Let’s be honest – kids' football or rugby boots take a hammering. Whether it’s a muddy Sunday morning match, an after-school kickabout, or just being chucked into the back of the car (sound familiar?), they’re put through their paces day in, day out. And with the cost of kids' sports gear on the rise, it’s more important than ever to look after what we’ve got.
I’m Emma, a mum and the founder of Laceeze, and I’ve been through more pairs of football boots than I care to count – not because my sons outgrew them all, but often because they wore out way too quickly. So I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way, and I wanted to share them with you. Here’s my tips of how to help your child get the most out of their boots (and hopefully save yourself a few pennies along the way!)
1. Dry them right (no, not on the radiator!)
We’ve all been tempted – soggy boots after training, you need them dry for tomorrow’s game and the radiator’s right there. But don’t do it! Direct heat like radiators, tumble dryers, or even leaving boots in the sun can warp the material and weaken the glue that holds them together.
What to do instead:
- Let boots dry naturally in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
- Remove the insoles and open them up as much as you can to allow air to circulate.
- If they’re really soaked, stuff them with newspaper to help absorb moisture (old-school, but it works!).
It might take a bit longer, but it’ll seriously extend the life of the boots.
2. Clean boots = happy boots
I know, the last thing you want to do after a wet, muddy game is scrub boots – but even a quick clean goes a long way. Leaving mud and grass on boots can cause materials to break down and crack over time.
Here’s the quick and easy method I swear by:
- Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works!) to knock off dry mud and grass.
- Wipe the rest down with a damp cloth – no need for fancy cleaners.
- If your child wears leather boots, give them a little TLC once a month with a leather conditioner or balm. It keeps them soft, stops cracking and helps with water resistance.
Trust me, clean boots not only last longer – they look better too. And if you’re lucky, it might even help teach them to take pride in looking after their stuff. (Well, we can dream.) For a boot cleaning life hack check out our friends at Boot Buddy - we recommend all parents of sporty kids have one of these!
3. Smart storage Is a game-changer
Boots don’t need anything fancy – but they do need to be stored properly. That means not leaving them in the car boot (I’ve done it), not chucking them in a damp garage (guilty), and definitely not in a plastic bag with yesterday’s muddy kit (every parent’s nightmare - we can’t forget that cat pee smell!!).
Instead:
- Store them in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and heat.
- Pop them into a boot bag to protect them from dirt and knocks. Or even one of our Defiance drawstring bags.
- Want to go one step further? Use shoe trees to help them keep their shape and avoid those ugly creases across the top.
Bonus tip: keep a few silica gel packets (the ones that come in new shoes) and throw them in the boot bag – they help absorb any leftover moisture.
4. Small habits that make a big difference
Here are a few more golden rules I’ve learned through years on the sidelines:
- Break boots in slowly. Don’t let your child wear brand-new boots for a full match straight away. Start with short training sessions to let them mould to the foot naturally. Easier said than done I know…
- Waterproof them. A good waterproofing spray (especially for leather boots) helps repel water and stops mud sticking so easily.
- Avoid concrete. Walking across car parks or pavements in football boots wears down the studs fast. Encourage your kids to change into trainers or sliders before and after the game if they can.
- Check the studs. Loose, worn or damaged studs don’t just affect performance – they can also damage the sole plate. A quick check every few weeks can help you catch problems early and swap out any dodgy ones.
A little care = a lot more play
The truth is, kids grow fast, and eventually, those boots will need replacing – but taking care of them means you’re getting the full lifespan out of each pair. And that’s good for your wallet, better for the environment, and even sets a great example for kids about looking after their gear.
At Laceeze, we’re all about keeping kids on the pitch – whether it’s preventing laces coming undone mid-match or helping parents get the most from their kit. So next time your child comes in caked in mud with boots swinging from one hand and snacks in the other, take five minutes to give those boots a bit of love. You (and they) will thank you later.
If you have any top tips we’d love to hear them. Drop us an email.
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