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How to Wash Golf Shoes: Step-by-Step Guide

ByThe Golfer

← Golf Equipment | Golf Accessories & Apparel


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Quick Answer

  • Brush off loose dirt and debris thoroughly before getting them wet.
  • Gently scrub the shoes with a mild soap and water solution, paying attention to tough spots.
  • Always air dry your golf shoes in a cool, shaded spot to prevent damage.

Who This Guide Is For

  • This guide is for any golfer, from weekend warriors to dedicated league players, who wants to keep their footwear in top shape.
  • It’s for anyone who understands that clean gear isn’t just about looks; it’s about performance and making your investment last.

What to Check First When Washing Golf Shoes

  • Material Matters: Check if your shoes are leather, synthetic, or canvas. Leather needs a gentler touch and possibly conditioning. Synthetics and canvas are usually more forgiving. If you’re not sure, peek at the shoe’s tag or the manufacturer’s website.
  • Cleat System: Are you rocking traditional spikes or modern spikeless traction? Spikes, especially metal ones, might need specific attention to avoid damage or rust. Spikeless designs usually just need a good scrub in the treads.
  • Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Seriously, check the manual or the company’s website. They designed the shoe, so they usually have the best advice on how to clean it without messing it up. It’s like asking the chef how to cook their signature dish.
  • Severity of Dirt: Is it just a bit of dust from the fairway, or are we talking full-on mud-caked, swamp-trodden territory? The level of dirt will dictate how much elbow grease you need. Don’t go in with a hurricane if a gentle breeze will do.

Step-by-Step Plan for How to Wash Golf Shoes

Gather Your Arsenal

  • Action: Round up all the supplies you’ll need before you even think about touching your shoes.
  • What to look for: You want mild soap (like dish soap, nothing too harsh), lukewarm water, a soft-bristled brush (a dedicated shoe brush is great), an old toothbrush for tight spots, clean, absorbent cloths (microfiber is ideal), and some newspaper or paper towels for stuffing.
  • Mistake to avoid: Starting the cleaning process and then realizing you’re missing a key tool. Trust me, it’s a buzzkill. I once had to stop mid-wash to go find another cloth.

Prep the Battlefield: Laces and Insoles Out

  • Action: Carefully remove the shoelaces and any removable insoles from your golf shoes.
  • What to look for: Complete access to the interior of the shoe and the nooks and crannies around the tongue and sole. This ensures you can get every bit of dirt and grime.
  • Mistake to avoid: Leaving the laces and insoles in. They can hide dirt, prevent thorough drying, and might get damaged if soaked. Plus, washing them separately means they’ll dry faster and be truly clean.

The Dry Brush-Off: Tackling Loose Debris

  • Action: Grab your dry, soft-bristled brush and go over the entire shoe, paying extra attention to the soles and any areas with caked-on dirt or grass.
  • What to look for: Visible loose dirt, mud clumps, and grass clippings being removed. You want to get as much of this off before introducing water as possible.
  • Mistake to avoid: Scrubbing wet mud with a brush. This just grinds the dirt deeper into the shoe’s material, making it harder to remove later and potentially causing stains. Always start dry.

The Gentle Wash: Soap, Water, and a Little Elbow Grease

  • Action: Mix a small amount of mild soap with lukewarm water in a bowl. Dip your soft brush into the solution, shake off excess water, and begin gently scrubbing the shoe’s exterior. Use the old toothbrush for seams, eyelets, and the sole edges. Work in sections.
  • What to look for: A light lather forming as you lift dirt and grime. The goal is to clean, not to scrub the life out of the shoe. For leather, be extra gentle. For synthetic materials, you can be a little more firm but still avoid abrasive scrubbing.
  • Mistake to avoid: Using hot water or harsh detergents. Hot water can damage adhesives and materials, and strong chemicals can strip natural oils from leather or break down synthetic fibers. Stick to cool or lukewarm water and mild soap.

Rinse and Wipe Down

  • Action: Take a clean cloth, dampen it with plain water (no soap), and wipe down the entire shoe to remove any soap residue. Rinse the cloth frequently.
  • What to look for: No suds or soapy film remaining on the shoe’s surface. You want the shoe to be clean and free of cleaning agents.
  • Mistake to avoid: Soaking the shoes in water or using a running hose to rinse. This can oversaturate the materials, weaken the glue, and lead to longer drying times and potential damage. A damp cloth is your best friend here.

Stuff and Air Dry: Patience is Key

  • Action: Loosely stuff the interior of the golf shoes with newspaper or paper towels. Place the shoes in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heaters, or any artificial heat sources.
  • What to look for: The newspaper absorbing moisture from the inside. The shoes should feel completely dry to the touch, inside and out, before you reassemble them. This might take 24 hours or more, depending on humidity.
  • Mistake to avoid: Rushing the drying process by using a hairdryer, placing them on a radiator, or leaving them in direct sun. This is a surefire way to cause leather to crack, synthetic materials to warp, glue to fail, and colors to fade. Nature’s drying is the best.

Reassemble and Hit the Course

  • Action: Once you’re absolutely certain the shoes are bone dry, re-thread the laces and place the insoles back inside.
  • What to look for: Shoes that look and smell fresh, feel comfortable, and are ready for your next round.
  • Mistake to avoid: Putting them away or wearing them before they are completely dry. Dampness can lead to mold, mildew, and persistent odors, plus it can degrade the shoe’s materials over time.

