It does lengthen the life of boots, and you'll want to put some on every so many months. (I'm told you can get away with twice a year in humid climates, I live in Arizona so do it every 2-3ish months.)
You can also do other leather conditioners if they are cheaper. (Heck Kiwi is better than nothing.)
Water in general is a bad idea in bulk on leather. Unless the leather has a plastic coat of some variety. (Patent Leather.)
Your boots are made of this leather:
medium-weight milled nappa leather
So you'll want to do saddle soap, which is designed for this exact use. It's gentle enough for leather, and cheap.
You use a gentle cloth, and a little water to get the soap to froth up, and then you clean your shoes with them. Don't use nails, scrub with small amounts of force, the saddle soap should be doing the breakdown here.
Once done, the saddle soap will have dehydrated the leather a bit, which can over time break down the leather. This is unavoidable in cleaning leather, but saddle soap will be the kindest to it.
You then should condition the leather. You can use Dr. Martens own Wonder Balsam here, or another leather conditioner.
You apply it much like actual lotion, not so much to get it sopping with the stuff, but a nice thin layer all over the boot. You should see some of it soak in, this is ideal.
Once done, the boots should be clean and moisturized for a good long while.
On a pair of really banged up vintage blue ones showing tan leather underneath I had good luck usingsaphir cream polish, really rubbing it into the scrapes, letting it dry, buffing with a brush and repeating. It turned out better than I expected. The cream buffed out kind of shiny, and it got shinier after I added dubbin on top. I can’t tell if those are patent. It would probably be harder to blend in the spots at the edges and it wouldn’t get as shiny as patent, but it’s still probably worth a try.
Hopefully you'll be buying from a place that allows returns if they don't fit, but stick with your normal size at first.
If they're a little too big, you can buy an insole (from any brand) to remove half a shoe size and make it fit a little tighter
But if you size down and it's too small, there's nothing you can do. If you do end up buying the wrong size and can't return them, definitely look into reselling them on depop or poshmark to get some,if not all, of your money back
You'll want to invest is some shoe trees to help prevent any further creasing in the toe box once you get them. The soles are in such good condition!! As long as they feel comfy and fit, I would buy for that price. Hopefully the seller lets you try them on first!
This is the one I use on my docs and other boots, it’s been a great brush so far. Shoe Brush - 100% Horsehair Shoe Brush - Concaved Handle for Premium Grip https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L56QCYK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4A2X5ER7QK2GTTHXX5QR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Be sure to use shoe trees when you're not wearing the boots and when you're cleaning them. You don't want to let the leather fall into itself when you're not wearing them to give them their shape. Putting balsm or leather conditioner without holding the leather taut may not help too much bc the wrinkles are falling into themselves, preventing the moisture from getting to the weak parts
But they're okay for now. If they split, take them to a cobbler for repairs!
Cierra ii slides! There was a limited selection of sizes bc I think they're no longer sold and they're just selling the remaining sizes left. I got luck since I'm an 6UK/8US women's
These:
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001DZOKQ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_1cwgFbPQHRW9J
Though brand isnt super important, just important that they're gel and thin.
If you're having trouble getting them to stay in place and you really want to break those boots in I recommend using some medical tape to stick over the inserts onto your heel so they stay put.
I've had to break in a lot of Docs this year and that combo has been my saving grace, especially with the church quads and my Jadons.
It made me go from being able to do a quick walk around the supermarket and getting blistered to heck, to being able to walk miles in them.
Hey! Thanks for the advice! Will try them.
I didn’t stretch them in length. I stretched them in height because they were so tight I could barely keep the shoes on for 2 minutes, it would cut off my circulation. And because of that I couldn’t really feel and realize that it was big in length.
I took the shoes to shoe maker, and they stretched it with something like this https://www.amazon.com/Eachway-Professional-Premium-Stretcher-Adjustable/dp/B01NAKQEBL
It’s sometimes hard to find even more basic dr martens brand laces in stock, and if those aren’t one of the standard lengths they don’t sell them at all.
