DR MARTENS - Waterproofing & Wonder Balsam (1460, For Life)

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[@avenuePad]

I live in Atlantic Canada and I put the Wonder Balsam on right away. Gives it a nice shine and waterproofs it. You can tell your leather has some water damage. Nothing crazy, but I recommend doing this straight outta the box and ever two to three weeks depending on weather/climate and how much you're wearing them. You treat these babies right and they'll last you a really long time.

[@mariabadal4445]

Hi there, so this does the job and really waterproofs them then? Reading other comments, not so positive, I thought I would use the Balsam as it's good enough to protect the boots, but maybe specifically for rain would use a spray on top of it... or maybe it's not necessary uhm uhm

[@avenuePad]

@@mariabadal4445 Hi! Yes. Use both products. You don't really need a spray. My boots look like new and have been through 3 or 4 Atlantic Canadian winters. Lots of snow, rain, slush, and salt.

[@banikibanunt1154]

Hey there, fellow Atlantic Canadian here! I really want a pair of Doc Martens but from what I'm reading, they get soaked if you step in slush or a puddle. I'd love to be able to wear them in all types of Atl. Canadian weather. Have you had that experience at all once you put on the wonder balsam? Thanks!

[@avenuePad]

@@banikibanunt1154 Hello, fellow Atlantican! :D I honestly haven't had any issues with getting soakers from slush or puddles. On seriously crappy days I have pure winter boots I wear, but I also take out my Docs out in sloppy conditions and haven't problems with getting wet. Treat them good and they'll always take you home warm and dry. :)

[@Ella-ce9pp]

@@avenuePad hello, what are the products you used for your boots? And how often do you use them? I’m moving to Montreal soon and I got my first pair of docs and I’m honestly worried about the weather damaging my shoes:(

[@holdthatblaow]

I have the same boots. I'm pretty sure the blow dryer might damage the leather and cause some dye to bleed. The balm is meant to be rubbed evenly into the leather, left to dry for 5-10 minutes and then wiped off with a clean cloth. Good luck!

[@DevonReviewer]

+Miguel Vargas This was hopefully a one off treatment, this was relatively low heat, I dont think it will do any harm.

[@eli9404]

Actually the balm is meant to sit for at least 12-24 hours if you really want the leather to absorb it. Then after that you wipe off any excess. 10 minutes is not nearly enough time for leather to absorb anything.

[@ashcarrier6606]

I opted for sunlight, not a hair dryer. I look like Captain Picard, so I haven't had a hair dryer around since I had a mullet. Bought my first Doc Martens a few hours ago, Coyote 8053s. Letting good old natural fusion melt the balsam into the grain. I dragged my old Alden 405s out and gave the a DM balsam rub down too. They are out baking in the sun now as well. Haven't worn them in 10 years.

[@shellhickin2886]

Thanks for the tips! I just bought my Doc's yesterday in Melbourne & need to buy the leather balm to protect & soften them. Now to buy some balm!!

[@andysmith5152]

old toothbrush rubs polish into welts and rest really well

[@DevonReviewer]

+Andy Smith Thanks for the suggestion, I will give it a try

[@owenmclaughlan5439]

Would I apply the wonder balsam the same way if I have the docs without the smooth leather?

[@davewarren1336]

Got some Pascal boots for Christmas. Will be doing what you’ve done before they get a proper outing. Great video. How are your boots now, if you’ve still got them😉

[@amirkhalid5449]

The covering on the tip of a shoelace, meant to keep it from fraying -- try threading a frayed shoelace through an eyelet! -- is called an aglet.

[@danielpotter8957]

Just bought some solovair boots, I use renapur on mine which is probably very similar stuff. Good video!

[@jungletrooper9252]

Anyone know if putting balsam on white doc's will change the color? I'd like to make the pair last but I don't won't to discolor them before I even wear them

[@ColtonWilson3000]

Good video, not enough balsam applied in my opinion though . I treat my boots atleast every month. But usually twice a month, I clean my boots with a brush, than saddle soap. Than I apply a balsam or a dubbin with my fingers, I lay it on very thick, absolutely soaking the leather. I let the boots sit over night, if not 24 hours. And than I wipe off the access with a rag. Good to see you are taking care of your boots though! People don’t don’t do it, which is tragic and lessens the life of the boots,

[@gucdude]

Lovely tutorial! Thanks so much, can't wait to get mine in the mail.

[@DevonReviewer]

Thanks for watching, hope you enjoy your boots! See how you go, the need to waterproof in this way has not been the case with all the DMs I have owned.

