Maintenance

To ensure that your Dr. Martens last for years and continue to look good, regular maintenance is important. Below you will find extensive tips on how to care for your beloved boots.

Why Maintenance Is Important:
Dr. Martens are made of high-quality leather or vegan materials, and these require specific care. Proper maintenance:

- Extends the life of your shoes.
- Keeps the leather supple and prevents cracking.
- Protects against moisture, dirt and other environmental influences.
- Ensures they retain their iconic look.

Basic care
Start with simple daily habits to keep your shoes clean and tidy:
- Clean after each use: Remove dirt and dust with a soft, dry cloth or brush.
- Let them breathe: Let your Dr. Martens air out after a long day of wear, especially if they get wet.

Cleaning the Leather
Regular cleaning is important to keep the leather in good condition:

Supplies:
- A damp cloth or a soft brush.
- Leather cleaner (suitable for smooth leather or nubuck, depending on your model).

Steps:
1. Clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove loose dirt.
2. Apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a cloth and gently rub it over the leather.
3. Wipe away any excess cleaner and allow the shoes to dry naturally (avoid direct sunlight or heat sources such as radiators).

Flexibility of the Leather
Leather can dry out and become brittle, especially if you wear your Dr. Martens regularly or leave them unused for long periods of time. Use a leather grease or balm to keep them supple:

Supplies:
- Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam or a similar product.

Steps:
1. Apply a small amount of balm with a clean cloth or sponge.
2. Gently rub it into the leather using circular motions.
3. Allow the product to soak in and remove excess grease with a dry cloth.

Protection against weather and stains
To protect your docs from moisture, rain and stains, you can use a water-repellent spray or wax:
- Use an impregnation spray for smooth leather or vegan materials. Spray the spray evenly over the surface and let it dry.
- For suede or nubuck models, use a specially designed spray and brush to restore the texture after impregnation.

Caring for Vegan Dr. Martens
Vegan Dr. Martens require different care than leather versions:
- Use a damp cloth to remove dirt.
- Avoid harsh cleaning agents and oils as these can damage the synthetic material.
- Specific vegan conditioners are available for long-lasting shine.

Sole maintenance
The iconic air cushion sole is sturdy, but it also needs care:
- Clean the soles with a soft brush and some mild soap to remove dirt.
- Check the sole regularly for wear, especially if you wear them outdoors often.

Storage
When you're not wearing your Dr. Martens, proper storage is essential:
- Store them in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight.
- Use shoe trees to maintain shape, especially with longer boots.

Periodic In-depth Maintenance
Once a season it is wise to give your Dr. Martens an extensive maintenance service:
- Clean the shoes thoroughly.
- Apply a deep conditioner or polish.
- Check the laces and replace them if necessary.

With the right care and attention, you can enjoy your Dr. Martens for years to come, while keeping them looking as good as new. By combining regular cleaning, conditioning and protection, your Docs will not only remain comfortable but also a stylish addition to your wardrobe.

Need new products? Consider specially designed maintenance products from Dr. Martens themselves or quality alternatives. Now available in my shop!