You can search for other laces the right length online, Amazon is a possibility. Otherwise you can make your own like I had to for my tall boots.
You could try paracord, or go to a fabric store and see what kind of round cord trims or elastic cord they have. The ends are another issue because I don’t like to knot them and singeing the ends didn’t work for me. For just one pair you could maybe try something like this, . I ended up making several pairs so I got the aglets that squish together and practiced until I could do it with just basic pliers instead of the expensive tool.
There's a pair of Shrivers in 10s in cj beauty on Amazon.
You know your stuff. Could you explain the "goodyear welted" as opposed to "cemented"? I guess whatever the difference is, the former doesn't work with platforms--that's the only logic I see.
Anyway, as I mentioned below, went in for the last pair of burgundy Leonas. So do they, in "vintage smooth" scuff worse, or is it a rub off effect?
Not sure I like them as much as the Shrivers, but we'll see! Talked with someone at the Seattle store and she confirmed what you said: basically the main difference between the two (other than color selection) is the hook fastening/mountain climbing look of the Leonas.
Thanks for all the info, seriously.
The kiwi shoe polish with the sponge top is what they had us use on white uniform shoes in school.
I think the Amazon seller made a typo, instead of 1490 they miss-typed 190. Here's a link to a Dr Martens seller on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dr-Martens-Original-Unisex-Adult-Cherry/dp/B000W80QE0?ref_=w_bl_sl_l_ap_sh_web_1648292031&th=1
​
Check out the customer questions, should be able to get more info on there!
their site only has up to womens 11 but amazon has mens 11. Howvern there are only mens sizes. is this an error on amazons part? https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Martens-Womens-1B99-Boot/dp/B00IJNMZWG?th=1&psc=1
Amazon. They have over 25 colors. I have 8 different ones, rally like them a lot. Theses are the 75cm, they work well for the 3 eye. I also have the 142cm for my 1460s
The black laces they sell on the Dr Martens site for 12-14 eye say they’re 83 inches. Derbylaces.com sells a lot of laces in 84 and 96 inch lengths - and they also sell on Amazon which is where I got mine. I think they’re all flat laces not round, but if you search Amazon or ebay for shoe laces in those lengths you’ll probably find more.
If you use the heat method, it's a good idea to put the shoes on while they're still warm to help them mold to your feet while they cool down / get stiff again.
The mink oil method may not be the best for your cherry reds since the oil will darken the leather. But! You could always coat the inside with mink oil so it doesn't change the outside layer of leather that has been dyed red. Maybe. I haven't tried it so I can't say
It's also a good idea to get some shoe trees to put inside while you're not wearing them & definitely use the shoe trees when you're cleaning and conditioning your shoes!
Niiiice
I haven't tried the platform front zip style but I tried out the 1460 version and the zip up part was so uncomfortable. It might've been the stiff leather where yours seems softer but I had to return this boot
When I had foot smell in my boots after a humid summer visiting family in the Midwest (US), I used hot water to wash out my boots. Remove the insoles, if they are removable, and wash them separately. I used saddle soap in and out of my boots to clean them.
I set them on a windowsill in the sun to dry for a day with socks inside filled with baking soda. Some of the baking soda got into the boot, which is fine. The smell didn't fully go away so I use a deodorizer every once in a while to freshen it up. The smell is mostly gone but I like to freshen my boots up a little extra because they're a little old. I haven't used the spray in a while and I don't smell it anymore but it comes back sometimes
I've also been told (haven't tried yet) to leave cedar shoe trees in the boots when they're on the shelf/in the closet. I've ordered some and they're going to arrive on Monday. If I remember, I'll try to give an update on those! They get rid of moisturize and leave a fresh cedar smell--supposedly
Edit: make sure you use leather conditioner after you wash your boots!! You don't want them to dry out
I mentioned this the other day on this subreddit but I'll post again, I wear gel inserts meant for the ball of your foot, but I wear them round my heel and put socks on to keep them in place.
