When MiAdidas was shut down in 2019, many soccer fans were upset, but now many new alternatives are available.

There are many options and methods to make cleats unique based on your preferences. So, how can you personalize your cleats?

The best way to customize your cleats is by painting them. This involves creating a design, gathering art tools, and setting aside time to unleash your creativity on a pair of cleats. An alternative method is to use professional services and product stores available online. Popular sports brands like Puma, Nike, and Adidas offer options to customize cleats. 

In this article, you’ll find a guide to personalizing your own cleats.

Don’t worry if you’re not a good painter or skilled at creativity because I have other options for you.

To find your alternatives, keep reading till the end.

How To Customize Your Cleats in 7 Simple Steps

Personalizing your cleats is surprisingly easy, even if you’re not a painter or artistic.

Just follow these simple steps and use them as a draft to bring out the Picasso in you. 

1. Use Acetone to Clean the Surface of Your Cleats

For your paint to effectively bind with the surface of the cleats and not peel or crack, you must remove the original polish from the shoes if you want perfect-looking cleats. 

First, get some gloves and dip a few cotton swabs in acetone.

Acetone is commonly found at hardware stores. Check your nearest store or order acetone online on Amazon if you don’t have it at home.

Using cotton swabs dipped in acetone, wipe the polish off your cleats until all of it comes off. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to do this.

The material of your cleats will become a gray tint, and the polish may appear a little pasty as it comes off.

Don’t worry about it. This is just step one!

2. Create a Design Concept List

You may already have ideas for words or images promoting a particular subject based on the soccer cleats of your favorite players.

Alternatively, you may just decide to create a geometric pattern using a couple of different colors.

Whatever design you choose for your cleats, now is the time to commit to that idea.

Here are a few custom design ideas for your soccer cleats you may want to check out for inspiration.

3. Block off Sections Using Masking Tape

Once you think you’ve mapped out the perfect design for you in your head, map it out in sections on your cleats using masking tape or any other similar tape.

You may want to draw on the cleats’ surface to mark your design.

Just be careful while drawing the design over the surface of your cleats (try using a blunt pencil so it can be easier to remove it if you make a mistake).

Now, you can put the masking tape along the edges of the design. 

The masking tape might sound unnecessary, but trust me, it’s very effective to get the cleanest lines between colors.

However, if you still have difficulty using it, feel free to omit the tape and use a free-hand painting style.

However, your lines may not be as crisp or smooth this way.

Alternatively, I have found using a stencil to be helpful.

But this only works if you can find a stencil with the specific design you are looking for.

4. Mix up Colors to Start Painting

I recommend using leather paints (such as Angelus) and mixing them up in an extra container to achieve the vibrant shade you want on your cleats.

Before directly painting over your cleats, paint the color on a piece of paper to confirm it’s the exact color you want. 

The best tip for painting your cleats is to paint them in layers to get an intense color.

Paint light, thin layers using your brush in areas not covered with masking tape. 

To acquire the color you desire, you might need to apply several coats. 

Tip: Leave the paint to dry thoroughly between coats for some time, and don’t rush it!

For most of your paintwork, ensure you use small paintbrushes and use tiny brushes to get the little details right.

It’s critical to let each coat dry thoroughly to prevent paint flaking and cracking if you decide to put your cleats on later.

5. Use a Hair Dryer in Between Paint Applications

Use a hairdryer after each layer of paint is finished to hasten the drying process.

Before beginning a fresh coat, position the dryer a few inches away from the cleat and wait for the air to dry the coat you just painted completely.

6. Utilize the Masking Tape to Change Colors

Cut extra strips of tape for painting new colors to your cleat if you want to create crisp lines.

Ensure cleats are totally dry before adding additional tape and colors, specifically if you didn’t use the masking tape before.

Ensure that the paint is dry when you finish all the layers that require masking tape and only want to write or sketch over the primary colors.

7. Apply a Matte Sealer to Your Dried Cleats.

Spray your cleats gently with a matte finisher, like Krylon Matte Finisher, once they are entirely finished and dried with no remaining wet paint visible.

Your shoes will look polished and much more like they were manufactured as a result of this sealing in color.

Note: The matte finishing spray should only be used in a well-ventilated environment since it emits fumes!

Now, simply let your cleats dry before you show them off, and you can congratulate yourself on bringing your creativity out!

Warning: Avoid painting the bottom of your shoes. The paint won’t adhere, will flake off, and will chip, giving your shoes a sloppy appearance.

Check out this video below for more insight into how to paint your cleats.

3 Online Alternatives For Cleat Customization

Having explained the best and most straightforward way of customizing your cleats, you may decide this option isn’t for you.

No problem!

Several businesses provide the services of skilled designers.

1. Adidas Online Platform

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, MiAdidas was a well-liked service, but its developers ultimately decided to cease operation.

Instead, since 2000, the Adidas website has offered a personalized soccer cleats option.

An extensive range of colors is available for you to customize your shoes.

The outlines of Superstar, Ultra Boost, and Stan Smith are optional additions.

Furthermore, you may design your own cleats utilizing the website’s themes.

2. Private Online Services and Websites 

If you’re not worried about high-end brands, there are a variety of different services you may utilize. The websites made especially for this reason allow anyone to create their own soccer cleats. 

Most amateur athletes and sports teams choose these services since they often allow full personalization of sports clothing.

The most common orders are for athletes’ names and jersey numbers. Soccer cleats with modern designs often include flags and logos on them. 

Players occasionally request artwork featuring their preferred sports stars. Simply select the soccer cleats you wish to personalize, and the company will do the rest. 

3. Social Media Artists

You’ll find many artists on social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest if you search for the right keywords. 

Many home-based artists provide custom designing services.

You can also check out the options on Etsy.

I recommend exploring all the possibilities before beginning customization on one of the online platforms.

Have a look around and see what you can find.

Which Types of Cleats Should You Customize?

It’s also important to decide what type of cleat you want to use for your canvas.

Choose the soccer cleat style that you wish to customize:

Check out my article – 5 Types of Soccer Cleats and what they are used for – to learn more about each type of cleat.

FAQs Regarding Customizing Cleats

What Are Some of The Customizable Cleats Brands?

Now that shoe customization is widespread, several well-known manufacturers give clients additional options.

Many manufacturers, such as New Balance, Vans, Nike, Puma, and others, will personalize your soccer cleats. Mostly, white and black cleats are available for customization. 

What Type of Paint to Use For Your Cleats?

Use paints that offer durability and smoothness for painting cleats.

If you want to color the fabric section of the cleats with latex paint, dilute it first so that it absorbs in as you apply it.

The color will remain if you use one or two additional coats since it is absorbed into the cloth.

Final Thoughts

Unique cleats are the ideal technique to emphasize your individuality and make it clear to other competitors who you are.

If you are a talented painter, you might want to bring out the brushes and create your own design.

However, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, professional artists can be used to help you achieve your dreams!

For more helpful info about soccer cleats, check out one of my other articles below.

• Remove the Smell From Your Cleats: 11 Tried and Tested Solutions
• How Soccer Cleats Should Fit: An In-Depth Guide
• How to Clean (And Dry) Your Cleats: Without Damaging Them

However, playing soccer indoors is different than playing outside and raises a few questions. One of the most fundamental questions is – “what kind of cleats should you wear when playing soccer indoors?”

While you can sometimes use regular cleats for indoor soccer, it’s not a good idea. Many indoor soccer locations ban regular cleats entirely as the playing surface for indoor soccer is incompatible with standard soccer cleats. 

When choosing cleats for indoor soccer games, the best way to know what footwear to use is to look at the ground’s surface. 

There are many different types of soccer cleats, and they each give you a strategic advantage depending on the kind of ground you are playing on.

In this article, I will show you why you should avoid wearing regular cleats for indoor soccer and then help you choose the best type of footwear to wear to play soccer indoors successfully and enjoyably!

Why You Should Avoid Wearing Outdoor Cleats Indoors

Before taking you through a brief guide on choosing the best cleats for indoor soccer, let me explain why you should not wear regular outdoor soccer cleats for indoor soccer.

While it may seem like a good idea to wear your outdoor cleats inside, I would not recommend it.

The main reason for this is that indoor surfaces are often harder and smoother than outdoor playing fields, so wearing cleats indoors can do more harm than good.

In addition, if you wear regular cleats in an indoor soccer facility, you can damage and scratch the surface. 

You will also find that indoor soccer rules don’t allow it.

Outdoor cleats dig into the ground and provide traction as you move. Unfortunately, indoor soccer surfaces are usually solid and don’t permit the cleats to dig into the ground at all.

Using the wrong equipment also risks potentially injuring yourself and other players.

You may also find that the location where you are playing indoor soccer bans outdoor cleats. If you do try wearing outdoor cleats during a game, you may end up with a blue card or even a yellow.

If you want to play your best, reduce the risk of injury and protect the playing surface, I recommend sticking with indoor soccer shoes.

If you are unsure what shoes to purchase, check out these options on Amazon.

By taking in these considerations, you can choose the right cleats, improve your performance on the field no matter what position you are playing, and protect the playing surfaces you are using.

