But skipping those cases, most footballers would choose to use their cleats a little tight, not too loose. The question is, how tight would they prefer their cleats be?

Soccer cleats need to be very tight. Not to the extreme of cutting the feet’ blood circulation, but they need to be clasped to the feet for better responsiveness and sensibility to the ball touches. 

Loose cleats leave a lot of space between them and the foot, decreasing precision in each touch of the ball. And since professional soccer forbids playing the game barefooted, a footballer’s best option is a pair of tight cleats.

Although practicing with no shoes at all could be beneficial, as we will see.

Are soccer cleats supposed to fit tight?

Yes, there is no gain in using bigger-than-your-foot-cleats. Precision when hitting the ball is a matter of a few inches. A bigger shoe steals those inches from you, and you end up hitting the ball with an unwanted part of your foot. 

Soccer cleats were included in soccer rules in 1891, with some restrictions to shoes more often used in golf. These shoes had hard latex-like plugs, very dangerous for the practice of the sport. 

In those times, soccer cleats were made of stitched leather, and the first significant change to them was introduced by the German Adolf Dassler, more known as Adi Dassler, Adidas founder. His first design had 6 replaceable nailed studs.

Soccer boots were born to protect the players during the games and not as abilities enhancers. Of course, they offered better traction and acceleration, but the responsiveness and the touch with the ball were awful. The shoes were too hard. 

Things changed when soccer became popular in South America. As players were used to playing the game barefooted, soccer cleats started to be thinner and rather a second skin than protective gears.

Brazilian superstars Ronaldo, Romario, and Neymar himself played soccer barefooted for most of their youth. Most of these players (and many other kids worldwide) don’t opt to play the game without footwear; they have to because they don’t’ have shoes.  

Still, practicing the game barefooted has its benefits:

1. Makes the foot stronger – There are over a hundred muscles in our feet, and they need stimulus for better growth and development. Shoes might “sleep” some of our feet’ muscles; an excellent recipe to activate them is doing some footwork without any footwear. 

2. More adjustable feet – A soccer game requires quick responses to several switching conditions, like weather, field surfaces, rival’s style of play, game speed, and so forth. Training barefooted improves our feet’ adaptability. It prevents the players from being paralyzed against unknown game situations.

3. Increases balance – The muscle activation present in barefoot soccer increases the feet’ strength and increases the player’s balance and stability. 

*Note. Barefoot soccer training is meant to improve players’ first touch and ball control. Players shouldn’t try to perform hard tackles; it can be dangerous. 

How do you break in tight soccer cleats?

Those who used to play with streetwear shoes or even those who used to play barefooted have a hard time getting used to soccer cleats.

But for a soccer game, there is nothing better than soccer cleats; after all, they are made explicitly for the game. 

Before getting soccer cleats, you need to consider what kind of shoes you want to wear. There are two different types of soccer shoes, leather or synthetic. 

Leather soccer cleats offer superior protection to your feet as they are thicker than synthetic ones. Players who occasionally receive more fouls or kicks will find that protection quite handy.

Leather’s elasticity adjusts the shoe better to the feet, offering more comfort. However, their elasticity might end up being an issue in the long run. Leather cleats could exceed in their stretching, forcing us to replace them.

As they are also softer, that makes them grant a better feel of the ball when touching it. 

Leather is more absorbent than synthetic, of course, and that might be an issue too. Playing under harsh conditions like rain or snow makes them heavier. Their absorbency makes them also harder to clean.

Finally, leather soccer cleats offer a smaller variety of colors and designs. 

Special mention to kangaroo leather soccer cleats. Research showed that kangaroo leather fibers’ composition is more consistent than cattle leather fibers. This biological difference makes kangaroo leather more light, thin, and as strong as cattle leather. 

Synthetic cleats, in opposition to leather, are almost entirely waterproof. As they absorb less water and humidity, they are lighter under adverse weather conditions and effortless to clean. 

As the material is more rigid than leather, the sensibility to feeling the ball decreases, downgrading, in some cases, ball control and first touch. The feet might feel kinda anesthetized. 

