How do You Stretch Soccer Cleats?

How do you stretch soccer cleats if they have a tight fit? Soccer players should know that even the most comfortable soccer cleats on the market will take some time to break in.

Soccer cleats are one of the most important pieces of soccer gear and equipment and wearing tight soccer cleats can lead to foot issues and potential injuries. This is why it is important to choose the right type of cleats, make sure they fit properly, and stretch them out if they are too tight.

In this blog post I will cover different techniques to stretch out your soccer cleats and help them fit better.

Why Stretch Your Soccer Cleats?

Sometimes you may buy soccer cleats from a different brand or model without realizing they run a size too small or someone may buy cleats for you as a gift. If this ever happens to you don’t go buy a new pair of cleats just yet. Try out the following tips to stretch your cleats and help them fit better.

Different Ways to Stretch Your Soccer Cleats

Choose the Right Type and Sized Soccer Cleats

The first step of stretching 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.

Use a tennis ball

One of the most convenient ways to stretch your soccer cleats is with a tennis ball, or any other ball you may have laying around, like a lacrosse ball. Put the ball deep inside your cleats and leave them in there overnight to stretch the upper.

Use a Shoe Stretcher

The most effective way to stretch your soccer cleats is to use a shoe stretcher, which is very easy to use. Here are the simple steps for using a shoe stretcher:

• Insert the shoe stretcher into the soccer cleats
• Expand the shoe stretcher and make sure it is actually stretching the material
• Leave the stretcher inside and let it sit overnight or for about 24 hours
• Take off the shoe stretcher
• Try on the shoe and decide if it needs more stretching.

Use Heat

The next most effective way to stretch your soccer cleats, especially if you have leather cleats, is to use heat.

• Wear a thick pair of soccer socks or grip socks
• Put on your soccer cleats
• Use a hairdryer on a high heat setting to blow hot air on the tight spots of the cleats for 2-3 minutes or pour hot water into a tub large enough to put your feet inside while wearing the cleats
• Make sure to wiggle your toes around to help stretch the material
• Depending on which method you use make sure to leave your cleats outside to dry.

Use Cool Tap Water and Ice

Finally, you can also use cool tap water and ice to help stretch your soccer cleats.

• Fill a plastic bag with water and place it inside your cleats
• Put your cleats in the freezer overnight until the water completely freezes, this will help expand your soccer cleats.
• Remove the cleats from the freezer
• Let the ice melt and frozen plastic bag thaw
• Remove the bag and see how they fit and feel 

Summary

In conclusion, stretching soccer cleats is essential for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. Choosing the right type of cleats based on various factors is crucial for having cleats that give you the perfect custom fit and feel.

This guide provided you with some effective stretching methods including using shoe stretchers, heat, cool tap water and ice, and tennis balls. Your cleats are the most important piece of equipment and you want to make sure they are not giving you any type of trouble, so follow the tips on this list to optimize your comfort on the pitch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you stretch out a new pair of football boots?

There are many ways for stretching football boots such as by wearing them around the house for a couple of minutes a couple of times a day, using a boot stretcher, using a hairdryer and thick socks, hot water, as well as with water, ice, and plastic bags.

How do you break in new football boots that feel tight?

It is normal for new football boots to feel tight after you have just bought them but to get rid of tight areas and to make them more comfortable it is important to know how to break them in.

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.