Now let’s look at how to choose the correct footwear for indoor soccer.

How To Choose The Best Footwear For Indoor Soccer

When playing soccer inside, you need the proper footwear to keep up with everyone else’s pace. 

There are a few steps you need to follow in order to choose the perfect soccer cleats.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Look At The Indoor Surface

When it comes to indoor soccer, you may come across a variety of different surfaces. 

One of the most common is a hard surface. The hard surface is similar to basketball courts and the hard surfaces they play on. 

In other cases, however, you will play indoor soccer on a ground covered in turf. 

However, even with this option, there are several turf varieties.

You must consider what footwear is appropriate for the turf you will be playing on.

For example, first-generation astroturf is what used to be the most common surface for indoor soccer. 

While it has been replaced as the standard, it is still possible to see this turf. However, it is short and hard, so it needs a specific type of shoe.

On the other hand, current-generation turf is more common to see on indoor soccer grounds these days.

This turf is longer and softer and feels a lot like natural grass. 

Once you know what kind of surface you will be playing on, you can choose the right cleats to match that surface.

2. Choose Cleats Depending On The Surface

Once you are aware of the space you will be playing soccer in, the next step you need to carry out is to choose the right soccer cleats for the surface you will be playing on. 

The good news is that most soccer cleat manufacturers factor suitable surfaces into the marketing campaign. 

Watch the video below to differentiate between two kinds of surfaces:

Cleats usually state what kind of surface they are best for. You can often see these designations on your shoes with abbreviations. 

Here are the standard soccer cleat designations to watch out for:

• Firm Ground (FG)
• Soft Ground (SG)
• Multi-Ground (MG)
• Artificial Grass (AG)
• Turf
• Indoor

You can find out more about each of these in my article – Each Different Type of Soccer Cleat: Explained.

While these designations are helpful, there are some other things to consider. 

In practice, here’s how the shoes match up to the ground surface:

For Playing on Hard Surfaces

You must avoid wearing regular outdoor cleats when playing soccer on a hard surface.

They will only become a hindrance on a harder surface.

Instead, it would be best if you opted for indoor soccer shoes. 

These have a softer, rubber-based sole, allowing you to run fast and efficiently grip the floor’s hard surface. That way, you can gain greater agility and movement and are less likely to lose your balance.

For Playing on First Generation Turf

With astroturf, you must put away your regular soccer cleats once again.

Keep in mind that this turf has very small and short blades of grass. In addition, they are on top of a typically harder surface, so there is not much to grip when you are playing on the surface. 

The best choice when playing with this kind of surface is a turf shoe, which has very short nubs that can grab onto the plastic blades of grass.

Otherwise, you can also play on this surface with your indoor soccer shoes.

For Playing on Current Generation Turf

For this type of surface, you can use multiple types of cleats, depending on the surface and the advantages you want to get while playing.

One of the best choices out there is an artificial glass cleat. These come with a firm sole and shorter studs that help you stay in control while moving fast.

You can also use firm ground cleats if you play on this turf.

This is because these cleats have fewer studs and a more robust sole than artificial grass cleats. 

However, these shoes are designed for play on the ground with dirt and help you get traction by pushing through the grass.

They may not be the best choice for turf, but they can work as an option if necessary.

The multi-ground cleats are an interesting middle ground between artificial grass features and firm ground cleats.

These combine the stud design from both shoes to give you a versatile option that can work with most types of surfaces. 

For example, having circular and bladed studs simultaneously gives you both traction and strength.

Final Thoughts

Always consider the kind of indoor surface you will be playing on, and choose your cleats accordingly.

Each type of cleat is designed for specific surfaces, so using the wrong ones can lead to injury and decreased performance on the field.

And when in doubt, indoor soccer shoes are a safe choice to use on any indoor surface.

For more information on soccer cleats, check out one of my previous articles:

• How Soccer Cleats Should Fit: A Guide
• Remove the Smell From Your Cleats: 11 Tried and Tested Solutions
• 8 Steps To Break In Soccer Cleats Fast

The fit of a soccer cleat should be snug but comfortable. The right size soccer cleats should leave about a ¼ gap ( about the width of a baby’s finger) between your big toe and the end of the cleat. Be sure it covers your entire foot without touching your toes. The cleats should feel as natural as possible. 

Your feet are one of your most essential resources on the field. They must be in cleats that will ensure maximum performance and comfort.

Let me show you how to identify the perfect fit and what to look for when choosing cleats.

How Should Soccer Cleats Fit?

Your ability to kick the ball and move around the field effectively is influenced by the fit of your cleats. This will affect your general performance.

The first thing to be aware of is that your soccer cleats don’t have to fit as your regular shoes would.

Often, they will feel different and may not even be the same size. 

Personally, I always wear cleats that are at least half a size smaller than other footwear I use.

Wearing the right size of cleats enhances your general soccer performance and ability to handle the ball when playing.

Your cleats need to be snug on your feet.

The purpose of having a snug fit is to prevent excess space around your foot. Excess space can negatively influence the way you run and kick the ball.

You want your feet to feel as though they are touching the ball. Too much space around your feet creates a barrier between your feet and the ball.

Most soccer professionals use a method to ensure they buy cleats that are at least a number less than their regular shoe size.

The best thing you can do is develop your own strategy to ensure your cleats fit well by trying a variety of sizes.

I advise getting your cleats from a store that permits you to size them and helps ensure they fit well. 

You can make your fitting process more successful by wearing a pair of socks to better understand how well your cleats fit.

You’re at risk of leaving with cleats that are too tight if you test them at the store without the same type of socks you will be wearing on a game day – but then it’s too late.

When testing at the store, start with your known regular shoe size and downgrade the size from there.

It is vital you wear and lace the complete pair all the way up in order to prevent wrong assumptions.

Use your thumb to press down all sides of the cleats, including your toe area, to get a feel for the space around your feet.

If the store permits, walk, run, kick and even perform a brief kick using a soccer ball. 

This will help you judge and determine how comfortable you’ll be playing with them on the field.

Ensure that your toes reach the forefront of the cleats without causing pain or pressure or touching the front of the cleat.

I also recommend avoiding the cheapest soccer cleats in the store.

The lower quality of materials and production will only negatively affect your performance on the field.

The reality is that more expensive cleats are more often than not worth the extra cost.

And if you are not sure about the design of the cleats, you can always personalize them in seven easy steps.

How Can I Tell if My Cleats Are Too Snug?

Your cleats are too tight if they have no space at all between your foot and the toe end of the cleat, and the cleats are too big if your whole thumb can fit between your toes and the end of your cleats.

The proper fit to look for should give you about a ¼” gap ( the size of a baby’s finger).

A cleat that has your toes pressing hard against it is too tight and definitely not the correct size.

Often, players make the mistake of reusing tight cleats that no longer fit- don’t fall into that trap.

At some point, we’ve all purchased a pair of cleats that are the wrong size and soon realize they’re either too small or too long.

Some players still go ahead and wear them, hoping the pair will somehow fit once they’ve played in them a few times.

(I am definitely guilty of doing this in the past!)

Don’t do this!

If you know the cleats are too snug, change them for a larger pair.

A tight cleat will also press your ankle hard against the heel, restricting free movement without friction.

But, again, this means you’ve picked the wrong size for your games and risk having blisters once the cleats suppress any part of your feet.

However, if you feel your cleats are tight but not too snug, then there is an option for loosening them up a little.

To loosen your tight cleats, immerse them in hot water for about 10-15 minutes while wearing them. This helps to stretch the stitches and allows for extra space. 

Check out my guide – 8 Steps to Breaking in Your Soccer Cleats Fast – for more tips on how to make sure your cleats are as comfortable as possible.

Advice for Choosing the Right Soccer Cleats Size

Getting the best-fitting soccer cleats relies on you choosing the correct size.

That may sound obvious, but there are a few specific factors to consider when choosing soccer cleats.

For more detailed advice on choosing cleats, check out my guide – How to Choose the Perfect Cleats: 4 Simple Steps.

But this image below will give you some helpful pointers.

Let me also share some more details with you here.

1. Select the Appropriate Fit

As we’ve already talked about, your cleats should be more snug than your regular shoes due to the frequent motion, and swift footwork demanded in soccer games.

Cleats aren’t supposed to be so tight that they restrict air circulation or too loose that they can slip off your feet during sports.

The conventional rule is to purchase cleats half-a-number less than your everyday shoe size.

2. The Soccer Field Ground Type

Another factor to consider when purchasing your cleats is the type of surface texture and ground you’ll be playing on.

There are five different types of soccer cleats, each designed for a player to wear on a specific type of surface.

If your soccer game is indoors, choose cleats with flat rubber soles. It will provide you with the right traction on the ground surface.

If the game is on artificial turf or outdoors, pick cleats with studs on the base of the sole. This will help you lunge into the turf for appropriate balance, stamina, and traction.

You can even use metal studs if you like.

3. Remember Your Playing Position

The position you play for the team is an effective guide in choosing the most suitable cleats for you.

Defenders need cleats that offer firm support at the forefront of their cleats, but midfielders will need extra padding in their cleats.

