Maintaining Your football Cleats in 5 Simple Steps

To mantain football cleats the right way, you’ll need:

• A soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
• Mild dish soap or gentle laundry detergent
• Warm water
• A clean cloth or sponge
• A small bucket or sink
• Balled-up newspaper or paper towels
• Leather conditioner (recommended for natural leather uppers)

Step-by-step: How to clean you football Cleats

Step 1: Initial Mud and Debris Removal

Remove your cleats immediately upon leaving the playing surface. Avoid walking on concrete, pavement, or any hard surface while wearing them, as this accelerates stud wear and can warp the sole over time.

Knock the soles together firmly to dislodge loose mud, grass, and debris. Follow this with a quick dry scrub of the studs and outsole using your brush. Completing this step right after play prevents dirt from hardening within the stud pattern, which significantly reduces traction during subsequent sessions. It takes under a minute and makes the rest of the cleaning process much easier.

Step 2: Remove the Laces and Insoles

Remove both the laces and insoles before proceeding with any further cleaning. Doing so allows thorough access to all areas of the shoe's interior and prevents accumulated sweat and dirt from continuing to break down the materials from within.

Wash the laces by hand using mild soap and warm water, or place them inside a mesh laundry bag and run them through a gentle machine cycle. Clean the insoles the same way, rinse thoroughly, and set both aside to dry separately.

Step 3: Clean the Outsole and Studs

Prepare a solution of warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap in a bucket or sink. Using a brush or cloth dampened with the solution, scrub the entire outsole with particular attention given to the studs and the grooves surrounding them. These areas accumulate the most compacted dirt and are the most critical to cleat performance.

For narrow or heavily soiled areas, a toothbrush or cotton swab will provide more precise cleaning. Once complete, rinse the outsole lightly with clean water. Do not submerge the cleat fully, as prolonged soaking can weaken the adhesive bonding the sole to the upper and may cause damage to the internal materials.

Step 4: Clean the Upper

Using the same mild soapy solution and a fresh cloth or sponge, wipe down the exterior of the upper in gentle circular motions. Focus on stained areas and zones where sweat has accumulated. Avoid scrubbing aggressively, as this can damage the surface finish or weaken the material.

• For cleats with natural leather uppers, apply a thin layer of leather conditioner after cleaning. This keeps the material supple and prevents drying or cracking over time.

• For cleats with mesh or knit uppers, use minimal water and handle the material gently to preserve breathability and fit.

Harsh cleaning products, bleach, or solvent-based solutions should be avoided regardless of upper material type.

Step 5: Dry and Store Properly

After cleaning, stuff both cleats firmly with balled-up newspaper or paper towels. This draws residual moisture out of the interior and helps the shoe retain its original shape as it dries.

Place the cleats in a cool, well-ventilated area and allow them to air-dry fully, typically overnight. Keep them away from direct sunlight, radiators, portable heaters, and hair dryers. Exposure to direct heat is one of the leading causes of upper cracking and sole separation. Once completely dry, remove the stuffing, re-lace the cleats, and store them in a cool, dry place away from damp sports bags or poorly ventilated spaces.