Breaking in boots -tips and tricks?

[Skinheadmermaid]

I got some new dr martens today! So excited to wear them, i've wanted a new pair for years BUT just trying them on is bloody painful!
Its been a while since i last subjugated myself to breaking in a new pair and i recall last time it took me quite a few months.
Does anyone have any handy tips or tricks to speed up the process?

Wear them around the house for a while with a very thick pair of socks (or two) underneath, before wearing them outside properly.

wear damp (wet then well -wrung out) socks until they dry!

the leather will stretch and expand slightly then mould to your feet.

When you do wear them out, wear them with either super thin socks or tights under and thicker socks over the top (army tip) helps to stop blistering.

I bought two pairs of DM's last winter (sale bargains) and still have one pair to break in, it is quite daunting. The broken in pair are super comfy though.

Take them back - shoes shouldn't be painful to just put on. You certainly won't be able to run from danger in shoes that hurt that much (just thinking about the high heels thread)!