How do You Break in A Pair of Soccer Cleats? 7 Tips and Ways
If you just bought a new pair of soccer cleats and you’re wondering how to break them in, then look no further. Soccer cleats are among the most important pieces of soccer gear, and knowing how to break them in is essential for optimal performance, 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 are ready to use does not mean they are.
Brand-new cleats will usually 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 on how to break in your new soccer cleats or soccer shoes so they fit and feel better faster.
How do You Break in A New Pair of Soccer Cleats?
Choose the Right Type and Size of Soccer Cleats
The first step of breaking in your soccer cleats starts before you even play with them. Before you get your feet into a new pair of cleats, it is important to choose the right type of cleats based on 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 choose, you might have to go up or down a size. If you are wondering how your soccer cleats should fit, then take a look here.
It is also crucial not to overtighten your laces and to loosen them if the cleats feel a bit tight.
Wear Game-Day Socks with your Cleats
When breaking in your new soccer cleats, it is important to wear them with the same soccer socks or grip socks you would use for team training and matches. This step ensures your fit feels more accurate, since you will take 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 that you also have to break in the insole. If you have custom insoles from your old pair of cleats, or the old ones are in good condition, you can use them with your new pair to speed up the breaking-in process.
Once you feel the shoes breaking in, or if you have to for some reason, you can switch back to the new insoles 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 soaking them in hot water at 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 to wear the cleats while you put them in 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 reduce friction when you move and 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 their flexibility, provide some foot relief, and make them more comfortable.
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 demands of the beautiful game, and in a few days to a week, your cleats will feel 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 on choosing the right cleats to techniques to help them fit better.
So, now that you are finished with this blog, the next time you invest in a brand-new pair of reliable, 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 on this list as possible 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 the option to return them, you can either try to shrink or stretch them.
What are the best types 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.
