Dr. Martens black

Dr. Martens · 1461 Bex

Details

everyday

Smooth leather — not the vegan or suede variant, so the care isn't confused. Black cream shared with the black dress shoes. Don't overdo the balsam.

every ~45 days

Cleaning, conditioning and optional colour restoration for smooth leather. Less is more — over-fed leather turns greasy and catches dust.

After each wear: cedar shoe trees for 12–24 h, then air them out

After each wear and periodically.

Remove dry dirt with a brush or a damp microfibre, then buff with a horsehair brush.
When the leather feels dry — a thin coat of conditioner (Wonder Balsam or Renovateur), wait, then buff.

Products and tools

What not to do

Don't overdo balsam every week — over-fed leather turns soft, greasy and dust-catching.

When visibly dirty.

Remove the laces and insoles.
Remove dry dirt with a brush or a damp microfibre.
When the leather is dry — a thin coat of conditioner, wait 10–20 minutes, buff.
Finish with protector — on a clean, dry shoe. Pigment/cream go before protecting, never after.

Additionally

What not to do

Never dry on a radiator or with a hair-dryer — the leather cracks and hardens.
Don't apply balsam, cream and spray on the same day — you'll make a greasy, sticky surface.

Before first wear.

Optionally a thin coat of conditioner (Wonder Balsam or Renovateur), wait 10–20 minutes, buff with a horsehair brush.
Protector — always on a clean, dry shoe, two thin coats.

Products and tools

What not to do

New shoes don't need pigment. Black/colour cream is for scuffs and lost colour, not day one.

only when needed

Only for scuffs, scratches or lost colour.

For scuffs, a thin coat of cream in the shoe's colour, wait 10–15 minutes, brush.
Polish; optionally a thin wax on the toe and heel.
Then refresh the protector — pigment/cream always before protecting.

Products and tools

What not to do

smooth leather