So you have gotten your brand new soccer cleats. Now what should you do to make them fit your feet just right? How should you care for them? It can be quite exciting to get a news pair of cleats. And you would be raring to go and have some soccer practice. Well, hold on and take a look at some of the tips on how to care for your brand new soccer cleats. Read on.
- After you have gotten your new soccer cleats, you should make them fit your feet just right. There are two schools of thought on how to do it. One is for you to soak the shoes first in warm water of about half an hour, then put your soccer socks on and wear the shoes for another half hour so that the leather will mold to your feet perfectly. The other idea is to wear the cleats with your soccer socks and take a shower with it. Allow the cleats to air dry with balled newspapers inside so that the cleats will retain the shape. Repeat this for about two weeks until the leather has conformed to your feet correctly. Also note that this should be done with care as too much wetting will overstretch the leather. Do this until the cleats conform to the shape of your feet rightly.
- Once the cleats are dry apply the recommended leather protector and then leather polish. Use a shoe polish that you like best. A neutral or clear one will work best with any shoe color. Buff the shoes with a soft dry cloth.
- After every game and practice sessions clean your cleats before you place them in your bag. It is playing ground is dry tap your cleats together or on a hard surface to loosen the dirt that have stuck on the soles and sides of your cleats. Remove as much mud and bits of grass as you can before you put the cleats in your bag.
- Upon reaching home do not just throw your game bag in a corner. Take out your wet uniforms as well as cleats. Wash them in warm soapy water. You do not have to immerse the cleats in water, just wash the dirty surface. Use an old toothbrush to remove dirt that stuck in folds and hard to reach areas. Wipe the cleats and allow it to air dry. If they are wet, crumple some newspapers into balls and stuff them inside the cleats so they will retain their shape. Apply shoe polish once your cleats are dry. Use mink oil once in a while to better preserve the suppleness and elasticity of the leather.
- Use a separate breathable bag for your cleats. This will allow air to circulate inside the bag and freshen the cleats. This will also help in drying them out without subjecting the cleats to extreme heat which can harden and crack the leather.
- Do not rush to dry your cleats by placing them near a heat source like a dryer or a heater as this will stiffen the leather and cracks may form on your cleats.
- Do not wear your cleats when you will be walking on a hard surface or cemented areas as this dangerous. Aside from wearing down the soles of your cleats, you may slip and fall because your cleats will not provide traction on a hard surface.
- When cleaning your cleats, use only warm water and a rug. Never use soap and other cleaning products to clean your cleats as this will affect the condition of the leather. You should not use silicone-based products and wax to polish your cleats, either.
- Keep your cleats smelling fresh by sprinkling the insides with baking soda. It will dry your cleats and absorb the smell of sweat.
Following these care tips will prolong the life of your cleats. As much as you care for your cleats you should also take care of your feet. Make sure that you buy cleats that fit, have enough allowance on the toe ends and feel snug around the ankles. Bring your soccer socks with you when you want to get a new pair.
