When we purchase things, a significant factor we consider above all others is their durability – the same applies to soccer cleats. No matter how comfortable, eye-catching, or expensive cleats may be, failing to pass the durability test is a deal-breaker for many soccer players.
Durability does not solely have to do with how expensive soccer cleats cost. Cheaper models can last for a long time too.
This article will examine one of soccer cleat’s long age questions about its durability.
Quick Navigation
How Long Do Soccer Cleats Last?
The truth is that no one knows for sure how long a pair of soccer cleats will last, but there might be pointers that may suggest its lifespan.
Several factors would determine the lifespan of soccer cleats. Ideally, it would be fair to span out its durability in a range of 4 to 12 months.
If we take cues from soccer cleats reviews, most of them often report durability issues within days, weeks, or the first few months. It is easy to get carried away with these and assume there is a problem with the brand.
What is not often addressed or stated is the frequency of use, feet to cleat size ratio, type of pitch surface, etc. This in no way undermines individual negative experience with soccer cleats, but it helps give a proper understanding of the overall durability of cleats.
A prominent example would be distributing the same soccer cleat to soccer team players to see how long it will take before each player reports damage or issues. The players would report damages at different times during the playing season.
This can be attributed to different heights, foot sizes, weights, movement styles, the players kick the ball differently, etc.
To throw more light on this, let’s consider some of these factors.
Factors that affect the lifespan/durability of soccer Cleats
Soccer cleats lifespan is determined by any or a combination of these factors.
1. Soccer cleats material
There are two primary materials used in making soccer cleats. These are leather and synthetic material. The durability of the soccer cleat is directly related to the chosen type of material used in its manufacture.
Ideally, leather soccer cleats have better durability than their synthetic counterparts. On average, synthetic cleats can last about a season with heavy use. On the other hand, leather cleats with the same usage level can hold up for about two or more soccer seasons.
2. Technology and design
In all honesty, the technology and design of today are not only quite advanced than what was obtainable in the past; emphasis is placed more on comfort and performance than on the strength of materials.
Today’s manufacturers use thin-layered, light materials to achieve a more lightweight, breathable, and general ergonomic design. This would mean older soccer cleats would ideally have better durability than what is readily available today.
This new design and technology not only provides comfort, better contact, and handling of the ball, it also allows the cleats to have a longer lifespan. Soccer cleats can now last for more than 8-12 months.
3. Type of soccer pitch surface
Different soleplates and especially studs might be required for different playing surfaces. It is just like winter tires for your car when it snows outside.
FG (Firm Ground) cleats are made for a firm, natural grass. Wet and muddy pitches require SG (Soft Ground) cleats while on artificial grass or surface; AG (Artificial Grass) cleats are advised.
Using one for the other will likely lower the lifespan to about three months.
4. Level of maintenance
Soccer cleats maintained under suitable conditions generally last for six months or more while delivering outstanding performance.
Some off-field maintenance tips will include:
- Ensure they’re not exposed to direct sunlight when drying. Room temperature or cool air drying makes them more durable
- Removing stubborn dirt from the stud area
- Cleaning with warm water and quality laundry detergents.
- Avoid walking around in your soccer cleats unless when on a suitable playing surface
- Use soccer cleats when dry.
Some maintenance tips to consider to improve the lifespan of soccer cleats on the field include:
- Using the right size of cleats
- Wearing the right cleat type for the pitch surface
- Wearing comfortable soccer socks and trusox
- Ensure you use the right athletic cleat laces
- Adjust the tightness of cleats to conform to the shape and size of the feet
5. Off-field experience
It is advised that once you step off the field, you should take off your cleats. This is because using your cleats on terrains such as asphalt, concrete, and other hard surfaces will expose the studs to wear and tear.
Also, different soccer cleats are designed for different terrains. When soccer cleats are not adequately utilized, injury can occur to players, and damage to the soccer cleats reduces the lifespan.
If proper care is not taken, soccer cleats can have an abysmally lower lifespan of 1-3 months.
6. Frequency of use
Depending on how often you wear a particular pair of soccer cleats, they can last a long time or break within a short time.
For instance, if you only have a pair of soccer cleats, chances are you’ll use them more often to play than when you have other cleat pairs to alternate them with. Using the same cleats for training and actual game plays could reduce its lifespan to 3-6 months if you have any luck.
7. Player’s physical features
As it is often said, soccer players come in different shapes and sizes. However, foot size plays a significant role in how well and long a soccer cleat may last. Wearing cleats that are not appropriate for the feet can cause them to rip or damage prematurely.
The height, and especially the player’s weight determine the level of pressure the soccer cleats would have to contend with.
8. Playing style of the player
Soccer is all about movement, tactics, and playing styles. For example, performing a dribble will exert more pressure on a soccer cleat than just walking around in it.
Outfield players like midfielders and strikers who engage in quick, fast movement of the feet will, over a shorter period, cause more damage to the cleats than a player with lesser movement – like a goalkeeper.
Defenders are notable for making tackles to recover balls from opponents. This action, over time, can cause damage to cleats.
With goalkeepers putting less strain on soccer cleats, ideally, they will have soccer cleats lasting longer than those of the other outfield players.
Do more expensive soccer cleats last longer?
No, they don’t. One of the biggest misconceptions that many hold is that the more expensive they buy a brand new pair of soccer cleats, the better their quality and performance. While this is often the case, they also think it will last longer, which is often not the case.
High-end soccer cleats are usually thinner, softer, and are produced with more premium materials that might be better quality, but this does not translate that they would be more durable.
Going by this, there is honestly no guarantee that spending more money on soccer cleats would result in better durability than in purchasing a cheaper alternative.
Big brands have sold the illusion that newer is better and more long-lasting, whereas classic cleats like the popular Copa Mundial have been around for a while as many players still wear it, and there is a reason for it. Although it is “old”, it still works in performance and durability.
Conclusion
There are too many variables that determine how long a pair of soccer cleats can last, and many of them are not within the player’s control. Soccer cleats generally have a durability lifespan of 4-12 months, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Generally, soccer cleats have come a long way. However, with the introduction and advancement in technology of soccer cleats design, one can expect more durable cleats in the near future.
Hi there, I’m Jay.
Soccer is everything in my life! My friends and I have created this blog with all our enthusiasm, passion, and understanding after years of playing pro soccer. Hope you will enjoy it!