You should ensure that your cleat is able to endure the degree of impact contact, strain, and friction your position will demand.

4. Take Note of the Upper Section of the Cleats

The shoe part that laces up and gives you a confident fit is called the upper.

Be mindful of the material used to assemble the upper to ensure it can resist different weather situations and high-impact positions.

Some cleats are built with unique materials to keep the soccer ball “cleaving” to your feet for swift foot motions and better control.

Now you know what to look out for when choosing your next soccer cleats to avoid discomfort.

For more info on how to care for your cleats, check out one of my soccer cleat guides below.

• How to Care For Your Soccer Cleats: Tips to Make Them Last
• How to Clean (And Dry) Your Cleats: Without Damaging Them
• Remove the Smell From Your Cleats: 11 Tried and Tested Solutions

Professional soccer players, except for goalies, don’t wear cups during a game. However, youth players sometimes wear a cup during youth soccer games to protect themselves. Wearing a cup is permitted in soccer but not required. It is up to the individual if they want to wear one or not.

There are advantages and disadvantages to wearing a cup. We’ll look at them in a moment, but first, let me explain why professionals don’t wear cups, but some youth players do.

Wearing a Cup in Soccer

Sports players worldwide are at risk of injury if they fail to wear the correct protective equipment.

There are only a few required pieces of equipment in soccer, and the only necessary items for protection are shin guards.

However, that doesn’t mean players can’t wear other items of protection, such as a cup if they desire.

For example, some goalies choose to wear head protection, and some younger players wear a mouthguard. (I did when I was younger).

The only stipulation in the rules of soccer is:

“A player must not use equipment or wear anything that is dangerous.“

IFAB Laws of the Game

Because wearing a cup cannot be considered dangerous, they are permitted under the rules of the game. But that doesn’t mean every player chooses to wear one.

Professional soccer players choose not to wear a cup because they don’t believe the benefit of wearing one is greater than the risk of not wearing one.

All soccer players have to consider how each item of equipment affects their movement and mobility during a game, not simply what offers the maximum protection.

We’ll look at this more in a moment, but you may also want to check out my list of specific items that players can or cannot wear during a game.

Do Goalies Wear Cups?

The only exception to what I have shared so far is a goalkeeper.

Soccer goalies often wear cups during training sessions and games because they are more likely to sustain an injury in this area than the other players on the field.

You only have to study the role of a goalie for a moment to understand why they are more vulnerable to the impact of the ball in this area.

A goalie will often put their body on the line to protect their goal, which usually means spreading themselves out to stop the ball.

And not only are they vulnerable to contact from the ball or another player, but when the ball makes contact with a goalie, it’s often at high impact as it’s coming from an attempt at goal by the opposition.

All this means it can be advantageous for a goalie to wear a cup as the chance of impact from the ball is far greater for a goalkeeper than another player on the field.

Do Youth Soccer Players Wear Cups?

This brings us to youth soccer players.

Male youth soccer players may choose to wear a cup for protection as younger players have a lower tolerance level toward the pain associated with the impact of a soccer ball in this area. However, female youth soccer players rarely wear a cup.

When players are younger, they are more prone to longer-lasting injuries. Therefore parents should consider a higher level of protection for their kids when they send them out on a youth soccer field.

However, the reality of a youth player suffering a long-term injury in this area during a soccer game is relatively low, and I have never heard of it happening. Although, you should be aware that the Urology Care Foundation does recommend wearing a cup for soccer.

The more significant concern is the temporary pain associated with contact from the ball or another player.

Most young male players find this pain more than they are willing to tolerate, so wearing a cup during soccer can put their minds (and those of the parents) at rest.

Ultimately, it is a decision to be made between the player and their responsible adult.

Should Soccer Players Wear a Cup?

Having explained the norm for soccer players at different levels, I want to briefly give you some areas to consider if you are thinking about using a cup yourself or for your child.

The First Thing to Consider Is the Player’s Age and the Potential Risk/Benefit Balance

As I’ve mentioned a few times, younger players are more at risk than older players. This is why adult professionals rarely wear a cup, but younger players do.

Professionals are also more agile and able to move their bodies out the way of the ball, or another player, before any impact.

Youth players have often not mastered this art yet!

There is minimal benefit to wearing a cup for a professional player unless they are a goalie. The main issue the cup protects against in an adult is temporary pain, and most players can tolerate this.

However, the issue of pain from impact is more serious for youth players. It can put them off committing to the game as quickly.

Another Issue to Consider Is Comfort

Wearing any item of equipment has an impact on how a player feels. And wearing a cup is no different.

If you decide to wear a cup, you should choose one that is comfortable and avoid the cheap ones. This one on Amazon is a great option for comfort.

If a player is uncomfortable, it can negatively affect their performance. And wearing something that hinders your performance may be too much of a sacrifice for most players to make.

However, it will come down to personal preference.

A Player Should Also Consider How It Affects Their Movement on the Field

Wearing a cup between your legs has a significant potential to affect your movement as you run, jump, shoot, or even walk.

This is less significant for a goalie who doesn’t have to move as much as most other players but can still be noticeable.

If a cup has too much impact on a player’s movement, it is probably not worth wearing one. 

The only exception for this is players under the age of 10.

At this level of soccer, the players are still playing for fun more than the competition. Because there is less significance on optimizing a player’s movement, and there is an advantage to wearing more protective equipment, it may be worth sacrificing movement for enhanced protection.

Again, this will ultimately be up to the child and their responsibly adult to decide.

What Do Soccer Players Wear Under Their Shorts?

I just want to end this article by sharing what most soccer players wear under their shorts, as this is a question I often hear people asking.

Most soccer players wear compression shorts under their soccer shorts. Players wear compression shorts for reasons of modesty but also for comfort and to keep the top of their legs warmer during the winter months of the year.

There are no specific rules in soccer that describe what a player should wear under their shorts. As long as what they wear is not visible or dangerous, the referee will allow the player to participate in the game.

I always recommend wearing something comfortable and tight-fitting.

For more information on what a soccer player wears, check out one of my recent articles below:

• Why Soccer Players Wear Long Socks
• What are Soccer Cleats, and Why do Players Wear Them?
• How to Wear Shin Guards

There are five types of soccer cleats:

• Hard Ground Soccer Cleats – Designed for completely dry ground
• All Ground Soccer Cleats – Designed to be used on multiple different surfaces
• Firm Ground Soccer Cleats – Designed for grass surfaces that are “firm” underfoot
• Soft Ground Soccer Cleats – Designed for ground that is soft or muddy
• Artificial Ground Soccer Cleats – Designed to be used on synthetic turf

Although these are the five main types of cleats, you may come across a few variations of these.

We’ll look at these variations as we go through the list.

First, let’s start by looking at why there are different types of cleats, and then I’ll explain what the differences are and when you should choose a specific type.

The Reason for the Different Types of Soccer Cleats

Different types of soccer cleats are available to provide the best footwear option for the kind of playing surface a game is played on.

For example, soccer cleats designed for hard ground will have much shorter studs than a soccer cleat designed for soft ground.

The reason for this is that when you’re playing on soft ground, you need longer studs to stick further into the ground and give you more traction on a more slippery surface.

The type of cleats you should wear will depend on what surface you are playing on.

If you choose the wrong cleats for the wrong surface, you will struggle to play effectively and face a higher risk of injury.

The ground on which you play soccer is the most significant factor when choosing what soccer cleats to wear.

I admit that it took me a long time to realize this. 

I used to wear the same cleats on many different surfaces before understanding that my choice of cleats was holding me back.

Now I choose the right cleats for the game and the playing surface in front of me.

Ideally, you want a few sets of soccer cleats available for each game.

The size, shape, and type of cleats you wear must suit the field of play.

For example, rainy weather before you play can lead to a muddy, soft field, and dry, sunny weather can lead to a game on hard, dusty ground.

Wearing the correct type of cleats for the playing surface should provide comfort and facilitate the proper interaction between foot and surface. 

Looking after your cleats well is key to making them last. Check out my article – How to Care For Your Soccer Cleats: Tips to Make Them Last – to discover my top tricks and tips to keep your cleats in top condition.

#1 – Hard Ground Soccer Cleats

Hard ground cleats are designed for use on ground that is completely dry and hard.

Hard ground soccer cleats consist of 12 short circular studs evenly distributed across the bottom of a soccer shoe. The short stud profile of hard ground cleats offers the wearer an effective amount of traction without causing the player’s foot to feel uncomfortable.

When faced with a playing field that hasn’t seen any moisture in a long time, you want to consider wearing a pair of hard ground cleats.

This most often occurs in the height of summer when it’s not rained for weeks, or on a dusty dirt ground that rarely soaks up any water.

As the name suggests, hard-ground cleats are adapted for use on a hard, dry-grass field or a field with synthetic grass that has little to no give in the surface.

The studs on these cleats are often positioned in three sections. 

1. A group of four studs near the toes, 
2. a group of four studs between the ball of the foot and arches, 
3. and a group of four studs beneath the heel.

The aim is to evenly distribute a player’s weight throughout the base of the shoe as hard ground can be uncomfortable on a player’s feet and knees.

