How to Care for Soccer Cleats


soccer player carrying soccer cleats

This article is part of the What to Know about Soccer Cleats series.

Hardware & Accessories soccer cleats is essential for keeping you safe and playing your best. Due to the unpredictability of soccer fields, soccer cleats can become damaged quickly from dirt, mud, and impact. However, there are many ways to care for your soccer cleats properly so you can get the most out of them. In this guide, we will walk you through the necessary steps to keep your cleats in top condition.

How to Clean Soccer Cleats

Your soccer cleats will periodically require a very thorough cleaning. The best way to do this is to follow the steps below during the off season or when you have multiple days off in a row.

  1. Remove the laces and if possible, the insoles. 
  2. Fill a sink with warm water and dish soap. 
  3. Submerge the insoles and laces.
  4. Use a scrub brush or sponge to thoroughly clean.
  5. Set the insoles and laces aside to air dry.
  6. Use a wet toothbrush or soft towel to gently wash the cleat uppers. You never want to put leather in water as it can cause cracks and damage the integrity.
  7. Use a scrub brush or toothbrush to clean any dirt or mud off the cleat plate.
  8. Set the cleats aside to air dry.


Expert Tip: Never put your cleats in direct sunlight to dry as this can also damage the integrity of the materials.

How to Get the Smell Out of Soccer Cleats

There’s no way around it—soccer cleats can start to smell after a few long practices or games. Below are a few home remedies that can get tough smells out in just a few hours. 

While regularly cleaning your soccer cleats will help restore them to their former glory, there are other care techniques that can help you keep your cleats in top shape before and after games.

Pre-Game Care

Every soccer player (or soccer mom) knows that grass fields aren’t always perfectly dry. When the pitch gets wet and muddy, your soccer cleats will show it. It’s important to take care of your cleats after practice so they’re always ready for gameday. Keep a wooden stick or putty knife in your soccer bag so you can remove any caked on dirt and mud from the cleat plate. When cleaning the upper, it’s best to use something gentler like a towel or cloth.


Expert Tip: Never wear your soccer cleats on hard surfaces. Keep a pair of slides to change into when walking to and from the field.

Post-Game Care

After every game, remove stuck-on mud and grass as quickly as possible. It’s harder to remove mud and dirt the longer you let it sit. Use your wooden sticks, towel, or a toothbrush to remove as much debris as possible after the game. Once your cleats are totally dry, you can clap the soles together outside to shake off any extra dirt. 


Expert Tip: Keep a plastic or fabric bag in your soccer bag to keep your dirty cleats enclosed so they are separated from the rest of your gear. 

How Often Should Soccer Cleats Be Replaced?

The lifespan of each pair of soccer cleats will vary depending on how often you wear them and how well you care for them. You should definitely get one year of wear out of your cleats, but you may be able to get 2-3 seasons out of a well-kept pair. If you notice any of the following warning signs, it may be time to replace your soccer cleats.

  • Lack of support or comfort while playing. Soccer cleats should keep you stable and absorb impact. If you start to feel like the support that was once there is no longer, it’s probably time for a replacement.
  • Worn-out cleat studs. Ceck your cleat plate—if your cleats are worn down or uneven, you should replace your soccer cleats so you can play with maximum traction.

Damaged or worn-out materials. Whether it’s your upper or outsole, if you notice significant wear in certain areas or even holes beginning to develop, it’s time for a new pair of soccer cleats.

With this guide, you should be able to properly care for your soccer cleats so you can get the most out of them. If you have additional questions about how to care for your gear or how to choose the right pair of soccer cleats, contact an Expert at your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN.