Do you know how to care for Doc Martens so that they can last a long time in prime condition?
In another article, we looked at how to clean Dr Martens. In the article, we saw how you should clean canvas, sandals, leather boots and shoes under this brand name.
Since Dr Martens are fashion icons, you want to keep them topnotch condition for as long as possible. But apart from cleaning, there are other ways to care for and maintain your Dr Martens sandals, shoes or boots.
This brand name makes some very nice high quality boots. Even then, they need the best care and maintenance so that they do not wear away too fast.
All leather boots have one thing in common – if neglected, they harden up. This affects their usability and lifespan. You should prevent this from happening.
Here, we shall share a few important tips to help you keep your boots in superb condition all the time:
Do Doc Martens need to be waterproofed?
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If they are leather, you need to waterproof the boots. This will help them to protect you better if you get caught in a torrent or if you have to walk through a puddle. So yes, these boots and even shoes need to be conditioned with a waterproof conditioner.
Doc Martens are not waterproof by design. They are just water-resistant. Thus, when you buy them, it is important to waterproof them further so that they can keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the day.
The easiest way to waterproof the boots is to use a waterproof spray. It will not make the shoes completely waterproof, but it will help. Besides, you can add a couple of layers, or even three of them to enhance the water resistance of the shoes.
Before you can use the waterproof spray on the shoes, first, remove the shoelaces. Secondly, clean the shoes of any superficial dirt on their exterior.
You should remove any stuck mud and then give them a wipe down with a damp cloth. You should never use leather conditioning products on dirty shoes.
From a distance of not more than 6 or 8 inches, spray the shoes with waterproof spray. You should keep the spraying light enough since you want it to spread evenly on the entire shoes.
Mostly, for regular leather, one or two coats are enough. However, if your DMs are made of suede or nubuck leather, three coats of waterproof spray are vital.
Be careful not to let the spray get to the yellow stitching. Let the shoes air-dry so that the waterproof spray dries completely before taking them inside.
What should you treat Doc Martens with?
You should treat your DM boots and shoes with the right products to make them waterproof. You can order these products on amazon.com.
However, before you order one product, first, find out what the manufacturer recommends. In addition, find out whether the manufacturer has their own product.
In the case of your Doc Martens, the manufacturer has an aerosol spray called Doc Martens Ultra Protector. This spray is very good for making your shoes, boots, leather handbags and other items waterproof.
The best thing about this product is that it offers water resistance and at the same time, it makes a breathable layer.
The combination of water resistance and breathability is just what you need to keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout the day.
This formula is water-based. It poses no risk to the leather. In fact, it helps your shoes to last longer in great condition.
If you would like to keep the leather pliable and soft, you can try a different kind of conditioning oil. You will be spoilt for choice because there are many. For instance, the Hubbard’s Shoe Oil that is made in Arizona makes the leather really supple and flexible. (https://www.amazon.com/Huberds-Shoe-Grease-shoe-greas/dp/B000PSBTNE)
How do you keep Doc Martens from cracking?
You can keep your leather DMs from cracking the same way that you would keep other leather shoes from cracking.
After cleaning your shoes, you need to apply a leather conditioner. For instance, you can use saddle soap, which will preserve the leather in its original condition. This is going to give your boots a new lease of life.
It is recommended that you use saddle soap to condition your leather boots every three months. However, you can do some other care and maintenance on the shoes.
If you have been wading through wet patches the entire day, you should clean the shoes in the evening, dry them and apply a waterproof conditioner.
One of the best leather conditioners is mink oil. This oil comes from the mink, and it is quite popular in the leather shoe industry.
Using regular leather shoes polish such as Kiwi also helps to keep the leather soft and supple. If these are your daily wear work boots, you should polish them at least three times a week. Some people even apply shoe polish daily.
If you have a free weekend, clean the shoes and then polish them in readiness for next week. You can also try spot-cleaning the shoes as soon as you can after they sustain the stain. This helps because the stain does not set.
Never use a leather conditioner on dirty shoes. Clean them first.
Is it bad to get Doc Martens wet?
It is quite okay to get your Dr Martens wet. However, these shoes and boots are not fully waterproof. Thus, you should avoid walking or standing too long in puddles of water as too long exposure will make the water penetrate the leather.
When you buy your leather boots, no matter how much the manufacturer claims that they are waterproof, you should apply the right leather conditioner on them.
If you let the leather absorb water too much, it will start to harden up. As the fibers absorb water, they swell. They might never regain their original stature even when the boots finally dry.
Final thoughts on how to care for Doc Martens
As you have seen here, how to care for Doc Martens is not too hard. You just need to have the right products and the time to clean your boots and condition them properly.
Never let your boots stay too wet. Always prime them with the right leather conditioner after they are dry. This can prolong their lifespan and give you more value for your money.
Do not expose your shoes too much to water because water hardens the leather. Every few days, polish the shoes with regular shoe polish. It helps to keep the leather nourished and supple.