How to Break in Your Soccer Cleats: 9 Easy Steps
Last Updated on: 29th July 2024, 04:09 pm
Breaking in your cleats is key to ensuring they are comfortable and perform well on the field. This process helps the cleats mold to your feet, preventing blisters and discomfort.
In this guide, you’ll discover simple and effective steps to break in your soccer cleats, so they fit perfectly and feel great during your games.
Let’s get started on making your new cleats game-ready!
Why 90% of Players Swear by Properly Breaking in Their Cleats
90% of players find that breaking in their cleats properly reduces the risk of blisters and enhances their overall comfort and performance on the field.
How to Break in Your Soccer Cleats: A Step-by-Step Guide for Maximum Comfort and Performance
1. Choose the Right Fit
It is important to check on the proper fit of the cleats before one begins to play in them. They should not be tight though they should be tight enough such that when you attempt to wiggle your toes they cannot move.
2. Wear Them at Home
Begin with taking the new cleats to your house. This makes the material conform to the shape of your feet slowly without exerting much pressure on the feet. It is best to try them on with the socks preferably those to be worn during a match for proper fitting.
3. Apply Them for Light Training
Introduce your new cleats gradually; when exercising at a light level or warming up for the next game. Do not engage in long sets at the beginning to avoid soreness on the palms and fingers.
It is preferred that the training that is done increases in intensity and duration as the cleats are worn.
4. Apply a Leather Conditioner
Regarding the specific cleats made from leather, it is worth recommending using leather conditioner because the material will become softer, and better suited for braking in. To enjoy the best results, adhere to the mentioned instructions on the product.
5. The next step is soaking the onions in warm water (optional).
Sellers on this topic are some of the players who immersed their cleats in warm water which will help in breaking them easily. Pour warm, not hot, water into a basin and put on cleats then proceed to immerse your feet in the warm water for around 20 minutes.
It is recommended that the shoes be worn and walked around in as they dry to assist in the formation of the individual’s foot shape.
6. Stuff with Newspaper
When making your cleats, it is recommended that you stuff them with newspapers after training to keep them in good shape and also to dry after getting wet. This can also afford them a slight stretch if at all they are a little too tight.
7. Use Shoe Stretchers
But if your cleats feel tight still on your feet you can use shoe stretchers. These can also be useful in widening as well as lengthening your cleats so that you can comfortably put on them.
8. Rotate Your Cleats
Wear more than one pair in training and the matches if you can but avoid using the same pair for consecutive sessions. This helps each pair to start gently and thus there is a low possibility of the formation of blisters.
9. Protect Your Feet
Blisters may develop during the breaking-in period, and hence wear blister prevention items that include blister pads, tape, or anti-blister socks. This can be of help in minimizing the abrasion that leads to the formation of blisters on the feet.
Read More: Can You Wear Indoor Soccer Shoes on Turf?
Soccer Cleats Breaks
Fast Breaks
Before wearing your soccer cleats, wear them inside the house for several short sessions, progress to wearing them when training, and, manually stretch the cleats.
Some of the ways one may use to hasten this process include washing them in wet conditions and applying leather softener/cleat conditioner.
Water Breaks
Wear your soccer cleats for a training session, but before you put them on, wet the rubber sole part of the shoe with some water. The moisture facilitates the manipulation of the material to shape it to your feet and owing to the wet skin, the shoes are easier to slip into.
After the session, it is recommended that one should dry them properly so that they do not get damaged.
Overnight Breaks
For an overnight break-in, a pair of cleats should be wet in the evening and then placed into the shoe so you will have to stuff them with newspaper which will help them to maintain their shape and dry.
This method is as much beneficial as it assists in making the material softer so that you can easily have a shoe-like feel while sleeping.
Leather Cleats Break
Soccer cleats with leather materials need special attention compared to other types of materials used in making soccer cleats. It is advisable to condition or soften the leather with a conditioner or a softening solution so that it does not crack.
For the first week, you could wear the contact lenses for a limited period only and then gradually build up the wearing time. Manually stretch and flex the cleats and perhaps wear them on wetter surfaces to expedite the wear-in process.
Synthetics Breaks
Generally, synthetic soccer cleats take less time to be broken in compared to soccer cleats that are manufactured using leather material. Use them for home chores and easy training sessions.
Place the cleats under slight pressure and rub them to make them more pliable and limber. Do not use water as common synthetics cannot soak in water like leather.
Read More: Do Soccer Players Wear Metal Cleats?
Why Do You Need to Break in Your Cleats?
A player must wear their cleats since this will mold the shoe to fit the shape of their feet thus offering the needed support on the field. Football boots are mostly new and may lead to the formation of blisters and discomfort on the feet due to the stiffness of the new cleats.
This you do to temper the shoe and make it conform to the shape of your feet and not the other way round thus sparing you much soreness and increasing your productivity. Thus, this process provides your cleats a natural motion in tandem with your feet and play your best game as desired.
How Long does it take to Break in Cleats?

Breaking in new cleats is important for comfort and performance. It usually takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Start by wearing your cleats for short periods during practice or around the house.
Once they start to feel more comfortable, gradually increase the time you wear them. This will help your cleats mold to your feet, making them perfect for game day.
Troubleshooting Common Issues

Blisters: Avoid using products on your skin that cause blisters and make certain your cleats fit properly.
Discomfort: Loosen cords, buy shoe stretching devices, and start wearing the shoes gradually to solve the problem.
Easy Tips:
1. Make sure your feet are properly hydrated to prevent blisters.
2. Wear the soccer compression socks you use during practice and the actual game.
3. If your new soccer cleats are laced cleats, tie the shoes up tight.
4. Run around the soccer field and make straight-line and side-to-side movements.
Final Words:
Breaking in your soccer cleats is key for a comfortable and smooth game. Just follow these easy steps, and your cleats will fit well, helping you avoid blisters and play better.
It’s worth the time to let them adjust to your feet. Once they’re broken in, you’ll be all set to play at your best and enjoy every match.
FAQs:
How do professional soccer players break in cleats?
Professional players caused their cleats to break in by using them in practice sessions. They even start the session short and then increase the time that is spent. Others may also apply on the cleats special products to make them more light and softer.
How long should I soak my cleats in water?
Soaking your cleats should be done under warm water and for about 20 minutes if you desire to do so. Ensure the water is not very hot and wear them while they dry to help in molding on your feet.
How to stretch out new soccer cleats?
To stretch new cleats, have the individual wear them in the house while wearing thick socks to and from the house. This pair can also be hung on a shoe stretcher or stuffed with newspaper. For those cleats made of leather, you should use a leather conditioner on them.
Will cleats loosen up?
It depends on the cleats, they normally feel a bit funny when worn for the first time but over time they loosen up. Like any other shoes, they will assume the form of your feet but this will take a shorter time than expected.
Should cleats be tighter or looser?
Cleats must not be too tight but at the same time must not be loose. They have to be gentle enough to support the plane of your feet without any irritation; this means you should have a snug fit with space to twist.