I have Jadons and they eat your heels.
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001DZOKQ6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_1cwgFbPQHRW9J
If you're having trouble getting them to stay in place and you really want to break those boots in I recommend using some medical tape to stick over the inserts onto your heel so they stay put.
I've had to break in a lot of Docs this year and that combo has been my saving grace, especially with the church quads and my Jadons.
It made me go from being able to do a quick walk around the supermarket and getting blistered to heck, to being able to walk miles in them.
Also I used mink oil on the inside heel of my Jadons and that helped a lot, I'm still breaking them in but I'm getting there!
Heads up that if you're getting a 7, they're currently $135 on Amazon (plus it's prime and fulfilled by Amazon so I trust they're not fake)! Not sure if there's a better deal out there atm.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SZJ58LB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'm usually an 8 but my regular Jadons are an 8 and they're a little big (I put an insole in and they're still a bit large!). I found this deal for the size 7 on Amazon and put in an order yesterday so we shall see..
The link worked for me. They looked a lot like these from Amazon but cheaper
Another user brought these insoles to my attention, because i dislike thick insoles. I like them to be simple.
They are thin and they have 3000+ shock absorbing gel nodules for pressure relief and shock absorption.
I recently bought the Scholl Shock Reducer insoles. They are not too thick and fit my doc shoes well. https://www.amazon.com.au/Scholl-Reducer-Everyday-Insole-kilograms/dp/B07YFWL3FZ/ref=asc_df_B07YFWL3FZ/?tag=googleshopmob-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=463883742451&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7858856495557336589&hvpone=&hvptwo=&am...
I thought maybe the bumps on the insoles were causing problems since you said you were getting blisters on the balls of your feet.
It is hard for me to put insoles in shoes because it lifts my heel up. They do sell different random multi packs of peel-and-stick heel grip pads on amazon.. Do you think sticking one or two on the inside sides might help?
Never mind the DM ones - I got Scholls Work gel insoles in my Jadon boots and they have revolutionised the wearability and comfort for me. (I walk pretty much everywhere when possible)
I would be between sizes - 5 is just too tight, I have 6s but are a bit too long and deep - the insoles fill those gaps nicely for me.
I highly recommend!
I put products on the inside of my boots and I'd recommend either a leather conditioner, something like this or mink oil, like this (solid works though liquid absorbs easier). For the mink oil you can heat up the boot a little so it will absorb better, but not too much heat to damage adhesives or the finish. It can help the leather last longer and also makes breaking in boots easier. Wax is okay for putting a nice finish on boots but isn't as effective at hydrating, although it does help preserve leather. I'd recommend mink oil though. Good luck with your boots!
They are tuff to break in I wear them with silicone ankle guards that go on your foot. I got the guards on Amazon. There comfy with the guards on.
Sometimes people ask how to cover spots on arcadia and I wanted to show what I’ve done on a couple pairs before. Shoe polish didn’t work well for me, the surface is so shiny that the polish would come off pretty quickly.
I use these wet-erase markers that I have for work. https://www.amazon.com/Wet-Erase-Marker-Point-4-Color-SAN16074/dp/B00A40DBSE. After they dry it doesn’t rub off, but it will come off if it gets wet (wet-erase obv haha). It blends in well once it’s dry, it lets a little red show through so it’s not solid black. Dry erase markers wouldn’t have worked since they rub off easily, and I wouldn’t use a permanent marker because it could make the spot permanently black while the arcadia continues to rub off around it.
Disclaimer— yes I know arcadia is supposed to change color as it wears, and I know docs are supposed to look broken in and worn in over time, and on and on — but someone might want to cover a round spot where they dropped a big blop of hand sanitizer and made a big circle on the back of a boot. Not that I’ve done anything so careless, of course not .. 😇
Sometimes people ask how to cover spots on arcadia and I wanted to show what I’ve done on a couple pairs before. Shoe polish didn’t work well for me, the surface is so shiny that the polish would come off pretty quickly.