Synthetic cleats might also be less comfortable than leather ones, and they tend to last less time; they usually break more easily. 

In regards to design and colors, synthetic cleats offer a broader spectrum of choice. 

After you decided what kind of cleats you prefer, you can follow these tips to break into them easily:

1. Soak in hot water – You need a bucket big enough to fit both of your feet and fill it with warm water. Put your soccer cleats on, with socks and all, lace them tight and dip them into the bucket. You can apply a soft massage to the side of your feet, keep them submerged for 20 minutes.

2. Lubricate the interior – After you soak your cleats for 20 minutes, apply a thin layer of vaseline in the interior of your shoes. The vaseline helps to make the cleats more malleable. 

3. Walk the weirdest walk – Wearing those soaked full of vaseline cleats might be between weird and uncomfortable, but it is necessary. Walk around for 15 or 20 minutes so the shoes can mold to your feet in motion. Jogg a little and kick the ball won’t harm, it might be a good idea.

4. Let them dry – Once you are done with all that, let the cleats dry. Don’t let them in direct contact with sunlight, and stuff them with newspaper. The paper will prevent the cleats from shrinking to their original size. 

5. Use them. After the drying process is finished, maybe the next day, use them for twenty minutes every day for a couple of weeks. You can sprint or practice any soccer drills so your feet can get familiar with the new form of your cleats. 

How long does it take to break into cleats?

It depends on each person, but after the adaptation process described above, you will break into your cleats in two or three weeks. 

However, soccer cleats brands have different styles in their shoe’s characteristics. For instance, PUMA tends to make their shoes tight in the middle and lose the tip. Nike soccer cleats usually present uniformity in their tightness, although you will find several styles within the same brand. 

Another detail to consider is shoelaces. Shoelaces were historically placed in the so-called chest of the foot, the instep. Some soccer shoots require shooting the ball with that specific part of your feet, and shoelaces might help or not; that will depend on how each player feels about it. 

Some modern soccer cleats have the shoelaces placed to the shoe’s side, leaving the instep clean; some players might prefer that shoe style to have a better feeling when kicking the ball. 

Should I buy cleats a size bigger?

No, there is no need for that. As we have seen above, soccer cleats must be tight for better performances. You should get cleats of your size and stretch them using the steps explained in this article. 

As a matter of fact, some soccer players decide to wear cleats half-size smaller. As cleats usually extend slightly after their adaptation to the feet and the constant use, using smaller shoes makes them fit perfectly when they stretch. 

Using soccer cleats bigger than your feet will make you fumble, and your feet will dance lose inside of them, making you also lose sensitivity and ball control. 

Oversized soccer cleats are also dangerous. As your feet have some extra space inside them, they can slide, and you can get blisters.

Many people suffer the first days of using new cleats, mostly if they are made of synthetic material. This annoying experience makes them think that perhaps getting bigger cleats would be better for them. 

It is essential to learn how to differentiate when a pair of soccer cleats are tight in your feet, and when your feet’ pain is more significant than it should be. If the pain is too much, you should pick a different size or try another brand.

The key is to mold the soccer cleats to your feet, so the discomfort is minimal. Soccer cleats are footwear meant to be used for 90 minutes, 120 tops. Perhaps the confusion is there; people think they are shoes to wear an entire day. 

You look at them and think they need a good clean. But the question is, can you wash soccer cleats?

You can wash your soccer cleats. It is important to clean your soccer cleats as it can help them stay in good condition for longer, not to mention they look better clean.

How to clean your soccer cleats

There are several ways to clean your dirty soccer cleats. First of all, you are going to want to get rid of all the grass, mud, and dirt that are stuck between the studs of the cleat.

After that, you should take out the laces from both cleats however with some boots you will not be able to.

You should wash the laces in the washing machine and then grab a cloth or sponge that has been soaking in warm water and soap and scrub away.

We will now go into more detail regarding these steps.

1. Get rid of the mud and dirt as soon as you can

After a long, tough, hard game of soccer, this is going to be way down on your to-do list, however, it is a good idea to get into a routine to do it.

