How do You Break in A New Pair of Soccer Cleats?
If you just bought a new pair of soccer cleats and you’re wondering how you break them in, then look no further. Soccer cleats are one of the most important pieces of soccer gear and equipment and knowing how to break them in is key for optimal performance, maximum comfort, and injury prevention.
For any soccer player, beginner, youth or professional, one of the best feelings in the world is opening up a box of brand new cleats. However, just because the brand new cleats look amazing and ready to use, that does not mean they are.
Brand new cleats will usually always feel tight at first because they need to go through their “Break-in” period. That is why in his blog post, I will be sharing tips for how to break in your new soccer cleats, or soccer shoes.
Choose the Right Type and Sized Soccer Cleats
The first step of breaking in your soccer cleats starts before you even play with them. Before you get your feet in a new pair of cleats it is important to choose the right type of soccer cleats based on various factors such as playing surface, size, stud patterns, and preferred materials.
Usually it is advised to get cleats that fit true to size, but depending on the type and brand you are choosing from you might have to go up or go down a size. If you are wondering how your soccer cleats should fit, then take a look here.
Wear Game-Day Socks with your Cleats
When trying to break in your new soccer cleats it is important to wear them using the same soccer socks, or grip socks that you would use for team training and matches. This step makes sure that your fit feels more accurate since you will be taking into account the added layer of the socks.
Wear a pair of old, custom, or high quality insoles
One of the main reasons you have to break in a new pair of soccer cleats is because you also have to break in the insole. If you have custom insoles that you used for your old pair of cleats or the old ones are also in good condition, you can use these with your new pair of cleats to speed up the breaking in process.
Once you feel the shoe breaking in, or if you have to for some reason, you can switch back to the new insoles that the cleats originally had, but of course if you have high-quality or custom ones you can stick with those.
Put Soccer Cleats in Bucket or Tub with Hot Water
One of the most popular techniques for breaking in soccer cleats involves putting them in hot water at a temperature between 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot water helps to soften the materials, making them more pliable and responsive to the shape of your feet.
The proper way to do this is by wearing the cleats while you put them inside the hot water. After you submerge them, walk around with the wet cleats for a bit, then take them off and allow them to dry outside.
Apply petroleum jelly
Another way to help your new cleats feel comfortable and enhance the break-in process is to apply petroleum jelly to specific parts. Petroleum jelly will help in reducing friction when you move as well as help prevent blisters. This technique creates a protective barrier, ensuring a smoother break-in process.
Stretch the uppers
Another simple way to speed up the break in process is to gently stretch the upper parts of your new soccer cleats. Stretching your soccer cleats gently will help promote flexibility of the cleats, may provide some foot relief, as well as make your cleats more comfortable.
Do not over-tighten laces
While securing your cleats is essential for optimal performance, it’s equally important not to over-tighten the laces. Over-tightening the laces can slow the break-in process and lead to unnecessary strain.
Use your Cleats During Training
Besides using the other tips on this list, by far the best way to break-in your cleats is by wearing them a lot during:
- Team trainings
- small sided games (5v5, 7v7, or 9v9)
- Pickup games
- Futsal
- soccer tennis
- soccer ping pong
- or even just a round the house for the first day or two
By wearing your cleats during practice, you allow them to experience the unique movements and the demands of the beautiful game and in no more than a few days to a week your cleats will be feeling nice and comfortable. You should only wear your cleats during a game once they are broken in so they do not cause discomfort during important moments.
Summary
In conclusion, knowing how to break in soccer cleats is important for all soccer players and coaches looking to optimize their comfort and performance on the field. In this blog, I covered how to break in soccer cleats from tips about choosing the right cleats to techniques that can help make your cleats fit better.
So, now that you are finished with this blog, the next time you invest your money in a brand new pair of reliable and comfortable soccer cleats you will know exactly what to do to break them in properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to break in new cleats?
Breaking in new soccer cleats takes anywhere from a couple of days to even weeks. Make sure to wear your cleats during training and use as many of the tips from this list to help speed up the break in time.
Are soccer cleats supposed to hurt at first?
Yes, it is normal for new soccer cleats to hurt and feel tight when you first buy them. Soccer cleats are designed to have a tight, snug fit, which is why they may feel tight at first, but after you get past the “break in” period, the cleats will feel more comfortable.
How do you clean soccer cleats?
To clean your soccer cleats check out this in-depth blog: here.
How can you make soccer cleats fit better?
If the soccer cleats you have don’t fit well and you don’t have an option to return them, you can either try to shrink or stretch them out.
What are the best type of soccer cleats to wear?
The best soccer cleats for you are going to come down to personal preference but generally it is important to invest in comfortable soccer cleats that provide you with comfort, traction, and confidence. Usually the best type of cleats that will last longest and provide the most comfort are leather cleats, which can be a bit more expensive than regular cleats, but they are worth it.