Dealing with stinky cleats can feel like a tough game, but some of the most unusual hacks we’ve heard about are worth a laugh. From freezing to funky experiments, here’s a rundown of the craziest cleat odor elimination tricks out there.

Spoiler alert: CleatMates stands out as the easiest and most effective solution for keeping your cleats fresh!

1. Freeze ‘Em Out

They say desperate times call for desperate measures. But freezing your cleats is definitely extreme! According to this urban legend, putting your cleats in a plastic bag that sits in the freezer overnight is supposed to kill odor-causing bacteria.

Naturally, we had to try it. And in case you’re wondering, it didn’t work. This hack is basically like giving your cleats a winter break!

2. The Alcohol and Freshener Mix

If you think that mixing alcohol with air freshener sounds like a bad cocktail recipe, you’re not alone. But we went ahead and made the concoction. Then, we sprayed it inside our cleats. And did it work? Absolutely not.

It masked the odor for a bit, but not even in a good way. Let’s just say that “Spring Meadow” does not pair well with stinky cleat.

3. Air, Sun, and Spray

This three-step process involves airing out your cleats, putting them in the sun, and then spraying them shoe deodorizer. And we’ve got several issues with this one: 1) Three steps is two steps too many for busy soccer parents, 2) It’s not always sunny out, and 3) Spray shoe deodorizers contain chemicals that none of us want in our feet.

4. Charcoal and Newspapers

Charcoal and crumpled newspapers…not two items that most of us have handy at home. So we went out of our way to buy them, because we needed to see if they truly absorbed moisture and odors.

Our veredict: It’s a clever idea, but managing and maintaining it gets messy. CleatMates for the win, as a cleaner and straightforward solution.

5. Baby Powder Power

Who doesn’t love the delicate smell of baby powder? Unfortunately, it’s no match for sweaty cleats after a full match in 90 degree weather. Isn’t that right?

So, while sprinkling baby powder inside your cleats can absorb moisture and reduce some of the odor, it’s just not strong enough. And let’s not even get into the powdery mess each time you take off your cleats!

6. Oxyclean, Pinesol, and Bleach

Talk about a chemical concoction! Using a mix of Oxyclean, Pinesol, and bleach in the washer might work was a hard pass for us. It just goes against everything we believe in.

But if you wanna give it a try, be our guest. Just remember that this highly toxic method could also damage your cleats and wreak havoc on the environment.

7. Baking Soda Magic

Alright, credit where credit is due. Sprinkling baking soda inside your cleats does absorb moisture effectively. The thing is, it doesn’t eliminate odor. So, for athletes who train hard and play in the heat, baking soda might not cut it. Plus, it requires some effort and clean-up.

8. Wash ‘Em After Every Game

Because this is what every soccer parent looks forward to doing, after spending their entire morning under the sun and then sitting in two-hour traffic with a hungry kid. Right?

Of course, washing your cleats after each game or practice might seem like the most thorough approach, but it’s impractical for most. And then what are you gonna do when the shoes don’t dry in time for practice on Monday?

9. Tea Bag Trick

Placing tea bags inside your cleats absorbs odors and adds a touch of aroma. A very faint touch. And while it may offer some relief, tea bags simply aren’t effective against stubborn smells. We know because we’ve tried.

10. Hose ‘Em Off

No joke, some people actually hose down their cleats. We can’t blame them! After all, the water pressure allows you to stay a few feet away from the cleats (and their smell!).

But, in all seriousness, hosing down your cleats only removes the dirt. By adding water, you’re actually increasing humidity, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, and making those lingering odors even stronger.

Why CleatMates is the Winning Goal

We hope these hacks gave you a good laugh — and some solid advice on how not to tackle cleat odor.

If what you want is a a straightforward, no-fuss approach to freshness, CleatMates stands out as the ultimate solution. Our all-natural product is easy to use and designed to keep your soccer gear fresh and game-ready. Simply place CleatMates into your cleats, and let them handle the rest while you focus on your game.