Once you achieve this, then it will come naturally, and you will do it without even thinking.

Once your game ends try and get out of your cleats as soon as you can. You a small stick or brush to get rid of all the mud and dirt as well as grass that gets caught in between the studs of your cleats.

You can even smash them against one another to get the desired result too. Put them in their cleat bag until you manage to get home.

2. Take out both the soles and laces of your cleats

When you do manage to get home, the next thing you are going to want to do is to take out both the soles and laces of your cleats, if they can be taken out of course.

You can then put them together into a wash bag and put them into your washing machine with some warm water as well as your choice of soap.

By having clean laces for your cleats they will look as good as new while the sole of your cleat will smell fresh as a daisy.

3. Use water that has a lot of soap and is warm

Next is perhaps the most time-consuming. You will want to fill up a bowl or laundry sink with some hot or warm water along with some soap or laundry detergent.

In an ideal world, there should not be an abundance of soap suds. You should use a cloth or towel and even an old toothbrush and begin to get them as clean as you can.

You do this on both the outside of your cleat as well as the inside. The worst thing that you can do is to put your dirty cleats fully underwater to fully try and get your cleats clean.

It is the most time-consuming, but it is perhaps the most important thing do to for your cleats.

However, if you stick to it and develop a routine your soccer cleats will look nice and clean for every game, and on top of that, your cleats will last you a lot longer too.

Just think of it this way, if you take great pride and care for your cleats, then when you are on the pitch, they can take care of you too.

4.  Be careful when drying them and go it thoroughly

So we have now cleaned every inch of our cleats, now comes the time to dry them.

This is the last thing you will do, and it is a good idea to have your cleats as well as the laces and soles completely dry before you use them.

You should find a nice place in your house that has great airflow and put your cleats, laces, and soles there to dry.

Ideally somewhere where a little bit of sunlight can get to them however if you leave your cleats out in the sun it can damage them.

To avoid this you should look for a place that is indoors or if you want to let them dry outside, then place them under a tree or somewhere else when there is shade so you do not damage your freshly cleaned boots.

Once they are completely dry (usually a day or two) then you are good to go. Put the sole back in, tie up the laces and you are ready to hit the pitch in your freshly cleaned cleats.

How to clean smelly soccer cleats

Now from time to time, we all forget our cleats are in our soccer bag; we go to get them out for practice, and they smell horrible.

As mentioned above, the best way to wash them is to take out all your laces and soles and wash them separately to your boots.

Then use warm water on the inside and outside to get rid of all the mud and grass and then leave them in a safe place to dry off.

To get rid of the smell, experts suggest using bleach. Simply spray it on a newspaper or paper towel and then push it into your cleats. Leave it for a day or two and the smell will be gone.

How to wash smelly soccer cleats

First, you will want to get a bucket or your laundry sink fill it with some warm soapy water, and let your boots soak in it for around an hour.

After that, you can get a toothbrush or a stiff brush and use it to brush away all the grass, mud, and other things on the outside of your boots.

If they happen to smell bad then as we said before, put bleach on some paper and shove it into your cleats, leave it for a while and the smell should be gone.

How to clean soccer cleats with socks

The process is remarkably like cleaning your other cleats, except this time you are going to clean the sock as well as the boots.

Soccer boots can affect how you run and how you dribble the soccer ball. Now some companies have designed cleats to come with what they call a dynamic fit collar or in layman’s terms a sock.

This attaches the cleat to your foot. It also gives greater ankle support and helps protect your ankles from injury.

To clean them you simply follow the steps as you would for a normal boot, except after taking out the soles and laces you can use another toothbrush or towel and scrub the sock to get it clean.

Because of where the sock is, you can not soak it as you would with the underside of your boots so handwashing it is the best way to go.

How to dry soccer cleats

Ideally, you will want to place your freshly cleaned soccer cleats in a dry place. Also, you should have them in a place that has a little breeze or if you can not manage that, set up a little fan and have that act as the breeze.