I use these wet-erase markers that I have for work. https://www.amazon.com/Wet-Erase-Marker-Point-4-Color-SAN16074/dp/B00A40DBSE. After they dry it doesn’t rub off, but it will come off if it gets wet (wet-erase obv haha). It blends in well once it’s dry, it lets a little red show through so it’s not solid black. Dry erase markers wouldn’t have worked since they rub off easily, and I wouldn’t use a permanent marker because it could make the spot permanently black while the arcadia continues to rub off around it.
Disclaimer— yes I know arcadia is supposed to change color as it wears, and I know docs are supposed to look broken in and worn in over time, and on and on — but someone might want to cover a round spot where they dropped a big blop of hand sanitizer and made a big circle on the top of a boot. Not that I’ve done anything so careless, of course not .. 😇
Breaking in exists! I try to only do nice wool socks next to my skin when breaking in. They seem to really prevent blistering for me. I also rub anti friction balm (like runners use) on the spots that normally blister to protect the area. Have you tried wonder balm on the inside? I ordered some for my kid’s 1460s that are super stiff. It comes highly recommended here.
https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Bond-Friction-Defense-Unscented/dp/B007VC9DKI
So i googled doc marten grace and found the “Grace Bow 8-Eye Capper Boot in Black”
They don’t. There are some on amazon if you search, with different lengths and ratings.
Danners makes some.. Occasionally Dr Martens zippers show up on resale sites.
Someone posted this same pair the other day, they’re the pascal boots in Shiraz buttero leather. I found an old Amazon listing here.
This is what I bought. It's not ideal for boots as the handle sticks out over the heel so you have to squash the boot down a bit at the back but it's worked ok for me and I've now used it on a few pairs of different shoes and boots to make them more comfortable as my right foot is a whole size wider than my left https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06WRTQ75F/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o08\_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Shoe stretching spray works amazingly.
I was skeptical at first until I bought some and now, I can comfortably wear mine without murdering my feet every time. (This is after trying for 2 years to break them in and I was about to throw in the towel and sell them.) It's definitely worth a try =)
I found this on tiktok awhile ago and it’s like silicone heel socks? They help me so much like I don’t get much heel pain anymore honestly. I hope it helps. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07TZG5KQT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I don’t know the style, but I have seen that stamp on some docs from the mid to late 2000s. One was called felicia, another was buckley, and there were others. If yours have a label inside you could search that and see if any happen to come up in a search. Unfortunately if they’re like the others, no name is written inside just a number, so unless someone happens to remember the name or still has the box you might not be able to find it.
they're called 'lace locks'. you can find many different kinds but op's are these .
is this what you're talking about? sorry for all the questions, i kinda went through a lot with getting docs bc i originally got the mary janes and they totally broke on me before i wore them out. thanks for all the help :-)
MATIE FIX Heel Grips Liner Cushions Inserts for Loose Shoes, Heel Pads Snugs for Shoe Too Big Men Women, Filler Improved Shoe Fit and Comfort, Prevent Heel Slip and Blister (4 Pairs ) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08YR5MCXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_7Y19AK072VH0E7PDYJY2
Maybe try some Heel Cups or some Heel grips
As /u/Nervous_Mushroom4233 has said, some light sanding and conditioning (Wonder balsam plus some waxy shoe polish) will work to hide it.
But be warned that this is the worse case scenario with leather. Once this happens, There isn't much that one can do.
So time for some real talk here:
These boots are walking themselves into an early grave.
I don't know how you got them, or if they got this way under your watch, but at this point it doesn't particularly matter. Once you see these tears, they begin to progress further and further until they break through to the inside of the boot.
