It Started with a Journal

I'm trying to break in a new pair of Docs (1406s) and my feet aren't super happy with me right now. :/ Oh what silly people like me won't do for fashion! There are these vids on YouTube about how to break in your Docs, and it's kind of crazy how breezily people talk about the level of pain you'll go through and the blisters you'll get breaking them in, the implication being that it's worth it.

I saw this pair in The Last Exorcism and really loved them. I know that once Docs conform to your feet they're really comfortable, but getting them broken in, gah. I have a pair of black boots (not Docs) that I have loved for years, but they're pretty much done. It didn't take much to break them in (that I remember), but I think these Docs will last much longer (hopefully). If I can stand breaking them in, that is. Plus they creak.

I guess Docs aren't made in England anymore, but instead are made in China or Vietnam. Rather, they stopped producing them in England at some point, then brought back a line called "Made in England" that's extra pricey. From the research I've done it doesn't seem like they're really much better made than their Asian-made counterparts. Maybe back in the '80s that was true; now it's just a way to put a higher price tag on the boots. Anyway, when I was in college I did a stint of summer school in England, and while there I totally bought myself a pair of Docs. They were suede Mary Janes... and BOY did they tear up my heels. I blistered and bled and callused over and never really got used to those shoes. It was quite the disappointment. I still have them, though, and now I'm thinking I might be able to sell them on eBay since they're so old school and made in England and all.

Any other Docs owners out there? Any tips on breaking them in without having to fill the toe with a bag of water then freezing or anything like that? :P I'm guessing I just need to do it the hard way.