Having a fan push air around it is the perfect way to have your cleats dry quickly and you will be able to use them in no time.

You should avoid putting them in places that are wet or damp as this will take your cleats longer to dry.

Another option to dry your soccer cleats is to use a hairdryer however you should use caution as too much exposure to intense heat can damage your precious soccer cleats.

Can you put cleats in the dryer?

Well, the answer is you can, however, it is not recommended. You should not put your cleats out to dry where they are going to be in direct sunlight or by exposing them to direct heat from things like a dryer or a hairdryer.

This is because doing this can make the make-up (structure) of your cleats weak, and then this can cause them to fall apart on you.

It might seem like a good idea and a great way to save time, however, you should resist the temptation to throw your cleats into the washing machine or dryer as doing this can cause some serious damage to your cleats that you spent hundreds of dollars on.

Hence – soccer cleats. Soccer is not the only sport using this piece of footwear; they are also used in football. How are football and soccer cleats different?

Soccer cleats are lighter than football cleats. Football cleats also have a toe stud for improved grip.

The final difference is the fact that soccer cleats mostly come in a low-cut style for improved maneuverability, while football cleats can be high-top, mid-cut, or low-cut, depending on the player’s position.

Even though they might appear similar at first glance, there is a noticeable difference between football and soccer cleats. After explaining the basic differences, the question of distinguishing between the two still remains.

You also might wonder which soccer cleats should you buy. In this article, we’ll try to address these key questions:

Can you wear soccer cleats for football?

Before we answer this question, let’s take a brief look into the history of cleats:

According to some unlikely to have ever happened stories, cleats were first introduced into soccer during the rule of Henry VIII. Apparently, the English king orders the first pair in 1526.

We tend to disregard this story, as this was too early for soccer to be popular in England, but it is still an interesting one to mention.

The much less interesting, but the much more likely, version of the cleats’ origin story is that this piece of soccer equipment was introduced into the game in the early 1800s when soccer became popular in Great Britain.

Cleats existed beforehand but were used for muddy work in the fields, or wherever a common worker needed more traction. These work/soccer shoes were made of leather, with nails attached to the bottom.

Predictably, these primitive cleats led to a lot of injuries and even deaths. In 1863, the rule was that no nails, iron plates, or similar materials can be used in soccer boots.

The game moved on to the leather studs. Cleats as we know them were first introduced during the 1920s.

If we were to ask Henry VIII, the original leather/nail combination would still be in use. He would also probably not have a problem with soccer cleats used in football.

However, we don’t live in the 1500s, and there are, as we touched on previously, some crucial differences between these two types of cleats. In short, the answer to the question of Can you wear soccer cleats for football is – no.

Let’s dive a bit deeper into the difference between soccer and football cleats:

For improved agility, speed, and less strain on players, soccer cleats tend to be much lighter than football cleats. Remember that soccer players typically need to keep running for 45 minutes before their first break.

In football, some positions, such as receivers and defensive backs, also benefit from lighter cleats, so these players actually might choose to wear soccer cleats if there weren’t for one pesky thing:

We’ve also mentioned that football cleats tend to have a toe spike. As the name suggests, it is located near the big toe, and its goal is to provide additional traction for low starts and blocking/pushing against the opposing tacklers.

This stud is missing in soccer cleats as it would interfere with the players’ running ability, as well as with ball handling.

Another major reason why soccer cleats can’t be used for football, and vice versa, is the toe feel. For football players, with the exception of punters and kickers, a cleat’s striking area and toe feel are irrelevant elements.

In soccer, on the other hand, both of these are crucial. Manufacturers have spent decades developing cleats to reach the levels we are at today: soccer cleats need to fit perfectly in order for a player to remain in control of the ball every time it reaches him/her.

In football, comfort takes the primary role over performance.

Football players can choose from different types of cleats, depending on their needs: 

High-tops are meant for maximum ankle and lateral movement support and they are preferred by linemen. Mid-cut cleats offer less ankle support with more maneuverability and these cleats are preferred by defensive backs, running backs, wide receivers, and quarterbacks.

