Breaking in soccer cleats is a crucial process that ensures they achieve optimal comfort, durability, and performance on the field. Before stepping onto the soccer field, players should take the time to break in their cleats. It significantly enhances their overall comfort.
In this article, we will explore various techniques and tips for effectively breaking in soccer cleats to unlock their full potential. Additionally, we’ll address some frequently asked questions about the cleat-breaking process. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be able to break in your soccer cleats like a seasoned professional.
But before delving into the methods, let’s first discuss what exactly it means to break in soccer cleats. This is for those who may be unfamiliar with the term.
Meaning of Breaking In Soccer Cleats
Breaking in soccer cleats involves customizing them to fit your feet better. This is done by molding the material to match the contours of your feet and eliminating any stiffness or ridges. Essentially, this process results in making the cleats more flexible, comfortable, and less rigid.
Now we have a clear understanding of what breaking in soccer cleats entails. Let’s explore whether it is genuinely necessary to go through this process.
Is it really necessary to Break In Soccer Cleats?
The need for a break-in period for your soccer cleats primarily depends on how you perceive their fit. If you find that the cleats feel overly tight or stiff when you wear them. It is better to go through a break-in process that is likely to be beneficial. On the other hand, if your cleats already feel comfortable and adequately flexible, a break-in may not be required.
Assuming you’ve determined that a break-in is necessary for your soccer cleats. Now, let’s now delve into various techniques you can use to achieve this.
Techniques to Effectively Break In Soccer Cleats
Buy the right size soccer cleats
To avoid the need for breaking in soccer cleats, the key is to select the right size from the start. Here’s how you can achieve that:
1. Choose the Perfect Fit:
When purchasing soccer cleats, make sure to select a pair that fits your feet perfectly. If you’re uncertain about your size, it’s best to visit physical stores and try on several different pairs of cleats. You will probably find the one that offers the best fit and comfort.
2. Read Size Charts and Descriptions Online:
If you prefer buying soccer cleats online and know your exact size. Then be sure to carefully read the size chart and product description provided by the seller. This will help you ensure that the cleats you choose match your foot size accurately.
3. Personally Try Them On:
It is beneficial to buy soccer cleats from physical stores as it allows you to try them on. This ensures they feel right and provide the necessary comfort and support.
However, if you have already purchased soccer cleats that do not fit perfectly and require breaking in. Below are some techniques you can use:
Wear them around the house
Breaking in your soccer cleats by wearing them around the house is one of the simplest and most effective methods. To expedite the process, consider wearing thick socks while doing so. Although it might cause some discomfort initially, the end result will be well worth it.
As you walk around, the material of the cleats will gradually adjust and conform to the shape of your feet. This ensures a more comfortable and personalized fit.
The advantage of this technique is that you don’t need to set aside extra time for it. Just wear the cleats while engaging in daily activities such as cooking, doing laundry, or working on your laptop. This way, you can break them in effortlessly while going about your usual routine.
Losing the laces
If your soccer cleats are slightly tight and you want to break them in, one method is to loosen the laces. By doing so, you can reduce some of the stiffness and enhance the overall comfort of the shoes.
However, it’s essential to be aware of the drawbacks of this technique. Loosening the laces may result in a lack of proper support, impacting your ability to run and shoot effectively. Additionally, your feet may not feel securely locked in, leading to more movement within the cleats. This increased movement can create friction between your feet and the cleats, potentially causing blisters.
Consider this technique with caution and only use it if you believe it will provide a significant improvement in comfort. It may affect your performance on the field negatively.
Use shoe stretcher
Using a shoe stretcher is one of the best and most effective methods to properly break in soccer cleats. It helps to make them more flexible and comfortable. This tool can be inserted inside the cleats and adjusted to stretch specific areas.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to use a shoe stretcher for your soccer cleats:
- Insert the shoe stretcher into the soccer cleats, ensuring it is positioned properly.
- Adjust the prongs of the shoe stretcher to fit into the tight or uncomfortable areas of the cleats that need stretching.
- Allow the shoe stretcher to work its magic by leaving it inside the cleats overnight. This gives it enough time to properly stretch the material.