Also, be aware that although hard ground cleats sound similar to firm ground cleats, they are different, as you will discover in a moment when we loot at firm ground cleats.

#2 – All Ground Soccer Cleats

All ground soccer cleats are specifically designed to be used on multiple different surfaces. Also known as multi-ground soccer cleats, these shoes are effective on all types of soccer fields, from firm ground to artificial ground.

Due to the diversity of soccer fields around the world, multiple high-profile soccer shoe brands created a blend of firm ground and artificial ground cleats into one shoe. 

These cleats allow players to use the same shoes on both natural and artificial turf without having to own two sets of soccer cleats.

These soccer cleats provide a combination of bladed and conical studs that suit both artificial and firm ground play.

All-ground shoes have more studs than most other cleat types.

They consist of low-profile, shortened studs that offer adequate grip and balanced weight distribution in both firm ground and artificial ground settings. 

If you are considering purchasing this type of cleats, be aware that all-ground cleats do not offer metal studs and have a shortened stud profile.

The shortened stud profile is unsuitable for wet conditions that call for deeper penetration into soft ground. 

Although all ground cleats are great if you only have one pair of cleats, remember, they are good on most surfaces but not really great on any one specific surface.

When you’ve just purchased some new cleats you want to wear them as soon as possible. To help with this, I wrote – 8 Steps To Break In Soccer Cleats Fast. This article will have you feeling comfortable in your new cleats in no time.

#3 – Firm Ground Soccer Cleats

When you first hear about firm ground cleats, you may assume they are the same as hard ground cleats.

Although they can be used interchangeably up to a point, the reality is that they are designed for slightly different conditions.

Hard ground cleats are for use on ground that is completely dry. Surfaces such as really dry grass or dirt surfaces are perfect for these.

However, firm-ground soccer cleats are best for grass surfaces that are dry and “firm” underfoot but still have a bit of moisture or softness in the ground.

Firm Ground cleats, or FGs, are among the most popular and versatile soccer shoes.

Also known as molded soccer cleats, FGs offer non-removable studs that provide both traction and stability on most common playing surfaces. 

They feature ten to fifteen conical or bladed studs that suit grass fields and harder surfaces such as dirt or frozen ground.

FG cleats may also be a mixture of the two stud types for enhanced versatility.

The two stud types have specific advantages:

• Bladed studs facilitate lateral movements and are thinner and pointed. This offers an enhanced grip that is better than the rounded stud versions. 
• Conical studs provide less penetration into the playing surface, which offers a quick release and facilitates pivoting on the field.

Most FG cleats combine both types of studs, with four-bladed studs under the heel and rounded studs under the front of the foot for easier pivoting.

However, they provide less penetration than the metal stud varieties suited to softer surfaces. This often suits beginner players due to their versatility of being effective on most commonly played fields.

If you will regularly be playing on firm ground, and you plan on only owning one pair of natural ground cleats, you should choose firm ground soccer cleats.

Just be aware that although you may see players use FG cleats on artificial ground, this is risky as they may cause injury and are prone to deterioration in this setting. 

#4 – Soft Ground Soccer Cleats

Soft Ground cleats, or SGs, are best used on soft or muddy surfaces. This type of cleat provides a high level of traction and features longer metal studs that players can unscrew from the shoe.

The studs taper toward the bottom and, compared to firm ground studs, are fewer and longer.

Soft Ground cleats provide deeper penetration into the playing surface and enable turning and pivoting on wet surfaces.

If you are playing on soft ground regularly, you should choose soft ground soccer cleats.

Usually, soft ground cleats will only have six studs, four in the front and two under the heel. The design focuses the downward force onto fewer points than firm ground cleats, giving the player better traction on the ground.

Soccer cleats in mud

Soft ground cleats are unsuitable for hard or compact surfaces because the ground force is transferred back into the feet in concentrated areas.

I can tell you from experience that this can be painful and uncomfortable.

These cleats usually come with plastic rather than metal studs because many leagues do not allow players to use metal studs.

To find out more about whether the league you play in allows metal studs, check out my article – Metal Cleats in Soccer: Allowed or Not?

Soft ground cleats are perfect for players during the Fall or Spring months where the ground may be softer.

They are also ideal for players looking to change their studs according to the playing and weather conditions. 

#5 – Artificial Ground Soccer Cleats

You may have noticed that artificial fields are becoming more common.

With this increasing popularity, artificial ground cleats (or AGs) have become more readily available.

As the name suggests, artificial ground cleats are ideally suited to a synthetic surface.

Because an artificial surface is relatively hard, AGs offer a larger number of shorter studs across the soleplate. This reduces the pressure on joints and knees on the harder artificial ground. 

There are two main stud patterns on these cleats. One is for artificial grass (with rubber studs), and the other is shorter and used on an Astroturf style surface.

• Artificial turf cleats offer numerous smaller studs with rubber studs on the outer sole for durability on artificial surfaces. Artificial turf may build up heat during play and may abrade plastic studs, so the rubber studs extend the soccer boot’s life.
• Artificial grass cleats are shorter than firm ground cleats. They are hollow to cope with rubber pellets and prevent the foot from becoming stuck on the surface. The shorter rubber studs work in tandem with the rubber studs to offer an enhanced artificial turf grip. 

If you are playing on an artificial surface, you should choose artificial ground soccer cleats.

Artificial ground cleats are typically more durable than other cleats and cope well with the more unforgiving nature of the harder artificial ground. 

Although you can use AGs on soft and hard surfaces, I recommend avoiding using soft ground or hard ground cleats on artificial surfaces. 

The studs’ increased penetration can cause injuries during play due to the artificial ground’s unique texture.

Ideally, if you play on artificial and soft/hard ground, have a pair of shoes suited for each surface. 

For more helpful info on soccer cleats, check out one of my previous articles:

• Why Soccer Cleats Are GREAT for Flag Football
• How to Clean (And Dry) Your Cleats: Without Damaging Them
• Best Soccer Cleats for Toddlers

The odor from them can make you want to throw them out, but hold up! Let me show you 11 tried and tested techniques to get the smell out of your cleats.

To remove the smell from your cleats, first, thoroughly clean and dry your cleats. Next, place your cleats in the freezer overnight. Then, once the cleats are defrosted, add a deodorizer to your cleats for a fresh smell. This process deals with the odor-causing bacteria growing in your cleats leaving you with cleats that no longer stink!

This process will stop your cleats from smelling 9 times out of 10, but there are several other ways (including freezing them!) to ensure you get rid of the smell from your cleats.

Keep reading, and I’ll explain several different methods and give you my top tips on how to make your cleats smell fresh and ready for your next game!

1. Clean and Dry Your Cleats

The first thing to do anytime your cleats begin to smell is to make sure you give them a complete and thorough wash and dry.

If you skip this step, you will be fighting an uphill battle against the odor problem.

In my article – How to Clean (and Dry) Your Cleats Effectively: Without Damaging Them – I take you through a step-by-step process explaining the most effective way to get your cleats clean.

The process is relatively simple. It involves warm soapy water, a brush, and ensuring you don’t dry your cleats in a location that will harm them.

It’s also essential not to regularly use too much cleaning product or hot water.

This can also damage your cleats.

To prevent you from making any mistakes you’ll later regret, check out my cleat cleaning guide.

Once your cleats are washed and dried, you may find that the smell is gone.

However, this may not always be enough.

If so, move on to the next step.

2. Replace the Laces and Insoles

If you’ve cleaned and dried your cleats effectively, but they still smell, then have a look at your laces and insoles.

Over time, your laces can pick up a lot of moisture and dirt that can be hard to get out.

Eventually, they will start to smell.

The same applies to the insoles of your cleats.

These absorb your sweat and moisture throughout a game, and if you don’t clean them, they will smell.

First, try placing your laces and insoles in a pillowcase and put them in the washing machine. 

This will remove the smell from them most of the time.

However, if your laces and insoles have been used a lot or are getting old, you may need to replace them.

Amazon offers multiple options for new laces or insoles here.

3. Put Your Cleats in the Freezer Overnight

If your cleats still smell after you’ve given your cleats a thorough wash, dried them well, and possibly replaced the laces and insoles, then the next option is to put your cleats in the freezer.

This option often comes as a surprise to many people, but it’s surprisingly effective.

Place your smelly cleats in a large plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight. Take them out the next day and allow them to dry completely.

The purpose of this is to eliminate the smelly bacteria.

The frigid temperature of the freezer should destroy the odor-producing bacteria inside your cleats and remove the smell.

Give it a go.

You’ll probably be surprised how well it works. I know I was the first time I tried it!

Freezing your cleats is also an option players use to break in new cleats. Find out more in my article – 8 Steps To Break In Soccer Cleats Fast.

4. Use a Baking Soda Mix

Another option I find effective is to use baking soda.

Baking soda is excellent at absorbing bad smells and leaving your shoes smelling much fresher.

Take a tablespoon of baking soda and sprinkle it inside your shoes. Then leave your cleats overnight.

Brush out the baking soda in the morning or before you next wear your cleats.

If you would rather not sprinkle baking soda in your cleats, there is an alternative.