You can hide them with some high gloss boot polish. But likely as the years go on, these will eventually break down, and the tears will become rips.
Moisturizing with Wonder balsam/leather conditioner will buy you more time, but the goal of owning most Dr. Martens is to avoid this at all costs as nothing generally can be done at this point.
Most boots can be felt by hand to see how dry the leather is and when they need more balsam/conditioner, I'd apply it every 2-4 months depending on how dry the cracks feel and there is a good possibility you'll get a few more years out of them, but be warned that there is a end point in sight for these.
On my very tall boots with no zipper I use this bow tie lacing pattern. It tightens and loosens quicker, but it leaves more lace left over so you might need to wrap the extra lace or use shorter laces.
They also sell different zipper inserts like the sinclairs have, here’s a random one.
I use these for my Sinclairs that are slightly too big and they are perfect. Plus they have a little ankle support that is comfy. insole link
I use this for my crazy horse 1460s. It's specifically designed for oil-finished leather. It works great!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007QOE504/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
amazon says they do in cream https://www.amazon.com/Saphir-Cream-Beaute-Surfine-Cherry/dp/B002XZJKBK
I've never tried it. I'm still using an old tin of docs brand cherry wax polish thats running out on mine, but if it's close it probably doesn't matter. I use a saphir cream green on my green docs and it blends just fine after brushing.
The comfort heel insets or big ones on Amazon will work. I use them cause I like to size up but don’t want my foot sliding. I use the comfort soles by dr martens and these on Amazon Amazoncause their really thick
Heel Cups, Plantar Fasciitis Inserts, Heel Pads Cushion (3 Pairs) Great for Heel Pain, Heal Dry Cracked Heels, Achilles Tendinitis, for Men & Women.(Gel Heel Cups) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CS1XYB6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_Q2DNJD54J573089F10X1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Lol, sorry wasn’t tying to be vague 😂
But I also to find what the ad was talking about, there was no link.
Heel Cups, Plantar Fasciitis Inserts, Heel Pads Cushion (3 Pairs) Great for Heel Pain, Heal Dry Cracked Heels, Achilles Tendinitis, for Men & Women.(Gel Heel Cups) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CS1XYB6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_Q2DNJD54J573089F10X1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
THESE are the greatest thing EVER! all my like ankle height shoes have them and they're SUCH a game changer. Really helps so u don't really get blisters and it's made my shoes fit a bit better! The best the best the best
I use this. It’s specifically designed for oil finished leathers like crazy horse.
Saphir Cream Polish for Leather Shoes & Boots https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QOE504/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_MH5E1BETBJS5CFNNJ1DW?psc=1
Heel Cups, Plantar Fasciitis Inserts, Heel Pads Cushion (3 Pairs) Great for Heel Pain, Heal Dry Cracked Heels, Achilles Tendinitis, for Men & Women.(Gel Heel Cups) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CS1XYB6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_8RRANV54FT0XXQDFA9TV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
These are the ones I bought. They haven’t come in yet so idk how well they work but they had some decent reviews
Try these. My MIEs are a little are on me, so I use these and they fit well.
I'm normally a half size person, so I have to size up for MIE docs. I use these to make up for the extra space. They work really well, and they have a variety of thickness and cushioning.
So this would actually be a tough one. Dr Martens themselves have warned on using their own Balsam on printed boots like this.
So what I'd use instead would be a lighter conditioner with no wax in it.
If I wanted to be 100% about preserving the outside, I'd actually apply this a little bit at a time (during one session of conditioning) on the inside of the boot. I wouldn't at all say that this would be easy, but it could be done.
I'd however test a little bit on the outside of the boot in an unnoticeable area to see the print will let you get away with just applying it outside from then on.
No worries, happy to help.
So looking at the picture, it looks like it certainly has had both balsam and dubbin put on it. So the advice here remains the same, get a can of saddle soap (although any brand works) and give them a scrub and let them dry for around 15 minutes. Then I'd do an application of either balsam or dubbin, depending on if these are in harsh conditions or not.
