Football requires boots to play on grass and in sometimes muddy and wet conditions. The boot uppers are often made from leather because of the material’s comfort, strength and ability to resist damage. If you follow a few essential steps, cleaning leather football boots can be quick and painless. Maintaining an appropriate cleaning regimen will mean a longer life for your boots.
Step One
Remove dirt, mud or dust from your boots by banging them against the ground or another flat surface to knock the gunk off. Hose the boots down to get rid of the bulk of the grime, then wipe the boots with a damp cloth and some washing-up liquid. For hard-to-remove grime, squirt 60 to 90 ml (2 to 3 oz) of leather cleaner designed specifically for high-quality leathers on your boots and rub with a clean, soft cloth.
Step Two
Scrub your boots with a toothbrush for detailed cleaning, particularly along the stitching and around and between the studs.
Step Three
Allow your boots to dry. Stuff them with newspaper to help absorb moisture. Leather boots should be dried naturally, without any artificial heat, so they retain their shape, flexibility and longevity. If possible, remove the sock liners while the boots are drying.
Step Four
Condition your boots. After you have cleaned them, rub in some wax-free leather conditioner. This will help preserve the softness of the leather and prolong the life of your boots. Even high-quality leather boots will fray and tear if they're not maintained properly.