How to Wash Golf Shoes: Mastering the Clean

Keeping your golf shoes clean is more than just aesthetics; it’s about maintaining their performance and longevity. When you wash golf shoes properly, you remove dirt that can affect traction and prevent materials from breaking down prematurely. For leather golf shoes, in particular, a gentle cleaning process is crucial to preserve the natural oils and flexibility of the material. Synthetic shoes, while often more durable, can still suffer from improper cleaning methods, leading to material breakdown or discoloration. The key is a consistent, gentle approach.

Regular cleaning, even a quick wipe-down after each round, can significantly extend the life of your golf shoes. This prevents dirt and moisture from setting in, which can lead to stains and material degradation. When it comes to washing golf shoes, especially those with advanced cushioning or specialized sole designs, understanding the materials is paramount. For instance, some high-tech synthetic fabrics might be sensitive to certain types of soap or prolonged exposure to water. Always err on the side of caution and choose the mildest cleaning method that effectively removes dirt.

For those with spiked golf shoes, paying attention to the spikes themselves during the cleaning process is vital. Removing them (if possible) allows for a more thorough clean of both the spike and the shoe’s threading. This prevents dirt buildup that can affect the spike’s grip or even damage the threading in the shoe. Spikeless golf shoes, while simpler in design, still require attention to their unique traction patterns. Dirt lodged in these patterns can reduce their effectiveness, so a good scrub with a toothbrush or a firm brush is necessary. The overall goal when you wash golf shoes is to restore their look and function without compromising their integrity.

Common Mistakes in Washing Golf Shoes

  • Using Harsh Chemicals or Abrasive Cleaners — Why it matters: Strong detergents, bleach, or abrasive scrubbers can strip essential oils from leather, fade colors on synthetic materials, and weaken stitching, leading to premature wear and tear. — Fix: Always opt for mild soap (like dish soap) diluted in lukewarm water. For leather, consider a specialized leather cleaner.
  • Soaking the Shoes in Water — Why it matters: Excessive water saturation can break down adhesives holding the shoe together, cause leather to warp or become brittle, and lead to prolonged drying times, increasing the risk of mold and mildew. — Fix: Use a damp cloth for wiping and rinsing. Avoid submerging the shoes in water.
  • Drying in Direct Sunlight or Using Artificial Heat — Why it matters: Intense heat from direct sun, radiators, or hairdryers can cause leather to crack and dry out, synthetic materials to warp or melt, and colors to fade dramatically. — Fix: Always air dry your golf shoes in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct heat and sunlight. Stuffing them with newspaper helps absorb moisture.
  • Forgetting to Remove Laces and Insoles — Why it matters: Laces and insoles can trap a significant amount of sweat and dirt. Leaving them in prevents a thorough cleaning of the shoe’s interior and can hinder the drying process, leading to odors and material breakdown. — Fix: Always remove laces and insoles for separate cleaning and drying. This allows for a much deeper clean of the entire shoe.
  • Not Brushing Off Dry Dirt First — Why it matters: Trying to scrub caked-on mud or dry dirt with a wet brush will often just grind the debris deeper into the shoe’s material, making it harder to remove and potentially causing stains. — Fix: Always start with a dry brush to remove as much loose dirt, mud, and grass as possible before introducing any water.
  • Using the Washing Machine or Dryer — Why it matters: The tumbling action, high water pressure, and heat in washing machines and dryers are too aggressive for most golf shoes. They can warp the soles, detach the uppers, damage cushioning, and ruin the overall structure. — Fix: Hand wash your golf shoes using the steps outlined above. Air drying is the only recommended drying method.

FAQ

  • How often should I wash my golf shoes?
  • A quick brush-off after every round is ideal. For a deeper wash, aim for every 5-10 rounds, or whenever you notice significant dirt buildup, stains, or odors.
  • Can I put my golf shoes in the washing machine?
  • Generally, no. Most manufacturers strongly advise against machine washing. The agitation and water can damage the materials, adhesives, and structural integrity of your golf shoes. Hand washing is the safest and most effective method.
  • What is the best way to clean leather golf shoes?
  • For leather golf shoes, start by brushing off dry dirt. Then, use a damp cloth with a very mild soap solution or a dedicated leather cleaner. Wipe gently, rinse with a clean damp cloth, and always air dry. For best results, condition the leather after drying to keep it supple.
  • How do I clean golf shoe spikes?
  • If you have screw-in spikes, remove them and clean them individually with a small brush and soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly and ensure they are dry before reinserting. For spikeless shoes, use a toothbrush or a firm brush to scrub dirt out of the traction lugs.
  • My golf shoes still smell after washing. What now?
  • Ensure the shoes are completely dry inside and out. If odors persist, try stuffing them with baking soda overnight to absorb smells, or use a commercial shoe deodorizer spray. Make sure you’re also cleaning the insoles thoroughly.
  • Can I use baby wipes to clean my golf shoes?
  • Baby wipes can be a decent quick fix for light surface dirt on synthetic or canvas shoes between washes. However, they often contain mild chemicals that might not be ideal for leather and don’t provide the deep clean needed for heavy dirt or odor removal. For a proper clean, stick to mild soap and water.

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