I have a lovely pair of cherry red DM boots that I've owned for about 16 years now (they were pre owned unworn condition when I bought them and going by the details on the tab etc I believe they are from the mid 80's). The problem is no matter how much I try I can seem to break them in. I've tried and failed many times over the years to get these boots ware-able (before sticking them back in the wardrobe for another 3/4 years and going back to them). I really want to have them as my winter boots this year so I've take them out to try again.
I've tried softening them with neatsfoot oil, leather dubbin and Vaseline. I've massaged the leather loads. I've worn them with thick socks and blister plasters. I've been horse riding in them, they've been worn in heavy rain, I've worn them around the house and out and about many, many times.
Initially they hurt at the toes but now that's fine.
Then they skinned all around my calf where the top of the boots are. That's gotten a little better now but I still need to wear thick socks to stop it happening.
My new problem is skinned heels. I've never had that issue with the boots before. Wore them on the school run yesterday and blistered one of my heels and the other is also quite red.
I'm hoping this is the last stage of breaking in and they will be fine. I'm thinking I might batter he hell out of the heels with a hammer to soften them.
Any other tips for breaking them in please?
I'm at my wits end. I've owned other dr martens over the years and never had this amount of hassle breaking them in.