[@mariabadal4445]

Hiya! Thanks for your video. I've been researching about specific waterproofing solutions such as Tarrago High Tech Nano Protector Spray, as it provides stronger protection. I guess it can be compatible with the Wonder Balsam? use the balsam to break the boots in, protect the leather generally, and the spray for the waterproof strong protection...

[@dannysound1]

Devon, I’ve made a mistake and applied the wonder balsam on the shoes while there was sand on the the shoes so now I have like a paste of wonder balsam with sand on the shoes, how can I clean and wash away the wonder balsam and the sand from the shoes without damaging? Thanks

[@manwithnoname6580]

Any update on this ? Did it keep the water out? Cheers .

[@ghidfg]

did it work??

[@tap5495]

HI! that color of the balsam allows to white leather boots ?

[@OH-pc5jx]

can i grab an update on the technique with the stitching?

[@leeeeeoh]

Can you use it on Monos?

[@A.v.A.t.A]

This is very good tips for me! Thank you 😊 I hope to get that shiny out soles too!

[@booteddestroyers5519]

I Put The Dubbin On First Wipe Off The Excess And Then Put The Wonder Balsam On. Is This Right?? They Seem To Turn Out Good. I Have Dr. Martens 1914. Any Ways To Lace The Boots??

[@marge6581]

Hey there! What do you recommend for Wyoming leather? I got the Dr Martens Rometty. I only use simple shoe wax. Do you think it's necessary to use the wonderbalsam? And how many times do I have to wax them?

[@melbournebolando3559]

May I know what type of leather this 1460 is?

[@rogercrier]

In the olden days, trappers living in snowy conditions that most modern peeps can only dream about used to protect and waterproof their boots by applying dubbin on one treatment, and mink oil the next, and alternate. Modern townies, with their expensive hand made shoes tend to opt for mink oil as the go to leather renovator, and I for one thing it is fantastic. It smells gorgeous, gets absorbed by the leather quickly and is an ideal precursor to the subsequent polishing phases, that you take to whatever level of shine you choose. A guy called “ The shoe snob” sells pot of it in the UK and I use it on all my shoes, my leather jacket, wallet etc. Rub it in, wait Half an hour,buff to a shine and they are protected and nourished. If it is good enough for England’s best shoe makers to protect their several hundreds quid pairs of shoes, it is good enough for me. Did I say it smells fantastic? Oh yea!

[@mace9813]

Winter is coming. This was rather informative. Thank you.

[@jimiboi87]

Winter is coming!

[@tomthompson7400]

mink oil is fantastic , easy to use too

[@RP-fe9nj]

Thank you for the video.. on it

[@chanelmassy6326]

Thanks for the instructions. Great video.

[@leannemaitland9170]

Did it make these waterproof?

[@Metalgopher]

Thanks! Mine were thirsty for that!

[@dayla8634]

Aren't Docs corrected grain leather? If they are, it would be pointless to water proof?

[@BRONZALiVE]

If anyone is wondering how to water proof your docs for the colder rainier seasons, do stick with the wonder balsam, and not a protective ultra spray, the spray doesn't even nearly soak in to the leather and more so creates a barrier, thats extremely reflective and will scratch easier and make your docs look worse, Stick to wax-based product like this one, or dubbin, which is made also for docs

[@Padraigp]

It does soak in if your boots are porous which the waxed leather seems to be very porous ..first time worn in some dewey grass they were sodden to hell. Took days to dry out. Im gonna doo something with beeswax i have ... if you dont polish lesther first the waterproof spray just soaks in and doesnt do anything. Its only meant to be a barrier of hydrophobic spray it would be grand for a quick spray but its only gonna last a very short time. If you have a good polishw wax that will last months and the spray on top will just help a biit maybe. Its also super toxic and bad for the environment and does f all really.

[@stimsonromano2580]

Awesome review thanks for sharing from Australia 🇦🇺

[@urboideath_6662]

my docs are 12 years old, im planning on getting them resoled for the hell of it. i really want some burgundy rub offs

[@rocolas]

First review I watched the whole way through. Very informative and useful. Thank you very much! Did you manage to keep the rain out of the bottom seams?

[@ikyouknoweknow]

Just got my first pair!

[@alejandrosanchez47]

I got the 1460 Aztec in brown tan does any one know if these works good in my boots will it change the color ? any advice folks

[@ralphdelio6944]

Alejandro Sanchez I have them in brown but I think they’re called crazy horse. It mildly changed the color

[@rollei35mm]

You sound like Steven merchant kinda I love it

[@Rosstephersharmanschannel]

I got my first pair yesterday in carnaby street

[@TheInnacity]

how are they wearing ?

