How to Clean and Maintain Leather Golf Shoes

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Quick Answer

• Brush off loose dirt, then use a dedicated leather cleaner and soft cloth.
• Apply a leather conditioner to keep the material supple.
• Let them air dry naturally, away from any heat sources.

Who This Is For

• Golfers looking to get the most mileage out of their leather golf shoes.
• Anyone who wants their golf gear looking sharp and performing well.
• Folks who appreciate good gear and want to keep it in top shape.

What to Check First

• Dig out that shoe manual. Manufacturer’s instructions are your best bet. They know their product best.
• Make sure you’ve got a cleaner made specifically for leather. No shortcuts here; the wrong stuff can wreck your shoes.
• Grab clean, soft brushes and cloths. Grimy tools just make more mess and can scratch the leather.
• Check your laces are intact. A loose thread can snag and make cleaning harder than it needs to be.
• Inspect the soles and spikes. Make sure they’re not loose or damaged before you start on the uppers.

Step-by-Step Plan: Cleaning Leather Golf Shoes

• Remove Laces: Untie and pull out those laces. You’ll want to clean them separately, maybe even give them a soak in some soapy water if they’re really grimy. Look for any frayed spots or damage. Forgetting this step means you’ll miss spots and get uneven cleaning, which just looks sloppy.
• Action: Untie and remove all shoelaces.
• What to look for: Frayed threads, tears, or excessive dirt on the laces.
• Mistake to avoid: Leaving laces in, which prevents thorough cleaning of the shoe tongue and eyelets.
• Brush Off Loose Dirt: Grab a soft-bristled brush, like one made for shoes or even a soft toothbrush. Gently sweep away all the mud, grass, and whatever else you picked up on the course from the entire shoe. Make sure all loose particles are gone before moving on. You want to remove the surface stuff without pushing it into the leather grain.
• Action: Use a soft brush to gently remove all dry dirt and debris from the shoe’s surface.
• What to look for: Any caked-on mud, grass clippings, or loose soil.
• Mistake to avoid: Using a stiff brush or scraping too hard, which can scratch the leather.
• Wipe Down: Get a clean, soft cloth. Dampen it slightly with water – not soaking wet, just damp enough to pick up residue. Wipe down the entire outside of the shoes to remove any remaining surface dirt and dust. The cloth should be damp, not dripping. This preps the leather for the cleaner.
• Action: Dampen a clean cloth with water and wipe down the entire exterior of the shoes.
• What to look for: Remaining dirt, dust, or grime that the brush missed.
• Mistake to avoid: Using too much water, which can saturate the leather and lead to water stains or damage.
• Apply Leather Cleaner: Put a small amount of a quality leather cleaner onto another clean cloth. Gently rub it into the leather in a circular motion, covering the whole shoe. Work it into any scuffs or marks. Don’t oversaturate the cloth or the shoe. This is where you lift out the embedded dirt.
• Action: Apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a clean cloth and gently work it into the leather surface.
• What to look for: Stubborn dirt, grime, or minor scuffs that the water wipe didn’t remove.
• Mistake to avoid: Applying cleaner directly to the shoe or using too much cleaner, which can be hard to remove.
• Wipe Off Cleaner Residue: Use a fresh, slightly damp cloth to wipe away any excess cleaner and lifted dirt. You want to remove the residue, not leave it sitting there to dry. Again, don’t go crazy with the water. A light wipe is all you need.
• Action: Use another clean, slightly damp cloth to wipe away all cleaner residue.
• What to look for: Any suds or dirt left on the leather surface.
• Mistake to avoid: Leaving cleaner residue on the shoes, which can attract more dirt or affect the conditioner.
• Condition the Leather: Now for the good stuff that keeps your shoes looking and feeling great. Apply a leather conditioner with a clean cloth. Work it into the leather, paying attention to any dry-looking areas or creases. This replenishes the natural oils, keeping the leather from drying out, cracking, and becoming brittle. You’ll see the leather start to look richer and more supple. It’s like giving your skin a good moisturizer after a wash.
• Action: Apply a leather conditioner to a clean cloth and massage it into the leather.
• What to look for: Dry patches, dullness, or areas that appear stiff.
• Mistake to avoid: Skipping this step, which leads to dry, cracked leather that will wear out much faster.
• Air Dry Naturally: Let your shoes dry on their own. Find a spot with good airflow, out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, radiators, or fireplaces. Give them at least 24 hours to dry completely. Rushing this process by using heat can cause the leather to shrink, become brittle, and crack. Patience is key here.
• Action: Allow the shoes to air dry completely at room temperature, away from direct heat or sunlight.
• What to look for: The leather feeling dry and supple, with no dampness.
• Mistake to avoid: Using a hairdryer, placing them near a heater, or leaving them in direct sun, all of which can damage the leather.
• Re-lace and Store: Once completely dry, re-lace your shoes. You can even give the laces a good clean while the shoes are drying. Store them in a cool, dry place, perhaps in a shoe bag, to protect them from dust and moisture.
• Action: Re-lace the shoes with clean laces and store them properly.
• What to look for: The shoes being fully dry and ready for the next round.
• Mistake to avoid: Storing damp shoes, which can lead to mold or mildew growth.