To gain maximum running speed, some defensive backs might opt for low-cut cleats.

For soccer, there’s only one option – low-cut cleats that provide the player with ankle maneuverability, increased running speed, and the best shooting performance.

The other types of cleats used in football would represent a serious drawback if worn by soccer players.

To summarize, soccer cleats are simply not designed for football. The materials used, the shape and size of the cleats, as well as the overall design and construction are engineered for each sport individually.

Those moving from one sport to the other will, unfortunately for their pockets, have to invest in new cleats. More on this later.

First, we should discuss how a beginner can tell the difference between these two types of shoes.

How do you know if cleats are for football or soccer?

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, there are some major differences between soccer and football cleats. However, these differences might seem minor to an untrained eye.

We’ve already talked about the overall feel, weight, and height differences among cleats designed for these fairly different sports. In addition to everything listed previously, here are some tips on how to tell if cleats are meant for football or soccer:

• Football cleats are characterized by the following things that even a beginner can notice:

The cleats at the bottom of the shoe are longer, as they need to dig into the field to provide traction. These cleats commonly have an additional toe cleat.

To provide protection from being stepped on, the leather on football cleats tends to be heavier than on those meant for other sports. Also, football cleats come in the 3 heights we’ve already mentioned (high-top, mid-cut, and low-cut).

• Soccer cleats come with shorter cleats, as they are designed for running and agility. There’s no toe cleat, as it would interfere with running and ball handling.
• With performance in mind, soccer cleats are built lighter and in only one height: low-cut.

To add to the confusion among those looking to buy new cleats, sports such as lacrosse and baseball also use this type of footwear. These shoes are, yet again, similar but not the same. Here’s how we tell these apart:

• Lacrosse cleats have the actual cleats on the outside of the sole to improve stability and side movement. Once again, a toe cleat comes into play. Lacrosse cleats usually come in mid-cut height for some ankle support. The last two features make them unusable in soccer. When it comes to weight, lacrosse shoes are similar to soccer cleats, which makes them unsuitable for football. A lacrosse cleat can, however, be used for baseball.
• Baseball cleats have a toe cleat that helps with acceleration and traction on the pitch. They are light, which means that they are not meant to withstand a player stepping on them, making them unusable in football.

Ultimately, it’s up to individual players to choose the type of cleats they’ll be playing in. Some football players might prefer the lighter soccer cleats, while soccer players might go for the heavier, traction-increasing football cleats.

As long as the cleats meet the regulations of the sport and don’t endanger anyone’s safety, all bets are off. What are the rules and regulations for soccer cleats, you may wonder? Let’s take a quick look:

According to FIFA and NCAA, all cleats that are specifically designed for soccer are allowed, including those with detachable studs made from metal.

Now we come to the interesting part; the front toe stud, as the one used in football, baseball, and lacrosse, is, in most competitions, banned due to the high risk of injury it presents. 

Most leagues allow only for molded cleats, meaning that the studs are a non-removable part of the soccer shoe’s soleplate.

This is also the most common type of soccer cleats. The materials used for the actual studs can be different. However, some leagues and states, such as Massachusetts, have decided to ban cleats with any form of metal on them to minimize the risk of injury.

Keep in mind that national and international leagues do reserve the right to implement their own rules regarding this piece of equipment. Make sure to check your league’s requirements before buying soccer cleats.

Now, the time to actually look at some shoes has come.

5 best soccer cleats

After going through all of the differences between soccer and football cleats, there’s only one thing left to do; choose your next pair.

Not many manufacturers have perfected the technology for creating good soccer cleats. The list, in fact, involves just a few names: Adidas, Puma, and Nike.

More recently, Under Armour joined the game, but they have quite a way to go before reaching the level of performance that the other 3 brands have been consistently producing.

Take a look at our list of the 5 best popular soccer cleats models that you can buy today:

1. Adidas Predator 20.3

Available through our Amazon link, the Adidas Predator 20.3 is a set of soccer cleats that compromise neither on performance nor on style.

