My docs are suddenly killing me. Help!

[Treasureboxkey]

I love my doc marten boots. I've had them about a year and wear them regularly. Apart from some rubbing when I first got them they have been amazing.

Except that I wore them yesterday and now have the most enormous, weeping blisters on the back of both heels.
I had to wear flip flops in the rain today because it was so bad.

It seems to be a crease in the back of them that is causing the rubbing.
Is there anything I could do with them or anywhere I could take them to get it sorted?
They are pristine, except for the slight crease, and I would be so upset to have to get rid of them.

Do you have a photo of the crease, please?

Mine did this after about the same length of time I was devastated. I tend to wear them anyway but less often and with compede blister patches on my heels.

Are yours fabric or leather?

It might be possible to straighten it out.
Heel patches might be worth a try

You need to use the leather softener that Dr Martens sell, can't remember the name of it, but it comes in a black pot and is greasy and you rub it on and leave it to soften.

Here they are.
Excuse the mud.

They are leather.

Use dubbin shoe polish softener

Ooh. That's interesting. Thank you. I didn't know such a thing existed.
They were so comfy before this. I don't understand why they are suddenly so painful.

I have lots of Doc Martins; some more comfortable than others. In my experience it depends where they're manufactured as to how comfortable they are, ie materials used. As somebody mentioned above, I also use blister plasters. I use them before I develop a blister, and they enable me to wear all my Docs. I probably should have shares in Compeed, as I now use them preventively in practically every footwear.

You could try stretching them back into shape. I have broken in new Dr Martens that were really inflexible by wrapping a potato (can use tennis ball) in cling film. This was advice from a DM FB group. I was amazed at how well it worked. It stretched the seam across the toes and may work to push the creases out on your boots.

Shoe trees for boots every time you're not wearing them and the leather softener should do the trick.

Thanks for the photos, @Treasureboxkey .
The leather softener, then ease them into shape.
Two pairs of thin socks next time you wear them.

Get some Solovairs instead. They are the original manufacturer of Dr Martens. They are much better quality. Docs now are not the same and dont last.

I agree with @Lionoso .

I listened to the Chief Executive of DM being interviewed on Radio 4 recently. (You might get it on BBC Sounds?)
He gave good advice about how to sort out issues with DM boots and that when/if you have problems, get in touch with their customer service. He also mentioned the their softener wax and some special DM socks you can buy will help break them in too.
His interview was entertaining, he was wearing 20yr old DM boots to the studio, and it seems Customer Service is at the heart of their organisation.
If you draw a blank, get in touch with them (web site) and send those photos. I’m sure they’ll be kind and helpful.
Did you know, some boots are made in Asia (cheaper price different leathers) and others, much more expensive are made in Northampton, UK. (Softer leathers maybe?) All handmade though.
Hope this helps.

I heard it but wasn't really listening. I gave up on DMs after a few duds.

Thank you for all of the advice. I've just realised, after my mum reminded me, that these aren't a year old. They are a pair that I bought from a vintage shop about 6 years ago.
I sent the others back last year because the new ones were not as good quality, just as many of you have said.

At 6 years plus however many years old they were when I bought them I really can't complain about these ones but it's just a shame that they are suddenly so uncomfy.
I am going to have a look at the softener and see if it makes any difference.
Thanks all so much for the help.