How to Break In Dr. Martens

Dr. Martens are famous for two things: lasting for years, and being stiff out of the box. The good news is that breaking them in is straightforward once you know how. Feet Heart is an authorized Dr. Martens retailer, family-run since 2003, so here is the method we share with shoppers in our stores.

How long does it take to break in Dr. Martens?

Most people fully break in a pair within 2 to 4 weeks of regular wear. The thick leather needs time to soften and mould to your foot. The classic 1460 boot and 1461 shoe take the longest; softer styles break in faster.

How do you break in Doc Martens faster?

• Wear them around the house in short sessions with thick socks before wearing them out.
• Flex and bend the leather gently with your hands to loosen the stiff areas.
• Use Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam to condition and soften the leather.
• Build up wear time gradually instead of a full day right away.
• Add a cushioned insole for extra comfort while the boot softens.

How do I stop Dr. Martens rubbing my heel?

The heel is the most common hot spot during break-in. Use heel grips or padded heel socks, do not lace too tight, and cover any hot spots with a blister plaster before they blister. As the leather softens, the rubbing stops.

Do Dr. Martens run big or small?

Dr. Martens come in whole sizes only and tend to run large. If you normally wear a half size, size down to the nearest whole size. They feel snug at first, then mould to your foot as they break in.

Prefer a boot with no break-in?

If you'd rather skip the break-in entirely, a cushioned waterproof Timberland is the easier out-of-the-box choice. See how the two compare in our Dr. Martens vs Timberland guide.

Where can I get the right size?

In-stock pairs to start with: the 1460 8-Eye Boot, the 1461 3-Eye Gibson, and the softer 1460 Pascal (faster break-in).

See our Dr. Martens 1460 sizing guide for a full size breakdown, then browse the Dr. Martens collection. Want a second opinion on size? Call our store team at (310) 398-7497 or email info@feetheart.com. Every order includes free U.S. shipping and free 30-day returns (sale items final).