How to break in soccer cleats [6 easy methods].

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We know the feeling. You open a brand new box of soccer cleats, slip them on, tie them up and…ouch! They feel tight! Or are they narrow? Or too small? Nah – you just need to know how to break in soccer cleats.

It’s totally normal for your brand new cleats to feel a little uncomfortable at first. The good news is, it’s easy to soften them up, break them in and get you out on the field.

We’ve got you covered with 6 easy methods that will have your cleats feeling good in no time.

How to break in soccer cleats step-by-step.

Here are 6 super easy methods to break in your new soccer cleats:

Method #1. Wear them around the house

The first step to breaking in your new soccer cleats is to simply start wearing them around the house.

Wear them while you do your chores, watch TV, or just lounge around the house. The more you wear them, the faster they’ll start to feel broken in.

Method #2. Stuff them with newspaper

If you’re in a hurry to break in your new soccer cleats, one method that you can try is stuffing them with newspaper.

This will help to stretch out the material and make them more pliable. Just be sure that you don’t stuff them too full—you don’t want to damage the structure of your cleats.

Method #3. Wear them for practice and build up time

Another way to break in your new soccer cleats is to wear them for practice and build up time.

Start by wearing them for a short period of time, and then gradually increase the amount of time that you wear them. This will help to slowly stretch out the material and make them more comfortable.

Method #4. Use a boot stretcher

Another option for breaking in your new soccer cleats is to use a boot stretcher.

This is a tool that you can insert into your cleats that will help to stretch out the material. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully so that you don’t damage your new cleats.

Method #5. Wear them for shooting practice

If you’re a soccer player, then chances are you spend a lot of time shooting goals. Why not kill two birds with one stone by wearing your new cleats while you practice? The ball will soften them up and help to break them in at the same time. Win-win!

Method #6. Use a hairdryer

This may seem like an odd method, but it actually works! Simply put on your soccer cleats and use a hairdryer to heat up the material.

This will help to loosen up the fabric and make it more pliable. Once you’re done, put on a pair of socks and walk around until the material cools down and dries completely.

Watch and learn: How to break in soccer cleats like a pro.

Here’s a great video that shows you how to break in new soccer cleats like a pro.

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Do soccer cleats need breaking in?

The answer is: it depends!

If you’re wearing leather soccer cleats, then it’s generally recommended that you give them a bit of time to soften up before you wear them for a match. This will help to prevent blisters and ensure that the boots are comfortable.

If you’re wearing synthetic boots, then there’s no need to break them in as they’re usually designed to be comfortable from the start.

Whichever type of boot you’re wearing, remember to wear the right socks – otherwise you might end up with some very sore feet!

How long do soccer cleats take to break in?

This depends on the type of cleats you’re wearing.

Leather football boots generally take longer to break in, as they need to soften up and mold to your feet. This can take a few days if you’re wearing them for a few hours every day.

Synthetic boots, on the other hand, are usually designed to be comfortable from the start. However, you might still need to give them a bit of time to adjust to your feet before they feel completely broken in.

how to break in soccer cleats top tips infographic

Should soccer cleats hurt your feet when you first wear them?

The short answer is no, soccer cleats should not hurt when you first wear them.

If they’re hurting your feet, it means they’re either too tight or the wrong size. But don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

First, try loosening the laces. If that doesn’t help, try wearing thicker socks or using foot pads.

And if all else fails, you can always bring them back to the store and exchange them for a different pair.

With a little bit of trial and error, you’ll find a pair that fit comfortably and performs well on the field.

Should soccer cleats feel tight?

Whether or not soccer shoes should feel tight is a matter of personal preference.

Some players prefer a snug fit, feeling that it gives them better control over the ball. Others find that tight cleats are uncomfortable and make it difficult to move their feet freely.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual player to decide what fit of soccer cleat feels best for them.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing soccer cleats

Firstly, make sure that the boots are the right size. They should be neither too loose nor too tight.

Secondly, consider the type of playing surface you will be using the boots on. Firm ground soccer cleats tend to be narrower than those for softer surfaces like artificial turf.

Finally, think about the climate you will be playing in. If it is likely to be hot and humid, choose a boot with good ventilation to prevent your feet from overheating making your soccer cleats stink.

With so many factors to consider, finding the perfect pair of cleats can be a challenge.

But once you find a pair that feels comfortable and gives you the level of control you need, you’ll be ready to take your game to the next level.

How do you loosen tight soccer cleats?

If you’ve ever tried to squeeze your foot into a football boot that’s just a bit too small, you know the frustrating feeling of a shoe that’s just not fitting quite right.

Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can use to loosen up your boots and make them more comfortable.

First, try wearing a pair of thick socks. This will help to fill up any extra space in the boot and make it easier to get your foot in.

You can also try using a hairdryer to heat up the inside of the boot. The warmth will help to soften the material and make it more pliable.

Finally, if your boots are made of leather, you can try using a bit of water to soften them up. Just dampen a cloth and wipe it over the inside of the boot. Then put on a pair of socks and wear the boots around for a while to help them mold to your feet.

With a bit of patience and perseverance, you’ll be able to loosen up even the tightest shoes!

How do you break down soccer cleats?

Breaking down soccer cleats is a process of breaking in the leather so that it’s softer and more comfortable to wear.

Any of our tips above will help you to break down your cleats quickly and easily.

Remember, it’s important to break in your new boots gradually – otherwise you might end up with some very sore feet! Start by wearing them around the house, then progress to light walking and running.

Once you’ve done this, you can start using them for training sessions and matches.

How do you break in soccer cleats fast?

As any footy player knows, the right pair of boots can make all the difference on the field. But when you first get a new pair of boots, they can feel stiff and uncomfortable.

Here are a few tips for breaking in your new cleats fast:

-Wear them around the house: The best way to break in your new boots is to simply wear them around the house. This will help to soften up the material and mold them to your feet.

-Do some light running: Taking your new boots out for a light jog will help to break them in and get them ready for game time. Just be sure to start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you go.

-Use a boot stretcher: If your new boots are still feeling a bit tight, try using a boot stretcher. This will help to stretch out the material and make them more comfortable to wear.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be sure to have your new boots feeling broken-in and comfortable in no time.

The final score.

Breaking in new boots can be a bit of a process, but it’s worth taking the time to do it right. You don’t want your soccer cleats to be the reason you miss a goal, so make sure they’re comfortable and fit well.

Follow our tips and you’ll be scoring goals in no time!

This article was written by

  • Anna Adams, Creative Director & Content Lead

    Hi there! I'm Anna Adams, your go-to source for all things women's soccer. I've been crazy about soccer for over 20 years, ever since I was kicking a ball around with my brothers as a kid. I've turned my passion into a career where I get to share all the cool stuff about soccer with you. As a content lead, I've had the awesome opportunity to work with various sports brands and publications. Whether it's the latest gear, pro tips, or just some cool soccer trivia, I'm all about making soccer ac...