As a soccer player, smelly cleats are practically a rite of passage.
I’ll never forget a three-day tournament in Ohio where I was stuck with just one pair of cleats, and no chance to wash them, let alone dry them out properly. (not that it’s a valid excuse).
By the time I got back home, proud and exhausted, my little brother came running out to meet me, dying to rummage through my backpack for what he probably assumed was tournament loot-snacks or a souvenir.
The second he unzipped the bag, his excitement evaporated into sheer horror.
“Why does your bag smell like that?” he yelled, flinging it away as if it had been cursed.
Curious- and a little alarmed-I checked for myself, and sure enough, the culprits were my cleats; it was smelling beyond redemption.
I was mortified by the smell and swore that my soccer cleats would never get to such toxic smell levels again. Since then, I have developed a foolproof routine to keep the smell at bay.
And today I would be teaching you ways to keep your cleats from smelling.
Why Do Soccer Cleats Smell So Bad?
Before we get to the solutions, let me address the problem first. Knowing why your cleats smell like damp socks and swampy bog combined helps you fight the odor much better.
Soccer cleats are pretty much the perfect place for bacteria and fungi growth that cause odors.
- Sweat: Your feet have about 250,000 sweat glands, and when you’re running around the field, they’re working overtime. That moisture gets trapped in your cleats, creating a damp environment.
- Lack of Ventilation: Cleats are designed to be snug, which means they’re not exactly breathable. Without proper airflow, moisture lingers.
- Dirt and Grass: With every game, your cleats collect portions of dirt, grass, and who-knows-what-else from the playing field. This organic matter can break down and start to stink.
- Bacteria and Fungi: The combination of sweat, heat, and humidity makes for a haven for bacteria and fungi, which are the leading causes of the smell.
Having identified the enemy, let’s equip ourselves with counter-measures.
SEE ALSO | 10 Best Soccer Cleats For Toddlers
1. Don’t Let the Smell Set In
The faster one acts when the cleats start to smell, the better. If those cleats get stinky, don’t sit around with them in your bag after a game or practice-that’s all you need, doing.
Get them out as soon as possible and just let them air out. Early airing can prevent moisture from setting into the cleat and creating a haven for bacteria to breed.
2. Clean Your Cleats Regularly
Cleaning your cleats might sound like a hassle, but it’s one of the best ways to keep them smelling fresh.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Cleats
- Remove the Insoles and Laces: If your cleats have removable insoles and laces, take them out. These parts can hold onto odor and need separate attention.
- Brush off dirt and debris: Lightly use a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush to sweep away the dirt and grass from the outside of your cleats.
- Wash the insoles: If the insoles of your cleats are removable, then wash them by hand under warm water using mild soap. Let them air-dry.
Spot clean the cleats with a damp cloth and mild soap to gently wipe down the outside and inside of your cleats. Avoid soaking them, as too much water can damage the materials involved.
- Dry Thoroughly: Stuff your cleats with newspaper or paper towels to help absorb moisture. Change the paper every few hours until the cleats are dry.
3. Use Odor-Fighting Products
Sometimes, airing out and cleaning isn’t enough, and that’s where odor-fighting products come in.
- Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda inside your cleats and let it stay overnight. It’s a natural deodorizer that can absorb moisture and neutralize odors.
- Activated Charcoal Bags: Small, reusable bags filled with activated charcoal, which do an excellent job of absorbing odors and moisture.
- Sprays/Inserts for Shoes: Most of them contain antimicrobial agents for killing odor-causing bacteria.
- Essential Oils: Take a few drops of tea tree oil or lavender oil on a cotton ball and place it inside your cleats. These are natural antibacterial oils that leave a nice fragrance.
SEE ALSO | 5 Best Soccer Cleats For Orthotics
4. Rotating Your Cleats
If you’re serious about soccer, consider owning more than one pair of cleats. Rotating between pairs gives each set time to dry out completely between uses, reducing the likelihood of odors developing.
Plus, it extends the lifespan of your cleats by giving them a break from constant wear and tear.
5. Wear the Right Socks
The kind of socks you wear can make a huge difference in preventing smelly cleats.
Wear moisture-wicking socks that pull sweat away from your feet. Look for materials like polyester blends or merino wool. Avoid cotton, as it tends to hold onto moisture.
Pro Tip: Bring an extra pair of socks to change into if you’re playing multiple games or training sessions in one day. Fresh socks mean less moisture buildup in your cleats.
SEE ALSO | Best Soccer Socks For Comfort, Grip & Anti-Blister
6. Dry Them Properly
Drying your cleats thoroughly after every use is crucial. Here’s how to do it right:
- Air Dry: Place your cleats in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Extreme heat can warp or crack the material.
- Use a Fan: If you’re in a hurry, place your cleats in front of a fan to speed up the drying process.
- Invest in a Shoe Dryer: A shoe dryer is a worthwhile investment if you’re constantly battling wet cleats. It’s designed to dry your shoes gently and evenly.
7. Store Them Smartly
Proper storage can make a big difference in keeping your cleats fresh. Don’t toss them into a closed bag or locker after a game. Instead:
- Stuff Them in a Mesh Bag: If you must carry your cleats somewhere, use a mesh bag in which they can breathe.
- Keep Them in a Cool, Dry Place: When at home, store your cleats in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp basements or humid garages.
8. Deep Clean Them Every Once in a While
Every now and then, deeply clean your cleats of the smell that builds up inside them. You can use a mixture of water and white vinegar to wipe out the interior of the cleats, using 1:1 proportions.
Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and antimicrobial. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly and dry completely so you don’t have any vinegar smell remaining.
SEE ALSO | 10 Pro -Tips To Avoid Blisters from Soccer Cleats
9. Don’t Forget About Foot Hygiene
Do not forget that one of the reasons your soccer boots smell is because of the sweat from your feet. Good foot hygiene can go a long way in reducing odor.
- Wash Your Feet Daily: Soap up and water rinse, paying special attention to the areas between your toes while drying your feet.
- Use Foot Powder: Sprinkle an anti-fungal or talc-based powder on your feet before donning socks to help keep your feet dry.
- Trim toenails: Keep your toenails clean and always trimmed, as long toenails increase the possibility of a fungal infection that can add to odor.
10. Replace When Necessary
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a pair of cleats might be beyond saving.
If the odor is unbearable or they’ve seen better days, it might be time to invest in a new pair. Think of it as an opportunity to start fresh and apply these tips from day one.
