WRITE YOUR STORY IN LEATHER

“Crazy Horse is made from a beautiful full grain leather that’s buffed and wax treated,” says Doc’s Footwear Specialist, Charlie O’Byrne. “It’s going to have a really beautiful pull up over time and develop a patina that’s totally unique to the wearer.”

In mid-1980s Maine, USA, Crazy Horse was born. Prime Tanning, its owner, knew it was onto a winner. It was rough around the edges, blemished and patchy. But it was electric. And it only got more beautiful with age.

Crazy Horse wasn’t a prize stallion. It was actually a cow. A type of dark brown leather, to be precise. Developed by American tannery Prime Tanning Inc Co, its name references its resemblance to saddlery. The “Crazy,” we’re not so sure about. “Hot stuffed” with oil and waxes to give it a distinctive mottled complexion, its unique appearance has made it endure.

Over time, it develops a white, misty look known as a “bloom.” It’s created by the oils rising to the surface, a sheen which can be easily wiped off. But keeping it on flexes your personality. It represents the originality of our bouncing soles — Chloe Sevigny, Naomi Watanabe, Jordan Stephens, LedByHer and more. No one’s journey is the same. So why should their shoes be? 

Dr. Martens jumped on the Crazy Horse bandwagon—and began driving it—in the 1990s. First referenced in an undated Dr. Martens Export Quality range product sheet—which was sold between 1991 and 1993—Crazy Horse became a core Doc’s leather. It’s since been applied to the full range of icons: the 1460 boot, 8065 Mary Jane shoe, Adrian loafer, 1461 shoe, 2976 Chelsea and beyond.

CARE FOR YOUR CRAZY HORSE

Consider yourself in charge of steering this course. “You continue the story by wearing them yourself and treating them with waxes and oils and keeping this thing going,” says O’Byrne. Dubbin, our heaviest wax, is the way to care for oily leathers like Crazy Horse. Massage it into the leather a couple of times a year for long-lasting durability.  
 
In the meantime, you can wipe away dirt with a damp cloth. Or keep it more bruised than burnished, if that’s your thing. Scars add character. Lines mark experience. It’s your story, your leather, your Crazy Horse. As O’Byrne puts it: “It’s going to get better and better with age.”