By now, you should have a good pair of boots.
Your secret weapon for going into battle this football season.
In this article we'll chat about some of the dos and don'ts when looking after them.
It's important to take care of them correctly and keep them in good condition so they last as long last as possible.
First up - remove the laces. You can wash laces in a washing machine inside a laundry bag or you can hand wash them by putting them in the sink and scrubbing them.
Next, you want to remove the build-up of grass or mud that gets caught in them. Avoid smacking your boots together, sole to sole. This may damage them. It's better to quickly brush them off or run water over them to remove the bigger clumps of debris, being mindful not to get water inside the boots.
Then, get some warm water and a small amount of laundry liquid and scrub the boots with a cloth. Or you can use a brush if you need to get deeper into the studs of the boot.
Finally, it's time to dry your boots. The best way to do this is to air dry them indoors. Do NOT put them in a dryer or use a hair dryer on them, the excessive heat can cause the boots to become brittle. It's also better not to dry them in direct sunlight either.
Make sure they're completely dry before putting them away. Leaving them damp can also cause issues with the longevity of the boots.
Like you, the harder you play the more likely your boots are going to…. well, stink. Baking soda can help remove the odour. Simply place a small teaspoon in each shoe and leave it overnight, then vacuum them out the next day. You could also buy some Sof Sole Sneaker Balls, they leave a fresh scent in your shoes.
Lastly, try to avoid wearing the boots on footpaths or roads as they are not designed for hard surfaces, and it can cause damage to the studs on the bottom.
The only thing left to do is get out there and kick a few goals.
Best of luck!