Care  (adapted from the Arlington Scorpions' web site)

Quality soccer shoes, also called "cleats" or "boots", are lightweight and give a great feel for the ball. Therefore, they must be soft and supple. Since they must also be very durable, high-quality leather is used. In order to maintain the functionality of the leather, soccer shoes must be kept clean and well-conditioned.

How to Care for Your Boots:

• Before the first use of your soccer shoes, it is important to "feed" the leather with a good wax-free leather conditioner. By "feeding" the leather, you are replacing some of the essential natural oils lost during the tanning process and during the manufacture of the shoes. Apply a coating of leather conditioner with a soft cloth or with your fingers. Let the conditioner soak into the leather, then buff it lightly. Applying several coats will improve the flexibility of the leather and make the shoes water resistant.
• After play (or at least once a week) soccer shoes should be cleaned and conditioned. Clean all mud and dirt off the leather with a tap water and a soft rag. Use an old toothbrush to clean the cleats, soles and stitching between the leather and the sole.
• For grime and excessive dirt, use a leather cleaner specifically formulated for kangaroo and similar high-quality leathers. The cleaner should be pH balanced with the leather so there is no deterioration of the leather fibers.
• After cleaning, or whenever your shoes get wet wet, remove the sock liner (if it is not glued into the boots) and stuff the shoes with crumpled newspaper to absorb excess moisture and to help the shoes retain their shape while drying. Let them dry naturally, without artificial heat.
• Once cleaned and dried, soccer shoes should be reconditioned, feeding the leather and keeping the fibers flexible.
• Here are some good cleaning and conditioning products to use for your shoes: 
      Roo Brand 
       Chelsea Leather Food (from Eurosport) 

How NOT to Care for Your Boots:

• Don't store soccer shoes in plastic bags or other non-porous covers.
• Don't put them in front of or on top of a heater or vent to dry. Allow wet or damp soccer shoes to air dry naturally, away from a source of heat.
• Don't use waxes, silicone products, or other leather preparations that impair the ability of the leather to "breathe".
• Don't use dubbins and greases. They seal the pores and are sticky, thus picking up additional dirt and dust.
• Don't use mink oil or other animal fats. They will darken leather and can turn rancid, causing the stitching and leather to rot.
• Don't use household cleaners or chemicals to clean your shoes. They will destroy the shoes! 

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