- The next day, remove the shoe stretcher and try on the soccer cleats again to feel the difference in comfort and flexibility.
When using a shoe stretcher, exercise caution and adjust it slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the cleats. Also, be aware that there are different types of shoe stretchers available. Some are designed to stretch the length of the shoe and others to widen it. Choose the right shoe stretcher that can be adjusted to stretch the specific areas of your soccer cleats.
Break in soccer cleats with water
Two methods involve using water to break in your soccer cleats: one with warm water, and the other with cold water. We will explore both techniques, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Warm water trick
The warm water method for breaking in soccer cleats involves the following steps:
- Prepare a bucket of warm water.
- Put on both your socks and soccer cleats.
- Place your feet inside the bucket of warm water.
- Keep your feet submerged in the water for approximately 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove your feet from the bucket. But keep the cleats on for an additional 10 minutes to retain the stretching effect.
It’s essential to address the misconception that the warm water trick damages soccer cleats. In reality, this method only loosens and breaks in the material. However, it is crucial to avoid using extremely hot water, as it can indeed harm the material of the soccer cleats. So, be sure to use warm water rather than hot water for this technique.
Cold water trick
- Prepare two reusable freezer bags.
- Fill the bags with cold water and ensure they are securely sealed.
- Forcefully insert the water-filled bags into the soccer cleats, ensuring the water reaches up to the ankle area.
- Place the cleats with the bags inside into the freezer and leave them overnight for approximately 12 hours. This allows the water to freeze.
- After 12 hours, take the cleats out of the freezer. The water inside the bags should be frozen.
- Allow the freezer bags to melt inside the soccer cleats.
- Once the ice has melted, carefully remove the bags from the cleats.
- Wear the soccer cleats immediately for about 20-25 minutes to help retain the stretch.
It’s essential to note that the hard ice in this technique performs the task of breaking in the soccer cleats. The advantage of this method is its safety compared to the warm water trick, which may potentially damage the cleats. However, if the instructions are not followed correctly, there is a risk of damaging the soccer cleats. So it’s crucial to carefully adhere to the steps before attempting this method.
Tennis balls
This straightforward trick for breaking in soccer cleats only requires two things: your soccer cleats and up to three tennis balls. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the tennis balls inside the soccer cleats. You may need to exert some force to fit them in.
- Leave the tennis balls inside the soccer cleats overnight.
By following these steps, the tennis balls will help break in the material of your soccer cleats. This will make them more flexible and comfortable. The advantage of this method is that it doesn’t require any special tools or expertise.
However, it’s essential to be aware that this method may take a bit longer than other techniques to achieve the desired results. Additionally, if not done correctly, it may not work as effectively. So, it’s crucial to ensure you follow the steps properly. Only then the best results will show up.
Break in soccer cleats using paper
For this method, you’ll use paper to break in your soccer cleats. Here’s how to do it:
- Gather some paper for this trick, preferably newspapers as they work better, but notebook paper or scrap paper will also do. Just ensure it’s not paper you currently need.
- Create balls of paper and stuff them inside your soccer cleats. Use force to push the paper balls as far in as possible, ensuring a well-filled result.
- Let the stuffed cleats sit for about 8-10 hours.
- After the waiting period, remove the paper balls from the cleats.
- Immediately put on your cleats and wear them for 15-20 minutes to retain the stretching effect.
You will notice that your soccer cleats become more flexible and comfortable after following this method. The advantage of this trick is that it doesn’t require any special tools, materials, or expertise, and it proves to be effective. However, keep in mind that this method may take a bit longer, so patience is key while waiting for the desired results.
Use a hair dryer
Here’s how to do it:
- Put on a pair of socks and then wear your soccer cleats.
- Turn on the hair dryer to medium-high heat.
- Direct the hot air from the hair dryer to the specific areas of your cleats that need breaking in. Focus on those areas for about 10-15 minutes.
- If you feel that the entire cleats need to be broken in. You can blow hot air all over them for about 15-20 minutes.
- After using the hair dryer, continue wearing your soccer cleats for about 10 minutes to maintain the stretching effect.
