how to stop shoe laces from coming undone on kids soccer cleats

Breaking In New Soccer Cleats Without the Blisters: 10 Parent-Tested Tips

how to stop shoe laces from coming undone on kids soccer cleats

Breaking In New Soccer Cleats Without the Blisters: 10 Parent-Tested Tips

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of unboxing a brand-new pair of soccer cleats. If your child is kicking off the season with fresh footwear (big thanks to the parents who make that happen!), it’s natural they’ll want to show them off right away.

But here’s the reality arriving at practice in shiny new cleats might look impressive at first — but hobbling around at halftime with blisters? Not so cool. Properly breaking in cleats makes all the difference — keeping your child comfortable, confident, and focused on the game.

We’ve asked our network of US grassroots coaches, parents, and youth players for their top tried-and-tested tips to break in cleats safely and effectively.

1. Get the Right Size Now

It’s tempting to buy a size up “to grow into,” but cleats don’t work that way. They need to fit snugly from day one. Loose cleats cause rubbing, blisters, and reduce control on the field.

Money-saving tip: Many US youth soccer clubs have boot recycling programs where parents donate outgrown cleats. You can often pick up a quality second-hand pair for practice, saving new cleats for match day.

2. Wear Them Around the House

Have your child wear their soccer socks (we recommend Defiance grip socks for extra comfort) and walk around indoors. If that’s not an option, a backyard or local park works too.

Aim for about 1 hour over 3–4 days before hitting the turf. It might feel a bit silly, but it works wonders.

3. Try the Warm Water Softening Trick

A classic method to soften cleats:

  1. Dip a cloth in warm (not hot) water

  2. Wring it out and gently rub the cleat uppers

  3. Have your child put them on with socks while slightly damp

  4. Walk around for 10–15 minutes to help the cleats mold to the foot

Think of it like breaking in a mouthguard — but for their feet. Just make sure the water isn’t too hot, or it could damage glue or synthetic materials.

4. Protect Hot Spots Early

Blisters are a confidence killer. Apply petroleum jelly or anti-friction balm to heels, toes, and known trouble areas before each practice. Prevention is always better than cure.

5. Blister Tape Is a Parent’s Secret Weapon

A strip of blister tape on the heel or sides of the foot can save a training session. Keep a roll in the car (along with spare bandages) — you’ll thank yourself later

6. Try the Runner’s Knot Lacing Trick

This lacing hack adds extra ankle support and reduces slippage:

Lace up to the second-to-last holes

Instead of crossing over, thread the lace straight up into the final hole on the same side

Create a loop and pull the lace through

Several of our Laceeze ambassadors swear by this for a secure, blister-free fit.

7. Alternate Between Old and New Cleats

At practice, let your child warm up in their old pair, then switch to the new ones halfway through. This eases the pressure while breaking in the cleats under real game conditions.

8. Keep Their Shape Off the Field

Cleats lose shape if left collapsed at the bottom of a kit bag. Stuff them with Defiance Fresh pouches to absorb moisture, keep them structured, and fight off odors. Your child’s cleats will smell lemon-fresh even before practice begins!

9. Dry Slowly and Safely

Wet cleats? Let them air dry naturally. Radiators, hair dryers, or heating vents can crack leather or warp synthetics. For leather cleats, apply a gentle conditioner after drying to maintain softness and durability.

10. Avoid Hard Surfaces Early On

Fresh studs wear down quickly on concrete or asphalt. Keep new cleats on grass or turf/4G fields until they’ve molded properly to your child’s feet. Save playgrounds and sidewalks for sneakers.

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