Year after year, we reach for our beloved Dr. Martens sandals the minute the sun comes out.
But, these fashion faves aren’t like other sandals – you can’t just simply put them on and go.
We have the blisters to prove it.
Confidently wearing your edgy sandals without a little prep, will inevitably lead to cuts within minutes.
The beauty of these sandals though, is that they’re so hardwearing, they last for years, and they can actually mould to your feet to become comfortable – it just takes a bit of work.
Experts at the iconic shoe brand say there are ways to speed up that breaking in process, making your stylish sandals comfy quickly.
The obvious thing to start with is to make sure you have the right shoe size, then once you’ve got that nailed, try these tips.
Wear them around the house
Don’t be too gung ho with it. Give your sandals and your feet a chance to get used to each other before you start pounding the pavements.
The experts recommend: ‘Wear them around the house before wearing them out to your next event or to run errands.
‘Aim to wear them for a few hours each day.
‘This will help your feet get used to the feel of the sandals as well as allowing them to mould to the shape of your foot.’
Wear them with socks
Adding socks can help stretch them out and get them more comfortable quicker.
Socks and sandals are now ‘in’ again too, but if you can’t bare to leave the house like that, wear them this way while you break them in at home.
Try the TikTok hairdryer trend
People on TikTok have shared that they use hairdryers to soften the material of their shoes to speed up the breaking in process.
‘This will help the sandals mould to your feet more quickly and make them more comfortable to wear,’ an expert says.
Use baby powder to reduce sweat and friction
Be careful with this one if your sandals are black.
‘When it comes to wearing your sandals out without socks, you can help reduce the amount of friction between the straps and your skin by applying baby powder to your feet first,’ said the experts.
‘Not only does this make wearing them more comfortable, it helps prevent your feet from sweating which can cause additional friction. You can also use a foot antiperspirant to help keep your feet dry and prevent sweating.
‘For black sandals, be sure you apply the baby powder lightly to avoid it transferring onto the black straps and becoming noticeable.’
Keep them clean
The brand recommends cleaning them regularly with a wipe down cloth, then leaving them to dry.
This will help keep them in good condition ‘but also to help soften the material and make it more flexible against your foot’.
Try walking on sand or grass
They say: ‘Another popular hack for breaking in your sandals is to wear them across sand and grass.
‘The uneven surface will help your feet adjust to the sandals and the natural elements will soften the straps and soles, making them more comfortable to wear.’
Use plasters
When in doubt, plasters have you covered.
‘If at any point you feel rubbing or discomfort from your sandals, use plasters to protect your feet,’ the brand’s experts say.
‘This will help prevent blisters from forming and allow your feet to adjust to the sandals more easily.’
Try a moisturising balsam
A moisturising balsam will soften leathers, so it can help to tame a new pair of sandals.
Rub some into the inside of your sandals to soften the leather and help reduce rubbing.
Be patient
The experts add: ‘Finally, the most important thing to remember when breaking in your sandals is to be patient.
‘It can take some time for your feet to adjust to the sandals and for them to mould to the shape of your foot, but with good quality sandals, it will happen if you’re persistent.
‘With a little time and patience, they will become your new favourite shoes before you know it.’
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