How to Put Studs in a Soccer Shoe

Soccer cleats fitted with detachable studs significantly increase traction for running on slick fields. These studs screw into the soles of soccer shoes and serve to penetrate and grip soft, wet or sloppy playing surfaces to enhance traction. This facilitates easier, more confident acceleration and quicker stops. It also decreases the likelihood of a disastrous slip. Studs are available in a variety of materials and lengths.

Use a stiff-bristled brush to remove dirt and grime from the stud plate on the soles of your soccer shoes.

Tap the shoes gently against a hard surface to loosen dirt that may be lodged in the openings, or stud wells. Clean out the stud wells with a toothbrush.

Pick a stud up by the pointed tip. Place the opposite threaded end into a stud well. Turn the stud by hand in a clockwise direction and snug it finger-tight.

Fit the stud key wrench onto the stud. Turn it clockwise until it resists your pressure. Don’t force it or over-tighten it, which can damage the stud or the threads. Damaged studs are a challenge to remove.

Loosen the studs on your soccer shoes after every use. This makes them easier to replace next time and helps prevent rusting of metal hardware. Remember to tighten them before playing again.

Tips

Put a drop or two of lubricating oil on the base of a stuck stud to help loosen it.

Check your studs for damage after every use. Replace them as needed -- don’t use soccer shoes with damaged cleat studs.