Knock off loose dirt, brush away dry mud, wipe the upper with a mild detergent solution, and let the cleats dry indoors at room temperature. Check the instructions for your exact model before washing removable parts, and keep cleats off pavement when you can.
Clean football cleats soon after practice while mud is easy to remove: knock off loose dirt, brush the outsole and upper, wipe with a mild detergent solution, then dry indoors at room temperature. adidas recommends keeping its cleats away from pavement, direct sunlight and hair dryers; check the care directions for your exact model before washing removable parts.
A simple post-practice routine
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Leave the field | Change into regular shoes after practice or a game. adidas says hard surfaces such as sidewalks and pavement wear cleats. |
| 2. Remove loose dirt | Tap the soles together and brush away dry soil with a soft brush before adding water. |
| 3. Wipe the upper | Use a cloth or soft brush with a small amount of laundry detergent mixed with water. |
| 4. Remove residue | Wipe the cleats with a clean damp cloth to lift remaining detergent and loosened dirt. |
| 5. Dry indoors | Let them dry at room temperature and do not store them wet. adidas advises against direct sunlight and hair dryers for its football cleats. |
Insoles, laces and studs
If the insole and laces are removable, check the exact model’s care label before washing them separately. adidas recommends washing its removable insoles and laces in a pillowcase on a cold, delicate cycle. Treat that as adidas’s instruction for its football cleats, not a universal rule for every upper, liner or insole.
For detachable studs, check the product instructions before cleaning or tightening them. The broader football cleats guide explains how to choose molded, detachable and turf footwear; the cleat fit guide covers sizing and heel lockdown.
Sources
- adidas: How to clean football cleats (accessed November 5, 2026)
Common questions
How do you clean muddy football cleats?
Remove loose dirt first, dry-brush remaining mud, then use a washcloth or soft brush with a mild detergent solution. Wipe away residue with a damp cloth.
Can football cleats go in a clothes dryer?
adidas advises drying its football cleats indoors at room temperature and avoiding a hair dryer or direct sunlight. Follow the care directions for your own model.
Can I put football cleat insoles in the washing machine?
adidas recommends a cold, delicate wash for its removable insoles and laces. Check the instructions for your cleats before machine-washing any component.
Should I wear football cleats on pavement?
adidas advises removing cleats after leaving the field because hard surfaces such as sidewalks, pavement and concrete wear them.