Tossing your muddy FootJoy golf shoes into the washing machine after a wet round seems like the perfect, easy fix. But before you do, you need to know: it's one of the worst things you can do for your footwear. This article will show you exactly why you should never machine wash your golf shoes and provide a step-by-step professional method to get them looking like new without destroying them.
As a golf coach, I emphasize an efficient swing that avoids unnecessary and damaging movements. The same philosophy applies to equipment care. Machine washing is an aggressive, damaging process for a high-performance piece of equipment like a FootJoy golf shoe.
Here’s the breakdown of what actually happens inside that machine:
Simply put, putting your shoes in the washing machine is exchanging an hour of work for hundreds of dollars worth of damage.
Cleaning your shoes the right way isn't just about making them look good, it's about maintaining their performance and extending their life. This is the exact method I use and teach my students. It's safe, effective, and protects your investment.
You don't need fancy equipment. Most of what you need is probably already under your sink. Set up your cleaning station with the following:
Before you introduce any water, get rid of all the easy stuff.
First, bang the soles of the shoes together outside to dislodge any large clumps of mud, grass, and sand. Then, take your dry soft-bristled brush and go to work on the uppers and especially the outsole, scrubbing away all the loose, caked-on dirt. Getting rid of this dry debris now means you won’t be turning it into mud later.
Next, remove the shoelaces. This allows you to clean the tongue and eyelets properly. If you have replaceable spikes, now is the time to remove them with your spike wrench. Grime loves to build up in the spike receptacles, and this is your a great chance to clean them out.
Now we get to the actual washing, but remember, the key is control. You want to clean the shoe, not saturate it.
For the Uppers: Mix a few drops of mild soap into one of your bowls of lukewarm water. Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water and wring it out so it is damp, not dripping. Gently wipe down the synthetic or leather uppers of the shoe in a circular motion. For stubborn scuffs or dirt in seams and mesh areas, dip your soft brush into the soapy water and gently scrub the spot. Focus only on the soiled areas.
For the Soles and Midsoles: This is the one area where you can use a bit more water and elbow grease. The midsoles, especially on white shoes, can get very dirty. Use your brush and soapy water to scrub the entire outsole and midsole until they’re back to their original bright color. This is what makes a shoe look brand new again.
For the Laces: Drop the laces into the bowl of soapy water and let them soak for a few minutes. Then, rub them together or scrub them with the brush, rinse them thoroughly, and set them aside to air dry.
This step is just as important as the wash. You must remove all soap residue, which can attract more dirt and leave a dull film on your shoes.
Take a clean cloth and dip it in your second bowl of clean, fresh water. Wring it out and carefully wipe down all the surfaces you washed to remove any soap suds. You may need to rinse the cloth and repeat this a couple of times to get the shoe completely clean.
You can do a perfect job cleaning your FootJoys and still ruin them in the final step. Never use direct heat to dry your golf shoes. Do not put them in the dryer, leave them in front of a heat vent, use a hairdryer, or set them in direct, hot sunlight.
Heat is the enemy. It can shrink and crack leather, warp synthetics, and - like the washing machine - melt the glue that holds your shoes together.
Here’s the only truly safe way to dry them:
Patience in the drying stage is what separates the novices from the pros. A slow, gentle, ambient-temperature dry is the only way to preserve the shoe's integrity.
Once you’ve done the deep clean, a little regular maintenance will make the next cleaning session much easier. Think of it like taking a practice swing before you hit, it sets you up for success.
This is arguably the single best thing you can do for your footwear. Owning two pairs of golf shoes and rotating them allows each pair to fully dry out (even from foot sweat) for at least 48 hours between rounds. This preserves the cushioning, prevents odors from developing, and dramatically extends the life of both pairs.
If you wear traditional leather FootJoys (like the Premier Series), you must replenish the oils in the leather after cleaning. Once the shoes are completely dry, apply a high-quality leather conditioner with a soft cloth. This keeps the leather supple and prevents it from drying out and cracking.
Don’t just throw your shoes in the trunk. Spend three minutes after your round to wipe them down with a damp towel. Removing surface dirt before it has a chance to set in makes a huge difference and keeps them looking sharp with minimal effort.
Caring for your FootJoy golf shoes correctly comes down to avoiding one simple mistake: never putting them in the washing machine. By following a gentle, manual cleaning process focused on control and patience, you'll protect the technology, comfort, and waterproof performance that you paid for, keeping them a reliable part of your game for years.
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