[@tommygirl2003]

Hi! Do you know the best product to use for waterproofing Dr. Martens Pisa leather? Wonder Balsam formula has changed and now contains synthetic waxes

[@gagelink2457]

The best product for any leather product is mink oil. Fiebings is the brand most leather crafters use that I buy from. They have saddle soap (not just for saddles lol) that works just as well as the mink oil for cleaning

[@welcometomyrandomness2073]

Should I use this on new boots? Usually when people use this product it’s on older boots. Also does this protect from water and scuffing? He says in the video it water proofs but this is the only person I’ve seen use it for that purpose

[@TheVictoriousKicks]

Using wonder balsam on new Docs is a great alternative for breaking in

[@catb3617]

I wanted a shine on my docs for life...the exact same ones you have here. But they dont seem to take a polish. Any suggestions? I've done them with the balsam

[@catb3617]

@Jack Nichols 👍

[@TheIkaika777]

This is how you get a proper shine on Dr. Martens shoes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4LGmHWaia6JhKc

[@rudolfb9359]

I got a can of wonder balsam from amazon they changed the tin,and the formula is says a "blend of natural and synthetic waxes".I guess no more coconut oil ,lanolin and beeswax in it .

[@tonycruse3648]

Nice vid! Top idea! Thanks.

[@DevonReviewer]

+Tony Cruse Thank you, it has worked very well though the rainy months!

[@tonycruse3648]

+DevonReviewer I recently bought two pairs of these boots. How leaky can they be? For example, walking on a slightly overgrown football pitch at dawn when the grass is very wet?

[@DevonReviewer]

+Tony Cruse I have had no issues since treatment, but when it was pouring down and I was splashing through puddles on my walk to work a bit did get in. Never had it on the DM For Life before, so may be just these boots. If you arent experiencing it don't worry your boots are fine!

[@hwntwww]

FIll a high sided tray with rapeseed oil or linseed oil. Sit your boots in the oil, about two inches deep. Let them absorb oil then remove them and let the boots dry out in a warm place. Alternatively, do the full Ammo Boots treatment and fill the boots up with oil and let them sit until the leather feels greasy on the outside, then empty out surplus oil and allow the boots to dry, in a warm place. Not my trick but old soldiers will know about this. I did it with my army boots and it works well at keeping out water, it also make the boots a little more flexible. Remove any foot beds first, of course

[@khristianjaque4437]

Ingridi😂nts of balsam is beeswax,coconut oil, and lanolin

[@jaysmith6013]

Curious to know how your boots do in snow or icy conditions? I got a pair of Dr Marten winter boots (I live in Chicago, plenty of snow and ice) and honestly I’ve never had a worse pair of winter boots. They keep my feet warm and dry, but they have the absolute worst traction I’ve ever experienced. I have dress shoes with better traction than my Dr marten winter boots

[@Kalibak666]

Yeah I have to agree.. I'm from Los Angeles where it's always sunny and yet I always have problems with the traction after a few months. Hopefully they will finally hear our complaints and fix this issue one of these days.

[@tobywood9156]

pain, im in canada and we have horrible ice. i got a pair a few days back and havent worn them out yet, and although i rarely slip on ice (converse has enough traction for me) im worried about these since theyre so stiff and wont allow much control when walking

[@celticmyst1169]

I just bought a new pair, how do I protect them? Just the wonder balm?

[@Gunzee]

Use balsam on new shoes to soften the leather, apply a very small amount all over then leave somewhere warm for the night. You'll notice it'll be much softer, and really help break the boots in. In the UK we hardly have the type of weather that requires waterproofing. Just use normal shoe polish on a regular basis and top up with balsam when the leather is dry or looking a little rough. Using it to often can make the leather really soft, twice a year is enough. Once after winter and once before autumn.

[@TheIkaika777]

The Wonder Balsam is more of a moisturizer with “light” waterproofing and it’s great but if you live in rainy climate then you need to use Dr. Martens Dubbin which has heavier waterproofing properties. If you use both, and I suggest you do, then apply the Wonder Balsam first then let dry, preferably overnight, and then finish with the Dubbin. www.drmartens.com/us/en/p/shoe-care-and-laces-shoecare-dubbin-100ml

[@sonnyday6727]

I have both the balsam and dubbin, can I use both? I heard that the balsam doesn't waterproof, only the dubbin.

[@kjobrien09]

I use both in alternate. My current boots have had two treatments of both. They've not seen rain yet.

[@kjobrien09]

@Ashley Everhart I bought them early last month and I've treated them twice, using Dubbin first. I just aim to give them as much waterproof protection as I can before our autumn rain kicks in.

[@aliwooyay]

Wonder balsam is like a moisturiser to revitalise and soften the leather and dubbin is like a waxy water proofing that sits on top. Balsam first and let it settle for a few hours then dubbin to waterproof

[@Valerie408n]

Should you clean your shoes before applying the balm?