A guy who does it perfectly is this guy. Please however don't sand your boots, like he does before the timestamp, its not at all a good idea. The rest of his technique is perfect.
Only 3 months? This is a bit worrying.
If they feel crunchy, and light, then it's because they are severely un-conditioned and are losing their body/softness. Leather is skin, so it'll thin out and feel more like Beef Jerky when it dries out. Most boots where I live will get like this over the course of a season if not conditioned at all. I'm on the border with Mexico in Arizona, in Nogales. So very very dry, and harsh on leather here.
What are you using to condition? If you are using Wonder Balsam, you may wish to try something with more umph, I use Saphir conditioner, and it works well here. I'd probably be generous with my application on these, and leave them covered in it overnight, before buffing them out.
Thankfully these look very salvageable, so it's not too late to save them.
I was given these as a gift, they are lovely and look great but something is off. If they are fakes....they are damn good ones but the where expensive ($230) so I want to know exactly what they are. I believe these are supposed to be Jadon Arcadia....I'll add the link to where they where bought bellow. Here's why I'm concerned: they came individually wrapped in plastic (because they where I gift I didn't see a box or anything in the box such as extra laces), they seem somewhat plastic, they eyelets look painted, the zipper pull doesn't have a groove on the bottom, the laces seem sorta stretchy (unlike my real 1460's), the stitching and fabric in the inside seems off, and there is a sticker with a barcode on the bottom.
I compared them to a genuine pair and their seemed decent but something seemed off. Please help!
thanks! I wanted go out with them on to see if they're actually confortable. I danced for hours and never felt discomfort! I got this exact pair of heel cups, you can notice them a little bit with thin socks, but if you wear thicker socks (which I did) you barely notice them. overall I totally recommend getting them :-) hope this helped you
Hello. So I over pronate. I was told by a podiatrist that I should wear insoles with firm arch support. He looked at my MIE and said they had basically no arch support. I use powerstep insoles, they work well and are thin so they don’t take up much room in the shoe.
Powerstep Original Arch Support Insoles, Plantar Fasciitis Relief Shoe Inserts, Thin Orthotic Insoles Men and Women https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005AFHMDS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_CSQ0CYSYPFF3MH8C3GET
Hey!
Not sure if this will help but I bought the Sinclair size 38 (Aunt Sally, soft leather). They are too big. I have to put thick insoles in them, wear some gel heal protectors (this: https://www.amazon.ca/ViveSole-Gel-Heel-Protectors-Pairs/dp/B07LCWK6XK) and 2 pairs of socks in order to wear them. I'm not even kidding. IT SUCKS!
I also have 1461 in regular leather, size 37 and they are tight. And i am size 7/7.5/38 im most other brands. That's what made me think Sinclair 38 would be safe.
If i could go back, i'd buy the Sinclair in 37.
If they’ve never been cleaned/conditioned before, I’d suggest using a warm damp cloth or a light cleaner. And then conditioning with a conditioner that is specifically for oil-finished leather. Red Wing has a good one called leather cream that works well. Also, Saphir greasy leather conditioner is good too.
https://www.redwingshoes.com/accessories/shoe-care/Leather-Cream-97095.html?cgid=shoe-care
Saphir Cream Polish for Leather Shoes & Boots https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007QOE504/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_F1P6DSRW7DQ2DSXM6YMB?psc=1
That's a heel pad, it's only gonna help add support to the lower heel. That's useful for shoes without heel support.
