A pristine pair of FootJoy Premiere Series golf shoes isn't just about looking the part, it's about protecting your investment and making sure they perform for you round after round. These classic shoes are a statement of quality, and with the right care, they can stay comfortable, waterproof, and stylish for years. This guide will walk you through a simple, effective routine for cleaning your FootJoy Premieres, from a quick post-round wipe-down to a full deep clean and conditioning treatment.
Why Proper Shoe Care Matters
Think of your FootJoy Premieres like any other piece of performance equipment in your bag. You wouldn't leave your clubs covered in mud, and your shoes deserve the same attention. The Premiere Series features premium Pittards® full-grain calfskin leather, a material renowned for its soft, supple feel and breathability. Regular cleaning does more than just maintain their sharp appearance, it preserves the very qualities that make the leather special.
When dirt, dust, and grass clippings are left on the leather, they absorb the natural oils, leading to dryness and brittleness over time. This can cause the leather to crack, weaken the waterproof membrane, and ultimately shorten the life of your shoes. A consistent cleaning routine is your best defense. It's a simple process that keeps the leather healthy, flexible, and ready for your next walk down the fairway. In short, taking care of your shoes is taking care of your comfort and your game.
Your Essential Cleaning Toolkit
You don't need a professional setup to get professional results. Most of the items you need are likely already around your house. Having them gathered and ready before you start makes the whole process smooth and efficient.
- Two Soft-Bristled Brushes: One brush needs to be completely dry for removing loose debris. The other will be used for wet cleaning with soap and water. A horsehair brush is fantastic, but any brush with soft bristles will do.
- Three Microfiber Cloths: One for soapy water application, one for wiping away the soap, and one for drying. Microfiber is ideal as it's gentle on leather and highly absorbent.
- A Bowl of Lukewarm Water: Avoid hot water, as excessively high temperatures can damage the leather and the adhesives used in the shoe's construction.
- Mild Soap: A simple liquid dish soap (like Dawn) is perfect. Avoid harsh detergents or cleaners containing bleach or ammonia. A dedicated leather cleaner is also a great option.
- Shoe Trees: Cedar shoe trees are best. They not only help the shoe maintain its proper shape during cleaning and drying but also absorb moisture and freshen the interior.
- Shoe Cream or Conditioner: This is a must for restoring moisture to the leather after cleaning. Look for a neutral cream or one that matches your shoe color.
- Optional but Recommended: A magic eraser for scuffs on the white outsole and an old toothbrush for cleaning around the welt and spike receptacles.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Premieres
With your tools at the ready, you can start the cleaning process. Think of it like a pre-shot routine: breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps makes it easy to repeat and perfect. This entire process should be done at room temperature, never in direct sunlight or near a heat source.
Step 1: The Prep Work
First, get your shoes ready for cleaning. Remove the laces so you have unobstructed access to the tongue and eyelets. You can wash the laces separately by soaking them in a small bowl with a bit of warm water and soap while you work on the shoes.
Next, insert your shoe trees. This is a small step that makes a big difference. The shoe trees create a firm, stable surface to work against, preventing the shoe from collapsing as you clean and helping it dry in its intended shape.
Now, take your dry soft-bristled brush and give the shoes a thorough brushing. Focus on removing all loose dirt, dried mud, and sand from the leather uppers, sole, and especially the welt - that little stitched seam where the upper connects to the sole. An old toothbrush can be helpful for getting into this tight space.
Step 2: Cleaning the Leather Uppers
This is where you'll deal with the ingrained dirt. Add a few drops of mild dish soap to your bowl of lukewarm water and swirl it around to create some gentle suds.
Dip one of your microfiber cloths or your "wet" brush into the soapy water, then wring it out well. You want it to be damp, not dripping wet. Excess water is not the leather’s friend.
Gently work on the leather uppers in small, circular motions. Start at the heel and work your way forward. The goal is to lift the dirt from the leather's pores, not scrub it off with brute force. Be patient and let the soapy water do its job. For tougher spots, you might need to make a few passes.
Once you’ve cleaned the entire upper, take your second, clean microfiber cloth and dampen it with plain water. Wipe down the entire shoe to remove any soap residue. Finally, use your third, dry cloth to pat the shoes dry. Again, be gentle - no vigorous rubbing.
Step 3: Detailing the Sole and Midsole
The VersaTrax+ outsole on your Premieres is built to be tough, so you can be a bit more firm here. Use your wet brush and remaining soapy water to scrub the outsole, removing any caked-on mud or grass from between the traction elements. An old golf tee is a great tool for scraping out dirt from the spike receptacles, ensuring your spikes can be easily replaced when the time comes.
For scuff marks on the white midsole, the magic eraser is your best friend. Lightly dampen the corner of the eraser and gently rub the scuffed areas. You'll see the marks lift off with very little effort, restoring that brilliant white finish.
Beyond a Basic Clean: Revitalizing the Leather
Cleaning is only half the battle. Just like your own skin feels dry after washing, leather needs to have its moisture replenished. This is where shoe cream, also known as conditioner, becomes essential. Skipping this step is what often leads to cracked, tired-looking shoes.
Why Conditioning Is So Important
Conditioner nourishes the leather, restoring the oils that were stripped away during the cleaning process. This keeps the material pliable, soft, and resistant to forming cracks along the flex points of the shoe. It also adds a layer of protection against the elements and enhances the deep, rich color of the leather.
How to Apply Shoe Cream
First and foremost, make sure your shoes are completely dry from cleaning. This can take several hours, so it's often best to let them air dry overnight with the shoe trees still inside.
- Using a clean, soft cloth or a small applicator brush, dab a small, pea-sized amount of shoe cream onto the cloth. A little goes a long way.
- Apply the cream to the leather in small, circular motions. Work it into the leather evenly across the entire shoe, from heel to toe. Make sure you get the tongue and any creases as well.
- Let the cream sit and absorb for about 10-15 minutes. You may see the leather slightly darken as it soaks in the nourishment.
- Once the cream has been absorbed, take a clean horsehair brush or another soft, dry cloth and buff the shoes vigorously. This action removes any excess cream and polishes the leather to a beautiful, natural luster.
Do this every 5-6 rounds, or anytime the leather starts to look a bit dull, and your Premieres will stay in top form for seasons to come.
Final Thoughts
Caring for your FootJoy Premiere shoes is a simple habit that pays huge dividends. Following this straightforward routine of cleaning after a round and conditioning them regularly will protect the beautiful calfskin leather, maintain their performance, and keep them looking their absolute best on the course.
Just as paying attention to the small details of your equipment can improve your experience out there, so can having the right information for every shot. We created Caddie AI to take the guesswork out of the strategic parts of the game. When you're facing a weird lie or aren't sure of the best play on a new hole, you can get instant, expert advice that gives you a clear plan. It’s all about helping you make smarter choices and play with more confidence, so you can focus on simply enjoying the game.