Soccer cleats are necessary for soccer because it acts as a protective layer for the feet. It also enables them to move the ball freely during a game. Unfortunately, these cleats aren’t impervious to damage as they may get ripped, smelly, or unfit for players.
The good news is that you don’t need to get new cleats if you encounter any problems because this article will give a step-by-step guide on how to restore soccer cleats. You’ll also learn about the different kinds of soccer cleats.
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How To Restore Soccer Cleats?
The rules governing soccer have made it impossible for players to play barefoot as that would expose them to injuries and impede their pace when the field gets muddy during rain. Besides, an extreme sport like soccer would hurt the feet of players for a 90 minutes match.
The cleats are made of leather, synthetic materials, knit, and tiny protrusions below them. These protrusions improve traction that eases the mobility of the players in the field. Players are not allowed on the pitch without cleats – that’s just how important they are!
Do you have an old, torn, or damaged cleat and you’re looking for easy DIYs to fix it? Here is a step-by-step guide on how to restore soccer cleats when they get unfit for a game.
Restoring a Ripped Soccer Cleat
Just like most shoes, soccer cleats can get split open due to damages. This can also happen due to wear and tear or accident during training or match. It’s pretty easy to get a replacement but why spend on a replacement when you can easily make a quick fix at home?
All you need to do is to get some specific items that will help get your cleats back in perfect shape.
Items needed:
- Piece of paper
- Paintbrush
- Painter’s tape
- Newspaper
- High-quality cleat glue (Shoe goo)
- Toothbrush
- Hairdryer
- Adhesive tape
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When you’ve successfully gotten these items, place them all in an open workspace for easy access to them.
Step 1: Use the toothbrush
The purpose of the toothbrush is to eliminate dirt and debris from the ripped section by thoroughly cleaning it.
Step 2: Glue on paper
Apply a sufficient amount of high-quality glue on the paper in a ventilated area to avoid the suffocating odor from the glue.
- Contact adhesive and sealant
- Seal rubber and work boots
- Water proof
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 3: Use the paintbrush
Get some glue on your paintbrush and apply it to the exposed ripped cleat. However, you must be quick when applying the glue with the paintbrush; the glue is very adhesive.
Step 4: Close glued area
Now close the exposed ripped cleat and cover the sole with the newspaper.
Step 5: Hold it all together
Use adhesive tape to wrap the newspaper. Wrapping should be concentrated around the ripped area. This helps keep both sides of the ripped sole firmly together.
Step 6: Get the hairdryer
The hairdryer will further help to solidify the glue. To achieve better results, keep the hairdryer some 4-6 inches away from the wrapped cleat. This way, the heat will not negatively affect the newspaper and the adhesive tape.
Use the hairdryer for about 10 minutes, and then take a break. You can repeat a few more times but leave the wrapped cleat to harden for 24 hours.
Step 7: Take it all out
At the end of 24 hours, unwrap the newspaper by removing the adhesive tape. Excess glue on the mouth of the ripped area or its surroundings should be carefully scraped off.
Restoring a stinky cleat
If your feet are stuck in a pair of shoes for long, by the time you take them off, it can leave you with a foul smell. The same applies to soccer cleats and it’s necessary to tackle this problem appropriately. The solution to a stinky cleat is quite simple.
Step 1: Keep them out to dry
This should be the go-to solution for a stinky cleat. Moisture is the perfect environment for odor-causing microorganisms. Putting the cleat out in the sun to dry, reduces or eliminates the moisture – killing off the resulting odor.
Step 2: Hot water and mild detergent
If you made it this far, it’s safe to assume the first step didn’t yield a desirable result – it must smell that bad! Make a mixture with hot water and mild detergent.
Step 3: Soak cleat in the mixture
This step should only be used for non-leather cleats. Place the cleat in the mixture for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Scrub
Just as a magnet to iron, soccer cleats and dirt are inseparable things. Get the dirt off the cleat after soaking for 10 minutes with the aid of a fine bristle brush.
Step 5: Rinse
Use warm water to rinse off the cleat from stubborn dirt and detergent mixture.
Step 6: Leave to dry
Find a cool dry place to keep the cleat dry. It’s best to use natural sunlight, if available.
Step 7: Freezing time
Place the cleat in an airtight bag and leave it in the freezer. It’s best to leave it overnight to take advantage of the long hours.
Step 8: Additional measures
For an extra clean smell, using a coffee filter, place baking soda inside the cleat after removing it from the freezer. Remember to store in a cool dry place until when your next soccer action calls!
Restoring a worn-out leather soccer cleat
Like everything leather, it’s only a matter of time before it gets worn out. Why should soccer cleats be any exception? When your favorite, good luck charmed leather soccer cleat gets worn out, it’ll be unfair to watch you throw it all out to get a new leather soccer cleat.
Here is an easy step-by-step method to achieving this.
Step 1: Remove dirt
Treat leather as the skin it is. Instead of soaking or brushing off, use a dry cloth to remove accumulated dirt in and around the body of the cleat.
Step 2: Apply leather cream
You’ll need a lint-free clothing material to apply a good quality leather cream. Just as with skin, the cream helps to moisturize the surface of the leather.
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Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 3: Rub generously
It’s best to apply the leather cream in a circular motion. This helps to cover more areas on the cleat surface. Ensure you coat all leather parts of the cleat.
Step 4: Leave to dry
Leather, unlike synthetic materials, does not do well under sunlight. Keep your creamed leather cleat in a cool dry place, away from sunlight, to dry out. Allow drying for about 24 hours.
