this in 1989 and I've seen others here recommend the same.

Let the blisters heal, put plasters on the sites and start again. Meanwhile bend them and move the leather while watching tv? Its worth it in the end I promise.

Zinc oxide tape. Stick it where ever you get blisters and it acts like a layer of skin and rubs on that rather than your skin

You can get some sort of spray stuff which softens leather shoes. You spray it on and then wear the offending shoes around the house. I did it with extra socks on. The shoes sort of mould to your feet. Mine weren't as bad as DMs to begin with thought tbf.

Some DMs are fine btw, but some are brutal!

I'm going to try the sanitary pads tomorrow I have them.

Will always ultra type own brand be thick enough?

Zinc oxide tape is totally forgot about! I used to wrap my feet in that before we did any weighted matches in the army! Getting a roll of that also.

I might have softening spray somewhere.

I will give anything a go at this point I really love my boots.

@nancybotwinbloom yes that's how I know about it, my husbands ex army!

Firstly, it's Dr Martens, not Dr Martin's!

I agree with those pps who've recommended plasters - proper full elastoplast strips covering the whole back of the heel areas. Also double socks can help. Have never heard of people using sanitary towels - although I suppose it makes sense too. I've been wearing docs for decades - some pairs wear in quite easily, some are never completely comfortable, but I love them all!!

@Joolsin noted

What size are you op? Cos I've just discovered that the 'youth' sizing is far easier to wear.....

Compeed blister plasters are much better than elastoplast if that helps?

In 1989 we only had thick towels but I guess it depends on how the boots fit to begin with. You may not want too much padding.

(once healed) gaffa tape the areas that rub.

Thick socks. Wear like they don't come off. It will be done in a week.

@Onynx I'm a six

Ah pity- they only seem to go to size 5-although I'm usually a 5 but found those a little large so I've ordered a 4 in the youth patent ones. Might be worth a shot...

Two pairs of socks, works like a charm. As a teen I struggled through plasters and it just hurt. A few years ago I got a new pair for the long walk to school and someone advised two pairs of thinner socks. Not a single blister, it was like magic. Good luck!

Stuff them tightly with newspaper when you're not wearing them. Been wearing DMs for 20 years now, and it's my go-to. Double up on socks, put plasters/bandages on the areas you're still sore in so you're not walking weird, and if you want to go full on crazy, you can hammer them - focus on the heel as they are particularly stiff in that area! Good luck.

The patent leather will not stretch as much as non coated leather, wear two pairs of thin socks and use a hair dryer on the area you want to stretch.