How to Change Spikes on Football Cleats

Football cleats include a series of spikes along the base of the sole, designed to enhance grip and provide extra stability across different field conditions. The spikes, of course, gradually degrade from use, smoothing over the sharp tips of the spikes and reducing their ability to firmly anchor a player's footing. If your cleats have detachable spikes, however, you can easily replace the spikes, restoring your shoes to top performance without having to buy a new pair.

Things You'll Need

  • Cleat wrench
  • Wire brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the bottom of your cleats with a wire brush, removing any grass, dirt or small rocks. Spray the soles with water if the dirt or grass is hard to remove.

    • 2

      Use a cleat wrench to individually remove any spikes that need replacement. Place the wrench over the spike so that it firmly grasps the rims of the spike and turn counterclockwise until the spike is completely unscrewed from the sole.

    • 3

      Remove any spikes that need replacement, particularly those with rounded edges that no longer provide adequate support.

    • 4

      Clean the surface of the sole with the wire brush again, removing any dirt trapped in the spike holes.

    • 5

      Screw new spikes into the empty holes. Begin by manually inserting the spikes with the screw end toward the sole and turn the spike clockwise a few times. Then tighten the spike with a cleat wrench.