How Often Should You Replace Your Soccer Gear?

Soccer gear comes and goes, but the question is, when is it time to replace your gear?

When you should replace your gear depends on how often you play, the weather conditions you play in, and the level of play you participate in. As a general rule, replace most gear after one or  two seasons of use. 

If you or your soccer player is still growing, you'll need to replace soccer gear more often. You should check after every season to see if they need new gear due to their rapid growth. If there are any tears or rips in their gear, they should be replaced, along with those that no longer fit.

Cleats

If you notice your cleats starting to rip in any areas, that is the clearest sign that you need to replace them. Sometimes, cleats wear out more quickly than others, so it's essential to keep track of how your cleats are holding up. You want to replace your cleats before it's too late. If you let it get to a certain point, you risk damaging your feet. Cleats can also get worn if you play on less-than-ideal pitches. Some younger youth players wear their cleats when they leave the house, through their game, until they get home again. Just know that firm ground shoes worn on concrete or other hard surfaces will wear down the cleats more quickly.

Shin Guards

Shin guards are the only item of soccer gear that typically lasts longer than a year. If you see any cracks or damage, they should be replaced. But other than that, if they fit you well, they can last as long as you need them to. 

Soccer Ball

If you take good care of your soccer ball, you might be able to make it last a bit longer than average. If you notice that the ball is beginning to lose air quickly, its shape is becoming deformed, or you see any cracks, rips, or seams coming apart, it's time to look for a new soccer ball. To avoid these issues, ensure your soccer ball is always inflated, but avoid overinflating it. If the ball seems to be too hard, odds are there might be too much air. If you are playing on surfaces other than grass or turf, rips and tears can occur much more easily. 

Goalkeeper Gloves

Be sure to keep a close eye on the condition of your goalkeeper gloves at all times. Gloves can have either a very short lifespan, as brief as three months, or a longer one, sometimes lasting more than a year. It all depends on the quality of your gloves, how often you use them, and the specific actions you perform in a game. If you dive or slide on the ground frequently, your gloves are at risk of getting torn up more quickly. Other signs that you might need to replace your gloves include feeling unable to grip the ball well, especially in wet weather conditions. If any rips or tears in your gloves compromise the level of protection, you should replace them immediately. Also, the latex foam on the surface of gloves will break down naturally over time. If it starts to flake off at all, time to replace. Lastly, comfort is key; if your gloves feel too loose or too tight, replacing them will be beneficial. 

Be sure to replace your cleats, skin guards, soccer ball, or goalkeeper gloves to prevent any injuries. Inspect your gear before the upcoming season begins!