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Breaking in your Docs will take time and patience, but everyone goes through it. Read on to discover the ways to make this rite of passage go smoothly -  we've got you covered.

1. Get the perfect fit
If you normally take half a size, we recommend sizing down. The boots should feel tight but not uncomfortable! If the boot feels uncomfortable when you try it on, especially in the width, then it is too small. Docs will soften and stretch as you wear them in! You can check out our size guide for more information.

2. Wear thick socks and keep your laces tight

Wearing thick socks will protect your feet + encourage the leather to warm up + soften faster. We have a great range of Doc socks to help you achieve this. The "Double Doc Sock" features extra padding in all the classic friction points — like at the back of the heel and ankle — and now comes with arch support and a new blister protection system in the lining, meaning no blisters! Keep your laces tight to encourage the boot to mould to your foot and avoid rubbing.

3. If they're brand new, start with 1-2 hour intervals
Begin by wearing your Docs around the house for short periods of time. Don't attempt a festival or long walk the first time you wear them! Some leathers stretch quicker than others, Nappa, Carpathian and Virginia are some great soft leather options!

4. Repeat until they're perfect
Follow the mentioned steps above until your boots are soft and shaped to your foot. Then, you're good to go wherever!

4. Wonder Balsam

To help speed up the process, we recommend using our Wonder Balsam! This little pot of gold contains a mix of lanolin, beeswax and coconut oil to help soften the leather. It also adds a protective layer and subtle shine to your boots. 

Throughout the years, we've heard all sorts... Let us know how you break in yours! 

Looking after your Docs will take time and patience, but everyone goes through it. Read on to discover the ways to make this rite of passage go smoothly -  we've got you covered.

1. Put in the groundwork

Before you start, we recommend putting some newspaper down on the floor to avoid any unwanted black marks. Next, grab your kit. You'll need some damp cloths, water, a shoe brush and a tub of Shoe Polish.

2. Remove the dirt

Your boots will most likely need a bit of a clean before you start polishing. We recommend giving them a good wipe with a damp cloth. Remember to remove your shoelaces and clean them separately. Afterwards, dry your boots with a different cloth.

Handy tip: Bang your boots together a few times to remove any excess mud.

3. Apply shoe polish

Scoop out some polish with a dry cloth and apply a thin layer over the boot (including the tongue). Focus on any areas with scuffs, scratches or marks. Once done, wipe off any excess with a cloth.

Handy tip: You can apply more than one coat of polish if your boots have really been through it - just remember to let the first coat dry before following up with a second layer.

4. Buff to shine

Want your boots to have a nice, sharp shine? Grab your Bristle Brush and get buffing. You can skip this stage if you don't need it. 

5. Apply the finishing touches

Almost there. There are a few optional last touches. You can give your newly polished boots a quick spray with our Ultra Protector for that added layer of protection. Alternatively, you can use our Shoe Freshener to remove any unwanted odours. You're done. Your boots should be back to looking their best.

Now to scuff them up again.

 SHOP OUR SHOE CARE

Our entire vegan range is made of vegan-friendly synthetic material, with zero traces of animal byproducts.
Our Vegan Docs are typically easier to break-in. Need a more in-depth guide on how to break in your Docs? Check out our guide here.

To maintain vegan leather, don't let your boots sit wet/drying in direct sunlight for too long.

To help keep them clean, use light soapy water or a standard wet wipe.

Yes, we do! We stock both vegan and non-vegan products at Dr. Martens.

If you’re looking to purchase any cruelty-free products, simply head over to the search bar at the top of the page and type in ‘vegan’. This will bring up our vegan range.

Alternatively, you can browse our entire vegan range here.

Our vegan range contains two core materials. Our vegan alternative to our smooth original leather - it's called Felix. It's technically known as microfiber and is a polymer-synthetic material.

Unfortunately, we rarely receive restocks of short-run releases. 

To keep up to date with the latest releases and any restocks that come our way, we recommend joining our mailing list. Just scroll to the bottom of our website and enter your email address. 

You can also keep watch on our social media channels or on our blog here

Thanks so much for showing your interest, we'll have our fingers crossed for a restock for you in the near future!

Need help finding the right size Docs? Use our size guide to help you determine the best fit for your feet. It includes a "How to measure" guide and a Conversion chart. 

Our iconic original styles like the 1460 8-Eye boot tend to run a little wider, so we recommend ordering a size down with those.

Important to note: Dr. Martens products are in UK sizing. Please find your UK size before placing an order. 

Chatting to a Docs Expert is the easiest way to ensure you purchase the correct size. Call them on 1800 931 831 and select option 1 or chat with them here. 

To ensure you choose the correct size for your feet we recommend you follow the below method: 

Top Tip: measuring your size is easier if you have someone helping you. 

• Put a sheet of paper along the wall and fix it to the floor with sticky tape
• Next, stand over the paper with your back straight, your heels against the wall, and your feet together. Make sure you're wearing socks.  
• Trace the outline of both feet and draw a straight line across where the silhouette is longer. 
• Draw the outline of both feet and draw the straight line where the silhouette is longer. Draw a parallel line 0.5 cm from this line. 

• Finally, measure the distance from the wall to the second line you have drawn. Use this length and our cm conversion chart to find your size. 

It's important to note that Docs are sold in UK sizes. 

If you are unsure of which size is right for you, try these tips: 

• Already own a pair of Docs?
  Generally sizing tends to be standard across all Docs, although sizes can vary slightly depending on the style, shape and material of the shoe. The size of the pair that you already own is a good guide!
• Use the product information and reviews
  Certain styles can run a size larger or smaller. We’ll include this information on the product page when we have this information available, and often, fellow shoppers will leave reviews with size information that you can use.

It's important to know your UK size when purchasing Docs.

As Dr. Martens originated in the UK, Docs are sold in UK sizing. It's important you determine your UK size when placing your order to ensure you purchase the correct size. 

Use our size guide to compare your US or EU size to find your UK size.

Remember! Your order will automatically be placed in the UK size curve and this will reflect on your order confirmation. 

Our friendly Docs Experts are here to help. Click the "Contact Us" below to connect with the team. 

Joining our mailing list will give you access to updates on new styles and campaigns, upcoming releases and competitions. 

To sign up, scroll to the bottom of the website and enter your email address. 

Important to note: Signing up to our mailing list is not the same as having an account. You can create an account here to save your purchase and return history.

We value your honest feedback, whether it's good or bad. It helps us improve our products and service.

Follow this link to contact the team and let us know how you're enjoying your purchases or provide feedback on an in-store experience. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Need to find your nearest store? Head over to our store locator!

Thanks for showing your interest in working for us!

We're always on the lookout for talented people to join our growing team.

If you'd like to work at Dr. Martens, please head over to our careers page for more information on the benefits and available positions.

Thanks again and good luck!