From classic black leather Docs to animal-print patterned boots, the brand sure gives you options! While Dr. Martens are known for being really comfortable due to their air-cushioned sole, when you first get a pair you may find them a bit uncomfortable. Rather than limp around with blisters for a week, why not learn some cool tricks to break in your Dr. Martens?

First, realize that a new pair of Dr. Martens is going to hurt your feet a bit at first. Like any new show, you need to break in your Dr. Martens so they fit the shape of your foot.

Dr. Marten’s Wonder Basalm is excellent for softening the leather, so pick up some of this at your local Canadian shoe store. Remember to remove the laces from your boots before you do this.

Choose a comfy, thick pair of socks to avoid chafing on your feet.

Start with a few hours a day, whether wearing your boots in the house, walking to the store, or school. When you’re breaking in your Dr. Martens boots, avoid wearing them all day as this will definitely hurt your feet.

Repeat these steps, continuing to rub the Dr. Marten’s Wonder Basalm on and increasing the amount of time you wear your boots until they feel comfortable. This process usually takes anywhere from one to two weeks.

We know most of our readers are Canadian (we’ve seen lots of them at the Zelen Shoe store in Guildford Mall in Surrey, where we’ve got an awesome selection of Converse, Vans and Dr. Martens). But enough about us, let’s talk about how Dr. Martens boots and Seattle bands fit together.

There’s a brand new storefront on the corner of  SW 10th and Burnside in Seattle (you know it’s not too far to head over the border to do some shopping)! And, while you’re trying on Dr. Martens you can enjoy free in-store band performances from now until December 1.

You’ll find all the classic Doc Martens styles in the Seattle store: the 1460s, 1461s, 1914, 1914s, 8699s as well as Dr. Martens Wellingtons, Karson, Dryden, Diva, Bex Sole, Slate, Tartan, Wasp and more. Doc Martens boots, shoes, sandals & accessories.

Dr. Martens boots have been associated with punk rock and rock throughout its 50-year history, so this is just one more example of marrying fashion and music. One of the first concerts was played by  Portland band Builders and the Butchers, and the rest of the bands will be announced early next month.

It’s a Hello Kitty and Dr. Martens collaboration!

In September three styles of Hello Kitty Dr. Martens will hit the shelves. The Dr. Martens 1480 Hello Kitty boots will be available in two versions: one with a full image of Hello Kitty and her friends, and the other two with a cute little bow on the sides. Check out the Dr. Martens here.

The Hello Kitty Dr. Martens are done in the iconic pink and white colours, but you can also get one style of the boots in black with a hot pink bow. The all-white boots with blue soles and red bows look like ice skates, while the boot with the images of Hello Kitty and her friends like Keroppi, Little Twin Stars or Chococat are bolder and sure to get noticed. While Hello Kitty is a new twist on Doc Martens style, the boots are the classical 1480 model with eight holes.

We’re predicting that many Hello Kitty lovers will be waiting to get their hands on these cute combat boots! Prices for the Hello Kitty Dr. Martens boots range from $120 – $165, and they will be available at select Nordstroms, Dr Martens and Sanrio stores in Canada and the US, starting in September.