I suggested gel heel protectors
I think that’s the hot pink patent clemency? Modern patent is a just a layer of clear plastic over leather, and it’s prone to yellowing, cracking and peeling. I’ve seen more and more of the bright colored patents especially breaking up and being brittle with age too. Afaik there’s not much you can do. I’d use a stiffer bristle brush to get rid of what’s flaked off, although more is likely to keep flaking away. I’d maybe try something like saphir shoe cream https://www.amazon.com/Saphir-Cream-Beaute-Creme-Surfine/dp/B007RX1WTG ,hope it deposits color in the exposed area in the cracks and shines up with buffing, and be prepared to redo it often as it cracks? Exact color match is difficult just like with paint, but I can’t think of much else 😔
Unfortunately dr martens doesn’t sell them separately.
Here’s an 8 eye on on amazon. . There are other around, Danner sells some. . They’re a good brand but more money. I’ve never used them so I don’t know how well the holes line up to docs or if that matters much.
Unfortunately dr martens doesn’t sell them separately.
I’ve seen some pretty cheap on amazon, here’s one. . They’re not leather and I’m not sure how well they’d hold up, but it’s not much to try.
Danner sells some. . They’re a good brand and leather, but they’re more money. I’ve never tried any of these so I don’t know if they’d line up exactly or if it really matters if they don’t?
They’re the Estrela brogues! They also made a boot in the same lace style called Zelda. Super cute!
Hey,
Do you think this leather conditioner can be used for docs? or will it destroy the boots?
Thanks
My platform chelsea's did this, too! I used shoe goo first, that didn't work for long, then I used actual boot repair glue that I found on Amazon and that worked fine for me and is still holding up a few months later!
you can tape moleskin directly to your heels, as well as the inside of the heel area of the shoe(maybe even try taping it inside the toe box area?). an alternative would be duct tape or heavy duty bandaids.
as for the toe problem, i have 1461 bex in two sizes, W7/M8 and W6/M7. the bigger size W7/M8 has a wider, more square toe box. the smaller size has a more rounded, smaller toe box. the smaller size(even though it's my size) is too painful to wear.
other than going up a size, if you haven't already, try using an oil spray that softens the leather. as well as metal stretching devices.
you can also put in a thin squishy/memory foam insert to relieve pressure in the toe area.
while people are saying to wear thicker socks, you can wear thin socks to reduce the foot pressure within the shoe if you use the moleskin method.
use moleskin. you can tape it directly to your heel, as well as inside the boot.
These sort of elastic boot laces have good reviews although I’ve never tried it.
Something like harper with the elastic and the laces? . Or I’m not particularly fond of zippers but there are several styles that have those.
These sort of elastic boot laces have good reviews although I’ve never tried it. . A 101 or church boot has less to tie and go on pretty quickly. Something like harper with the elastic and the laces? . Or there’s shoes :)
I have this, it's kind of pricey and you do have to assemble it, which can be a little time consuming. But, you're also able to skip a level during assembly to allow the boot to stand up fully.
If you need arch support, I highly recommend Powerstep insoles. My podiatrist recommended those, and I have them in all four of my Docs. I have either the full size or 3/4 spending on fit. They work perfectly. Although if you use those, or any other aftermarket insole, I definitely recommend tearing out the thin foam insole that comes with most docs.
Powerstep Original Arch Support Insoles, Plantar Fasciitis Relief Shoe Inserts, Thin Orthotic Insoles Men and Women https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00268XJMU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_R4FS8QRAVGR3GSQP95H5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I highly recommend silicon heel cups! I’ve been using them to break in my Mary Janes and have had zero discomfort! Here’s a link on Amazon : 5 Pair Heel Protectors, Heel Cups for Heel Pains, Heel Pads Cushion, Heal Dry Cracked Heels, Achilles Tendinitis, Breathable Silicone Gel Heel Cups, for Men & Women - Universal Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CHPG7S5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_M07358ED05M5G44KGK8R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Thanks!!! I got it Amazon I think. Here's a link to the same one https://www.amazon.com/Double-Grommet-Belt-Leather-Punk-Waist-Belt-Chain-Dresses/dp/B07WJ47G98/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=grunge+belt&qid=1628752202&sr=8-3
That's normal! Aftercare is the most important thing to do from here on out.