Mix equal parts of baking soda, baking powder, and cornstarch together. Place this mixture in a cotton sock and leave the sock in your cleats overnight. This is a great home remedy for smelly cleats.

5. Spray the Inside With White Vinegar

Another product you can use is white vinegar.

White vinegar is really effective at neutralizing bad odors and removing bacteria found in cleats. It’s used in all sorts of cleaning solutions.

Before you add vinegar to your cleats, you’ll want to mix it with water.

In a spray bottle, mix equal parts vinegar and water.

Spray this liberally inside your cleats, and then let them dry.

The white vinegar should eliminate the foul odor and keep your cleats smelling fresh.

6. Try Leaving Citrus Peel Inside the Cleats

If you have some fruit around the house, you may consider using citrus peel to remove the smell.

It doesn’t matter what kind of citrus fruit you have available. Lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit will all work.

Citrus fruit is effective as they contain natural essential oils that eliminate the smell in your cleats.

They also have the advantage that they leave a really fresh citrus smell. And adding a deodorizer to your cleats will help improve the smell.

If you’re in the market for new cleats, I recommend you check out my guide – How to Choose the Perfect Soccer Cleats (in 4 Simple Steps). You may be surprised by what you discover.

7. Add a Few Drops of Essential Oil

Talking of essential oils, these are another great solution.

Essential oils will cover up the smell from your cleats with a far more pleasant aroma.

Two of my favorite options for this are tea tree oil or cedarwood oil.

Cedarwood is perfect for this job as it has natural antifungal properties. These properties make it a great deodorizer. The best option is to place the cedarwood oil on your insoles. This will help them stay smelling fresh for longer.

Tea tree oil is another excellent option. Sprinkle a few drops of tea tree oil diluted with another carrier oil, such as coconut oil, in your cleats.

Using either of these oils should reduce any odors.

8. Place Teabags in Your Cleats to Absorb the Odor

Teabags are another surprising option on this list. Still, they are ideal for destroying the bacteria in your cleats that are making them smell.

Over the years, research has shown that the tannins in black tea are effective at eradicating smelly bacteria.

The best way to use tea bags in this scenario is first to place at least two black tea bags in boiling water for 5 minutes.

Then remove the tea bags from the water, squeeze out the excess liquid, and let them cool for a moment.

After this, place them in your cleats for about an hour. (Place some paper or tissue between the tea bag and your insoles if you are concerned about them leaving a tea stain!)

After an hour, you should notice a difference in the smell of your cleats, and you can remove the tea bags.

9. Liberally Use Odor Spray in Your Cleats

Purchasing a dedicated shoe odor-removing spray is another option you may want to consider.

I recommend using FunkAway Aerospray, 13.5 oz, Extreme Odor Eliminator from Amazon. It is incredibly effective at what it claims to do and will eat away at the bacteria causing the smell.

However, as with all these options, it is essential you use this spray after cleaning and drying your soccer cleats.

Don’t try using a spray as an alternative to washing your cleats!

Once you have sprayed the odor remover into your cleats, you should dry your shoes out again. This shouldn’t take long.

10. Leave a Bag of Cloves Inside Overnight

If you’re not sold on the idea of using a spray, another natural option is to use cloves.

Cloves are another natural antibacterial solution. They destroy those smell-producing bacteria.

First, find a small cloth, piece of thin material, or small material bag. Then place a handful of cloves inside the material and tie it up.

Place one bag of cloves into each cleat and leave them there for at least half a day.

After this time, smell your cleats and see how they smell. If the smell is gone, you can remove the cloves, and if they still smell, leave the cloves there for a few more hours.

11. Allow a Bar of Soap to Absorb the Smell

Using antibacterial soap is yet another effective solution you may consider trying.

Soap is effective at removing odors. The naturally porous nature of soap, along with its antibacterial qualities, will help reduce the smell in your cleats.

For this option to work, find or buy an antibacterial bar of soap (they’re easy to pick up here on Amazon). Place the bar inside both your cleats, and then leave them overnight.

After this, you should notice an improvement in the smell of your cleats.

Prevent Your Cleats From Smelling in the First Place

Having used most of this article to provide you with ideas of ways to eradicate the smell from your cleats, I want to finish with some advice on how to prevent your cleats from smelling in the first place.

As we all know, prevention is better than cure. So if you can prevent your cleats from smelling so bad, you won’t have to spend so much time removing the smell.

As I’ve mentioned a few times, the smell in cleats comes from a build-up of moisture that allows bad-smelling bacteria to grow.

To prevent your cleats from smelling, you need to minimize the build-up of moisture in your cleats. 

The source of this moisture is almost always sweat from your feet and dirt, mud, or rainwater that gets into your cleats while you’re wearing them.

There are several steps you can take that will prevent your cleats from smelling.

1. Always wear dry socks.
2. Change your socks regularly.
3. Make sure that your feet are dry before placing them in the cleats.
4. Use good foot powder before and after you wear your cleats.
5. Always allow your soccer cleats to dry properly before using them again.
6. Wash your feet regularly with a bar of anti-bacterial soap.

Removing the smell from your cleats is only one way of caring for your cleats.

If you want more helpful advice on how to make your cleats, check out one of my previous articles below.

• Everything you need to know about soccer cleats
• 11 Reasons Expensive Soccer Cleats Are Worth It
• Can You Wear Soccer Cleats for Football?

Here’s how to break in soccer cleats: 

1. Start with the right size cleats.
2. Wear a pair of soccer socks.
3. Use some old or custom insoles.
4. Use petroleum jelly to reduce friction.
5. Start with the laces loosely tied.
6. Wear your cleats for three consecutive days.
7. Try the frozen water trick for tight cleats.
8. Patiently wait a few days.

So, let’s discuss the proper way to break in brand new soccer cleats.

I’ll share some pro tips with you along the way to help you care for your cleats and help you avoid blisters long-term.

Here’s how to easily break your cleats in and hit the field in no time. 

1. Start with the Correct Size Cleats

If you get the wrong size of soccer cleats, you’ll have difficulty breaking them in, and they may never become comfortable enough to wear.

Always check the sizing twice before dropping the money on a new pair, or get some that you can return. 

Putting on your cleats before you purchase them is always the best way to ensure that you’ll be comfortable in your shoes while you’re on the field. 

When trying them on, be sure to wear the soccer socks that you usually wear with your cleats since the thickness of your socks could add width or an extra half-size to your foot. 

If you want to hunt for bargains online, you may want to consider going to an athletic store to try on the cleats before you purchase them. 

While you’re at the store, you can ask a salesperson to size your feet and help you find the right fit.

Be sure to try on many different pairs of cleats, then once you find the most comfortable option, write down the shoe size, the width, and the model. 

Then, you can go home and get discount prices online, or you can purchase them in-store.

Regardless, getting cleats that fit your feet comfortably will make all the difference in the break-in process.

Have a look at my guide on How to Choose the Perfect Soccer Cleats (in 4 Simple Steps) for more information on this topic.

2. Wear a Pair of Soccer Socks

You should also wear a pair of soccer socks when you break in your soccer cleats, and if you want the most comfort, go with a couple of grip socks. 

Soccer socks are thicker and taller than most other types, and they can keep your feet protected from discomfort and chafing.

In addition, if you break in your cleats with thinner socks, you might experience some tightness when you wear your cleats with soccer socks. 

Still, the ultimate socks for breaking in and wearing cleats are grippy socks with sticky bottoms.

These socks will practically glue your cleats to the bottom of your foot, keeping your cleat from sliding around and rubbing your feet the wrong way. 

Grip socks will also help you run and kick without having to fight against your shoes, so I cannot recommend them highly enough. 

I always go with these TruSox Cushioned Over Knee Socks (available on Amazon.com). These socks are favorites among professionals and amateurs alike, and unlike many gripping socks, they last many years.

TruSox socks also have cushioned bottoms with grip pads on the inside and outside of the sole, tacking your foot into place, no matter how well your cleats fit.

These socks take the cake, and I think that every soccer player should have a pair.

Find out How to Clean (And Dry) Your Cleats: Without Damaging Them in my recent article explaining the process.

3. Use Some Old or Custom Insoles

Insoles give the bottom of your shoes an impression of your foot, allowing cleats to mold themselves to your foot’s unique shape. 

When it boils down to it, molding your new insoles is the primary goal of breaking in new shoes. Using an insole that already fits your foot will cut down on break-in time and get you on the field in almost no time at all. 

On average it takes three days to break in soccer cleats. The speed of this process depends on the material the cleat is made of, how much time a player is prepared to spend breaking them in, and if a player is following a recommended technique for breaking them in.

If you have old cleats that you’ve already broken in, try removing the insoles from your new cleats and put the older ones in your new shoes. Then, after about a week, switch the insoles again. 

That way, you can mold your new cleat’s shape to your foot’s form, then break in the new insole, cutting down the process into a couple of short steps. 

You may also want to consider using custom orthopedic insoles that fit your feet perfectly.

These insoles can be used in all of your cleats, allowing you to switch between shoes quickly with no discomfort. 

However, custom insoles can be pretty pricey.

