Let’s be honest — youth soccer cleats take a beating. Whether it’s a muddy Sunday morning match, an after-school kickaround, or just being tossed into the back of the car (sound familiar?), cleats are put through the wringer day in, day out. And with the cost of kids’ sports gear on the rise, taking care of what you’ve got has never been more important.
I’m Emma, a mom and the founder of Laceeze, and I’ve gone through more pairs of kids’ soccer cleats than I care to count — not because my sons outgrew them, but often because they wore out too quickly. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks, and I wanted to share them with you. Here are my top tips for cleat care to help your child get the most out of their boots — and hopefully save a few dollars along the way!
1. Dry Them Properly (No Radiators!)
We’ve all been tempted — soggy cleats after practice and you need them dry for tomorrow’s game. But resist the urge to plop them on a radiator or in direct sunlight. Heat can warp the material and weaken the glue that holds the cleats together.
Better options for drying youth soccer cleats or rugby boots:
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Let them dry naturally in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
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Remove the insoles and open them up to increase airflow.
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For really soaked boots, stuff them with newspaper to absorb moisture — old-school, but it works!
This prevents cleat damage and helps extend cleat lifespan.
2. Clean Boots = Longer Life
I know, after a muddy game, the last thing you want is to scrub cleats. But even a quick clean helps prevent blisters and extends the life of youth soccer cleats or kids rugby boots.
Quick and easy cleaning method:
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Brush off dried mud and grass with a soft brush (even an old toothbrush works).
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Wipe with a damp cloth — no need for fancy cleaners.
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For leather cleats, condition them monthly with a leather balm to prevent cracking and maintain water resistance.
Pro tip: Clean boots look better and teach kids pride in their gear!
3. Store Cleats Smartly
Proper storage is a game-changer for youth cleats. Avoid leaving them in the car, damp garages, or stuffed into a plastic bag with muddy uniforms.
Better storage habits:
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Keep cleats in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat.
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Use a boot bag or a Defiance drawstring bag to protect from dirt and knocks.
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Optional: shoe trees help maintain shape and prevent creasing.
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Add a few silica gel packets to absorb leftover moisture or try Defiance Fresh Bamboo pouches — a simple trick to prevent odor.
Top Tip: Smart storage helps prevent cleat odors and maintains cleat performance.
4. Small Habits That Make a Big Difference
A few more tips to help your child get the most from their cleats:
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Break them in gradually: Don’t let kids wear brand-new cleats for a full match. Start with short practice sessions to allow the boots to mold to their feet.
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Waterproof when needed: A good waterproof spray helps repel water and mud, especially for leather cleats.
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Avoid hard surfaces: Walking across concrete or asphalt can wear down studs quickly. Encourage kids to switch to sneakers or sliders before and after practice.
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Check the studs regularly: Loose, worn, or damaged studs can affect performance and even damage the cleat. Inspect every few weeks and replace as needed.
A Little Care = More Play
Kids grow fast, and eventually, cleats will need replacing — but taking care of them ensures you get the full lifespan out of each pair. That’s better for your wallet, good for the environment, and sets a great example for your kids about looking after their gear.
At Laceeze, we’re all about keeping kids on the pitch — whether it’s preventing laces from coming undone mid-match or helping parents get the most from their kids cleats Next time your child comes in caked in mud, take a few minutes to give those boots some love. Your child (and your wallet) will thank you!
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