Doc Martens are fashionable, functional, and unique boys perfect for men and women who want to add a bit of style and flair to their outfits.
With a wide range of styles, such as laceless women’s black boots and men’s smooth leather platform boots, there is testing for everyone when it comes to shopping around for the ideal pair of Doc Martens for your date night or work-day outfit.
As an owner of these fashionable and high-quality shoes, it is key to know how you should care for your “Docs” as time goes on.
Instead of just wearing them in the snow, rain, and sleet — and then leaving them to dry — you need to learn how to best take care of your shoes so they can last a long time and retain their shape.
Additionally, you may wonder if your Doc Martens stretch and how to break in your boots.
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Do Doc Martens Stretch?
If you take care of your boots properly, you can have your Doc Martens increase in size slightly to accommodate your bigger foot shape, or you can keep them tight and snug if they already fit perfectly.
But the real question is — do Doc Martens stretch? They stretch a little. Let’s discuss the best way to take care of your Docs and how much they will stretch over time.
How to Break in Your Doc Martens
Doc Martens are known for being sturdy and durable — two adjectives share great for high-quality and long-lasting products but also two words that can indicate the material is harder on your foot.
Even though they may not be as simple as your flip-flops or summer sandals, there are tons of little tips and tricks you can try during your first few wears to avoid unwanted blisters and hot spots.
Choose the Right Socks
Wearing socks with your Docs is key to avoiding blisters, keeping your feet at the right temperatures, and avoiding any unwanted rubbing on your toes and heel.
Selecting socks is just as important as the shoe. Owners of Doc Martens should choose socks that have a little extra protection in the heel and outside toe area to get rid of friction and reduce the prevalence of blisters.
Make sure you choose socks that are snug on your feet, as you want to avoid the Doc Martens from stretching out over time.
Massage the Leather
Do Doc Martens stretch? The answer is maybe — however, if you take care of your leather by massaging it on a regular basis to break in the material and make it softer, you can soften the boot and make it easier to break in almost immediately.
Use a Salve
The next way to break in your Doc Marten is to use a salve to condition and soften the harsh leather.
Although the latter is well-known for its ability to protect your feet from getting stepped on at the crowded concert you just went to, the material is also extremely stiff — which makes it uncomfortable when you first break them in.
Using a salve helps soften the leather to begin the break-in process sooner.
Stretch the Uppers
If you want to stretch your Doc Martens, you can. If you have been wondering, “Do Doc Martens stretch?” using fillers in your shoes can help you expand the leather and make it more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Consider inserting fillers, such as cans or custom-made shoe-shaped products in your Doc Martens overnight.
Try Heel Pads
The next trick to consider to break in your Docs and slightly stretch the material is to use heel pads. Using removable and easy-to-insert heel pads can help provide breathing room in the heel and increase the softness of the leather.
Don’t Wear Them All the Time
Although we know you love your Docs, consider taking a break sometimes. We know they are fashionable, and you can wear them with every outfit, but sometimes wearing them for back-to-back days on your feet can cause your ankles, heels, and toes to wince in pain.
Take a few breaks during the first days of the break-in period to keep your feet comfortable and blister-free.
Choose the Right Fit
This is one of the most important steps of making your Docs easier to break in. If you choose the right size, to begin with, it can increase the comfort of your shoes.
If the boot feels uncomfortable during the first try-on period in the length and width of the boot, they are too small. Plus, the answer is “yes” to “Do Doc Martens stretch?”
In fact, Doc Martens soften AND stretch slightly as you wear them, so sizing a little bit up is a good idea for a comfortable and relaxing fit.
Here’s a detailed video that shows how to break in your Dr. Martens quickly:
Steps to Break in Your New Doc Martens – Quickly!
If you really really want to wear your Doc Marten tomorrow for a fun night out on the town, there are a few steps that you can do at the moment that will help soften and stretch the mail to provide a more comfortable fit.
Doing these easy steps can help you create a more comfortable fit on your feet without having to exchange or return your beloved boots.
- Loosen the laces – make sure you start with the top of the boto and work your way down towards the toes
- Spray the inside of your Doc Marten boots with bot and stretch spray – using a shoe spray can help you stretch out your Doc Martens as soon as possible to avoid any liters and a long break-in period.
- Spray a washcloth with stretching spray and wrap the washcloth around the shoe stretcher, and put it inside of the boot.
- Grab a newspaper and wrap it into a ball. Pack the newspaper into the ankle portion of the boot and lace your Doc Martens.
- Leave the shoe stretcher and the warped newspaper in your Doc Martens for at least 24 hours.
- Remove the stretcher from the shoe and the newspaper and try on the Doc Martens. If they are still too snug, you can do this process again. This easy DIY method makes it easier to stretch your Doc Martens!
Read Also: Are Doc Martens Waterproof?
How do I Take Care of My Doc Martens?
Along with stretching out your Doc Martens to soften the material and provide a snug — but comfortable — fit, you need to figure out how to avoid your Doc Marten boots from looking too worn, broken down, or anesthetic over time.
- Make sure you use balm or salve on your Doc Martens to avoid cracks, creases, or thick lines in the top portion of the boot while walking.
