Football boots don't only protect your feet, help you perform on the pitch but are also really expensive!! So here are a few tips on how to keep them clean and dry this winter and protect your purse!! 

1. Immediately after the match remove excess mud or dirt. Although banging them together seems like the simple option this can damage the sole plate so it's better to use a brush or a boot tool such as the boot claw. 

2. Clean them while they’re still fresh from the pitch. We know how it feels after a match when you just want to warm up, eat and put your feet up (and that’s the spectators!), but don’t put off cleaning boots for another day. The sooner they’re clean, the sooner they can dry. Keep a pack of Defiance Fresh Shoe Cleaning Wipes in the kit bag or car door. The textured side tackles mud and marks, and the smooth side finishes them off, so boots are clean before you’ve even left the car park and also great for parent and spectators shoes!! 

3. Dry them properly. We asked our lovely followers on social media for their top tips:

• Pop them near the radiator (but not on it!)
• Stuff with newspaper or kitchen roll and put them in the airing cupboard
• Put them in the freezer in a plastic bag!!!! (not sure about this one personally!) 

Our own top tip: slip a pair of Defiance Fresh deodorising pouches inside once you’re home. They’re filled with natural bamboo charcoal, which draws out moisture and neutralises odours, so boots are drier and fresher by the next session. Each pouch lasts up to 6 months.

4. Don’t forget laces and insoles. Take them out from time to time and give them a good clean with detergent, then let them dry naturally before popping them back in. Our top hack: Laceeze bands cover the laces and stop them getting wet and muddy in the first place!

If you have any amazing tips we would love to hear them, so please drop us a comment below.