10 tips to get the most out of your cleats

The right pair of soccer cleats can make all the difference to your game, but it is also important to look after them in order to get the most from your purchase. Here, we take you through some of the do’s and don’t’s of owning and taking care of your pride and joy. These tips should help to prolong the lifespan of your cleats considerably.

Part of the reason cleats break is because some areas of the shoe are being put under more pressure than they were intended. A wide foot inside a narrow cleat often leads to the upper ripping apart where it meets the outsole because it is constantly under stress. A too large foot in a small cleat, can obviously result in tear-outs. Buying a shoe that fits correctly is the first step towards ensuring your cleats last.

2.) Loosen the laces

When tying the laces on your cleats, you should always loosen them right down to the bottom eyelet before putting the cleats on and tightening them. This will ensure that the laces are a comfortable tightness for your forefoot and will help to disperse the stress more evenly over the upper of the shoe.

3.) Wearing the correct cleats for the playing surface

It is important to wear the correct outsole for the surface you are going to be playing on. Not only will it provide the best traction but also help decrease the likelihood of injury i.e. ankle rolling. Artificial pitches are becoming more common and, while there are Turf or AG cleat options (which we strongly recommend), virtually every cleat will deteriorate faster when used on an artificial surface.

4.) Walking on hard surfaces

It may seem obvious, but it can be very tempting to lace up your cleats before walking from the parking lot or sidewalk to your trainings or games. Wait until you get to the field before putting on your cleats – hard surfaces will wear down your studs faster than you think.

5.) Clean them regularly

Especially if you are playing on grass where there is dirt or mud. Leaving dirt on or inside your boots will cause the materials to deteriorate and weaken far more rapidly.

6.) Clean them properly

Always try to wash your cleats using cold water and a soft-bristled brush. Hot water can weaken the upper material on both leather and synthetic boots, while a soft-bristled brush will help to remove dirt without wearing away the surface of the shoe material. Although it may be tempting, try not to use any cleaning chemicals on your cleats as they may react with the material. These processes may take a little longer but they will ensure the longevity of your prized possessions.

7.) Drying

Possibly the most important ingredient in keeping your cleats in top shape is making sure that they are dry when they are not in use. Moisture that sits on shoes (especially leather) will weaken and rot the shoe over time. Make sure you towel down your cleats after every wash and, if the inside is wet, stuff them with newspaper (or something similar) to absorb the excess water over night. Forced or quick-drying your cleats using dryers or heaters will also lead to weakening just as hot water does.

8.) Hot Water Trick (break in cleats naturally)

If you are trying to break in your cleats quickly, a trick that some professional players use is to soak their cleats in hot/warm water with their feet inside. This softens the material quickly and reforms around their foot shape. Just like using hot water to clean your cleats, however, this method will cause the upper material and any stitching to weaken. Remember, pros are given new cleats on a regular basis. You probably can’t afford to buy new boots every other week.

9.) Multiple pairs

It might sound like overkill, but if you are playing and training every day it may pay to invest in more than one pair of cleats. Having constantly damp or dirty cleats causes them to weaken quicker. Alternating your cleats will allow both pairs to dry after each use. Instead of getting just a season’s worth of use out of one pair, you may be able to get four or more seasons’ use out of two pairs.

10.) Leather Care

For leather cleats that have a tendency to harden if you leave them to dry for too long, try using leather conditioners like Sof Sole Leather Lube or Leather Mousse. These products not only help to keep the upper on your leather boots soft and supple, they also act as a waterproof coating, protecting the leather from the elements.

If you follow these tips, you will find that your favorite cleats not only look great every time you step onto the field but last much longer as well. Comment below with any questions you have about getting the most out of your new cleats. Find a full selection of footwear here.