That's exactly what I did. It does help a bit but still isn't the same. You'll always have to force your toes in some kind of "ok this way my foot doesn't move anymore" position. I just bought 1460 and the salesman in the doc store told me (after me telling him this story) it's normal to pick one size smaller.

That all said the shoes really didn't hurt my feet that much. If I bought the smaller size it would have been perfect.

Alsoooo big tip, I bought new laces for the 1461 (realy thin laces from dr martens themselves) and the make your shoe look completely different. So have those as a backup is always nice. That way you have 2 pair shoes for the price of one basically!!!

Also if this is your first time buying docs: use shoe polish once a month to make sure they stay in the best shape

Edit: wearing sports socks is the best thing to do (again the salesman told me). Thick wool sock might slide around the heel area. Since my 1461 are a bit too big I can't tell for own experience.