How to Properly Care for Leather Golf Shoes

• Using Harsh Chemicals — Can strip natural oils and damage leather, making it brittle and prone to cracking — Use products specifically designed for leather footwear. Look for cleaners and conditioners formulated for shoes.
• Over-Wetting the Shoes — Can lead to water stains, damage to the leather structure, and potentially weaken the adhesives holding the shoe together — Use a damp cloth, not a soaking one, and ensure thorough air drying.
• Drying with Heat (hairdryer, radiator, direct sun) — Causes leather to become brittle, crack, and shrink, permanently altering its texture and fit — Always air dry naturally at room temperature, away from heat sources.
• Skipping the Conditioner — Leads to dry, cracked leather that wears out faster, loses its flexibility, and becomes uncomfortable — Always condition after cleaning to keep the leather supple, moisturized, and protected.
• Using Dirty Tools — Spreads dirt and grime, and can introduce scratches to the leather surface — Always start with clean brushes and cloths for both cleaning and conditioning.
• Not Cleaning Regularly — Allows dirt and moisture to build up, which can degrade the leather over time and affect the shoe’s performance and appearance — A quick brush after each round and a deep clean every few rounds is ideal.
• Ignoring the Soles and Spikes — Can lead to reduced traction, potential damage to the shoe, and discomfort during play — Clean the soles and check spike tightness regularly.

FAQ

• How often should I clean my leather golf shoes?

A quick brush-off to remove loose dirt and grass should happen after every round. For a deeper clean and conditioning, aim for every 4-5 rounds, or whenever they start looking grubby or feel stiff. Regular maintenance is key to longevity.

• What is the difference between a leather cleaner and a conditioner?

A leather cleaner is designed to lift and remove dirt, grime, and stains from the surface of the leather. A leather conditioner, on the other hand, is like moisturizer for your shoes. It replenishes the natural oils in the leather, keeping it soft, supple, and preventing it from drying out and cracking. You use the cleaner first, then the conditioner.

• Can I use baby wipes to clean my golf shoes?

It’s best to avoid baby wipes for your leather golf shoes. While they might seem convenient, they often contain chemicals, alcohol, or fragrances that can dry out or damage the leather over time. Stick to products specifically formulated for leather care to ensure you’re not causing harm.

• How do I deal with stubborn grass stains or mud marks?

For tough spots, you might need to apply a bit more leather cleaner directly to the stain with a soft brush, working gently in a circular motion. If that doesn’t do the trick, consider a specialized leather stain remover, but always test it on an inconspicuous area of the shoe first to make sure it doesn’t discolor the leather. Then, follow up with conditioner.

• Should I polish my leather golf shoes?

Polishing isn’t typically a necessary step for most leather golf shoes unless you’re aiming for a high-shine, dress-shoe look, which isn’t common for golf footwear. A good quality leather conditioner will restore the color, protect the material, and give them a nice, subtle sheen. Focus on cleaning and conditioning for optimal performance and durability.

• My leather golf shoes got soaked in rain. What’s the best way to dry them?

If your shoes get thoroughly soaked, remove as much excess water as possible by gently blotting them with a towel. Then, stuff them with newspaper or paper towels to absorb internal moisture. Let them air dry naturally at room temperature, away from any heat sources. Replace the stuffing as it becomes damp. This process can take a day or two, but it’s crucial to prevent damage.

• Can I use saddle soap on my leather golf shoes?

Saddle soap can be effective for cleaning leather, but it can sometimes be a bit harsh for the finer leathers used in some golf shoes. If you choose to use it, dilute it well and use it sparingly. Always follow up with a good leather conditioner, as saddle soap can strip natural oils. It’s generally safer to stick with dedicated leather shoe cleaners.