Many first-time buyers of Doc Martens face painful experiences during the break-in period. This is because Doc Martens often cause discomfort in the back of the calves, pinching pain in the heels and toes, as well as numbness or tingling around the feet.

The initial discomforts include sore heels, bloodied socks, painful blisters, and sometimes bleeding toes, leaving many feeling frustrated.

Ever wondered why?

This is because the brand designs shoes to be extremely durable and long-lasting.

Yet, there’s a price to pay to adjust to these sturdy shoes. But once your feet adapt, there’s no footwear more comfortable and satisfying.

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In any case, the first few days of wearing Doc Martens can be tough on your feet. So, how can we stop this footwear from causing pain to your calves and ankles?

Luckily, there are many methods to prevent the rigid leather of these shoes from hurting your calves. Stick with me to discover how to get relief from this pain:

Doc Martens Hurt Back Of Calves

It’s a common issue that many new Doc Marten owners experience in the first few wears – the upper back of the Docs digs into the calves and ankles, causing a lot of discomfort.

There could be two potential reasons behind this:

• First, it’s due to the tough construction of the footwear. The stiff leather and minimal cushioning prevent the shoes from stretching easily without considerable effort.
• Secondly, the issue could be related to a medical condition, such as a nerve problem, Plantar Fasciitis, Hammertoes, Athlete’s Foot, Corns, Bunions, or Ingrown Toenails.

If the latter is the case, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional or podiatrist to identify the root cause of your calf pain and recommend appropriate footwear.

However, if the pain is due to the first reason, you should try specific methods to ease the discomfort so that Doc Martens will no longer hurt the back of your calves.

Let’s explore some effective ways to protect your feet:

Significant Ways To Prevent Doc Martens From Hurting Your Calves & Ankles:

To make your Doc Martens more comfortable during the break-in period, there are several home remedies you can try.

The Right Size of Docs:

It’s crucial to get the right size. Wearing poorly fitted or tight Doc Martens, especially with tall platforms, will dig into your calves or ankles and cause significant pain.

Here are three tips to avoid this discomfort:

• Always try on the shoes, walk around the store, and then make your purchase.
• If shopping online, measure the width and length of your feet, compare it with the brand’s size chart, and read the product description carefully before adding the item to your cart.
• If you’ve already bought tight Docs, wear them for 5 to 10 minutes at a time around the house to stretch the leather, making them more comfortable for future wear.

Note: Avoid wearing new Docs for extended hours, or you risk ending up with bloodied socks and sore feet.

A Combination of Thick & Tall Socks With Docs:

Wearing one or two pairs of thick, tall socks inside your Doc Martens will add extra cushioning and reduce friction between your calves and the tough leather of the shoes.

These socks will protect your skin from blisters and alleviate discomfort caused by the rigid leather.

Looking for the best socks to pair with Doc Martens? Consider brands like True Athlete Work Boot Socks, Fox River Military Fatigue Fighter Calf Compression Socks, Fox River Heavyweight Steel-Toe Crew Socks, or Doc Martens Double Cotton-Blend Socks.

Use Moleskin Or Extra Padding:

Before wearing your thick, tall, woolen socks inside your Doc Martens, try sticking moleskin to your calves. This adds extra cushioning and helps prevent your feet from rubbing against the tough leather.

Over time, your calves and ankles will adapt to the shoes, and you’ll enjoy a comfortable, protective fit.

To apply moleskin, cut a small piece and stick it on the areas of your calves where the leather causes the most discomfort. Dr. Scholl’s Moleskin Plus Padding Roll is a great option for added protection.

Note: You can also apply blister prevention balm, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly before putting on your socks. This will help guard against skin rashes.

Insertion Of Extra Insoles:

If none of the previous tips work, consider using inserts or insoles that cushion the back of your shoes where they’re pinching. Wondering how this helps?

The added insoles lift your heels slightly, which reduces the pressure on your calves and prevents rubbing against the shoes.

Final Words

The break-in period for Doc Martens can be painful, especially for platformed shoes that dig into your calves and ankles.

However, by following these useful tips and tricks, you can make the break-in period much more bearable and protect your feet from harm.