Are you frustrated after numerous failed attempts to loosen your Doc Martens footwear? Have you considered trying heat to soften the tough, rigid leather of these boots?
Blowing hot air on your Docs might be the solution you’re looking for. The heating process brings us to a common tool: a hair dryer. Let’s dive into how you can break in your Doc Martens with a hair dryer.
Around the world, many Doc Marten owners have tried various methods, aside from heating, to loosen their boots—but alas!
Most of the usual stretching techniques fail to work on the stubborn leather of this footwear. And why wouldn’t they?
Also Read : Wearing doc martens in interview
Doc Martens shoes are designed to be strong and exceptionally durable, lasting for many years.
This durability is precisely why the brand uses such robust materials in their shoe production, making them one of the hardest shoes to mold to your feet.
Nevertheless, a common question arises about how to use heat to accelerate the break-in process: How do you break in Doc Martens with a hair dryer?
Here’s what you need to know:
How To Break In Doc Martens With A Hair Dryer?
Breaking in Doc Martens is famously tough and often painful during the early days, leading to sore feet, blisters, and sweaty socks due to the constricting nature of the boots.
There’s no denying that both heating and freezing are effective methods for softening this footwear, which needs time to mold because of the sturdy materials they’re made from.
In this guide, we’ll focus on the heating method, as it works excellently to soften the tough leather, ensuring you can wear your Doc Martens comfortably without discomfort.
Let’s explore how you can use a hair dryer to stretch a new, stiff pair of Doc Martens:
How To Blow Hot Air On Docs To Get Them Stretched? – Quick & Easy Ways
Using a hair dryer is a simple method, but there are important points to consider before starting.
Also Read : Doc martens in weadding
Early Precautions Before Applying Heat To Docs:
First, keep the hair dryer on a medium setting because overheating can shrink the leather and make it harder than expected.
Excessive heat can dry out the leather, causing it to develop creases and cracks in the outsoles.
Second, maintain a distance of 4 to 5 inches between the hair dryer and the leather to prevent direct heat from damaging the leather fibers and making them brittle.
Lastly, after heating, apply a leather conditioner or mink oil to preserve the leather’s shine and texture.
The Procedure of Applying Heat To Docs:
With the precautions in mind, let’s begin the process:
You’ll need just two things: a hair dryer and some mink oil, Wonder Balsam, or a leather conditioner.
- Turn on the hair dryer and apply heat to the entire shoe.
Note: Each part of the shoe should receive 30 seconds of heat, especially areas like the heels and toes that cause discomfort.
- After heating, apply a small amount of mink oil or leather balm to condition and protect the leather’s shine.
- Let the shoes rest overnight.
- You’ll notice the leather feels smoother, softer, and more flexible the next morning.
Another Impressive Hack To Remember:
Also Read : Doc martens in office
Instead of leaving the heated shoes overnight, wear them while they’re still warm. This will help mold the leather to your feet.
Walk around your house, as this helps further shape the leather to the contours of your feet.
Alert: If your Doc Martens are made from delicate materials like patent leather or suede, avoid using heat, as it could cause irreversible damage.
Other Significant Ways To Stretch Doc Marten’s Leather:
Though using a hair dryer is effective, other methods can also help loosen Doc Martens, such as:
- Wearing them with thick, damp socks
- Using a shoe stretcher on pressure points
- Applying leather stretching spray
Caution: If you experience discomfort during the break-in process, take breaks to allow your feet to recover.
Final Words:
For a more comfortable experience with your new pair of Doc Martens, it’s recommended to try the hot air method. This will gradually soften the leather.
Refer to this guide for the step-by-step method and precautions when applying heat to your Docs.
