Your golf shoes take a beating - trudging through morning dew, sinking into muddy patches, and kicking up sand from that one bunker on the 9th. So, can you wash them? The short answer is a resounding yes, and you absolutely should. Keeping your shoes clean isn't just about looks, it’s about maintaining performance and extending the life of your most underrated piece of equipment. This guide will walk you through the proper, safe ways to wash any type of golf shoe, covering both the best-practice hand-washing method and the riskier machine-washing approach.
As a golf coach, I see players make two mistakes with their gear: they either neglect it completely or care for it the wrong way. When it comes to cleaning golf shoes, you have two primary options, but one is far superior for the health of your shoes.
Bottom line: Always default to hand washing. It preserves the structural integrity and materials of your shoes, which are engineered to support your feet and your swing. A compromised shoe can compromise your stability.
Hand washing is easier than it sounds. Dedicate about 20-30 minutes, and your shoes will look and perform like new. Here's a proven method that works every time.
Get everything ready before you start. You don't need fancy equipment, just some basic household items:
Never wash a shoe fully assembled. Start by removing the laces and insoles. Set them aside - they get their own cleaning treatment. Next, take your stiff-bristle brush or knock the shoes together outside to dislodge all loose dirt, dried mud, and grass clippings. Don't scrub yet, just get the big chunks off.
Laces and insoles can be hand-washed in a separate bowl with some soapy water, rinsed thoroughly, and left out to air dry.
This is where the real grime lives. Mix a small amount of mild soap into one of your bowls of water. Dip your stiff-bristle brush into the soapy water and give the outsoles a vigorous scrub. Pay close attention to the area around the spikes, where mud and debris collect. A good golfer plants their feet for power and stability, and compacted dirt on your spikes will reduce your traction. Clear out every groove. Once clean, wipe the soles down with a damp towel.
This is where your technique will change based on the shoe's material. The principle is the same: use a gentle touch. Submerge your medium-bristle brush or microfiber cloth in the soapy water, wring it out so it's damp, not dripping, and begin cleaning the upper part of the shoe.
This stage is just as important as the cleaning. Take a clean towel and dip it in your second bowl of fresh, clean water. Wring it out thoroughly and wipe down the entire shoe to remove any soap residue. Don’t hold the shoe under a running faucet, as this can over-saturate it.
And now, the most common mistake: how you dry your shoes.
Direct heat is the enemy. It can shrink and damage leather, break down the glue that holds your shoes together, and cause the materials to become brittle. The proper way to dry them is to loosely stuff them with crumpled newspaper or paper towels. This helps them hold their shape and absorbs moisture from the inside out. Place them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated room and let them air dry naturally. This can take 24-48 hours, so plan ahead!
If you have leather shoes, once they are completely dry, apply a dedicated leather conditioner or a waterproof creme. This restores moisture to the leather, keeps it from cracking, and replenishes the protective barrier. Think of it like lotion for your skin - it keeps the material soft, supple, and healthy.
I hear you. Sometimes you get caught in a downpour that goes on for 14 holes, and your spikeless, mesh shoes are beyond what you want to deal with by hand. If you decide to risk the washing machine, follow these steps to minimize potential damage. Again, do this only with synthetic or fabric/knit shoes. Never machine wash leather golf shoes.
Washing your golf shoes is a simple but effective part of maintaining your equipment. Think of it as part of your routine - just like cleaning your clubs or organizing your bag. A well-cared-for pair of shoes is key, as a good golf swing is built from the ground up on a foundation of a stable and secure stance.
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