How To Restore Various Types Of Soccer Cleats Materials?
The materials used to make the soccer cleats we admire today are unique from those used in other sports. However, these materials have evolved over the years to develop features that are comfortable for soccer players.
The three main types of materials used in making cleats are:
- Leather
- Synthetic
- Premium synthetic
1. Leather
Genuine leather is a thicker substance than synthetic leather, therefore these cleats offer the most safety for players. Synthetic cleats are substantially thinner than real leather cleats, and they can also last considerably further. If you look after your leather cleats carefully, they can last for several years.
However, the following are ways to restore a leather soccer cleat.
- Eliminate all filth and debris with a dry cloth.
- Using a lint-free cloth, add a little quantity of leather cream.
- In a clockwise direction, massage the cream into the leather top until it is completely coated.
- Allow 24 hours for the cleats to dry away from direct sunshine.
There are other types of leather cleats and the following are ways to restore them when they are damaged.
Kangaroo Leather (K-Leather)
Kangaroo soccer shoes provide unrivaled ease and ball feel. Because this style of leather flexes to conform to your foot, players with wide feet will find it appealing. The following are ways to restore Kangaroo leather cleats when damaged.
- Ensure the shoelace is loosened.
- Keep massaging the kangaroo leather with a moistened and squeezed rag and a leather dressing.
- Get a third rag to dry the uppers.
- Wipe the uppers with a rag dampened with a gentle cleanser dissolved in water to eliminate severe filth or blemishes on luminous leather.
Calfskin/ Full-Grain Leather
Calfskin isn’t as soft as kangaroo leather, although it’s a lot more lasting. It’s thicker than a kangaroo and stretches less. This feature makes the leather waterproof and helps the shoe dry rapidly. It also keeps its suppleness and does not stretch as much as other fabrics.
The following are ways to restore Calfskin leather cleats when damaged.
- A delicate hairbrush or a lint-free, slightly wet cloth will perform great in eliminating extra crud hidden below the leather’s grains.
- Ensure your leather doesn’t become too damp, as this might ruin it and cause stains.
Pittards Leather
Pittards leather is an exceptional product of Puma shoes. It’s the final result of calfskin leather that’s been treated with a patented method. This technique makes the leather waterproof and allows the shoe to dry more quickly. It also keeps its smoothness and doesn’t stretch as much.
The same methods used in restoring Calfskin leather apply to Pittards leather since the latter is the end product of the former.
2. Restoring a ripped synthetic soccer cleat
Having a dirty cleat is one thing but a ripped cleat can be frustrating. If you have a ripped synthetic soccer cleat, it shouldn’t be the end of the world. Here’s an easy quick way to restore it.
Step 1: Remove all dirt
Begin by cleaning out all dirt on the cleat, especially around the ripped area. For more effective cleaning, use a fine-bristled brush to dig right in. Use a damp cloth to avoid over saturating the surface
Step 2: Allow to dry out
Keep in a cool dry place to air out. You may not necessarily place it under sunlight. Any open space is sufficient enough to dry it.
Step 3: Apply glue
If it’s readily available, put on hand gloves or make use of a brush. You’ll need glue that can hold strong through all weather and soccer kicks. Gently apply the high-quality glue evenly on both sides of the ripped area.
Step 4: Hold firmly together
The idea is to clamp the glued ripped area together. You can make use of adhesive tape to apply the required pressure.
Step 5: Let it dry out
Allow the glued cleat to sit clamped for about 1-2 hours. For maximum adhesive effect, it’s best to leave for 24 hours.
Step 6: Clean the area
After applying the glue, any uncured remnant around the area should be cleaned with a dry cloth. After it has been left to dry for 24 hours, remove dried glue around the closed mouth by picking at it, scraping, or gently sanding off.
3. Premium synthetic
Premium synthetic cleats have waterproof microfibres and are generally lightweight. They are regularly mixed with leather to make a cleat with comfortable qualities and a perfect fit for players’ feet and natural grounds.
The same methods used in restoring Synthetic cleats apply to Premium synthetic cleats since the latter is an upgraded version of the former.
Restoring a ripped premium synthetic soccer cleat
Apart from the material type, restoring a ripped premium synthetic soccer cleat is pretty much the same as what is obtainable in synthetic soccer cleats.
Step 1: Prepare the area
Since premium synthetic soccer cleats are mixed with leather, extra care should be taken to avoid cleaning by submerging in water. A damp material is sufficient to do the job. For tougher stains, use a soft-bristled brush to carefully clean the ripped area.
Step 2: Dry the area
This can be achieved with the aid of a dry cloth. The glue works best without moisture. Ensure all traces of dampness are removed.
Step 3: Introduce glue
Gently apply the glue on the ripped surfaces. Hold the ripped area together and generously apply more glue on the outer mouth surface.
Step 4: Keep it firm
For the maximum effect of the glue on the surface, wrap with a newspaper and hold firmly together with adhesive tape.
Step 5: Let it sit for hours
The more time you give for the glue to cure, the stronger it’ll hold the surfaces together. It’s best to let it sit for about 24 hours.
Step 6: Clean ripped area surface
No matter how careful you are, there would always be excess cured glue in areas you do not want them to be in. Gently remove by scraping or picking.
Conclusion
Soccer Cleats are the most important piece of equipment for every soccer player and when they get damaged, you don’t always have to get a new one. You can apply the following steps above in different situations when your soccer cleats get damaged.
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!