The advantage of this technique is that you can adjust the intensity of the stretching. This can be based on the areas that need it the most, and it works relatively quickly. However, you need to exercise caution with the amount of heat you apply because excessive heat can damage your cleats. Therefore, use this method with care, as it poses a higher risk of damaging the soccer cleats compared to other techniques.
Old or Custom Insoles
If you have a pair of old soccer cleats that are already adjusted to the shape of your feet. You can use them to help break in your new soccer cleats. By placing the old cleats inside the new ones. Your feet will find it easier to adapt to the shape of the new cleats.
Similarly, if you have custom insoles that fit your feet well. They can be used to break in your new soccer cleats as well. Just replace the new insoles with the old or custom ones, and you don’t need to switch them back.
It’s important to note that this method may not be as effective as some other techniques. It can still be helpful for certain individuals. The advantage of using old or custom insoles is that they already conform to the shape of your feet. This can aid in the breaking-in process for the new soccer cleats.
Break in soccer cleats with hand
If you prefer a natural and tool-free approach, this method can be suitable for you. The advantage of this technique is that it requires no additional materials or purchases. This makes it convenient for anyone, even if you are already on the soccer field or serving as a substitute player.
Here’s how to use this quick-fix method to break in your soccer cleats:
- Take your soccer cleats in hand.
- Bend them back and forth repeatedly for about 5 minutes for each cleat.
Although this method may not be as effective as some others, it can still offer some benefits. The process of bending the cleats can help to provide a bit of flexibility and break in the material slightly. This makes them more comfortable to wear. It’s a straightforward and speedy technique that can offer a quick solution for minor discomfort in your soccer cleats. However, for more comprehensive results, other methods may be more suitable.
Advantages of breaking in soccer cleats
Breaking in soccer cleats offers several advantages, including enhanced performance and comfort. During the process, the cleats mold to the shape of your feet, resulting in a better fit and reducing the likelihood of blisters and rashes.
Additionally, this practice contributes to improved on-field performance. The customized fit and flexibility of the cleats allow for swifter and more accurate movements, giving you an edge in your soccer game.
Disadvantages of breaking in soccer cleats
Using methods such as hair dryers, shoe stretchers, or hot and warm water techniques may pose a risk of damaging your cleats, potentially causing them to lose their shape.
Hence, it’s crucial to employ appropriate techniques and methods when breaking in your soccer cleats. Doing so ensures that you improve their fit and on-field performance rather than inadvertently causing harm or deformation.
Conclusion How To Break In Soccer Cleats
Breaking in your soccer cleats properly is essential for every player. While it may require some time and effort, the benefits are well worth it. By breaking in your cleats, you can achieve an improved fit and enhanced performance on the field.
To ensure the best results, it’s crucial to use the right techniques and methods. This way, you can avoid any potential damage to your cleats. Instead you can enjoy the full advantages of a comfortable and well-performing pair of soccer cleats.
Taking the time to properly break in your soccer cleats will undoubtedly pay off in the long run. This will lead to a more enjoyable and successful playing experience.
We hope that this article guided you all well, and all the steps will be useful for you. That’s a wrap!
FAQs How To Break in Soccer Cleats
how to break in soccer cleats overnight?
To break in soccer cleats overnight, follow these steps:Wear thick socks.Dampen the cleats slightly (avoid soaking).Put on the cleats and walk around your home.Flex your feet and bend the cleats gently. Leave them on for a few hours, then remove and air dry. Remember, gradual breaking in is key to avoid discomfort.
how To break in soccer cleats without wearing them?
Breaking in soccer cleats without wearing them is a bit challenging, but you can:
- Use a ball or object to flex the cleats gently.
- Stuff the cleats with socks or newspaper to stretch them.
- Repeat these steps over a few days for slight adjustment.
how to break in soccer cleats with water?
To break in soccer cleats using water: lightly dampen both inside and outside of cleats, wear them with thick socks for around 20-30 minutes, gently flex your feet, then remove socks and let cleats air dry naturally. Avoid soaking or using hot water.