If you’re not a professional, you might want to go with a standard athletic insole like these Easyfeet Flame Boots Athletic Insoles (available on Amazon.com). 

I use one pair of these insoles in all of my soccer cleats, which always cuts down break-in times and makes switching between my game-day and practice shoes easy.

Also, there’s nothing like a reliable fit, and these always make my feet feel like they’re at home.

4. Use Petroleum Jelly to Reduce Friction

When you wear stiff, rigid shoes, the materials will rub against your feet, causing blisters.

However, if you create a slippery barrier between your feet and your shoes, you can prevent blisters and chafe altogether. 

One trick that many pro players use when breaking in new cleats in a pinch is rubbing the inside of their cleats with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, like Vaseline Pure Petroleum Jelly (available on Amazon.com).

Vaseline is slick enough to prevent the intense dry rubbing that causes blisters, and it’ll also soften polymers and leather, which are the materials usually used to make cleats. 

If you don’t have any vaseline on hand, you can also swipe some deodorant on the inside of your new cleats to make them slicker and softer.

As a bonus, the deodorant will also keep your cleats smelling fresher, which is ideal if you are looking to remove the smell from your cleats!

If you’re prone to blisters, you can also use moleskin patches on the heels and toes of your shoes to reduce friction.

These First Aid Only Moleskin Blister Prevention (available on Amazon.com) are incredibly soft, which keeps the stiff materials in your cleats from rubbing against your feet. 

5. Start with the Laces Loosely Tied

Lacing up your cleats differently depending on how you wear them can make the break-in process more manageable. It’ll ultimately make your cleats much more comfortable. 

When you first put on your soccer cleats, keep the lacing loose.

That way, the areas of your shoes that fit tightly will loosen up before you make your whole cleat fit tightly. 

Once your shoes are comfortable when loosely tied, gradually tighten them over a few days.

Slowly pulling them tighter will mold them to the shape of your feet without weakening the glue in your shoes. By doing so, you can also avoid uncomfortable chafing or blisters. 

On the day you take your cleats onto the field for drills or practice, lace your cleats through the runner’s loop near your ankle.

This loop locks your laces’ tension, preventing your shoes from becoming looser over time. 

After the first few days of breaking in your cleats, you’ll want to change up your lacing system to avoid discomfort altogether. 

Using a lacing that locks tension in place can help since you can make certain sections of your cleats tighter or looser.

Using a tension-locking system will also keep your laces from evening out as you play, which can ensure that you always get the most form-fitting shape. 

For a guide on how to keep tension in your cleat’s laces, check out this short YouTube tutorial from soccer cleat critic, Soccer Reviews For You: 

6. Wear Your Cleats for Three Consecutive Days

Like all shoes, you can’t expect your soccer cleats to fit comfortably straight away without molding them to your foot through wear. 

However, you should never wear brand new cleats to a game since you probably won’t have time to change out your cleats during the game if you start to experience discomfort. 

Wearing your cleats as much as possible right after you get them is the best practice for breaking them in, especially if you’re in a hurry to get ready for a match.

Still, starting small is crucial if you want to keep your feet blister-free. 

As soon as you get your cleats, put on your favorite soccer socks and loosely lace up your cleats.

Wear them for several hours, and try to do some mundane tasks, such as tending to your lawn, keeping them on while house cleaning, or taking them for a walk. 

Wear your cleats for at least three hours a day for three days, and be sure to take them for a run at least once to ensure that they have become flexible enough to not rub at your toes and ankles. 

It’s essential to note that you should never walk on concrete or asphalt while wearing cleats since the rubber spikes on the bottom could wear down, crumble, or bend on rough, hard surfaces.

And if you’re using metal cleats this can damage the ground you’re walking on.

So, when you break in your cleats, stick to grass and smooth flooring. This is especially important with more expensive soccer cleats.

7. Try the Frozen Water Trick for Tight Cleats

If your cleats feel tight with your socks on, or if the toe is too pointy for your feet, try the frozen water trick. 

This trick is similar to the famous hot water trick, but the frozen water is far less damaging to your cleats. 

If you haven’t heard of it, the hot water trick is supposedly a way to break in your shoes within a matter of hours, and it does work.

However, to make it work, you have to pour warm water on your cleats, then wear them for several hours while they’re wet. 

This warm water will reduce the longevity and durability of your cleats since heat and moisture can damage the glues, polyester, rubber, and plastics in soccer boots.

In addition, wearing your cleats while wet increases the risk of getting blisters, so I’ll never recommend using this trick. 

Frozen water, however, won’t damage your boots, and you don’t have to wear them wet, so I’d surely choose this method over hot water. 

This trick works because of science.

When water freezes, it expands. So, filling your shoe with water, then freezing it will create an ice shoe-horn that slowly stretches the upper from the inside. 

To use the frozen water trick: 

1. Place a gallon-size freezer bag inside your soccer cleat with the zip-top sticking out of the ankle hole. 
2. Fill the freezer bag with cool water so that your shoe is filled up to the ankle. 
3. Zip the freezer bag and twist the top. 
4. Stick your cleat in the freezer overnight. 
5. Remove the cleat from the freezer in around 12 hours. 
6. Let the freezer bag melt.
7. Remove the melted freezer bag from your shoe. 
8. Wear your shoes for at least 20 minutes after removing the water bag to help them retain the stretch they just got. 

8. Patiently wait a few days.

It may be challenging to be patient, especially if you got your new cleats the day before a match, but taking your time is crucial if you want to avoid discomfort. 

You can break in your shoes within a day, but you’ll probably end up giving yourself blisters in the process, and many quick fixes to breaking in cleats will break or weaken them. 

So, patience is critical when conditioning new cleats.

You should always plan to take a few days of light wear to break in your soccer shoes, and if you wear them during practice, bring your old cleats along just in case you feel some discomfort. 

Final Thoughts

Breaking in soccer cleats may take a few days, but when done right, you won’t get any blisters or rashes in the process.

In addition, reducing friction, optimizing your insoles, and testing new ways of tying your laces can ensure that your new shoes don’t rub you the wrong way. When it comes to comfort, socks are all important.

If you take your time and slowly condition your shoes over a few days, you’ll be out on the field in no time–and you’ll be more comfortable than ever.

For more helpful tips about soccer cleats, check out one of my recent articles:

• Why Soccer Cleats Are GREAT for Flag Football
• Best Soccer Cleats for Toddlers
• Why Soccer Cleats Can Be PERFECT for Lacrosse
• Can You Wear Soccer Cleats for Football?

Sources

• Real Simple: How To Stretch Shoes So They’ll Fit Better Than Ever. 
• Top Cleats: Transform Your Soccer Cleats- 5 Ways to Increase Comfort. 
• Reddit: Breaking in Cleats? 
• Tread Labs: Can Insoles For Soccer Cleats Help You Avoid Injury?
• Adidas: How To Lace Soccer Cleats. 
• Master Soccer Mind: 13 Tips to Avoid Blisters from Soccer Cleats. 

Shin guards are important pieces of equipment that protect you from lower leg injuries while playing soccer.

One of the most common questions people have about shin guards is whether or not they go under or over socks. 

Shin guards go under a player’s socks.

There are three reasons why soccer players wear their shin guards under their socks:

1. It is a requirement of the rules of soccer.
2. To keep the shin guards in place
3. Traditionally, players have always worn shin guards this way

My aim in this article is to help you understand why soccer players wear shin guards under their socks and show you how to wear shin guards correctly.

Why Soccer Players Must Wear Shin Guards Under Socks

When players are preparing for a soccer game, their shin guards must be placed under their socks. Every soccer league requires this, and it keeps all players safe for the game’s duration.

Let’s look at each reason why you wear your shin guards under your socks. 

1. It’s a Requirement of the Rules of Soccer

The first and most important reason is that it is a standard rule when playing soccer. Soccer rules dictate that players must cover their shin guards with their socks for the entire game.

This rule is why players wear long, athletic socks to cover the entire shin guard.

If the referee notices that the sock has slipped down and reveals the shin guard, the referee will ask them to fix it.

Players must always keep their shin guards covered because they may distract from the colors of a team’s uniform.

You will have noticed that when a team plays a soccer game, they all wear matching jerseys, shorts, and socks. The only exception to this is the goalie. 

Find out why in my article – Why Soccer Goalies Wear a Different Color Uniform.

Wearing matching colors helps the players, the referee, and the fans easily identify what team each player represents.

Suppose a player wears their shin guards over their socks rather than under them. In that situation, the color of the shin guards may confuse another player or referee when they quickly glance at another player’s feet or legs.

To avoid any distractions, players wear shin guards under their socks.

2. It Helps Keep the Shin Guards in Place

Wearing shin guards under socks is also important for your safety.

When you choose the right shin guards and socks, the socks can help keep the shin guards in place and keep you even more protected from injuries while playing soccer.

However, if the shin guards are not secure and move around, this can not only make you more susceptible to injury, but it can also be very uncomfortable. 

One of the best solutions to shin guards moving around, even when worn under a sock, is a leg sleeve.

Leg sleeves are also worn under a player’s socks and help secure a shin guard in position. If you’re interested in getting some, these ones on Amazon are a great option.

