It’s a question that is asked almost immediately after purchasing a pair of high-end soccer cleats that cost close to $300.
If you are an active player, playing 3 to 7 times a week, say seven, and you only have one pair of high end soccer cleats, you can expect them to last a full season (three to four months). And if you’re lucky, maybe two seasons.
There are four main variables to determine how long your soccer cleats should last.
1. A lighter shoe will be less durable. The material is thin and likely to break down faster than heavier shoes.
2. The playing surface is important. If you buy firm ground cleats, they are designed for play on firm grass surfaces. You are advised not to use them on artificial turf as this will be a sure shot way to break them prematurely. Buy a pair of soccer cleats that are appropriate for the surface you play on, whether it’s firm ground, soft ground, artificial turf or indoors.
3. If you are an active player, playing every day, it makes sense to get an extra pair of cleats so that wear and tear is distributed between the two pairs.
4. Intensity of the Game – Self-knowledge is the key here. You should know whether you are going to the field just to play some kicks or to play some side games or you like to play with intensity, and move a lot on the field. In the latter scenario, no one brand will last longer than the other. You have to be realistic and admit that you are quite particular about your shoes and hence expect to replace them often. Basically, your track record in soccer cleats is important here.
If you want your soccer cleats to last as long as possible, it’s important to take good care of them. Here is a care rule for soccer cleats
1. Breaking in for new cleats can be achieved by jogging in them during warm-up or just before a game. The more you attach them, the more loose they will be and provide the perfect fit.
2. Air-dry the cleats after every game, and stuff some newspaper into them to absorb moisture and keep their shape while they dry. If you leave them in the sun while they dry, they will crack.
3. Remove the detachable cleats immediately after play. Walking in them on any other surface blunts them and renders them useless in their function of providing you with grip.
4. Clean your soccer cleats immediately after a game, to prevent dirt and dust from building up in the leather and causing damage. Carefully brush off any dirt from the dented areas of the stitching. If you are using cleaning products, make sure they are gentle on your soccer cleats.
5. Use leather feet and leather cream regularly to keep the leather upper of your football cleats soft and supple.
6. Never clean them with hot water, as this damages the shoes.