Moisturize your boots (DM's wonder balsm works too!) and get yourself some shoe trees. Shoe trees mostly benefit maintaining the shape of the heel and toe box, not so much the ankle area so you may need to stuff it with the tissue paper it came with or something of that sort. But stuffing that boot while you're not wearing it should help maintain the integrity of that spot since it will likely see even more wear later on down the road.
My left shoes always get more wear than my right shoes but mostly on the pinky toe side rather than the ankle
All-Natural Leather Cream - Restores and Protects Smooth Leather - Made with Triple Filtered BeesWax https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L5GF7TS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XPASJNTR2A5YCGAYHFKM?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Just sold off some of my collection I wasn’t crazy about and organizing what I really want. I ordered this version of these adjustable stackers and surprisingly they are strong enough to hold my 1460s and shrivers. The sinclairs were too heavy. The bad part is they require pretty deep shelves.
Hey! I got my first pair of Dr. Martens last week. I’ve been dreaming about them since I’m 13 or something. Now I tried breaking them in by wearing them with thick socks at home. Went grocery shopping yesterday and my feet feel like they’re going to fall off haha.
I have some questions on how to care and maintain the shoes : - How often should I put leather conditioner on them? - What other products do I need? - How to lace them properly? Youtube only shows vids for other docs and I feel like i don’t have enough lace - What socks do you wear with them? Are thesesocks good enough? - I ordered silicon heel protectors from AliExpress, do these really help? - Any other important tips on how to prevent these horrible blisters and break the shoes in?
Hi, so after years of dreaming I finally got my first pair of docs! I didn’t lace them up properly yet and I’m planning on wearing them at home till they are more or less broken in.
I am searching for some socks that I can buy to wear comfortably with them. For breaking in I could wear many pairs of socks that I already own, but I think that I still need new socks because my usual ones are too short and thin.
Do you think that these will do good with docs?
I guess it depends on how far back it hitting. The toe box at the front doesn’t stretch. My coppolas don’t rub, but I had some success with little stretchers similar to these on a pair with a pointer toe that rubbed on the side at the base of my pinky toe.
Yes they do! I would suggest the ARBOR WOMEN'S NEWARK STEEL TOE WORK BOOTS. They look al bb most exactly like the Chelsea boot and have an intergrated steel toe. This is on the US Site, but they are available on this Amazon Link which I believe would ship into Canada. They are also cheaper then the normal Chelsea boot. But if that’s not your style, they have plenty of other ones too!
Are you using socks that are pretty snug? I noticed if I use a sock that’s loose enough to move around in the boot it hurts to break them in and I get some rubbing.
I love these socks.
Hue Women's Mini Crew Sock 6-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A9MQCVK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_JE.6FbATTH84E?psc=1
I’m always on the hunt for good socks. These work well for 1460s!
Hue Women's Mini Crew Sock 6-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A9MQCVK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_fp35FbEKGDAT5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Try these insoles. I’ve had luck with them. And try it with thicker socks.
Dr. Martens Unisex Comfort Insoles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009XUSUIC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_3qw5FbTJGWV8H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Womens Black Thin Cotton Socks High Ankle 6 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0716JRFQZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_J834FbRXJJWC5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
These ones are awesome but they are thinner!
YSense 5 Pairs Womens Winter Warm Socks Thick Knit Wool Cozy Crew Socks Gifts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DV2H5DV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_ZZ34Fb7VZJCRS?psc=1
These ones!! They are nice but they loosen after a little bit. Still looking for the perfect ones but these are good for now. They stay up pretty well though.
I saw in a boot shop in my town they had some sort of plastic insert that supposedly prevented creasing as the shoe was worn. Maybe look into something like that. It was something similar to this I think. https://www.amazon.com/Forcefield-ForceField-Sneaker-Preventers-Accessory/dp/B07Z8PZR35