3. It Follows Soccer Tradition

Finally, wearing socks over the shin guards is important for tradition.

Traditionally socks are worn over the shin guards, and people love to stick with these traditions when playing these sports. It’s similar to how baseball players sometimes wear knee socks/shorter pants. This is how players traditionally wore the uniform.

If you look back to when the first soccer game was played, you will find that some players even wore a variation of shin guards then.

Having understood why shin guards always go under a player’s socks you may be interested in finding out if soccer players need to wear a cup to play soccer.

Why Are Shin Guards Important to Wear?

Soccer is a popular game across the globe, one that adults and children alike love to watch and play.

In many leagues, especially professionally, shin guards are a required piece of equipment to wear. 

But at the level of soccer, you may be involved with, you may be asking – “Do you even need to wear shin guards?”

There are several reasons why it’s crucial to wear shin guards, even if the rules don’t require you to.

For one thing, this can help protect you from injuries. This is one of the most important reasons as to why you should wear them.

I’ve been kicked in the shins many times while playing soccer, and I can tell you that you want to avoid it if at all possible!

When you are playing soccer, and you feel protected, it gives you the confidence to take the field and play hard.

It won’t necessarily prevent you from every injury, but it can make you feel safe enough to compete on the soccer field. Having the right gear whenever you are playing any sport gives you a boost of confidence that you need to win.

Professional soccer is very strict about wearing shin guards and the material used to make these shin guards. Be ready for the referee to inspect your shin guards to make sure that they meet their regulations. 

How Do You Wear Shin Guards?

Knowing that players should wear shin guards under the socks is the first step to understanding how they are worn, but there is more to it than just putting them on your legs.

In my article – How to Wear Soccer Shin Guards – I lay out a clear step-by-step guide to help you understand how to put on shin guards in a way that will keep you protected.

But let me quickly go over this here, also.

Step 1. Purchase the Correct Size and Type of Shin Guard

The first part of this is to know how to purchase shin guards.

If you don’t have the right-sized shin guard, it can negatively impact your performance on the field. It can also be dangerous for you, leading you to get an injury while playing.

To get the correct-sized shin guard, make sure that you measure from about 2 inches below your knee down to where the bend of your ankle is.

You should also be aware that the type of shin guard that you wear can depend on what position you play.

If you’re a goalkeeper, you only need minimal protection from your shin guard.

If you are a defender, you will require more protection, so you need a heavier shin guard.

Think about the type of position you play and what level of protection you feel the most comfortable with.

I recommend you try the shin guard on before buying it, when possible. This will help you know if your leg measurement was correct and see how different brands fit you.

When you try them on, walk around with them for a bit to see how they feel. You want to make sure that the shin guards fit comfortably and do not negatively impact your performance. 

Having chosen the right shin guard, it’s essential to know how to wear one.

Step 2. Place the Shin Guard on Your Bare Lower Leg

You start by putting on the shin guard on your bare shin since they are worn under your socks. 

It’s crucial that you put the shin guard on properly.

The shin guards should be centered on the shin, not on either one of the sides. If you don’t place the shin guards correctly, you won’t be as protected and increase your risk of injury.

Be sure that you tighten all of the straps properly.

These straps should be tight enough not to move around but not too much that you end up restricting your circulation.

If you notice that your leg is swelling, any discoloration, or feel numbness in your leg, the straps are likely way too tight. It would be best if you loosed them right away to prevent injury to your leg.

If they are too loose, you can tighten them using tape.

Step 3. Place Your Sock Over the Shin Guard

Now you can put on your sock.

You should choose a sock wisely, selecting something that is snug but isn’t too tight. They are partially responsible for keeping your shin guards in place, so you want a sock that is snug but not too snug.

The sock should also be long enough to at least cover the shin guards. Some players like to wear their socks to or above the knee, which is also something to consider. 

Conclusion

Shin guards are an essential part of playing soccer safely.

However, knowing how to wear them and your socks can be crucial to keeping you safe and ensuring that you wear your shin guards and socks according to league rules. 

Find out what else you can and can’t wear in my article – What a Soccer Player Can (and Can’t) Wear during a Soccer Game.

To clean soccer cleats, first, remove any thick pieces of mud from the surface of the cleats. Then dip a brush in warm soapy water and use the wet brush to gently clean the outside of the cleats. Next, brush off the dirt with small circular movements. Lastly, dry the cleats outside in the shade.

You need to be careful about the amount of cleaning product you add to the water and how you dry the cleats once they’re clean.

Keep reading, and I’ll show you how this is done step-by-step and the best way to make sure your cleats don’t crack as they dry.

Clean Your Soccer Cleats in 10 Simple Steps

In my recent article – How to Care for Your Cleats: From breaking them in to lacing them up – I included a section on how to clean your cleats.

However, in this article, I want to give you more tips on how to do this effectively.

Over the years, I’ve given many hours to cleaning my cleats.

This experience has taught me a few things about what works and what doesn’t.

Soccer cleats that are left dirty after a game suffer from not being looked after well.

• They degrade quicker
• They lose their flexibilty
• and they are not as attractive to look at.

Spending time cleaning them as soon as you can after they get dirty will give you more use from your cleats in the long run.

It may seem like a chore to do it, but I promise you it’s worth it!

Let me explain how to do it.

1. Find a Soft Bristle Brush

Your choice of brush is important.

If the bristles are too soft, they won’t remove enough dirt. If the bristles are too hard, they may damage the surface of the cleats.

I use this one from Amazon, and it works great, but you may have the perfect brush for the job somewhere in your house.

You want to use something where the bristles are similar strength to the bristles on a toothbrush.

2. Fill Up a Bucket With Warm Water

Next, find a bucket or similar container that can hold around 5 liters/1 gallon of water.

The temperature of the water is important. Too cold and it won’t be effective at cleaning. Too hot and the water may cause unnecessary damage to your cleats.

Aim for a temperature where you can comfortably place your hand in the water, but you wouldn’t want to keep it submerged for too long.

3. Add Cleaning Product to the Water

Using only water can work for cleaning, but adding a small amount of cleaning product to the water will improve the results.

As I’m sure you know, the list of cleaning products available on the market is huge.

Personally, I would recommend using Pink Miracle Shoe Cleaner Kit 8 Oz from Amazon.

Using a dedicated shoe cleaner means you have a product specifically designed for the job. But you may already have something else you prefer to use, and that’s OK.

I have even used a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent added to the water in the past. This is also effective at cleaning your cleats.

Whatever you choose to use, add a small amount of your cleaning product to the water, mix it up, and you’re ready to go.

4. Remove Thick Pieces of Mud From the Cleats

Before using water on the cleats, you should remove all the bigger lumps of mud and dirt.

Find a sturdy tool that you can hold in your hand to perform this job.

You may want to consider using:

• a blunt knife
• a spoon
• a scraper
• or even a strong stick

Anything with a blunt edge, that is thin enough to get between the mud and the cleat, will work for this.

Dried mud is fairly brittle, so it should fall off easily.

5. Remove the Laces and Insole

Once the larger lumps of mud are off the cleats, remove the laces and insole (if it is removable).

These can both be washed separately in a washing machine. Just place them in a pillowcase to protect them while they are in the washing machine.

Just make sure you don’t wash your cleats in the washing machine!

You shouldn’t wash soccer cleats in a washing machine. Washing cleats in a washing machine can cause long-term damage to the cleats and the washing machine. The only part of a soccer shoe that can be cleaned in a washing machine is the laces and insole.

In fact, washing the insole and laces regularly is one little hack that I mentioned in my article on caring for your cleats that works great at preventing your cleats from smelling.

6. Place Your Hand Inside the Cleat

To give the best support while you clean your cleats, you should place one hand inside them with the back of your hand under the lace area.

This position allows you to move the shoes around easily and gives strength and support to them as you clean them.

7. Dip the Brush in the Water

Next, dip your brush in the water to get it wet and ready to clean.

The brush doesn’t need to be soaked, just carrying enough water to soak the mud on the cleats.

8. Brush the Outside of the Cleat Gently in a Circular Motion

Start gently brushing the outside of the dirty cleats in a small circular motion.

Don’t push really hard or scrub as if you’re cleaning the floor. Your cleats are far more delicate than many things you will clean.

They need treating with respect.

Cleaning in a circular motion will help the soap lather up more and work the soap deeper into the cleats.

Top Tip: If you are struggling to remove all the dirt from the sole of the shoe, you may want to try making a baking soda paste from equal parts water and baking soda. Use a toothbrush to rub this paste into the bottom of the cleats to get into the small gaps if necessary.

It’s really important to ensure you remove as much dirt and mud as possible, even if you’re using metal cleats.

The truth is that even little pieces of mud can have a detrimental effect on the integrity of your cleats.

This is especially true with leather cleats.

As the mud dries, it will absorb the moisture out of the leather. As a result, it may not take long for dry cleats to start to crack in the affected areas.

Even if you don’t own leather cleats, removing all the dirt can prolong the life of your cleats.

9. Take Extra Care Over the Joints and Stitching

One area to be really careful over is the joints and stitching of the cleats.

