When it comes to smelly soccer cleats, nothing matters more than drying them out: pull the insoles, let the cleats air out and put on clean, dry socks after every practice. The smell comes from bacteria breaking down sweat inside a warm, damp cleat.
The methods below are rules of thumb, not research. We didn’t find scientific evidence behind any individual method. If the smell won’t go away, or your feet are giving you trouble, see a doctor or podiatrist.
Why do soccer cleats stink?
Sweat on its own doesn’t smell. Bacteria break it down into compounds that do. Warm, damp cleats give those bacteria an ideal place to grow, and dead skin and dirt only add to the problem.
A cleat that stays wet gives bacteria their best shot. That is why cleats zipped into a gym bag after a rainy practice are the classic case.
What can you do about smelly soccer cleats?
- Pull out the insoles and the laces after every practice.
- Let the cleats dry somewhere with airflow, not in a closed bag.
- Stuff them with newspaper or a dry cloth, and swap it out once it gets damp. We cover this on our page about washing and drying soccer cleats as well, though we found no study that backs it up.
- Change into clean, dry socks. Our sources mention cotton socks.
- Wipe the insoles with a damp cloth and some soap, then let them dry completely.
Skip the hair dryer, the radiator and the clothes dryer, because heat can break down the glue.
How do you get the smell out of soccer cleats?
A lot of players use baking soda: sprinkle it in the cleats, leave it overnight and shake it out in the morning. Our sources mention vinegar too. Either way, this is practical advice, not a clinically proven method.
Some people also put their cleats in the freezer overnight, but there is no proof that works. If you want to try it, use a sealed bag and let the cleats warm back up to room temperature slowly.
Can you wash smelly soccer cleats?
Keep them out of the washing machine. It can damage the glue and the attached parts, and no brand recommends the dryer. Wipe down the upper with a damp cloth and lukewarm water, and let the cleats dry slowly at room temperature. Our guide to washing and drying soccer cleats explains how to clean them properly.
Do sprays and powders help?
You will find shoe deodorizers and foot powders at most sporting goods stores. We found no research showing they work better than simply drying your cleats. If you try one, use a light coat, let the cleat dry first, and don’t treat it as a substitute for airing them out.
What helps if the smell keeps coming back?
The odor may be stuck in the insoles or in your socks, so check those first. A worn-out insole holds on to odor, and replacing it can help. Rotating between two pairs gives each one time to dry out completely, which makes a difference if you practice several times a week.
If the problem doesn’t go away, or your feet are bothering you, see your doctor or a podiatrist. A cleat that doesn’t fit can cause extra sweating and rubbing, so take a look at the fit too: soccer cleats that are too tight.
How do you prevent smelly soccer cleats?
- Never leave your cleats in a closed bag after practice.
- Wear socks you wash after every use, and dry your feet before you put them on.
- Brush off mud and grass before you put your cleats away.
- Let wet cleats dry slowly and away from direct heat.
For your next pair, pick a model that really fits your foot, see how soccer cleats should fit. The cleat advisor can help you find one.