The Dr Martens Care Guide
Dr. Martens boots are renowned for their iconic designs and durability. But they still need care. Think of your DMs as a trusted friend: they’ll be there for you, but you need to return the favour.
Whether you are wearing your first pair or rotating between several Docs, this guide covers the basics: how often to treat them, how to clean leather and suede, and how to keep them looking good between wears.
How long do Dr. Martens last?
A pair of Docs can last anywhere from 5 to 20 years. How long yours last depends on how often you wear them, how well you care for them, and the kind of weather and terrain they face.
How often should you treat your Dr. Martens?
Leather and suede need different treatment. As a rough guide, leather boots can usually be conditioned every two to three months if you wear them regularly. Suede needs a more delicate approach and should be protected after every few wears, especially if you are wearing them in wet or dirty conditions.
Wonder Balsam, Dubbin, or Polish?
One of the most common questions is which Dr. Martens care product to actually use. Here is the quick breakdown:
- Wonder Balsam: This is your everyday hero. It’s a blend of coconut oil, lanolin, and beeswax. It cleans, protects, and keeps the leather soft without adding a high shine. Ideal for smooth leather, greasy leather, and breaking in new boots.
- Dubbin: This is heavy-duty weatherproofing. It adds a water-resistant coating and softens thick leather. Use this if you’re taking your boots into harsh, wet conditions. (Note: it will dull the shine of smooth leather slightly).
- Shoe Polish: This is purely for aesthetics. It restores colour to scuffed boots and builds a high shine. It doesn’t condition the leather like Balsam does, so you often need both.
How to clean leather Dr. Martens
What you’ll need
- A soft cloth or brush
- Mild soap or leather cleaner
- Leather conditioner or treatment
- Leather polish or wax, if suitable for the finish
- Prepare your shoes. Remove the laces and brush away loose dirt or dust with a soft cloth or gentle brush.
- Prepare your cleaning solution. Mix mild soap or leather cleaner with water, following the product instructions.
- Clean in small sections. Wipe the leather with a lightly damp cloth. For stubborn marks, use a soft brush and work gently.
- Let them dry naturally. Avoid direct heat from radiators, hair dryers or heaters.
- Condition and polish. Once dry, apply a suitable leather conditioner, polish or wax. Buff gently if the finish allows it.
- Lace up. Re-lace your boots only when they are fully dry.
Shop Dr. Martens Classics
How to clean suede Dr. Martens
What you’ll need
- A suede brush
- A clean cloth or sponge
- Suede cleaner
- Suede protector spray
- Prepare your DMs. Remove the laces if needed, then brush away loose dirt before applying cleaner.
- Apply suede cleaner. Use a suitable suede cleaner without soaking the material. Treat scuffs and marks gently.
- Let them dry naturally. Keep them away from direct heat while they dry.
- Brush the nap. Use a suede brush in the same direction as the fibres to lift the finish again.
- Protect the suede. Finish with a suede protector spray once the shoes are fully dry.
Tips for keeping Dr. Martens clean for longer
Spot clean marks
For small stains or marks, blot the area gently with a damp cloth. Avoid rubbing, as that can spread the mark or damage the finish.
Waterproofing
Use a suitable protector spray for leather or suede to create a barrier against water and stains. Always let the product dry fully before wearing your boots.
Dry naturally
If your Docs get wet, let them air dry. Stuffing them with newspaper or using shoe trees can help them keep their shape.
Shop Dr. Martens at TOWER London
A well-cared-for pair of Docs is an investment that pays back over years, not seasons. The boots below are the ones worth putting the effort in for — Tower’s current bestsellers, each one built to last and improve with age.
Want to go deeper? Read our guide on How to Break in Dr. Martens for the first few wears, or explore The History of Dr. Martens if you want to understand what makes the brand tick.