- After you have purchased balm or salve to apply to the exterior boot material of your Doc Martens, you need to know how to apply it. Make sure you scrub any dirt or debris off your Docs and wipe them off with a washcloth. After this, use the balm or salve in the leather and add extra moisture to the creased area on the top of the shoes. Leave the balm for five minutes, and then try on your squeaky clean Doc Martens!
If you purchase patent leather Doc Martens, however, this trick will not work for you. Since the balsam and salve will provide a matte look, you do not want to use this for the patent leather Docs that have a shinier and glossier finish.
To avoid creases in your shiny Doc Marten boots, use a shoe stretcher to keep the shape of your Doc Martens when you are not using them.
- If you wear your Doc Martens out in the rain or walking through the snow, use the shoe stretcher before the boots dry to hold the shape and avoid large crease sore breaks.
The Most Popular Doc Marten Boots
If you’re wondering, “Do Doc Marten stretch?” first, you need to choose the style of Doc Martens you want to purchase.
Some Doc Martens are more meant for a rocker and grunge look, whereas others are more sophisticated looking for everyday wear.
Choosing the type of Docs you want to buy can influence the number of times you can wear them per week.
1460 Greasy Leather Lace-Up Boots
One of the favorites by Doc Martens is the 1460 greasy leather lac-EU boots. These traditional and classic Docs are the most iconic picture of what you think of when you visualize this brand name in your mind.
With the black leather construction, black laces, and pull-tab on the top of the back heel of the Docs, this style is the quintessential Docs you see on the street.
With the matte black finish, it looks leather and worn, giving the perfect combination of rugged and sophisticated in one shoe.
For those who want a long-lasting option that is wearable with almost any outfit, you can buy those boots on the Dr. Martens website for just $150.
2976 Smooth Leather Chelsea Boots
Very similar in style, shape, and look to the 1406 boots, the 2976 leather Chelsea boots gained influence from the rock n’ roll scene and hipsters alike.
Since they can easily pair with anything, like a cute pair of skinny jeans or a floral dress, these boots are ideal for wearing in the summer and wintertime.
Not to mention, they are the average price of Docs, coming in at $150 on the Dr. Martens website.
1461 Atlas Leather Oxford Shoes
With a unique look more like a loafer than the typical Doc Marten boot, the 1461 Atlas leather Oxford shoes are great for special occasions, dress-up events, and everyday workwear.
Since they do not have the typical boot look but appear as a dress shoe, the contrast-color laces and contemporary stitching add a unique twist to these sophisticated shoes. At just $120 on the Dr. Martens website, these oxford shoes are a timeless classic.
Read Also: Do Doc Martens Run Big?
1460 Leather Lace-up Boots
Similar to the first choice, these slip-resistant lace-up leather boots are great for those who need a little extra grip and cushion for all-day comfort.
These staple boots are the iconic Dr. Martens boots, being the first offering that started the companies’ rise to fame.
Featuring a GripTrax tread on the bottom of the boots to avoid slipping on icy and wet terrain, these boots not only add durability and stability but add weather-resistant leather.
With changes over the years, the classic 1460 boot has improved, featuring lightweight construction, more cursing, foam padding, and sweat-wicking lining to keep your feet dry and comfortable during long days of walking.
At just $160 on Dr. Martens’s website, the classic 1460 boots are affordable and versatile.
Unisex 3989 YS Shoes
Another interesting variation of the classic Doc Martens boots, the unisex 3989 YS shoes, are one of the most popular options for either men or women who want to add a bit of dressiness to their casual outfit.
With air-cushioned soles for support while walking on rocky surfaces and a smooth leather upper that never goes out of style, these unisex shoes are long-lasing and fashionable for all occasions.
For just $180, the price is not overwhelming, meaning these can be a bit of an investment that will last you a lifetime!
Read Also: Doc Martens Alternatives / Knock Offs
Unisex Vegan 1460 boots
We know that people are healthy and eco-conscious in the world today. Cutting out meat in your daily life and avoiding supporting animal-cruelty companies can help yourself feel better — and help your feet feel better!
Vegan materials are the name of the game with these unisex vegan boots. Although They look the same as the traditional 1460 boots, with identical high-quality uppers and rugged construction. The vegan leather is supple, durable, and provides a two-tone finish.
Featuring an 8-eye fastening for a secure and tight fit, these boots are going to stay stable and hug your feet to avoid any rolled ankles or slips and falls.
Plus, we love that Dr. Martens keeps the unique yellow pull-tab at the back of the hill. The only real difference between this boot and the iconic 1460 boot is the vegan material – and the consumers love it.
These boots are one of the brand’s most popular boots after coming onto the scene. Priced at just $150, you don’t have to pay extra for helping the environment.
Read Also: What Socks to Wear with Doc Martens?
Should You Purchase Doc Martens?
As you can see, Doc Martens are long-lasting, durable, rugged, comfortable, and stylish shoes that can be worn all year round.
With durable leather that can conform to your foot shape and protect your toes against street curbs and accidental stomps on your feet, you can rest assured these boots are functional AND stylish.
But the real question is, “Do Doc Martens stretch?” As we found out, Doc Martens can stretch!
Not only will this make the boot more comfortable for your foot shape, but you can avoid a longer break-in time, blisters on your toes, and broken leather.