Small particles of mud can end up in these areas and cause damage.

I’ve listed this as an individual step as it can make a significant difference to your cleats in the long run.

If your main brush is too big, then try cleaning these parts with a toothbrush. Use the same circular motion as before to get deep into the stitching.

10. Rinse the Soapy Water off the Cleats

Finally, you’ll need to rinse off your cleats to remove the soapy water.

Don’t submerge your cleats in water to do this. There’s no need to soak the insides of the cleats in this way, and they will take much longer to dry.

Just run the cleats under some water, either from a tap or a pitcher.

Use the minimal amount of water necessary.

Now you have clean cleats, it’s time to make sure you dry them safely.

If you’re thinking of buying some new cleats soon, make sure you check out my – How to Choose the Perfect Soccer Cleats (in 4 Simple Steps)

How to Dry Your Soccer Cleats

Having cleaned your cleats, the next step is to dry them.

To dry your soccer cleats, wipe any excess water off them with a dry cloth, stuff them with paper towels and then place the cleats outside in the shade. Replace the towels every hour until the cleats are dry.

Drying your cleats is almost as important as cleaning your cleats.

If you don’t dry your cleats effectively, they will begin to smell, and the materials the cleats are made of may begin to degrade and go moldy.

One thing I want to stress is not to use a hairdryer on your cleats. Even if you’re in a hurry to dry them, using a hairdryer will only damage the integrity of the cleats.

Cleats need to be dried at a lower temperature than a hairdryer emits.

Exposing your cleats to a high level of heat will weaken the material and potentially damage any glue or stitching used in the manufacture of the cleats.

The best way to dry cleats is:

1. Wipe off any excess water with a dry cloth
2. Stuff the cleats with paper towels
3. Place the cleats outside in the shade

If you don’t have access to paper towels, then newspaper or any other absorbent material will work.

Just make sure that whatever you place in the cleats is touching as much of the surface of the cleats as possible to allow it to soak up the moisture.

Where to Dry Your Cleats

One mistake people often make when drying their cleats is to put them outside in direct sunlight.

Although this may seem like a great way to dry your cleats quickly, it can actually damage your shoes.

As I mentioned regarding the hairdryer, submitting your cleats to high temperatures can degrade the cleats and weaken the shoe’s structure.

You may not notice much difference if you do this once or twice, but over time the negative effect of the heat will shorten the lifespan of the cleats.

The best location for drying your cleats is outside in the shade.

Being outside provides plenty of airflow around the cleats to dry them, and avoiding the sunlight protects the cleats from damage.

If you have no other option than to dry your cleats indoors, I recommend placing them in a well-ventilated room. If possible, put them in front of a fan to help with air circulation.

This will speed up the drying process and reduce the risk of them smelling from being wet for too long.

If you do end up with smelly cleats, I recommend using FunkAway Aerospray, 13.5 oz, Extreme Odor Eliminator on Amazon. It can work wonders!

If you’re looking for some new cleats, check out my article – 11 Reasons why Expensive Cleats are Worth It.

Or if you play football, flag football, or lacrosse, you may be surprised to know you can use your soccer cleats for either sport:

• Why Soccer Cleats Are GREAT for Flag Football
• Why Soccer Cleats Can Be PERFECT for Lacrosse
• Can You Wear Soccer Cleats for Football?

Getting hold of the best equipment makes soccer so much more fun for both you and them.

So, let me show you what you need for your toddler as they begin their journey of playing soccer!

The soccer equipment a toddler needs is a jersey, shorts, long socks, soccer shoes, and a soccer ball. Each of these items is essential for a toddler to be able to play soccer. It is also beneficial to have shin guards and a small soccer goal.

In this article, I want to take you through each piece of equipment your toddler needs for soccer, and I’ll give you a specific recommendation for what to buy.

What Does a Toddler Need for Soccer?

The list of equipment you need for soccer is not extensive. This is as true for toddlers as it is for adults.

One of the reasons soccer is so popular is because of the minimal requirements for playing a game.

However, certain items will make your toddler’s experience of the game far more enjoyable.

And don’t be fooled into thinking you need to purchase the most expensive gear out there! As long as you get hold of something that is good quality, you and your toddler will be just fine!

Toddler Soccer Jersey

One of the most purchased pieces of soccer equipment is a soccer jersey.

A jersey is the defining piece of equipment for any team. It displays the team’s colors and shows those around you what team you are on.

If your toddler is playing with a team, the coach may issue them with a jersey.

Most of the time, you will have to purchase a jersey yourself for them.

If you are unsure about what jersey to get, I recommend looking at these options on Amazon and choosing one that you like the look of.

Ultimately, there is no right and wrong when it comes to the jersey you decide to get for your child.

Unless a team has asked you to get hold of a specific color jersey, simply find one that both you and your toddler are happy with.

If you need a guide to choosing the correct size jersey for your toddler, check out my Soccer Jersey Buyer’s Guide. It will help you avoid making a mistake when choosing.

Toddler Soccer Shoes

The second most purchased piece of soccer equipment is soccer shoes or cleats.

Cleats are a significant part of soccer at most levels of the game. (If you want to discover more about cleats, check out my article –What are Soccer Cleats? Everything You Need to Know.)

But because toddlers are so young, many people suggest that they shouldn’t be wearing cleats yet.

So, should you be buying soccer cleats for your toddler?

Toddlers don’t need to wear soccer cleats. A regular pair of sneakers will work well. Wearing cleats at such a young age has the potential to hinder the child more than it benefits them.

The best option for your toddler is to buy them a pair of soccer shoes rather than cleats.

Soccer shoes look similar to cleats but without the studs on the sole of the shoe.

When your toddler is a little older, maybe around five years old, I would recommend buying some cleats, but as a toddler, they are better without them.

Toddler Soccer Ball

Next, you need to get a soccer ball for your toddler.

In my article – Best Soccer Ball for Toddlers – I recommend a selection of different balls you may want to consider for your toddler.

I have found that the best option is to get a colorful ball that your toddler will enjoy following around and playing with.

This ball on Amazon is a great option.

Just make sure you choose a size 3 ball. Anything bigger will be too much for your child at this age.

You can find a more detailed guide to soccer ball sizes in the image below.

Shorts and Socks

To make up a full uniform (or “kit” as it’s known in soccer), you will need to purchase some shorts and socks to go along with the soccer jersey.

Traditionally, these should match the jersey. Or, at the least, they should be a similar color scheme. But ultimately, it doesn’t matter what color these are.

If your toddler is playing as part of a team and the team has a color preference, the coach will let you know.

If you are just playing soccer with your child socially or in your backyard, then choose whatever colors you prefer.

You’ll probably have noticed that soccer players wear long socks that come up to the knee.

The main reason for this is that players must wear shin guards and keep them covered. Long socks keep the shin guards covered.

You may or may not decide to put shin guards on your kids, but you should get them some long sports socks to wear while playing soccer.

Soccer Shin Guards

At most levels of soccer, including youth, high school, and professional, shin guards are mandatory.

They are worn to protect against damage to a player’s lower leg, as this is the area of the body that is most likely to get kicked during a game.

For toddlers, shin guards aren’t mandatory, but I would advise you to get some for your child.

They don’t need to be expensive, just good enough to protect your toddler while playing soccer and at risk of being kicked by another player.

You don’t want your child to lose interest in the game because they hurt themselves once when you could have given them shin guards to wear!

These ones on Amazon would be a great option. The small size works well for children with a shin size of 7-8 inches, so check your child’s shin before purchasing.

Don’t miss my step-by-step guide to wearing shin guards correctly to make sure you don’t make a mistake. You can also find out if shin guards are worn over or under a player’s socks.

A Goal

The last piece of equipment you need for your toddler is a goal.

If your toddler is anything like mine, they love kicking the ball into the goal as I pretend to try and stop it!

There are a ton of options for backyard goals, but I really like this one. It’s not too big, easy to set up, move around, and pack away when not needed.

It’s also a bright color that toddlers love.

Having a goal they can use is a really effective way of not only having fun but improving their aim and ability to kick the ball in a specific direction.

It’s fun and helps them with their development!

At What Age Can Toddlers Play Soccer?

One question I often hear is regarding the best age for your toddler to begin playing soccer.

Toddlers can play soccer from the age of 2. This age is perfect for introducing toddlers to soccer as they begin to understand what they need to do and enjoy playing the game. Before they are 2 years old, toddlers are not as interested in playing soccer and would rather do their own thing with the ball.

The age at which a child begins to play soccer depends on a number of factors.

There’s no harm in attempting to kick a ball around with your toddler before they are 2, but in my experience, toddlers respond better to playing soccer after their second birthday.

They may not be ready for an organized game at two years old but will often love playing soccer with family or friends in the backyard.

Check out my list of the best kindergarten soccer drills if you want some ideas of how to get started.

If you do decide to purchase cleats for your toddler, have a look at my article – Best Soccer Cleats for Toddlers – for my recommendations.

Otherwise, check out my guide on how to play soccer to refresh your memory on the details of the game, or have a look at my 11 tips on being a great soccer parent.