Further characterized by strong construction and excellent traction, the Predator 20.3 is an excellent choice for your new firm ground cleats.

Designed from synthetic materials, the upper molds to the player’s foot, offering a snug and comfy fit. The low top is there to ensure maximum foot movement and ball control.

The Adidas Predator 20.3 comes with a sock construction that links the ankle with the shoe, for even more speed and agility.

If you’re looking for comfortable and durable soccer cleats that offer great traction and stability, the Adidas Predator 20.3 might be just what you’re after.

2. Nike Mercurial Superfly 7 

Known as one of the fastest cleats in the game, Nike Mercurial Superfly 7, available on Amazon, is currently in its 5^th edition.

Superb performance, combined with eye-catching looks, is what makes this model one of the top 5 soccer cleats on the market.

The textured flyknit upper provides comfort, while the 3D Speedrib texture allows the leather parts of it to create the perfect amount of friction between the shoe and the ball.

Control, power, and accuracy are the top 3 things that come to mind when testing the Mercurial Superfly 7.

Even though they might feel tight at times, the Nike Mercurial Superfly 7 cleats are far from being uncomfortable.

The durability is there, as well as the Cristiano Ronaldo stamp of approval, which many admirers of soccer will appreciate.

3. Puma Future 5.3 Netfit

The first and only Puma model on this list, the Puma Future 5.3 Netfit, available on our Amazon link, is one of those things that you either love or hate.

Some might find them flashy while others will find the looks unique and endearing.

You might think that the Netfit system that this shoe is created around is gimmicky and fragile compared to the traditional leather uppers, but you’d be surprised: the shoe provides excellent support, comfort, and control over the ball. When it comes to durability, it doesn’t appear to be an issue.

Available in two flashy colors and one neutral one, the Puma Future 5.3 Netfit cleats cater to all types of soccer players; those who like remaining understated, and those who prefer flashy shoes and playstyle.

Go for these shoes if you play on firm ground, with little to no chance of rain.

4. Nike Vapor 13

Another Ronaldo-approved shoe, the Nike Vapor 13 can be admired and purchased through our Amazon link. This is a truly well-built soccer cleat, with performance and all-condition usability that is matched by its appearance.

The upper of these cleats are built for support of the foot and control over the ball. Nike Vapor 13 brings exceptional touch and speed to the table, and it can only improve your game.

This might be the best pair of shoes for use in both wet and dry conditions, due to Nike’s All Conditions Control technology applied to the model.

Plenty of shock absorption for strong kicks, with a cushioned insole and a soft heel, is what makes Nike Vapor 13 one of the top choices among soccer professionals. Amateurs should really give this one a try.

5. Adidas Performance Copa Mundial

In the sea of modern-looking soccer cleats, the Adidas Performance Copa Mondial stands out with its a classic, yet timeless design. You can check out the model on Amazon by clicking on the link above.

Constructed using Kangaroo leather, the Copa Mondial definitely jumps out from the crowd of fabric-made uppers. The shoe feels supportive and comfortable, with a mold that adjusts to the player’s foot and fits like a glove.

The control and feel of the ball are at a decent level, and there are no issues with sweat that some leather cleats can cause.

Go for this model if you’re after a classic design. If this is your first pair of soccer cleats, definitely don’t hesitate with the purchase.

On the other hand, those used to more modern shoes might have a hard time adjusting to this one.

When ordering your new pair of soccer cleats, make sure to account for proper soccer socks, as well as any type of ankle brace or undersock that you use regularly.

Generally speaking, soccer cleat sizes won’t match your everyday shoes, so pay attention to the size guide.

In order to perform their purpose correctly, soccer cleats need to fit like a glove and feel like a part of your body.

It’s easy to get confused while choosing your next pair of soccer cleats. Avoiding simple mistakes, such as buying cleats for the wrong sport is not that uncommon.

Even some sporting goods salespeople have a hard time differentiating among those.

We hope that after reading this article you won’t face those issues and that you’ll have a clearer picture of what to look for in your new pair of soccer cleats.