Looking after your soccer cleats is important if they’re to last for a long time. After all, soccer cleats need to withstand a fair amount of pressure on the field, so you need to keep them in great shape.
Also, failing to clean them and leaving them covered in dirt will cause them to dry, spoiling the material in the process. So, we explain everything you need to know about looking after your soccer cleats below.
How long do soccer cleats last?
When you look after them, adult soccer cleats should last for several years without needing to be replaced. For kids, it’s slightly different, as it depends on how quickly their feet grow. To ensure your soccer cleats last a long time, make sure you clean and polish them after every match and store them inside to protect them from the elements. If you follow these steps, your soccer cleats should be good for 3+ seasons.
Should I buy new soccer cleats every season?
Some people like to buy new soccer cleats every season to keep up with the latest designs, but it’s certainly not necessary to do so. It can be all too easy to fall under the spell of marketers and part with hundreds of bucks every year for a brand new pair of cleats.
But in reality, if you buy a decent pair of soccer cleats in the first instance, you will find that they’re perfectly fine for several seasons if you look after them with care.
If you only play soccer once in a while with your friends, your cleats will last for even longer than this, and you can probably rely on the same pair for the best part of a decade!
As with everything, your cleats will last longer if you take care of them properly. We introduce our top tips for taking care of your soccer cleats below.
What’s the best material for soccer cleats?
Leather and faux leather are perhaps the best materials for soccer cleats, as they’re built to last. Synthetic materials that are used in cheaper soccer cleats aren’t as durable, meaning they won’t last as long.
While leather soccer cleats are typically more expensive, you will find that they mold to the shape of your feet and are extremely comfortable. Leather is also easy to keep clean and providing you look after your cleats; they will last for a long time.
The different leathers used for soccer cleats include kangaroo leather or calfskin (full-grain) leather. Both are extremely comfortable and are a great option for your cleats. If you do opt for a synthetic material, bear in mind that it’s not quite as durable, and you may need to replace your cleats sooner than you anticipated.
How do I clean my soccer cleats?
Regularly cleaning your soccer cleats is so important if they’re going to last for several seasons. Here are the steps you need to follow to clean them thoroughly:
- Begin by removing any excess mud from your cleats. You can use a screwdriver or even a toothbrush to work the mud off the bottom of the cleats.
- Add some warm soapy water to a basin and use a soft-bristled scrubbing brush to gently remove the mud from the leather. It’s important not to apply too much pressure as you don’t want to damage your cleats.
- Use a cloth to wipe your cleats dry and remove any remaining dirt. Then leave them to dry for a couple of hours.
- Add some polish or dubbin once your cleats have dried to protect the leather.
- Store your boots indoors when you have cleaned them to protect them from the elements and to prevent pests from crawling inside.
The key thing to remember is that you need to clean your soccer cleats as soon as you get home from your match. If you leave them sitting at the back door for too long covered in mud, they will deteriorate in quality.
What’s more, as mud hardens, it becomes more difficult to clean your soccer cleats. So, if you’ve invested several hundred bucks in a pair of cleats, it’s best to get into the habit of cleaning them right away, so you don’t spoil them!
Tips for looking after your soccer cleats
The key to getting the most out of your soccer cleats is looking after them the right way. Below are some of our top tips that will help you keep your cleats in great shape:
Wear them on the correct surface
If you wear your soccer cleats on an inappropriate surface, you run the risk of damaging them. For instance, wearing molded studs on concrete or blades on synthetic surfaces may damage the cleats themselves, either blunting or sharpening them.
Therefore, make sure you have the right cleats for the surfaces that you’re playing on. There’s no harm in buying several pairs of soccer cleats if you regularly play on astroturf and grass, as you need different footwear for each.
Metal studs or blades are ideal for grass, while molded, shorter studs are much better for use on astroturf. Wearing your cleats on the correct surface will certainly help them last much longer.
Clean them after every match
As alluded to above, failing to clean your soccer cleats immediately after getting them dirty is likely to cause them damage. It doesn’t take long to clean your soccer cleats, so try and get into the habit of cleaning them as soon as you get home.
The more you leave your soccer cleats sitting out at the back door exposed to the elements, the less time you will be able to keep them for.
Buy an additional pair for training
Although leather soccer cleats are durable and have been built to last, lots of soccer players buy an additional pair of soccer cleats for training.
For instance, you might be able to pick up a slightly cheaper pair of soccer cleats that will get the job done during your training session.
This will then save your preferred pair of cleats for match day and will ensure they last that little bit longer as you don’t use them as often.
Keep them inside
Lots of people keep their soccer cleats outside or in storage bins at the back door. But it’s best to keep leather cleats indoors once they’ve been cleaned.
This protects them against the elements and also prevents any creepy crawlies from finding their way into your shoes when they’re sitting at the back door!
While you don’t need to keep them sitting out in view all week, finding a home for your soccer cleats in an indoor storage compartment will ensure they last a little longer.
Recap: Caring for your soccer cleats
Providing you use your common sense and take steps to look after them, your soccer cleats should be good for several seasons without needing to be replaced.
Make sure you clean them regularly and keep them inside away from the elements, and you don’t need to part with hundreds of bucks every season on the latest cleats!