[@eliwhite110]

yes!! use a microfiber or soft cloth and dampen it to get off dirt

[@KOSunflower]

Hi i was wondering where i could buy this waterproofing balm, thank you!

[@-darrell]

Look up Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam on Amazon. I got a tin for $8

[@KOSunflower]

Thank you random nerd

[@SweetandSourohmy]

Just unboxed my new pair, should i do this to the seems on the bottom? I got the balsam. They are 1460 black smooth.

[@DevonReviewer]

This was only due to a (probable) defect in this particular boots, I dont do this typically, but if you get wet toes, this is a solution!

[@GRPLiningServices]

? What!!! Normally after a month you wouldn't bother treating your boots? Mate you need to treat them out of the box with Wonderbalm, Renapur or similar. Why wear untreated boots for a whole month or even a day without some protection?

[@celticmyst1169]

i don't ever treat mine either, So I understand I should, using the wonder balm..

[@booteddestroyers5519]

I just bought a pair of these. If I don't do this will they still last a long time?

[@DevonReviewer]

Yes, they will be fine... but if you get wet toes this will fix it!

[@NeurospicyTaco]

I have two questions. 1.) How have the monthly treatments worked for the boots? 2.)Does the balsam help in breaking in the boots for the first time? I want to buy my first pair of Docs and I'm worried about the difficulty of breaking them in.

[@DevonReviewer]

They have really helped keep the boots looking good, the balsam would help with break in but these are very supple compared to traditional DMs

[@manuel_winde]

Depending on what ones you get the break in isn’t always bad anyway- I got the crazy horse 2976 and they were fine with no break in period.

[@alanheath7056]

I bought a new pair for 40 quid and when they look tatty i will donate boots and buy new pair second hand.People buy but wont go through pain and sell few months after xmas so buy cheap

[@voodoochild1975az]

I should get the for life option. I e recently realized that I require at least one good pair of 1460s at all times. It's my default shoe. The bedrock of daily use. Nothing works as well for me as an everyday shoe. I need to have a good pair at all times. After 35 years, I have given up finding a better shoe for me personally. I've looked. Extensively. Doc Marten 1460 is my thing. They work too perfectly for me and my feet.

[@optimusgotslimed3175]

Nothing like a pair of English Docs.

[@aitorsanchez5549]

Made in China.

[@octaviog900]

Get a pair of Solovairs, Docs are pretty bad quality boots

[@andysmith5152]

are they still leaking?

[@DevonReviewer]

No, this pretty much sorted the problem. I have used the balsam a couple more times but not needing to work into the stitching like I did the first time.

[@andysmith5152]

i know you ve had loads of pairs now, i was wondering now they are 165 quid a pair, if you think they are still worth the extra, as you can buy a normal pair for 70 ish on ebay?

[@bencottrell6771]

Andy Smith you can get a pair on dm's own website for about the same?

[@guysasha22]

Fast forward to 3 minutes

[@aHigherPower]

I love Doc Martins, however they kinda died out here in the US. Love these boots though and wish I had another pair. The dam family cat torn mine up. Grrrr...!

[@marbel248]

aHigher Power I can assure you they haven't died yet got my self 3 pairs and I have no regrets, and the brand is not dead but imo they're probably underrated

[@loyalsubscriber9353]

nice vid,

[@marrydruli]

balls-um

[@NoNameNo.5]

Ahhh the English and their Docs....get yourself a Red Wing Son!

[@donniecheese5967]

Don't waste your time. Get a spray can of kiwi water proofing. Like USD 8. Use the whole can with an hour in between each treatment. My 2295 docs are about 2 years old and still waterproof. Still the most comfortable boot I've ever worn.

[@Benzyl]

Sadly it'll not make the leather or stitching any less crap.

[@saudakar9004]

Wouldnt recommend using Dr. Martens products, it‘s the cheapest stuff out there and bad quality. Use something decent

[@jimmiesanderberg2322]

Do not, i repeat - do NOT, use a hairdryer on your Dr Martens if they are light brown or anything like that. It ruins the leather and gives it a dark colour and it looks like shit. Thanks for f***ing ruining my shoes man! .

[@hammerhead6040]

I'd never wear a pair of Docs. But I buy there shoe kit for real boots like Red Wings or Chippewah. Docs are cheap garbage.

[@cliveboulton2408]

Hammer Head Worn them since 1972 nowt wrong with them mate.

[@asmerX100]

hurrrdurr...american boots is the real boots, other boots not from america is a garbage - amurican in the nutshell

[@guysasha22]

@@spicecrop If you want the real Dr Marten's buy Solovair