If you play soccer, football, baseball, rugby, lacrosse, or another sport that requires cleats then you know the feeling of getting a nice, fresh pair. No matter what time of year it is, getting a new pair of cleats feels like a holiday.
Whether its the latest style or a brand, spanking new version of the cleats you just had, there’s something refreshing about opening up a new box and seeing a new pair staring back at you.
Most athletes love getting new cleats.
I don’t.
Getting new cleats means starting all over. It means I have to deal with a pair that is too tight and doesn’t move well. If I could, I would wear the same pair of cleats forever. I love a good, worn-in pair that is perfectly suited for my foot.
But cleats don’t last forever. They break, they wear down, and they need to be replaced. Eventually, I have to get a new pair and I have to endure the agonizing process of breaking them in.
Luckily, over the course of my soccer career, I’ve learned a few different methods and tips for how to break in new cleats.
Wear the New Cleats Slowly to Break in New Cleats
If your old pair of cleats is still functional, I recommend this method to break in new cleats. The worst thing you can do it just throw the cleats on and jump right into a game. Don’t do that. Instead, you slowly wear the new cleats more and more.
Usually, the cleats will not be comfortable at first. Start by just wearing them for warm up a few times a week. The moment they start to hurt really badly or your toes feel cramped, take them off and put your old ones back on.
Over time, they will loosen up and fit your foot better. By the time your old cleats become unusable, the new ones will be ready to go. This method works great if you aren’t in a rush to wear the new ones.
But what if your old ones are out of commission? Then try one of the following ideas
Break in New Cleats by Getting them Wet
Water is a lifesaver when it comes to breaking cleats in. Water (especially combined with warmth) will make the cleats more pliable. If you need to break them in quickly, add water. You can do that by:
- Wetting the cleats before and during wear.
- Wearing the new cleats in the shower (just be careful).
- Wearing the cleats in the rain.
Stuff The Cleats
Some cleats are really stubborn and just won’t give no matter how many times you try wearing them and getting them wet. In that case, or for even quicker results, you can try stuffing them with something.
Wetting and then stuffing the cleats will simulate you wearing them while wet, and also keeps the material stretched as they dry. I like to wet the cleats with warm water and then stuff them with some socks. I will leave the socks in there until I need to use the cleats or want to try wearing them again.
Repeat this method as necessary. Wet and stuff them, then try to wear them. If they are still way too tight, then wet and stuff them again.
Break in New Cleats and Get Game Ready!
Don’t wait until the last minute to break in new cleats. Using one or more of the methods above will help you get your cleats game-ready without painful blisters or unnecessary injuries. If you have any other tips below for breaking in new cleats, share them below!