Hey, Doc Marten enthusiasts…!
Many users with slightly wider feet have reported feeling cramped when wearing Doc Martens.
If you’re experiencing this, you might be wondering how to stretch Doc Martens that are too small for your feet.
It’s not unusual to be fond of a pair of Doc Martens because this brand is highly favored among Hollywood celebrities. Curious why?
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It’s because they excel at creating top-quality, durable footwear in various styles and sizes, suitable for nearly every foot shape and structure.
But what if your pair feels a bit tight? This can lead you to explore ways to stretch your Doc Martens that are too small or tight.
No need to worry, as there are several effective methods to loosen your Docs without causing damage or weakening them.
How To Stretch Doc Martens That Are Too Small?
Stretching Doc Martens while preserving their shape and structure can be a bit challenging, as improper handling during the process may damage the leather.
Nevertheless, Doc Martens’ leather is known for its strength and durability, allowing them to last for many years.
Breaking in Docs can be somewhat uncomfortable due to the stiffness of the leather. However, once you adjust to them, there’s nothing more comfortable than these boots for your feet.
There are numerous methods to stretch your Doc Martens, but the footwear features an extra inner lining that can be removed if necessary.
The first step is to remove the inner insole and try walking in them before exploring other tips and tricks.
If that doesn’t work, you can try various home remedies to stretch them. Here are some home-based hacks for your convenience:
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The Natural Home-Made Technique:
This simple method involves wearing your new Doc Martens and doing light activities around the house, such as vacuuming, cooking, mowing the lawn, dusting, relaxing on the couch, or doing dishes and laundry.
Avoid taking long walks in brand-new Docs as this can cause blisters, foot fatigue, swelling, and skin rash during the initial wear.
Pairing the footwear with thick socks can help protect your feet from these issues.
Freezing & Heating Techniques:
Freezing and heating are effective methods for stretching your constricted Doc Martens:
For the freezing method:
- Take a strong zip lock bag, fill it halfway with water, and ensure it is sealed properly.
- Place your Docs in the bag, making sure that the areas causing discomfort are submerged in water.
- Put the bag with your boots into the freezer for 6 to 8 hours or until the water freezes.
- You will see your shoes expand with the ice.
- Allow the ice to thaw slightly before removing the shoes to avoid forceful removal.
- Wear your cold shoes and walk in them.
Note: Wearing very cold shoes may be uncomfortable, so it’s advisable to use thick socks.
For heating purposes:
- You’ll need a hairdryer and some leather conditioner or softener.
- Set the hairdryer to medium heat and blow air evenly for 30 seconds on each part of the shoe, maintaining a distance of 4 to 5 inches between the shoes and the dryer.
Note: Keeping a safe distance is crucial to avoid overheating, which can damage the leather by making it dry and brittle.
- After heating, wear your warm shoes with socks and walk in them to allow the leather to soften and mold to your feet.
Note: If you prefer not to wear your warm Docs immediately, let them rest overnight. Apply a small amount of leather conditioner or softener, or use Wonder Balsam or mink oil to soften the leather and prevent dehydration. Moisture loss can lead to cracks and damage.
Utilize A Shoe Stretcher or Stretching Spray:
You should still walk around the house but using a stretching spray on your Docs can make the process easier.
Spray the stretching solution on your boots, focusing on pressure points like the heels, toes, and ankles where they pinch the most, to help soften the leather more quickly.
Using a shoe stretcher is another effective method. Choose one with adjustable features to customize the fit and achieve a snug yet comfortable feel.
Bottom Words:
A tight or small pair of Doc Martens causing discomfort is not a major problem. By following the straightforward steps outlined above, you can transform your tight Docs into comfortable, supportive footwear.
